Cole attempts to strike once again at the half-orc, hoping to take him down and open up an opportunity to strike the gnome.
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Fraz asks as an aside, "Kester, what's he talking about?"
Fraz and Cole both miss Giggles, but Giggle's return swing of his flail smashes into Cole's swordarm, eliciting another burst of laughter. Cole realizes from the force of the blow that the brutish half-orc could have done much worse damage.
Kester neither moves nor answers either Hookshanks or Frasides, but the crotch of his breeches darkens.
Leliestraat
Avalon
Simn
Gawain
Hookshanks
Fraz
Cole
Giggles
Orphans
Gawain clenches his jaw and swings again, but his inexperience is showing, and his swing is poorly controlled.
Seeing the direction in which Frasides is aiming, Simn moves quickly to help. Counting on his small stature to avoid blocking Frasides' own shots, he finds himself a spot in front of him and takes a shot at Giggles. Attack 1d20=12, Damage 1d6=4
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Seeing the direction in which Frasides is aiming, Simn moves quickly to help. Counting on his small stature to avoid blocking Frasides' own shots, he finds himself a spot in front of him and takes a shot at Giggles. Attack 1d20=12, Damage 1d6=4
Answering the call of his allies, Leliestraat races through the fishery and onto the raised platforms edging the warehouse.
For the moment Fraz had forgotten himself, his anger and instincts expecting a surprise from Kester. Seeing the panicked look, he suddenly remembers that this is just a scared boy looking to escape his cruel situation.
As he prepares to fire again on Giggles, his voice remains calm as he speaks to the boy. "It's alright, Kester...I promise no one will harm you...just stay strong a little longer." He then let's his shot fly towards the giggling maniac.
Bow Attack (1d20+4-4=19) Damage (1d8=7)
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Hmmm.. it seems there was a little confsion as to where everything was on my part. When I went to prise open the door, I thought that that was the door at 014/15. Was that door blocked at all? because that may seriously alter events of the last round or so.
Avalon:
As you round the corner, you see the gnome. Go ahead and take two whacks at him, if that's what you would have done last time -- you hasd enough movement to get in reach.
Moving into range of the gnome, and seeing that nasty looking kukri, Avalon opens with his standard disabling combo.
Trip - Disarm Combo: (1d20+9=21, 1d20+10=20) (sorry add 4 to disarm due to size difference for a DC to resist of 24)
Trip- STR or DEX check: DC25; or Balance DC 35
Disarm- Attack roll: DC28
Quick Edit - nevermind the action order, they're all down! lol
As the fighting appears to die down, Fraz lowers his bow. Giggles body slumping to the ground seems to give him a certain sense of grim satisfaction.
He once again looks over at Kester and Nivvy, hoping to see signs of relief in their faces. "It will be alright now," he utters as a reassurance. "Sounds like we may have a prisoner; you may want to stay out of sight for now.," explains quietly.
Simn slings his crossbow once more with the cessation of hostilities. Under the theory that there's no such thing as too many cooks, he climbs upstairs to help with the interrogation, such as it is.
"Where's Lamm?" he asks in a tone which is decidedly unfriendly. If he's anywhere nearby, he surely knows they're here after all this racket. Simn does not want to give the bastard time to skip merrily off to yet another hideout.
"Bind him!" says Avalon dismissively, "He is just as likely to get help as he is to skip town."
Fraz pulls out a lantern, and asks Nivvy to tie some rope to it. In the meantime, he'll ask Kester to either get a torch or fire source started. He'll prep the lantern, then lower into the hole to get a better look at what's going on down there.
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Fraz pulls out a lantern, and asks Nivvy to tie some rope to it. In the meantime, he'll ask Kester to either get a torch or fire source started. He'll prep the lantern, then lower into the hole to get a better look at what's going on down there.
Fraz:
"Won't I?" Simn asks, "What an odd thing to promise. You must be planning on running an awfully long way to make sure random chance never brings us together again. Maybe you ought to think about turning over a new leaf instead. Easier on the legs, and less living in fear of brownian motion." His tone isn't noticeably softer, but the suggestion is genuine. Much better to have him where he can be watched, rather than untold miles away and back to his old habits.
Simn checks both the gnome and the fallen Giggles for anything they might donate to the Cause. If nothing else, he intends to make sure they're not leaving behind any sharp objects for him to cut through his bindings with.
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"Won't I?" Simn asks, "What an odd thing to promise. You must be planning on running an awfully long way to make sure random chance never brings us together again. Maybe you ought to think about turning over a new leaf instead. Easier on the legs, and less living in fear of brownian motion."
The gnome looks confused. "In fear o' wot? I'll do that. Let me prove it -- I'll help you."
Simn checks both the gnome and the fallen Giggles for anything they might donate to the Cause. If nothing else, he intends to make sure they're not leaving behind any sharp objects for him to cut through his bindings with.
Hookshanks is carrying little. He's wearing studded leather, and carrying a disguise kit and a small key. His kukri is on the floor near Avalon.
The bleeding Giggles is also wearing studded leather. Nothing of note is on him other than his light wooden shield and his dropped flail.
"How?" Asks Simn, tucking the kukri into his belt. He won't deny that a guide would be useful, but he has few doubts that Hookshanks will betray them all the minute he thinks he can get away with it.
Giggles can continue bleeding out, as far as he's concerned. The big half-orc has apparently been taking kids 'below' to some unknown but surely unpleasant fate. He might not be willing to speed things along, but he is quite prepared to let nature take its course.
Fraz calls out to the others. "There's a small skiff down here that leads somewhere. Ask the gnome where it goes and what happens to the children. If he seems reluctant - there's a jigsaw shark in the water down here that looks hungry for a snack." He says this with an intense convinction - now that the fight is over - that reflects his growing fear again of his sister's fate.
Based on what he has heard, he has no interest in reviving Giggles.
Fraz then turns to Kester and Nivvy. "Alright, you two. You've done alright by us - but remember what I asked. Once we go down that hole, make your way out of this place and get to safety like we spoke. We'll take care of these thugs and Gaderen Lamm. Are you two good to travel?"
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Fraz then turns to Kester and Nivvy. "Alright, you two. You've done alright by us - but remember what I asked. Once we go down that hole, make your way out of this place and get to safety like we spoke. We'll take care of these thugs and Gaderen Lamm. Are you two good to travel?"
Kester says nothing, looking terribly humiliated, but Nivvy offers, "Yes, sir. We'll catch up with the others."
"I'll -- I'll -- I'll show you where we keep the money!" Hookshanks stammers.
"It's a start, I suppose," Simn says. He expects that money could be very useful in helping the kids get a fresh start in their lives, "Perhaps more importantly, you can tell us everything you know about Lamm's lair."
He motions to Hookshanks to rise, though his morningstar is now in hand in case of treachery, "Would you mind lending a hand, Avalon? This shouldn't take long." One more set of eyes to watch Hookshanks certainly won't go amiss.
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"It's a start, I suppose," Simn says. He expects that money could be very useful in helping the kids get a fresh start in their lives, "Perhaps more importantly, you can tell us everything you know about Lamm's lair."
He motions to Hookshanks to rise, though his morningstar is now in hand in case of treachery, "Would you mind lending a hand, Avalon? This shouldn't take long." One more set of eyes to watch Hookshanks certainly won't go amiss.
Hookshanks leads the way back through the short hall to the front room Avalon came from and to a closed door on the north wall. He reaches to his beltpouch then freezes and looks at Simn and Avalon -- "I need to get out my keys."
Simn:
Avalon:
"Gaedren stays down below. Him and Gobbleguts -- that's his alligator. We lower most of the loot down to him, but we keep some money up here -- you know, for the business." He is babbling.
Kester says nothing, looking terribly humiliated, but Nivvy offers, "Yes, sir. We'll catch up with the others."
"That's a good lass...take care of the medallion and use it if you need it." He gives Kester a reassuring grip on the shoulder,"It's alright to be scared, lad. You've done a good thing this night...I thank you for that. Now get a move on, and we'll see you soon." Fraz's attitude is almost parental in nature - belying his ferocity of just a few moments ago.
Simn nods, indicating that Hookshanks should continue, both with the door opening and with the description.
Cole will silently follow the others, letting them make the decisions, his emotions a mix of anger and apprehension. Cole's nervous for this encounter and despite all his earlier bluster deep down he's terrified of Gaedren.
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Simn nods, indicating that Hookshanks should continue, both with the door opening and with the description.
Hookshanks fishes out a keyring and unlocks the door (M16/N16). The stink in this room, a mixture of fish and sweat, is enough to make the eyes water. To the east, a large wooden trough holds a hideous mound of half-rancid fish, seaweed, and brine. Filthy seawater and fish blood stain the floor around this trough. A pair of wooden chutes lead from this trough through holes in the eastern wall, corresponding to the large vat in the lower floor. To the west, a desk and chair sit in one corner while a tall cabinet sits in the other. The gnome proceeds to the cabinet and unlocks it. The cabinet contains six small pouches. "There, the cash!"
Meanwhile, he goes on about the fishery. "There's a little boat down below, you know, from the other room. That's where Giggles takes -- took -- the kids that act out. We lower the loot from the kids down in buckets and Gaedren takes it." Hookshanks shudders. "I don't go down there myself."
"That's a good lass...take care of the medallion and use it if you need it." He gives Kester a reassuring grip on the shoulder,"It's alright to be scared, lad. You've done a good thing this night...I thank you for that. Now get a move on, and we'll see you soon." Fraz's attitude is almost parental in nature - belying his ferocity of just a few moments ago.
Kester nods, and he and Nivvy head out the side door to town.
“A jigsaw shark?” Leliestraat ponders aloud, following Simn and the captive through the fishery.
“And an alligator?!” he adds, shortly after. “What kind of menagerie does Lamn have here? And what do the children ...” he trails off, sensitive to the concerns of his new companions.
"Alright, Hookshanks," Simn says, squirreling the pouches away on his person, "We'll give the kids some time to get well clear, and then you can be on your way." From his reading of the gnome, he suspects Hookshanks will run a good, long way and not even think of coming back. As for summoning reinforcements, he knows perfectly well they'd blame him for it and come after him if they survive.
"Remember what I said about new leaves; I'll be checking up on you at some point." That last is at least partially a bluff. If Hookshanks really doesn't want to be found, he won't be.
"In the meantime, you can tell us if Lamm is running any other operations or safe houses we might want to investigate."
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"Alright, Hookshanks," Simn says, squirreling the pouches away on his person, "We'll give the kids some time to get well clear, and then you can be on your way." From his reading of the gnome, he suspects Hookshanks will run a good, long way and not even think of coming back. As for summoning reinforcements, he knows perfectly well they'd blame him for it and come after him if they survive.
"Remember what I said about new leaves; I'll be checking up on you at some point." That last is at least partially a bluff. If Hookshanks really doesn't want to be found, he won't be.
Hookshanks's eyes light up at the dismissal, as if he didn't really believe he'd be aloud to live. He nods vigorously at that part.
"In the meantime, you can tell us if Lamm is running any other operations or safe houses we might want to investigate."
"No, Gaedren only keeps one house at a time. The guy who ran this place -- used to run this place -- was killed by a devilfish. Now it's the city's, and they don't care."
Gawain listens to the interrogation, happy for the moment that the gnome seems to be cooperating. He stirs for a moment when Simn offers to let the gnome go, but thinks better of it and keeps his mouth shut.
"Perhaps we should continue on to catch Gaedren before he realizes we're here. I'm sure our combat made a lot of noise and if he's heard it that rat will be trying to escape." Cole says, walking towards the open bay.
Fraz will await until everyone is back together. He may look a little angered when he's told that Hookshanks was let go - but based on the scared description the gnome had, he probably will just nod in agreement.
Once all are present, he'll ask someone to hold the lantern while he climbs down into the skiff to take a look underneath for clues to Lamm's lair, then ask for it back.
Leliestraat watches Frasides grim nod at Hookshanks release and smirks back.
“... Probably should have slit his throat,” he says conspiratorially, reaching for the lantern. “I’m not certain but I believe that this place is bringing out the worse in my character.”
“Perhaps some fortune will fall upon us as a result of this gesture, eh Simn?” he continues, winking at his companion.
“I’ll hold the lantern,” the elf adds, grasping the light source. “Careful now.”
Simn makes one final detour before joining the others, picking up Yargin's wand. He has no idea what it does, but given that the man was pointing it in their direction, it probably carries some kind of attack spell, and could prove handy in the upcoming confrontation. Always assuming he can get it to work, of course.
This accomplished, he joins the others and, barring objections, joins Frasides in the skiff, pondering just where the little boat might take them.
While Fraz hands Leliestraat the lantern, he gives him an agreeing nod to truth of his commentary. With sober intensity, he drops down into the skiff - as soon as he has the latern he'll scan the area while Simn drops down behind him. He tries to use all his senses to note if there's any movements of a trap.
If there's a something other than water down around them - a platform or something else stable - he'll step aside to allow the others to descend.
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While Fraz hands Leliestraat the lantern, he gives him an agreeing nod to truth of his commentary. With sober intensity, he drops down into the skiff - as soon as he has the latern he'll scan the area while Simn drops down behind him. He tries to use all his senses to note if there's any movements of a trap.
If there's a something other than water down around them - a platform or something else stable - he'll step aside to allow the others to descend.
A narrow space exists under the fishery, with about four feet of room between the floor of the building above and the languid, foamy river water below. Wooden pilings support the building, and moss and cobwebs hang thick from ropes and rusted chains between them. A wooden walkway floats on the river surface, winding along the inner wall of pilings that supports the building's frame above, leading from the sodden barge to the east all the way west to a wooden door that leads into an understructure below the fishery's landbound half.
Other than the shark, still seen here and there in the area, there is no activity. There is, however, faint light visible through the windows of the building on this level.
Frasides moves onto the walkway, crouching slightly to keep his balance and not hit his head. He draws his sword in one hand and holds the lantern with the other, providing sufficient light for the others above to hopefully be able to full see the skiff.
"Careful coming down, there's not much except a slim walkway and the boat." His eyes never leave the doorway and lights at the far end of the walkway. What's happened to you, Eva...
Simn likewise moves out onto the walkway. It's a good bet Lamm knows they're coming after all the noise, but he nevertheless keeps his approach to the door quiet, letting the others come on down before he tries opening it.
Gawain, moving carefully, follows the Simn down to the walkway as soon as it is clear.