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As the group come to a halt near the food storage, Aurek thought it best to have a good look around (standing still, of course)... he could see the soldier with his hand on his weapon, but were there more noises? Or was he just hearing things? (perception 1d20 = 2, LOL! Just when I need a good roll... )

Westian’s confidence in Brighteyes evaporated at that moment. Why had they believed what this gnome had told them? Silently cursing himself for his naivety, Westian looked the soldier in the eyes and assumed an air of authority “If you don’t mind we are in a hurry. Seeroc will not tolerate any delay, and we need to see him quickly.” It was not a request – despite feeling less than confident, he acted as if he simply assumed the soldier would step down. To complete the off-hand manner he spoke to his companions. “Come on men, we have no time to waste”.

OOC: Initiative (!) roll was 13. Bluff roll was 14 + 5 = 19.

Haynuus generally stood at the back and looked at the floor.

When Westian threw a his "come on men" comment he almost smirked that there was in fact just two "men" in the group. He understood, however, the importance of not looking threatening and followed the cleric's command by shuffling closer to their leader. This problem was for the intelligent, pretty and diplomatic members of the group and not for those with a tongue the size of a Bratwurst (a big sausage cooked up by Ogres and other strange speaking races).

OOC: Initiative roll (1d20=1) - looks like he shuffled too much.

Falkor was worried, something didn't seem right, strangers walking around the dungeon was not likely, not in these times. There was a lot of tension in the air, his bat-senses could tell that, but just what was around the next corner was a mystery. Falkor choose to focus on Bright Eyes, upto now he sensed that he was getting along well with him, but something told him that was about to change..

OOC: Falkor: Rolled 2d20 and got 11(initiative) 15(Sense Motive on BE's)

Westian's movement startled the soldier, although a sword was not drawn. Brighteyes took it in stride, making encouraging nods and putting his thumb up. The soldier's head moved a little between Brighteyes and Westian, but he seemed to relent and fall backwards, twisting to put his back flat against the hall wall and allow Westian to move passed.

Aurek had been irritated to find the surge of the others meant he could not get further forward to look passed the origianl soldier and guess what else might await aroudn the corner. Even the sound of armour couldn't be dicenred, not between Westian infront moving aggressively and Sir Farel behind jittering as he tried to ensure they were not being followed or trapped.

Falkor, meanwhile, was also not focused on the soldier infront of them, instead looking to Brighteyes. The gnome certainly did not seem to be worried about the soldier's reaction nor Westian's butting in. Infact, Falkor could swear he saw a smirk from the gnome as it happened.

Haynuus was, perhaps, amazed to find that the attempt for the large half-orc to try and remain inconspicuous infact seemed to work. Between Brighteyes's chatting and Westian's bluster, the soldier seemed to have completely missed the oddly attired and sheepish creature playing with his tongue.

Westian's decisive movements led the group onwards, and luckily he recognosed the release mechanism for the iron grate they strode towards. A plain wooden button set into the stone doorframe would allow the counterweight mechanism to free the door, or allow it to fall again. It should intrude through the stone into the


"What is this?" asked a voice, as another two soldiers appeared - the leading one had the embossed skulls all over his armour aswell as on for a helm, although he had no splashes of colour as had Captain Drommal or the Sergeants.

"Don't mind us, coming through," said Brighteyes happily.

"They say they are going to see Seeroc," said the initial soldier uncertainly from behidn them.

"Indeed, just stopping for quick snack. Not stoppiong, no, no time for a delay! Seeroc will not like the delay!" Brighteyes chuckled then put on a serious face.

The leading soldier seemed to have the same reaction to Westian's movements and Brighteyes's comments and the previous soldier, and although stiffly he fell back too.

"Stand down, men," said the leader. "Keep your eyes on the room behind us."

The gropup could see there were two or possibly three men further back. Apparently they were coming forwards to the small room too, but were apparently deferring to Westian for now.

Aurek again had to curse, just as he was about to try and get a better view of the warriors comign form the hall, Farel got in the way, apparently 'accidentally' bumping into Aurek. The knight gave a meaningful look at Aurek's armour and the door for some reason, but seemed unwilling or unable to clarify himself further.

When Westian opened the door, he saw that a 20 foot square plain room was revealed. There was a strange light in the room. It was a flickering red, and seemed to be coming from a set of boxes placed in one corner of the room. Over this, a soldier was apparently roasting a hunk of meat, and the smell of it had oddly not travelled until now. Perhaps it had been the tensions before.

"Alance, let these men in first," said the leader.

The soldier inside the room, apparently called Alance, had his helmet removed and so clearly showed his aggression at being disturbed. However, he seemed to be cowed by the sight of the people aroudn the door, and slowly stood up.

Ungratiously he threw the spit of meat into the odd small fire, gathered hishelm and short sword, put them back on, and strode out. He seemed to make sure, despite his aggressive looks, that he gave the group a wide berth.

Now the meat was not cooking, the smell of blood could start being detected from a pile of bloody furry hunks of meat in another corner of the room. Some had been stripped and laid closer to the flame boxes, and seemed to be in the shape of drumsticks. Rat drunksticks, Haynuus's and Falkor's stomachs gladly told them.

Close to the fire boxes was a recess in the wall, apparently with some pouches laid there, and in the final corner close to the door was another of the lion headed fountains, slowly trickling water into the stone bowl.

"There, isn't this cozy!" said Brighteyes happily, walking into the room.


And there we have it. Westian's bluff seemed to pay off, with a minor Brighteyes assist as it happens, but without being able to fully turn it into the soldiers actually leaving you alone. Haynuus was too good at blending in!

So you guys can - if you still want - enter the room, for now unmolested as Brighteyes has done, and investigate the fire boxes, meat, pouches, etc. You could of course engage in conversation with the soldiers, or you could figure out a clever way to just get the hell out of there again - if you think you will be allowed

The important thing to note is that youi guys, without some form of bluff rolls, will probably not be able to converse with each other without being partially overheard by the soldiers hanging around.

For now the initial solder will be back at 'station' apparently looking back towards the tairs the party came from, Alance will be standing against the opposite wall to the iron grate door, and the leader and other soldiers will have fallen back a step into the room just off the map. The soldiers with him will be facing away from the food room, but the leader himself will be standing looking to the iron grate door and anyone standing around it.

Brighteyes himself will wander right for the fountain, though perhaps be a little short to actually manage to easily drink from it.

Feel free to write any general thigns you want to do - getting extra food, cooking food, filling skins, making potions - in the OOC thread.

And don't worry, i'll ask you to roll initiative all the time any encounter happens to ensure you don't spot fights away to happen, and for timign in any sudden confrontations one of you provoke. Nothign sinister happening at all. Nope.

Not at all.

Good luck...with the rat drunksticks...

Haynuus cheerily filled up his bota and drank heartily, splashing water over his face and down his neck. That... Was his wash for the day.

Although there were probably interesting things in here the next priority came his stomach. Noting the presence of the soldiers nearby, he tried to actually cook the rat meat over the fireboxes rather than eating it raw. He gave it a good sniff first to ensure that a) it wasn't poisonous or something and b) it wasn't Ameena. (1d20+2=3) His stomach had the better of him, however, as it just looked so great that he didn't care. He slapped himself on the forehead, suddenly life was just so good again. He'd assumed that the soldiers here would be the usual human types - vegetable eaters or cheese chompers. No, it was meat - the sort of meat you had to hunt and fight for. He sat on his haunches rolling slightly backwards and forwards and occasionally slapped himself on the forehead. He was suddenly lost in his own happy world.

While that was cooking, he grabbed a four of the hunks of meat and put two more to be skewered on the fire for the others, and discreetly shove the other two in his backpack. Must have been fun harvesting this lot he thought!

Westian walked into the room. He acted as if the soldiers were not present and moved with a confident air. "We do not have long here men, get fed and fill the bottles quickly and then we leave. Unless you wish to explain the delay to Seeroc."

Whatever meat the soldier had been cooking did smell good, so when Haynuus started cooking Westian joined him in putting a drumstick on the fire. While it was cooking he followed the half-orc's lead in washing his face. Not because he particularly wanted to, more to add to the impression of relaxation and disinterest he wished to convey. He then drank his fill and re-filled his bottle.

At this point the meat seemed cooked through, and Westian tucked in with some degree of hunger.

Actually, mini update for the two of you just to set the scene, the other two can slot in where wanted and you two can add a reaction aswell.

Haynuus looked at the meat, and couldn't even tell if it was meat, quite frankly. There were some bits of fur still on he stripped off, but the meat was oddly grey in places and even purple in others. Still, fire made it all look a wonderful blackish brown, it did smell appetising, and beside it tasted of...well, Haynuus had certainly tasted worse and survived. The lack of barrel might be an issue, but luckily Westian had removed his helmet should disaster strike.

Farel seemed to get what Westian was doing, perhaps conscious that - unlike Aurek and Westian - he was dressed in his silver armour and stood out. He quickly made for the offered browned meat, eating it with every evidence of disgust, but apparently stomaching it rather than cause notice to himself.

Westian, unlike Haynuus, had not tasted anything worse. It wasn't that the meat was bad, it was just that it did not taste in any way as meat was supposed to. There seemed to be very sour, and very sweet, deposites inside it. It was disconcerting and kept drawing attention back to itself. Still, it was warm, and solid, and better than the dried fare they had partaken of hours ago at the top of this place. Westian realised that now they were quite deep into the dungeon. And not the sanitised area the Grey Lord had ever taken them into. The fact most of the soldiers outside were looking away from the suspicious group into the dungeon stoke of that.

Meanwhile, Brighteyes seemed to be happy to not eat for now, standing by the door and happily chat away to the two soldiers near the door, and the leader across the corridor. Or perhaps talking at was more applicable.

Haynuus, removed from his cooking trance now as he was actually eating his fill, decided to cast an eye over to the conversation Brighteyes was having with the soldiers (1d20+2=20). It's not that he didn't trust the Gnome, it was simply because the little guy was so easily lead into those of another allegiance. If it was interesting and violent, Brighteyes would probably be finding his way there with a torch and switch-blade in each hand.

He really wanted to strike a few questions to Farel and the others yet opening his mouth while eating, many told him, was a faux pas. Usually because his tongue jettisoned the food from his mouth all over the other conversationee. Talking was usually a waste of good food.

Westian wanted to do nothing more than throw the meat into the flames, but resisted the urge. No one else seemed to be having problems, so he took another bite. His disgust increased when he began to wonder what animal this leg came from, so he quickly stopped that train of thought.

He did notice some pouches lying around, but not knowing what they were or who owned them he left them alone for now.

When he could eat no more of the sweet and sour drumstick he threw the remainder into the fire. Standing up he reminded the group of their hurry. "Come on, lets move. Seeroc awaits."

The half-orc noticed Westian eyeing the pouches... They looked... In need of an owner. He shuffled over, ensuring that he had at least one hand either cooking food or feeding it into his mouth, and picked up a pouch to take a discreet peek inside.

The smell was odd, it definitely smelled of cooked meat, somthing Falkor would normally jump at, but something again caused him to hesitate. He decided that for now he would put the food in his backpack, a couple of drumsticks would be ok. He quickly checked to see if there was any obvious poison or disease on the meat that could cause harm (1d20=15) and then placed them in the back. The others were much bigger, if the orc was to fall ill he could probably fight it, Falkor knew he would stand less chance... He then turned his attention to the water, again a quick check on it's condition (1d20=14) before taking a couple of mouthfulls. He had learnt that although filling up was a great feeling, and when food was in abundance it was no problem, in more remote places the thirst and hunger would return much more quickly! He filled the bota in his backpack and turned to Brighteyes. Falkor concentrated on the Gnome... He was trying his best to lipread, understand what was being said to the guards (1d20=20)...he felt the words become clearer almost like he was standing next to them...

Haynuus sneakily tried to listen in to what the gnome was actually saying, since it was just possible that allowing Brighteyes to go into full flow would not be a good idea. Especially given this tiny room had no apparent exits!

Brighteyes seems to be happily finishing asking any soldier that would listen if they had seen Seeroc, since the mage hadn't been in the room when the gnome had left. Brighteyes then seemed to happily ask if the soldiers liked the fire he had made them himself, and seemed to be going on about the practical benefits of alchemical magic and smokeless fires in a dungeon environment.

Since the gnome wasn't - yet - getting himself into any trouble, Haynuus had gone back across to the fire, noticing that indeed the flames from the boxes weren't actually producing any form of afteraffects as usual flames did. No apparent fuel in terms of wood was being used, and no smoke was filling up the room and choking everyone. It certainly was hot though.

Haynuus took the chance from being spotted by soldiers and Brighteyes - and, of course, from burning himself on the strange flames - and grabbed one of eight pouches lying on the alcove. Looking inside, it seemed to be empty at first, until Haynuus realised that actually there was some strange black powder. Or was it even powder, it seemed very granulated and smelt of...burning? It was like the burnt stuff you scrapped from meat if you were trying ot appear posh to humans (even though most of the smoky flavour was in the black burnt bits)

Now that he saw that, Haynuus realised that a light sprinkling of this sort of burnt granules were actually in the otherwise clean bottom of the small boxes the fire was in. Did this mean the soldiers used this powder to fuel the fire, or did they burn something else and find it necessary to collect the remains afterwards?

While Falkor grabbed what he could, he was sure to - unlike Haynuus - keep his focus fully on the gnome. While certainyl the gnome was providing both distraction and annoyance to the soldiers so they wouldn't come closer, Falkor could also spot that Westian's general officiiousness was probably playing well to make the soldiers keep their distance. There were certainly no sidelong glances into the room, nor attempts to move closer and spy. That left Falkor able to move around without being self-conscious, and also free to stand by the door afterwards to check out what everyone was saying outside.

Falkor quickly checked out the meat, but could make out with observation only as much as Westian had made out in taste. That it seemed ok, but looked very unusual. Falkor applied what knowledge of dungeons he could from his previous studies, but he never recalled any stories of adventures being poisoned by the creatures of Lord Chaos - at least, not when eaten. Either the adventurers had been sensible enough to not eat the animals, or more likely Lord Chaos had felt animals whose carcasses were poisonous was not an entertainign way to kill off those who challenged him. Similarly, it was very liekly these soldiers ahd been in this dungeon once before as Chaos's loyal servants. Surely they would know enough to tell edible fare from something that could kill them?

Falkor also couldn't really tell much about the water, other than it was perhaps not the purest source, but looked good enough - especially given the exertions he'd had recently. Falkor coulnd't detect the mold taste Brighteyes had mentioned earlier. The repaired bota seemed to hold up to its new contents, and Falkor adjusted to the unfamiliar weight of it.

Falkor then turned his attention back to the gnome as soon as possible, and was therefore free to stay close to the door observing what was happenign outside and hearing everything.

Falkor spotted the odd atmosphere when Brighteyes invoked Seeroc's name, as if the gnome relished being able to name-drop. Similarly riding that uncomfortable nature as he continued about the fire inside - Falkor hadn't had the chance to look at it up close, unfortunately.

Brighteyes was very obviously the centre of a ring of unkind gazes and even looks of outright hatred, and yet apparently he was protected due to his link to the mage. And Falkor, looking closely at the gnome, could tell that the gnome knew that and was happily chattering away and cashing in on the fear of Seeroc.

It made Falkor uneasy. Was it likely in the slightest that the gnome would willingly give up that sort of power and influence just because the party were 'interesting'?

Therefore, it was all the more confusing when Westian declared the party were moving, and Falkor spotted Brighteyes lowering his voice to address a conspiratorial comment to the soldiers. It wasn't that the gnome was trying to avoid the party overhearing, as it turned out, it seemed to be a theatrical motion on the gnome's behalf as he said something surprising.

"Well, I have to be off with my friends now. But if you do see Seeroc, why... I suggest you don't say anything. Shhhh. My friends and I are going to wait for Seeroc in his room, and I would so hate to spoil the surprise!"

There seemed to be a pregnant pause during which Falkor was surprised and yet fearful. Was the gnone really trying to get the soldiers to ignore the party, even though they might be a danger to the mage? It did not make Falkor feel any easier. If the gnome was this duplicitous, and if the gnome enjoyed that much influence through the mage - what could he possibly believe the party possessed that would be equivalent? And would he happily betray the party later to get that?

Falkor did not have too much time to dwell on the fact that Brighteyes was trying to wrangle the soldiers into a consipracy, before the soldiers replied in an equally surprising manner.

"We are all loyal under Gholst," said the leader.

"Of course!" assured Brighteyes.

"Then we have enough dangers coming out of the darkness around here. What happens below has not been made our concern. I have better things to press my attention with."

Brighteyes seemed happy, and turned around. He spotted Falkor observing him, and gave a cheery smile to the halfling and then to everyone else.

"Such wonderful men, wouldn't you say?" the gnome said equally conspiratorially to the group. "Anyway, are we ready?" he asked. "Off we go!"


Anyway, there we go. Things get weirder and weirder. You guys can mention if there is anything you want to do last minute, but I think it's onwards and downwards. I'll put up the whole map of the area you'll be walking through. Basically, it'll be the last tiem you guys can confer or ask questions of Brighteyes before you come upon the door to Seeroc's room. I'll need any final preparations you make when you go down the stairs away from the soldiers, and also a party order.

No iniatiave roll - let's face it, if anything happens to you, you ain't gunna see it coming. I mean... nothing to worry about.

Time and again, that niggling sensation was eating away at Falkor... What was going on, why was the Gnome helping... Something told him that perhaps the Gnome would be pleased to be rid of Seeroc, perhaps Gholst wanted rid of him and they were his "tools", so much deception and double crossing it was hard for Falkor to understand much of anything.

Talking to Brighteyes "so, Seeroc, tell me more about him." Falkor raised his eyebrows, an annoying habit that made him look with expectation of an answer, "What is he upto these days? What is he working on? Is he still following Gholsts requests?" The questions seemed reasonable enough and perhaps looking at brighteyes he could maybe see some reaction...

OOC: Sense motive check in answer 1d20=12

The half-orc assumed that if the source of the fire was from the pouch contents, the wizard would find use of it either here in the dungeon or later. He would grab four of the pouches in total and shove them in his backpack as well (OOC - a bit of last minute thievery (1d20=20)), with the intention of handing them over to Falkor at the next convenient moment.

He was not finished with his munching, however, and would be filling his face with the meat as he passed the soldiers. It would hopefully hide his somewhat overgrown canine teeth that immediately gave him away as not being human... Or civilized as some of his human ex-companions hurtfully once told him.

Westian listened to Falkor's questioning of Brighteyes and the gnome's replies. He did not join in however, instead he took the empty flask back from Haynuus. His memory of magic was returning somewhat, and he felt confident enough to try to increase the power of his spells. He muttered the syllables "ON VI", and was pleased to see the familiar condensate forming inside the flask. Still, the extra effort needed for that power rune was immediately felt as the mana left his body. Next time he would return to the dull, clumsy syllable of UM...

With that thought he looked around at the group. "Does anyone have any empty flask? We may need some potions before we face Seeroc."

OOC: Aurek has an empty flask, if I can get my hands on that I will cast an UM VI, to try and give Falkor a few extra hit points in case we see Seeroc. Any more flasks around?

Haynuus's large frame always seemed to be the perfect distraction for his pilfering. As if everyone assumed he must be clumsy and slow.

With a 'yoink' that might make their once thief friend Helm jealous, Haynuus grabs a handful of pouches and nonchalantly strolls out as Westian hustles and bustles the group.

It would only be later that Haynuus would spot that only the original pouch contained the blackened granules. The other three pouches infact contained finer and more pungent smelling powders. For some reason, it reminded him of when he had been cooking with humans.


I assume Haynuus joinks the one he took and three more? I rolled some more dice, and sadly you didn't get any more of the black granules. As a player, you might spot you've just grabbed a handful of various spices

And I must say, you are awfully good at rolling terriblly low rolls for Haynuus intimidation (that usually provoke low NPC rolls in return) and yet frightfully high stealing rolls That 20 will mean no-one spots a hand over later, nor spot it on Haynuus. Well, not unless I wanna be mean and let the luck of the dice the other way have their chance. But no passive observatiosn will catcy your skullduggery!


Meanwhile, oblivious, the rest of the group left the room, given stares by the soldiers. The one who had previously been inside moved back in giving the group a glare, while the soldier on guard shuffled back against the wall to allow the fast moving Westian and co back to the stairs.

It seemed as if the group in the room - even their embossed-armoured leader - were relieved that the group was going.


Falkor took the opportunity to slot in beside Brighteyes before the gnome could start chattign away to Westian up front. Brighteyes seemed quite taken aback when Falkor introduced the topic, giving an expression of shock that the halfling had not seen before. However, the gnome recovered his sensabilities and some of his jocularity.

"Seeroc, why, I'm not sure exactly what I can tell you about him that you don't already know or could guess. Hmm, let me see let me see." Brighteyes's speech trailed into mumbling, punctuated by little 'Yes! Oh no, that's actually horrible!' and 'Perhaps it's not true, after all no one found the head,' comments. At Falkor's prompting questions Brighteyes shifted the focu of his recollections. "I suppose he is being trusted to research as he sees fit, to uncover the secrets of the Grey Lord's domain. Truth be told, I do not think Gholst even cares much for the magical at the moment, investing more of his time with the matters the priest brings up. Gholst has always recognised the power of magic as a tool, but is always more concerned about finding ways to shield himself from it than to enhance himself by it. And I suppose Seeroc must always make more little ones, always with his undead pets to bolster the ranks of Gholst's men." Brighteyes looked around at Falkor. "Oh yes, make no mistake, Seeroc is loyal to Gholst. Make no mistake about that! Oh yes!"


There is then a commotion behidn the group. Apparently the soldier who went into the room has come out again. There is the sound of clanking as the soldier is obviously coming down, being called upon by the leading soldier in the background.

"You short-arsed little thief? Why? Why did you take them?" asks the soldier coming up behidn the group as they get close to the stairs. The previous soldier guard, and the leading soldier both appear behind the man.

"What, me?" asks Brighteyes, realising the direction of the challenge after looking with adminishment ot Falkor at first.

"We're...we're not afraid of you, you know!" says the soldier headedly, despite the quiver in his voice and the barking order to stand down by the leading soldier. He has his helm removed, and his dishevalled features and bags under his eyes perhaps speak of the stress these soldiers are under keeping order in the dungeon. ""All I wanted was to eat, to rest after dealing with those blasted rats and worse. And you couldn't even let us have that! What if we spoil your little 'surprise'? What will you do?"


Heh, so there we go....you'll get to go downstairs tomorrow. You know, once you stop a desperate soldier from creating an unfortunate scene due to Haynuus's pilfering

With the dexterity of a master thief Haynuus continued to scoff the rat meat in his mouth with one hand while hastily tossing out of his backpack anything and everything he had picked up out of the room with the other hand. The four (all) pouches flew out up the stairs first, and next the shanks of meat. He even attempted a look of hurt and dismay at being accused of being a thief, although it was difficult when there was stringy globules of fat hanging out the corners of your mouth. (1d20-2=3)

He re-shouldered his backpack and continued on, not wishing to cause an incident. In all honesty he appreciated the food, water, and rest and wouldn't mind returning to that place again.

Falkor gave little in response to the Gnomes ramblings, his thoughts were elsewhere... hearing the guard's screams and using the distraction he turned away from Brigtheyes and focused on Westian.

Westian's eyes opened in surprise as he looked at Falkor, and his face turned paler. Confusion clouded his features and he opened his mouth as if to speak but then seemed to have thought better of it.

With some effort he re-focused on the current situation. He realised the guard was scared. He wanted the pouches back, but did not want to fight. As Haynuus threw them back Westian initially decided to try to avoid confrontation but at the same time allow the soldier to leave with his dignity. He was about to tell the soldier that the thief would be punished, and hope that that would be the end of it.

But suddenly something made him reconsider. "What surprise are you talking about soldier? Speak clearly." He glared into his eyes. "There are more frightening people in our group than the gnome."

OOC: Intimidate on soldier was 12 + 4 = 16.

Perhaps it was the half-orc's new found positive outlook on life. Somehow, his hindbrain that had stolen the items like a master thief now got rid of them like a novice.... a novice priest! Surely only a guilty conscience would make that much of a mistake...

The half-orc's loud mastication drew all gazes just for the sheer volume of it, and the hastily thrown items slowly tumbled back item by item down the stairs, each one followed by all eyes except Westian, Falkor and Haynuus.

Sir Farel, a little embarrassed, actually sidestepped as if to block the view of the stairs, while giving the half-orc the most filthy look imaginable. And a high-born knight knew how to give filthy looks, especially when the said recipient was tryign to innocently whistle, spraying bits of saliva and meat into the knight's face. Putting on the backpack as if nothing had happened certainly didn't help.

Westian's own interruption of thought did not stop him from once again playing the commanding presence. Brighteyes perhaps highlighted the priest's words by falling over painfully when he looked up in shock at the towering half-elf.

While Westian's usual duties had simply seen him speak and speak until a problem was resolved, certainly he was getting good at using his vocal presence in other ways - bluffing and now bludgeoning those around before their brains could engage.

The soldier took a step back, shaking but apparently at a loss, realising the enormity of his outburst, combined with some horror at realising he had shouted at the gnome - and apparently come under the ire of Westian - due to the actions of Haynuus. And a six foot odd half-orc was not as much a push over as a gnome, even if they were currently making very clumsy motions at innocence.

"I...I am tired. It was...I did not..." stammered the soldier as the adreneline and anger had been drained from him apparently leaving some pit of fear in his stomach.

"Yes, you see, a simple misunderstanding," said Brighteyes from the floor as the soldier stood down. Behind the soldier, unnoticed by him, his fellow solder and also the leader both took their hands from their weapons. And both stopped looking directly - not at the group - but to the back of their vocal fellow. "I'm sure we all all most loyal under Gholst," contiued the gnome brightly, getting up from the floor. "Momentary discomfort can surely be ignored when one considers the ...rewards...one can gain." Brighteyes seemed to look happily and brightly around at his comment, though it was obviously pointed towards the vcal soldier.

For some reason, the soldier shuddered. "Keep the items," he said darkly, not meeting the half-orc's gaze nor Westian's. He almost walked backwards into his leader, and slunk around that man too.

"We are loyal...under Gholst," said the leader darkly. "Do what you will, but leave my men alone." He then walked backwards a few steps himself, before turning and being lost into the darkness. The other soldier, the guard near the stairs, took up position against one of the wall, staring as ahead as he could, not looking ot the rest of the group.

"Well, that was exciting!" said Brighteyes taking a deep breath and almost bouncing on his feet. He then gestured expansively to the stairwell downwards. "Shall we go? Time is pressing, oh yes, oh yes. Time for a surprise, oh yes, oh yes!"


And there we go, some blundering and some gambled intimidation and it all worked out. The soldier rolled poorly, plus Haynuus's dire second roll sort of difused at least the anger at the theft. I checked Brighteyes's intimidation roll - a 2. So yeah, lucky their OB, nice unusual choice that paid off. Possibly.



I'll put up the level 10 map later on, including Seeroc's room. While you can react and ask questions, etc, assume that nothing now will stop you guys from going to Seeroc's room. From now until Monday evening is set up, and depending on how that goes, things might kick off pretty quickly at the top of next week. I'll interject little updates of Brighteyes's comments on where you are, and more explicit descriptions.

Apparently in a daze, Aurek had stuck by Farel's side throughout the encounter so far, bagging a cooked drumstick or two instead of eating them now.

The soldier's sudden approach, however, made him snap back to reality, and he spun around placing his hand on his weapon. Once the soldier backed away, he lowered his guard, and awaited the group moving on.

He did feel a bit guilty for allowing Haynuus to upset the solider, when he appeared so weak, and spoke to him, "What do you say to you giving back half of what you took? I'm sure that we could possibly make allies out of these soldiers. It doesn't feel right taking all of it, they're so worn out and tired..."

OOC: Thought it about time the "good" side of Aurek came out. I can't imagine he'd go with the idea of robbing such exhausted people.

"It was a food store!", pleaded Haynuus. "It's useless if you can only put stuff IN, and not be able to take stuff OUT." he said exasperatingly. The orcish word for 'store' was 'for-when-things-fuck-up (room)' and it was a typical human assumption to keep hoarding and hoarding.

Then he added "And besides we're all fighting for Gholst aren't we?!", and then focussed on the empty space behind the paladin in the dungeon. Hold on... He was confused now.

Either way it didn't matter. He picked up the things he threw up to the guard and actually gave them to him by hand. The pouches, and the shanks of rat meat. He didn't want to antagonise anyone, not least a stressed out guard who may well be having his last meal anyway.

"Lead on, I'll make sure we all get down safely" Falkor suggested to BrightEyes, "Haynuus, you best go up front too - I think you've said enough already" with that Falkor smiled, the comment was meant in jest, although either way the ORC would understand the need to move on! Falkor had said all he needed and hoped that Westian, confused as he was, would stay at the back of the pack and let BrightEyes lead... This would give him valuable seconds, but only if Westian had understood.

Westian was not happy with the way Brighteyes had ended the conversation with the soldier, although he made an effort not to show this. As they walked away he simply smiled at the gnome. "That was a close one, I thought we were in for a fight!"

Now that he was looking at the gnome through different eyes a number of things started to make sense, especially the soldiers threat and Brighteyes' hurry to silence him. He needed to talk to Falkor, it was thanks to him that the pieces were falling into place.

It seemed Falkor also was aware of this from the way he had sent the gnome to the front with the half-orc to distract him. To complete the distraction Westian decided to get a conversation going between them. "Brighteyes, did you know that Haynuus is on a mission from god? Quite an exciting story, well worth a listen."

With that Westian allowed himself to gradually drop to the rear of the group along side Falkor. When he felt that Brighteyes was otherwise engaged he whispered to the halfling without looking directly at him. "Do you think we are being lead to a trap?"

OOC: Don't know if I need a roll for anything, in case I do I rolled a 13

"Hey! I'm on a mission! From God!... No, not Gholst at all. That was it, from God." Unaware of Westian's bluff to Brighteyes, yet concious that he was up-to-something he continued his short story with the gnome. It involved lot's of arm waving[*] and the recounting of events that even included shoving a mummy into a fire - anything to play up his story, and play down what-ever that cleric was doing (1d20=17). He gesticulated and groaned as an unhappy mummy would do and did all sorts of mannerisms that would, when all is said and done, could have removed a gnome's head if undertaken carelessly.

[*] No, not swinging a sword, his story started when he was drinking beer in an inn.

Remembering that he had an empty flask, and Seerok appeared to be close, Aurek decided that giving it to Westian was a good course of action, "Take this, you should be able to cast a healing potion into it."