.
The halls of the Grand Lodge, huge and imposing with their vaulted ceilings and dozens of busts of past Venture-Captains, are a-bustle with morning activity. Two new recruits move through the crowded halls, jostling for space amongst dark hooded figures, towering men and women in shaggy furs with unfathomably large weapons, and bright-robed clerics arguing animatedly about the finer points of religious dogma. Even in the City at the Center of the World, nowhere is as much of a melting pot as the Grand Lodge of the Pathfinder Society.
The pair eventually make their way to their destination: the office of the Chamberlain of the Grand Lodge, Venture-Captain Ambrus Valsin. The busy Venture-Captain runs most of the day-to-day operations of the Society in Absalom, but also makes a habit of overseeing the induction of fresh recruits on their first mission whenever possible, and Cyrus and Lili have been called in for just such a purpose.
After knocking on the massive ebony door to the Venture-Captain’s office, a deep, thick voice calls, ”Come in.”
The interior of Ambrus’ office is the definition of austere. No pictures hang on the walls. His desk is bare of anything but an inkwell, a feather inkpen, and a neat stack of parchment to one side. No trinkets or trophies adorn the small, squat cabinet across the room from the solid cherry-wood desk. On the bright side, four chairs are arrayed in a semicircle facing the desk, and they all look clean and comfortable.
The man sitting in the desk is something of a paradox to his surroundings. Ambrus Valsin is tall, with broad shoulders and a barrel chest. His close-cropped hair sports a wide stipe of longer hair down the center, currently somewhat disheveled, and his facial hair is cut into a Suvarov mustache across his wide jaw. His clothes are dusty and haphazard, making it look as if he recently returned from somewhere far from civilization. He nods at the newcomers.
”Thank you for being prompt,” he says, gesturing one meaty paw toward the chairs. One of them is currently occupied by a stiff-backed dwarf in heavily battle-scarred scale mail. A large kite shield and warhammer rest against his chair. ”Have a seat. This is Lieutenant Rhugarr from the Temple of the First Forge right here in the Foreign Quarter. He is a fellow recruit, and will be joining you two on your mission.”
The dwarf looks particularly surly, with auburn hair and beard arrayed in exotic braids common to the stout folk. His small brown eyes take in the newcomers carefully before he grunts, "Pleasure," as if he has absolutely no idea what that word means.
He clears his throat before beginning. ”Alright Pathfinders, listen up! I know you’re all eager to make a name for yourselves in the organization, but first we need to make sure you’re up to snuff and aren’t going to get yourselves killed out there. Training is one thing, but a proper mission is significantly more dangerous. I have a number of small tasks for you to complete, and it would be best if they were completed before the day’s end.
”Every day we get some doe-eyed hopeful or some sniveling bootlicker willing to do anything to join up with the Pathfinders. Most of ‘em are good kids, but not all of them have the salt to make it in a world like ours. It’s rough out there and I’m not just talking about the ruins, tombs, and wilderness Pathfinders find themselves in on missions. We’ve got people who look down their noses at us, folks who think we squander our resources, and agents who want to take everything we have collected. This wealth of knowledge and these items of lore make us the most powerful organization on the planet.” At this, he pauses and spreads his hands. ”That said, since we are fractured and widespread, it’s difficult for that power to light on anything for too long. For every friend of the Society, there are two enemies.” He opens a drawer on the desk, removes a sealed envelope, and passes it to Cyrus. ”Go ahead, open it up and have a look.
”Your first mission, to test your mettle and loyalties, sends you to meet a few people important to the Society living here in Absalom. These are either other Venture-Captains, or close allies of the organization, so follow their orders as you would mine. I’ve prepared a list of things I want you to do. They’re not arranged in any particular order of importance, but I want them all completed by end of day. Only report to me once you complete them all. Included in the envelope you hold in your hands is the list, complete with the name of your contact, and directions to the meeting location. Any questions?”
Neither have heard of either of the nobles mentioned, but Lili is quite familiar with the name Guaril Karela. He's a shady shopkeep here in Absalom, but rumor has it he's significantly more--a bigwig among the Sczarni, the loosely-organized criminal element comprised almost exclusively of Varisians. Most native Varisians dislike discussing the group's existence because they are the reason for the rampant stereotypes of Varisians being cheats, swindlers, and thieves. However, they are also extremely useful in smuggling operations; it is easy for Lili to see the utility of having Sczarni smugglers handle the infiltration and exfiltration of artifacts and Pathfinder agents in and out of hostile territories.
Lili's oversized eyes widen at the sight of Rhugarr. She looks up -- a long way up -- at Cyrus and mouths "A DWARF!" at him. A wide smile spreads across her face; smile lines around her mouth and eyes suggest that her face spends a great deal of time in this position. Cyrus gives a curt nod and widens his eyes in response, but she knows him well enough to know that this means "not now, Lili". It's always 'not now, Lili'. She has no time to pout, though, because the Venture-Captain begins speaking.
"He is a fellow recruit, and will be joining you two on your mission."
She almost bursts at this. A dwarf is coming with us! He looks so grumpy! Just like Cyrus! She digs her fingers into her thigh in a mostly futile attempt to keep the excitement off of her face.
------
She looks at the list of tasks with Cyrus but keeps her mouth shut. She will tell Cyrus what she knows about Karela when they are alone. She has made the mistake of blurting things out without thinking way too many times (and been scolded by Cyrus approximately the same number of times) to realize that it's best to let Big Ol' Serious Grumpypants do the talking. More than once, they have had to fight their way out of situations her mouth had gotten them into. Not that she thinks that would happen with the Pathfinder flippin' Society, but best to be safe.
But still. A dwarf!
As Cyrus and Lili walk through the door, the first thing he notices is the dwarf, sitting grumpily in the corner. In the years that they have been together, he has trained himself to scan rooms when they enter; not for threats as a typical paladin of Sarenrae might, but for things that will trigger Lili's mouth. No. Not mouth. Be fair. It's her "sense of wonder". Still, as if on cue, she looks at him with that look of hers. He manages to shut it down, and then the Venture-Captain says that the dwarf is accompanying them. Cyrus sighs to himself. He and Lili have a strong relationship and he is able to curb most of her impulses before they get her (and him) into trouble, but there is a reason they travel as a pair. It's only a matter of time before she innocently offends the poor man -- oh, and he does look to have an extra dose of surly in him. Nothing to be done about it for now.
He nods at the dwarf. "Well met, Lieutenant."
"Any questions?"
"What does it mean to 'verify the character of the recipient' of the medicine?"
"The nobleman Salhar: are there any topics we should avoid that would embarrass the society?"
"Is there any reason to expect any trouble in any of these tasks?"
"Mm. That will be left up to Ollysta to decide, but likely you'll be checking to make sure whoever is running the orphanage is on the up-and-up. More than once, people have used orphanages as a cover for illicit operations, and the children pay the price. Pretty standard procedure to make sure any of these places looking for aid from the Silver Crusade get the once-over to make sure they're not running anything fishy, or mistreating the kids in any way."
"Hells if I know. The Osiriani got lots of rules about hospitality, so you shouldn't have too much trouble, but they can be a tetchy lot. Best to just stick to whatever topics he brings up. They do tend to be very sensitive about their cultural heritage; lots of garbage wafting about as to curses on pharaohs' tombs and whatnot. Try to avoid that topic altogether if you can. At any point you find yourself ignorant on a topic, do not try to bamboozle your way out of it with nonsense. Honesty is always the best policy. In the end, you'll just have to use your best judgment."
At this question, Ambrus snorts. "You are a Pathfinder now, paladin. You should always expect trouble. The world doesn't make it easy on us. These tasks should be simple. Whether they will be simple, I could not say. Nor would I, in this case, seeing as it's meant to be a test of your capabilities."
"Now look. This is very straightforward stuff, but as Pathfinders, you will discover that the most straightforward mission can get bent in a right bloody hurry. It should be simple, but always keep your eyes and ears open, and always watch each other's backs. Remember the three principles of the Pathfinder Society: Explore, Report, Cooperate. Understood?" He nods satisfactorily. "If there's no more questions, best be off. It's early yet, but you've got quite a distance to cover. Absalom is a damn big city." If he sees no one raising any more questions, he returns to his paperwork with a vigor one would not expect of someone of his stature.
"Thank you, Venture-Captain. Cyrus salutes and takes Lili by the hand to lead her out of the room before she says something inappropriate. Once outside , he addresses Rhugarr. "Lieutenant, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance and I look forward to working with you. I assume you've seen the tasks laid before us. What is your background? Do you have any additional information we should know before we get started?"
Lili stares unabashedly at the dwarf the entire time all the sour-faced men are talking, all the while absent-mindedly spinning a ring on the first finger of her left hand. A keen observer would notice that the ring is old and tarnished, but also that it has an intricate etching around its entire circumference. Someone who notices the ring might then wonder about the torn and threadbare leather vest she wears over her breastplate, or the clearly broken compass that hangs on her belt, its arrowed hand pointing downward under the influence of gravity rather than towards true north. These items must have some personal significance to her, because they could not possibly have any practical use.
Meanwhile, Lili's focus has since turned to the dwarf's long beard. She can barely contain the impulse to reach out and touch it; she often acts before she thinks, but even she can tell that this particular dwarf would not take such a gesture as innocently as it was intended.
Lili decides that her new mission in life is to make this dwarf smile.
Rhugarr also salutes Ambrus on his way out, which the Venture-Captain absently returns, barely looking up from his paperwork.
Outside, in the hall, Rhugarr bumps into a passing woman in an oddly form-fitting wizard's robe, who mutters an irritable "Excuse me," before drifting back off in the crowd. Rhugarr doesn't seem to notice. He scratches his nose while contemplating Cyrus' question. "Not really. Weapons an' divinity are me only real areas of expertise. I kin tell ye a bit about the Silver Crusade, but tha's about it. Ollysta is the head of the Silver Crusade faction. Bit on the young side, even fer one o' you humans, but she's seen some serious action in her days. She's a good sort. I only had the pleasure of her acquaintance once, but she's definitely got the will and grace of a paladin. Ye'll like 'er, I think. Other than that..." He trails off and shrugs. He seems to be doing his level best to ignore the gnome entirely, perhaps hoping that if he doesn't pay her any attention, she'll stop staring at his beard with that terrifyingly mischievous look on her face.
"As to the faction itself, their mission is tae aid the sick an' wounded, an' take the fight to the wicked. They got a particular focus on fightin' Outsiders, mainly demons an' devils. I plan on joinin' em, once we're allowed ta pick our factions." His ruddy cheeks redden slightly, and he looks away, as if he's said something humiliating.
Cyrus nods at the dwarf. "Thank you." He turns to Lili. "I see no reason not to start at the top. Shall we head to the docks?"
Lili reluctantly looks away from Rhugarr and up at Cyrus. "Yep!" Her voice is unsurprisingly high and lilted. For the first time, her face grows serious. "But we need to watch out for Karela. He is a Sczarni boss."
The streets of Absalom are twisting and crowded. An endless throng of noise presses upon the Pathfinders as they traverse the streets and avenues toward the Docks. Thanks to the congestion and distance, it takes nearly an hour to reach the Pickled Imp. A modestly-talented artist has painted the sign shop, though they spelled "Pickled" incorrectly. Overall the storefront is drab, moderately clean, and entirely forgettable, particularly among the more brazen or burned-out buildings in the seedy Docks district. Rhugarr hesitates a moment at the door, then pushes inside.
This creepy shop contains myriad odds and ends, most bereft of any discernible use. A number of malformed creatures and creature parts bob in jars on a long, prominent shelf, a tiny fetal devil centered in this macabre lineup. The shopkeeper, a greasy-haired Varisian with a thin mustache, shouts from behind the cluttered counter:
[color=green]“Ah yes, I see the Pathfinders have arrived. I’m glad Ambruswas able to lend a few of his new recruits to help me. Please come in and let me tell you what I need.”[/color]
Looking around as if to be absolutely certain no customers are browsing the aisles of knock-off Thuvian burial urns or supposed Azlanti porcelain, he begins again.
[color=green]“Well met. I am Guaril Karela. A friend of mine has a warehouse near here and he received a parcel on behalf of me and some of my associates, but there’s a problem. See, Master Gelbane had to leave town in a hurry and our shipment is still waiting at his warehouse. Rumor is he ended up in trouble with the law and the place was seized. I heard tell from someone down at the docks that some creep was snooping around his warehouse just the other night, so I want to make sure nothing of mine was taken. He keeps all kinds of things, from beer to nails, in that old pelican, but every now and then he stores something really special. This is one of those cases.[/color]
[color=green]“There’s a big crate marked with three crows arranged in a triangle. Inside that crate is a smaller container with a few books and papers in it. That’s the only parcel I’m interested in, and as far as I’m concerned, you can help yourself to the rest of the crate. Honestly, anything else you want in the place too. I’m sure the once things get sorted out, the city will seize most everything else anyway.[/color]
[color=green]“My associates and I often work with the Pathfinders when it comes to special relics and documents, getting them in and out of ports and across borders where the authorities ask too many questions. Most people don’t realize what they have and frankly many don’t deserve to have it, so sometimes we help take the goods off their hands. If things work out well and you get this done, I’d be glad to talk with you more and help you out with any future endeavors, as long as you help me out too. I’m good at returning favors, trust me.”[/color]
He offers the trio a particularly greasy smile. Rhugarr gives the Sczarni the side-eye, then glances questioningly at his companions. He is clearly unused to doing the talking.
Upon entering the shop, Cyrus is immediately put on edge. The proprietor and his wares are suspect at best. However, if there is one thing Lili has taught him in their years together, it's to reserve judgment until presented with sufficient evidence. He listens to Karela with an open mind, but he is unable to completely drown out his suspicion (which is probably why they make such a good team).
Guaril is absolutely not telling you everything, that much is pretty obvious to you. He is being deliberately evasive about both his contact and what is in the parcel he wants you to retrieve. There is, however, nothing malicious in his words that you can detect. He seems to honestly just want the parcel back.
Cyrus stares at the man for several seconds after he stops talking. It figures that my first mission as a Pathfinder is deciding between obeying the law and obeying the Society. Sarenrae, help me.
Just as the silence begins to become awkward, he says, "Very well. I have two questions. Should we expect any city guard to be present at the warehouse? What is the best way in?"
Guaril spreads his fingers with a grin that is almost a sneer.
[color=green]"My friend, you are on the Docks. Of course patrols are always a possibility, but highly unlikely. The city watch rarely come here if it is not an absolute emergency, and the Varlokkur never come unless there is an imminent magical attack. So I think you are safe there. As to your other question..."[/color] He shrugs, and the smirk very much looks like a sneer now. [color=green]"You will have to use your best judgment. Ambrus asked me not to make this too easy on you. This is some test, if I am not mistaken. I can tell you its front doors are likely to be locked. Beyond that, it is up to you."[/color] He folds his hands and looks at the group expectantly. He seems to be waiting for a particular question that has not been asked, but it is clear from his answers thus far that he's not going to divulge what that question is without you asking it.
Lili can no longer contain her curiosity. Before Cyrus can stop her, she blurts out, ”What’s in the case? What kind of books?”
[color=green]"Ah, I was wondering when someone would ask."[/color] He smiles at Lili the way she imagines a shark might, with no mirth reaching his eyes. [color=green]"Documents and a few treatises. They are very boring, but have... sentimental value. You are to bring them to me in pristine condition. Should you succeed in doing so, there will be a small reward in it for you, and of course, the possibility of returning the favor somewhere down the line."[/color]
"Lili, remember that anything we acquire while on Pathfinder Society business belongs to the Society."
He gives Karela a nod. "Thank you for your time, sir. We shall return soon with your property."
Despite being in the same district, it still takes nearly half an hour to reach the appropriate pier; the streets are heavily packed for the first ten minutes, but thin out the closer the trio gets to this particular pier. It seems to be in a less reputable part of town, and many seem intent on keeping clear of it. The side streets and alleys required to reach the pelican are particularly twisty here as well. A few skulking shadows loom occasionally, but seeing the group as heavily armed as they are, decide to find easier marks elsewhere. They remain unmolested on their trek, until they finally reach the Saltspray Pelican warehouse.
Perched on the end of a long pier fifteen feet above the water, the warehouse appears to struggle against its own roof, threatening to sag into the bay below. No light shines from the building’s windows and only the movement of gulls and pelicans stirs the scene. Rhugarr appears agitated as he peers suspiciously into the water alongside him; his warhammer and shield are out. He glares at a rickety dinghy on the other side of the pier from him and grumbles, "Boats."
"Be on your guard," Cyrus whispers to Lili, while drawing his lucerne hammer. Despite the relative lack of passersby in this area, Cyrus is still concerned about being seen breaking in to the warehouse. Everlight, why are we breaking into any place at all? Is this what all Society business is going to be like?
"Let's look for a way in that isn't so exposed." He leads Lili and Rhugarr around the perimeter of the warehouse, keeping an eye out for both a back door and for anyone who might see them.
Lili sees the consternation on Cyrus's face clear as day. He hates this! But that's why he has me! She can't quite keep a skip out of her step as she follows him around the warehouse. She has her crossbow out and loaded, but isn't particularly worried about running into trouble. Mostly, she's looking forward to exercising her skills with her new thieves' tools that Cyrus doesn't know about. Still, probably best to listen to him and take a look around. If only to humor the poor guy. Look at him! He's so nervous! She stifles a laugh.
There is no "perimeter" around the warehouse; it juts out over the water, the only access point available on foot being the front door. However, as the pelican warehouse sits at the end of its pier one hundred feet from land, it is fairly well isolated. There is a small fishing boat some ways out in the water occupied by an old man and what is presumably his grandson, but neither seem to be paying any mind to the pelican warehouse or its visitors.
Lili's glance over the immediate area is not without fruit, however. She notes the door is locked, but the lock is old and is likely to be relatively easy to pick. She also sees, just around the corner of the building on its south face, a pair of large double doors over the water. It's some fifteen feet from the floor of the warehouse to the water, but it may bear investigating nonetheless. A small dinghy floats despondently in the water, tied to the dock next to the party.
"It looks like we have two choices: go in the front and risk being seen or go in this tiny boat and risk ... who knows what. There don't seem to be many people around. I say we go in the front. Can you make it quick, Lili? Rhugarr and I will keep watch."
Lili rolls her eyes at Cyrus and pulls out her thieves' tools. "What a silly question. Of course I can make it quick. Stand behind me so no one can see what I'm doing." She goes to work on the lock.
Rhugarr stands nearby trying his level best not to look suspicious and failing wretchedly. Thankfully, there is literally no one near enough to notice anyway. Lili pops the crusty old lock with a little bit of effort, and the door to the Saltspray pelican warehouse slides open. Rhugarr holds up a hand, draws his warhammer, and steps in cautiously ahead of the others.
Darkness fills the warehouse, the ambient light from outside blocked by a filthy, oily film on the structure’s few windows. Darting illumination comes from light reflecting off the water through a splintered hole in the floor. Throughout the warehouse, crates, boxes, and barrels lean against each other in vaguely sorted stacks. A lingering smell indicates some of the contents are certainly spoiled.
Cyrus pulls his ioun torch out of his pouch and sets it spinning around his head. "Rhugarr, close the door behind us. Lili, look for the crate. I will lead and Rhugarr will protect our rear." Cyrus readies his hammer and then begins methodically walking down each aisle, looking for the crate that Karela described.
Lili stows her thieves' tools and nods at Cyrus's instructions. She checks her crossbow and begins following Cyrus, looking for the crate.
Just past the edge of his ioun torch's light, Cyrus spots the hole in the floor, where reflections of daylight waft up from the water's surface fifteen feet below. In the center of that hole, a lone surviving plank holds an auspicious-looking crate. It's tough to tell from this distance, but it looks like there may be three identical markings on its side in a triangular design.
Cyrus nudges Lili and points with his hammer to the crate. "I think that's it," he whispers, and begins heading in that direction. He is confused and alarmed that the crate should be perched in such a precarious position. It seems very odd and sets him on edge. He approaches slowly, alert for any danger.
Lili turns when Cyrus points out the crate and tilts her head. Why is the crate ... there? Curious.
At the last moment, Lili grabs Cyrus by the leg and stops him from moving too close to the hole.
From what Lili can tell, the hole in the floor is quite old. The boards around the hole are perilously rotted, and anyone stepping in its vicinity would need to tread lightly--particularly a lumbering big folk like Cyrus or Rhugarr, but even Lili's light feet would need to be careful not to fall through.
The crate seems to be deliberately placed where it is, and it isn't hard for Lili to suss out why: the hole presents a natural "trap" to ward off would-be thieves. Stepping out onto the plank carelessly would cause it and the crate to plummet into the water below. A series of frayed ropes dangling near, but not directly over, the hole draws Lili's attention, and she sees a decrepit pulley system hanging overhead. While clearly broken, it's possible she might be able to get it functioning again with a little elbow grease.
The crate also doesn't look terribly large; if Cyrus or Rhugarr were willing to risk it, they could try to shimmy across the board and pick up the crate as well , though if the crate fell into the water there is a chance the contents could get wet and become damaged (Guaril did say they were books, after all).
With a little more investigation, it's possible you could find some other solutions to this quandary, but just then, Rhugarr mutters, "Oi. Didja hear that?"
Cyrus hears nothing, but Lili catches it: a faint scratching noise and an angry chittering, muffled as if by the sound of several boxes. From the shadows of the crates and rotting detritus in the pelican, three small, dark figures dart from the shadows, hissing and squeaking angrily at the intrusion into their territory. Dire rats!
[color=green]Lili (HP 18/18)
Rat 1 (0 dmg)
Rhugarr (HP 10/10)
Rat 3 (0 dmg)
Cyrus (HP 21/21)
Rat 1 (0 dmg)
[/color]
"Stay away from the hole! It's unstable!"
Lili's entire demeanor changes once the action starts. Her constant smile drops off her face, replaced with purpose and intent. Her eyes focus, the weight shifts from her heels to the balls of her feet, and she quickly assesses the situation. She gives their quarry a close look, aided by Cyrus's light.
"Don't let them bite you! They're nasty!"
Knowing Cyrus has the one near him handled, she whips around and fires a bolt at #3.
Lili looses a crossbow bolt at the furthest dire rat and buries the small bolt in its flank. The creature squeaks miserably but leaps at Rhugarr. Despite hobbling noticeably, it manages to sink its teeth into his arm, leaving a trail of blood. Rhugarr bellows in pain, and the rat teeters and falls over, unconscious and bleeding profusely from the bolt wound.
Another rat charges straight at Rhugarr, but its nasty, jagged yellow teeth scratch harmlessly against his battered kite shield. Similarly, the rat next to Cyrus steps up and tries to sink its teeth into his ankle, but end up biting against his greave instead.
Rhugarr swings out at the rat that just bounced off his shield, but the creature darts nimbly away from the head of his warhammer.
[color=green]
Lili (HP 18/18)
Rat 1 (0 dmg)
Rhugarr (HP 11/11)
Rat 3 (6 dmg, dying)
Cyrus (HP 21/21)
Rat 2 (0 dmg)[/color=green]
Lili takes a short step to the east and reloads her crossbow. She takes aim at rat #1 and fires.
[color=green]
Lili (HP 18/18)
Rat 1 (0 dmg)
Rhugarr (HP 10/11)
Rat 3 (7 dmg, dying)
Cyrus (HP 21/21)
Rat 2 (0 dmg)
[/color=green]
Because she was trying her best not to hit her new dwarf BFF, Lili's bolt sails wide over the rat's head. It hardly even seems to notice, as it leaps at Rhugarr again, which he sidesteps easily, but he overestimates the creature's height and his return swing goes wide.
Rat #3 continues to bleed with excessive enthusiasm.
Cyrus knows he needs to make some room to swing his large hammer, but glances back and sees he can’t step directly back without risking breaking through the floor. He briefly considers simply punching the rat but he’d like to avoid touching it if at all possible. Knowing he’s risking it attacking Lili, but also knowing she’s much better at avoiding getting hit than even he is, he decides his best option is to move north. He briefly turns his back on the rat and moves north and east to gain the room he needs.
The rat snaps at Cyrus' heels as he backpedals, but misses utterly. His own swing smashes down and leaves a serious dent in the wooden floor next to the quick-footed (pawed?) rat.
For its part, the rat decides to go for the closest threat and bites at Lili, but it's not even in the same time zone as her when its teeth clamp down.
[color=green]
Lili (HP 18/18)
Rat 1 (0 dmg)
Rhugarr (HP 10/11)
Rat 3 (7 dmg, dying)
Cyrus (HP 21/21)
Rat 2 (0 dmg)
[/color=green]
Lili laughs as the rat awkwardly tries to bite her. "These things are gross!" She steps between Cyrus and Rhugarr, reloads her crossbow, and shoots again.
While not a killshot, Lili's bolt still lands true and lodges in the rat's neck. It shrieks in fury and agony but doesn't quite drop, limping forward to continue its battle.
Both Rhugarr and the dire rat engage in a struggle of strange proportions; the rat can't seem to penetrate his armor with its teeth, and it's too spry for him to land a clean blow on.
The rat Lili just shot hobbles weakly forward and takes one last vicious bite at Lili's foot, intent on killing its killer, but can't find purchase and collapses to the floor, unconscious and bleeding out.
[color=green]
Lili (HP 18/18)
Rat 1 (0 dmg)
Rhugarr (HP 10/11)
Rat 3 (8 dmg, unconscious, dying)
Cyrus (HP 21/21)
Rat 2 (6 dmg, unconscious, dying)
[/color=green]
Cyrus chuckles and shakes his head. ”Nice shooting, Lil! Let’s see if I can’t get one too!” He spins around to face the remaining rat and brings his hammer down in a mighty swing.
”I’m off today! Finish it off!”
Cyrus' lucerne hammer slams into the wood, leaving a very intimidating dent, but doing no actual damage to the rat.
[color=green]
Lili (HP 18/18)
Rat 1 (0 dmg)
Rhugarr (HP 10/11)
Rat 3 (8 dmg, unconscious, dying)
Cyrus (HP 21/21)
Rat 2 (6 dmg, unconscious, stable)
[/color=green]
”Cy! What is wrong with you today?” Can I make it three for three?
Lili reloads her crossbow and fires at the remaining rat.
Lili's shot doesn't just sail wide, a wet spot on the boards beneath her feet causes her to slip slightly. Fortunately, there are no enemies directly in range to take advantage of it.
The remaining rat finally gets another bite in on Rhugarr, but thankfully it mostly looks like a flesh wound. He swings his hammer wide in retaliation, connecting with the rat's shoulder blade. There is a heavy *crunch* as the force of the blow pulverizes bones and causes internal hemorrhaging. The rat falls to the ground in a violent fit of spasms as it slowly bleeds out.
Rhugarr stows his hammer on its belt loop and draws a ragged piece of cloth from a belt pouch, absently wiping blood off his wounds as he looks around. "Think we're okay now," he says. "Whadja find?"
Lili looks mischievously at Cyrus. ”So… if we’re keeping score — which we definitely are — that’s two for me and, what was it? Zero for you? Wait, that can’t be right; you’re a mighty warrior and I’m just a little gnome! Rhugarr! Did I miss all of Cyrus’s kills?” She gives Rhugarr a hopeful look. Please play along, please play along, please play along!
Rhugarr rolls his eyes and begins sifting through the various crates and boxes. "Looks like our crate over that hole. See anything we can use on it?"
Lili looks dejected and mumbles under her breath. "It's two to nothing."
She approaches the crate, being careful not to step on the compromised planks. She studies the pulley system in the ceiling.
"This is rigged to fall into the water. I think the safest way to get it is to use that pulley up there so no one has to put any weight on the planks. Come and help me. Don't worry, I'll tell you what to do and I'll use small words." She gives the dwarf a stinkeye.
Cyrus sighs. "Be nice, Lili. You are an ace with that crossbow and I'm honored to be your traveling partner, but don't be a jerk to our new friend just because he wouldn't play your game." He turns to Rhugarr. "I would be honored if you would help us, Lieutenant."