3: Snakes. Why'd it have to be snakes?

[Ebiris]

[15:30] <@Ebiris> OOC: As Rudy was busy with searching and Henrietta/Glenn with fire control, we'll start with Miranda and merge her in whichever way she goes.
[15:30] <@Ebiris> "Oh, you sure showed him!" the gondolier smiles earnestly at Miranda, clutching his pole tightly as the would-be hijacker swims off towards the pier. "This wasn't really what I had in mind when two pretty girls asked me for a ride, though... My boss is gonna kill me when he sees the mess here."
[15:30] <@Ebiris> OOC: roll perception, Miranda?
[15:30] <@Miranda_Altair> roll 1d20
[15:30] * +Hatbot --> "Miranda_Altair rolls 1d20 and gets 3." [1d20=3]
[15:30] <@Ebiris> OOC: carry on
[15:33] * Joins: Euphy (~corwin@TLV62-0-110-188.bb.netvision.net.il)
[15:33] * ChanServ sets mode: +o Euphy
[15:33] * Euphy is now known as Henrietta
[15:33] * @Miranda_Altair smiles at the gondolier. "Well, you could always say that you were assaulted by smugglers and were only lucky enough to keep your gondola by the grace of some kind locals. It's not that far from the truth."
[15:35] <@Ebiris> "I gues..." he looks down at the waterlogged seats, a crossbow bolt still sticking out of the padded cushion where Miranda had been sitting. "Still... do you want to stay here or do you need a hand getting aboard to join your friends? It looks like they've taken the ship, at least. Not sure if I want to know why."
[15:36] <@Ebiris> The noise from below decks seems to be quietening down as well, with less screeching and howling being heard.
[15:37] <@Miranda_Altair> "Realax, sweetie. We're the good guys. Sounds like they had some stuff they shouldn't have on that boat, and besides, it belongs to someone else. If you could help me get aboard, I'd be very grateful."
[15:38] <@Ebiris> Positioning the gondola flush against the boat, he kneels forward with clasped hands palm up. "Stand on my hands and I'll give you a boost up, then," he offers.
[15:38] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+4 aid another climb
[15:38] * +Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+4 aid another climb and gets 7." [1d20=3]
[15:38] <@Ebiris> OOC: make your climb check if you're trying to board, Miranda?
[15:39] <@Miranda_Altair> roll 1d20
[15:39] * +Hatbot --> "Miranda_Altair rolls 1d20 and gets 15." [1d20=15]
[15:40] <@Ebiris> Miranda gets the distinct impression that the gondolier is more interested in ogling her legs than helping her up, but perhaps that urges her onto working herder herself to escape his gaze, since she does far better this time and scrambles onto the deck! There's a dagger by her feet, but no sign of any of her friends on deck - an open door leads below the quarterdeck nearby, and another below the foredeck, from which the animal sounds appear louder.
[15:42] <@Miranda_Altair> Scooping up the dagger, Miranda heads cautiously toward the door leading below the foredeck.
[15:44] <@Ebiris> It leads down into a galley of sorts, with another door next to the base of the stairs opening into the hold where she can see the corpse of an enormous long-limbed insect as big as a pony, with fearsome oversized jaws dripping blood and ichor. Henrietta and Glenn are here, along with the girl she saw earlier up on the rigging, who's currently sobbing over a disemboweled corpse near the centre of the hold. Another figure lays near the fallen insect, clutching his maimed stomach and groaning in pain, while cages full of exotic birds and animals litter the hold, some tipped over and burnt.
[15:45] * @Miranda_Altair eyes the scene. "What in the Nine Hells happened here?"
[15:46] <@Ebiris> "Mera!" Trucy cries over the dead woman in the hold, currently ignoring much of everything else. "Why'd ye haveta work for that stupid bastard? What am I gonna do, now?!"
[15:47] <@Ebiris> Meanwhile, Rudy completes his search upstairs, coming up on the ring and the note in a hidden panel of the bed's headboard!
[15:48] * @Rudy gleefully pockets the ring and the note, then has Myra pick up the sack of coins and sling it over her shoulders. Whistling a jaunty tune, he emerges from the cabin!
[15:48] <@Ebiris> No one appears on deck that Rudy can see.
[15:49] * @Rudy quickly goes to check on his rowboat!
[15:50] <@Ebiris> Rudy can see his rowboat! It's... about eighty feet away from the Nixie now, being piloted by the same brown-haired woman who gave him a nice flash just a minute ago, currently busy rowing it towards the docks!
[15:51] <@Rudy> Rudy taps his head for a moment, and then goes to check on his alternative method of transportation!
[15:51] <@Ebiris> If by that he means Miranda and Henrietta's boat, it's still there, with the gondolier keeping position next to the Nixie. "Ho there!" he calls up to Rudy upon seeing him. "Any idea how much longer the girls'll be?"
[15:53] <@Rudy> "Eh, about a minute! Don't go anywhere!" calls Rudy, turning to go down into the other side of the boat in hopes of fiding them!
[15:54] <@Ebiris> Rudy catches up easily enough to find much the same scene Miranda just found!
[15:55] * @Miranda_Altair glances at Rudy. "Find anything?"
[15:55] <@Rudy> "Oh, yeah, everything, that chick nicked off with our rowboat, though- what the fuck happened here?" asks Rudy, surveying the scene.
[15:56] * @Miranda_Altair shrugs. "I've no idea. I just got on the damn boat myself."
[15:57] <@Ebiris> A parrot manages to chew through some of its weakened cage, and with a squawk starts flapping about the hold, seeming to incite more of the animals to shrieking and bothering their cages.
[15:57] <@Henrietta> "They were burning the animals that were to be smuggled, and one hideous insect in particular disagreed with that plan," Henrietta fills them in. "Rather violently, I might add."
[15:57] <@Ebiris> "It killed Mera!" Trucy adds in a near wail.
[15:57] <@Rudy> "Oh, god! I'm so sorry!"
[15:58] <@Ebiris> "Urgh... help!" the other maimed smuggler moans pathetically, clutching his rent open stomach.
[15:58] <@Glenn> "It was a pretty nasty creature they were smuggling," Glenn points to the spider. "Well, looked nastier when it was alive, anyhow."
[15:59] <@Rudy> "That doesn't matter, you fool! A woman died!" replies Rudy, rounding furiously on Glenn. "Show some respect!"
[15:59] <@Miranda_Altair> "Here, let me help you out there." she says, kneeling down by the dying smuggler and ripping off a strip of cloth from her skirt.
[16:00] <@Miranda_Altair> roll 1d20+6 Heal check
[16:00] * +Hatbot --> "Miranda_Altair rolls 1d20+6 Heal check and gets 7." [1d20=1]
[16:00] <@Henrietta> "I would help, but my arm has stopped moving properly a short while ago," Henrietta apologizes, stopping by Trucy and placing her good hand on her shoulder.
[16:01] <@Ebiris> Miranda tightly binds up the man's wounds, making his eyes bulge out, surely a sign of good health and recovery! He burbles a near incoherent groan of pure gratitude for her saintly efforts.
[16:01] <@Glenn> "And at least it wasn't two," Glenn says with a shrug. "What, you want me to apologize and step around lightly about the fact that they were transporting a man-eater?"
[16:01] <@Rudy> "You really are a heartless fellow, aren't you? Do you see this kind of scene often?" asks Rudy, ruefully shaking his head. "Come on, now."
[16:02] <@Miranda_Altair> "Well, it's not great, but you'll probably live long enough to stand trial!" she smiles at the injured man.
[16:02] <@Ebiris> "She always took care of me," Trucy sniffles, wiping her eyes on her bare forearm. "I dunno what I'll tell her dad..."
[16:02] <@Ebiris> He tries to reply to Miranda but can only manage to produce a strange bubble of saliva and blood from his lips.
[16:03] * @Miranda_Altair eyes the man critically. "Hopefully, anyway."
[16:03] <@Ebiris> He shuffles and scoots slightly away from Miranda, despite this appearing to cause him more pain.
[16:03] * @Henrietta nods sympathetically. "No words would make this better."
[16:04] <@Miranda_Altair> "No, try not to move about. Just lie there." she says, pushing him back down.
[16:04] <@Ebiris> He instantly goes limp as soon as Miranda touches him, drooling out blood from his lips and looking at her with a pleading expression.
[16:05] <@Ebiris> "Yeah..." Trucy stands up miserably. "So what are you gonna do with us?" she asks, looking at the four heroes.
[16:06] <@Miranda_Altair> "Perhaps we should get the Watch involved now? We have a man dying here." says Miranda, looking up at the others.
[16:06] <@Henrietta> "What is the penalty for smuggling in this town?" Henrietta asks in return.
[16:06] <@Ebiris> OOC: knowledge local works here, you can try an int check untrained
[16:07] <@Glenn> "Should probably get the ship docked in, if you think we can. Would make it easier to move around and get people on board or off," Glenn says.
[16:07] <@Glenn> roll d20+5 untrained
[16:07] * +Hatbot --> "Glenn rolls d20+5 untrained and gets 11." [d20=6]
[16:07] <@Rudy> "Yes, I see you have improved matters with your ministrations," notes Rudy, frowning. "Uh... let's just take some return trips with that gondola."
[16:08] <@Miranda_Altair> roll 1d20+5 just for grins
[16:08] * +Hatbot --> "Miranda_Altair rolls 1d20+5 just for grins and gets 11." [1d20=6]
[16:08] <@Rudy> roll 1d20+2 you people think you're so smart
[16:08] * +Hatbot --> "Rudy rolls 1d20+2 you people think you're so smart and gets 7." [1d20=5]
[16:08] <@Henrietta> roll 1d20+2
[16:08] * +Hatbot --> "Henrietta rolls 1d20+2 and gets 7." [1d20=5]
[16:09] <@Ebiris> Glenn and Miranda know that the penalty is typically forfeiture of all smuggled goods, a fine equal to the value of the goods being smuggled, or hard labour to pay off the debt that way if the fine can't be afforded. Henrietta and Rudy aren't sure but think there's a fine of some sort.
[16:10] <@Rudy> "You will need to pay an enormous fine, of more money than you could possibly make in a lifetime of honest work!"
[16:11] <@Miranda_Altair> "Not true." scoffs Miranda. "It's a fine equal to the value of the smuggled goods, or hard labor."
[16:11] <@Rudy> "That seems rather steep, though, as there is no fine that could be greater than the loss of a loved one," continues Rudy, sighing. "I suppose we might just let you off."
[16:11] <@Ebiris> "He was only going to pay me twenty gold anyway!" Trucy cries pathetically. "Where's the justice in that?!"
[16:11] <@Henrietta> "Come with us and confess to what Vark was doing and your part in it, and I will pay your fine," Henriette tells Trucy matter of factly. "That way, you will officially put this chapter of your life behind you."
[16:12] <@Ebiris> "You'd do that?" the young girl looks at Henrietta in surprise, wide eyed. "But, I tried to stab you, and said those things..." she notes, before wincing. "Shouldn't really remind you, I suppose."
[16:12] <@Miranda_Altair> "To be honest, I think that Vark was the only one who actually stood to make serious money off of this venture. We could easily say that you were the ones who pointed us the way in, and even lost a dear friend while aiding us in taking down the smugglers."
[16:13] <@Glenn> "What about mister dying here? Was he helping us too?" Glenn asks with a snort.
[16:13] <@Ebiris> He nods his head as energetically as he can manage in his current state!
[16:14] <@Miranda_Altair> "Well, you expect me to just ignore him and let him bleed out on the floor? He didn't actually try to kill me, so I can't justify allowing him to die."
[16:15] <@Glenn> "I'm not saying let him -die-, just what we tell the Watch," Glenn replies.
[16:15] <@Henrietta> "You apologized and realized your mistake," Henrietta insists, bending down to offer the wounded man a hand. "For now, help me get him on the deck, and we'll bring him to the dock and towards treatment."
[16:15] <@Ebiris> His hand is limp and clammy against Henrietta's, struggling to even clasp hers properly.
[16:16] <@Rudy> "He doesn't look as though he's going to last five minutes," observes Rudy, doubtfully. "He'd better take the first trip across."
[16:16] <@Miranda_Altair> "Hold on, I've an idea." she says, before closing her eyes and muttering, a glow appearing over her hands.
[16:16] * @Henrietta would pick him up on her own, if the slight matter of a crossbow bolt in her other hand did not impede her. "Truly, I do not believe myself capable of carrying him out on my own right now."
[16:17] <@Miranda_Altair> OOC: Casting Stabilize (touch)
[16:18] <@Ebiris> Miranda's magic seems to make him perk up a little, his stomach sealing up over the wound although it still looks very dark and bruised, and he remains pale and lethargic. "Better..." he gasps, spitting out more blood onto the deckplanks.
[16:19] <@Miranda_Altair> "Good, now let me see your hand, Henrietta."
[16:19] <@Rudy> Rudy sighs, and walks over to the man. "Come on, lean on my shoulder," he says, propping him up. "How much was all this stuff worth, anyway?"
[16:20] <@Glenn> "You fine with the weight, or need a hand?" the mutated alchemist asks Rudy.
[16:20] <@Ebiris> The man seems able to stagger a bit drunkenly with help from Rudy and Henrietta, not a completely dead weight. "Dunno 'xactly," he mutters, "Big monster alone was five hunner' or somethin', I reckon."
[16:21] <@Ebiris> "Some sicko probably would've used it as a guard or something," Trucy adds bitterly as she trails along after everyone else.
[16:21] <@Henrietta> "It's certainly not getting smuggled anywhere," Henrietta comments.
[16:21] <@Miranda_Altair> roll 1d20+6 Heal check for Henrietta's mangled, disfigured, hideously wounded hand.
[16:21] * +Hatbot --> "Miranda_Altair rolls 1d20+6 Heal check for Henrietta's mangled, disfigured, hideously wounded hand. and gets 19." [1d20=13]
[16:21] <@Rudy> "D'ya think the Watch will share your viewpoint on the topic?"
[16:22] <@Ebiris> Miranda's ministrations are far more tender with Henrietta, able to remove the crossbow bolt with no further injury and bind it up nicely. It'll still take time to heal, but at least it's clean and covered.
[16:22] <@Ebiris> OOC: who was that directed at, Rudy?
[16:23] <@Rudy> OOC: Henri-chan
[16:23] <@Henrietta> "A guard is actually as good an explanation for the beast's presence as any," Henrietta muses, nodding to herself. "Alright, I'm willing to believe that."
[16:24] <@Ebiris> The motley crew makes it back onto the main deck of the nixie easily enough, the gondolier waiting on the starboard side while the Nixie itself has its own launch hoisted up towards the rear of the port main deck.
[16:26] <@Glenn> "Who goes with the injured man? Or are we going to somehow try and dock the ship?"
[16:26] <@Henrietta> "I don't suppose there is an easier way to get down to the gondola?" Henrietta asks, not particularly knowledgeable in such matters.
[16:27] <@Rudy> "Not really. Why don't you two just take the gondolier back, and ask for help from the watch or something?"
[16:27] <@Rudy> "I have no idea how to bring the boat back into port, but they must have.. sailors.. at the docks.. for this kind of thing."
[16:27] <@Miranda_Altair> "Perhaps renting a smaller ship to tow us in would be wise?"
[16:27] <@Ebiris> "That's what we were for," Trucy volunteers, "But I couldn't do it on my own..."
[16:28] <@Glenn> "Can you direct us, if we helped?"
[16:28] <@Rudy> "If I climb up that rigging, I shall surely fall and die," notes Rudy.
[16:28] <@Ebiris> "Maybe..." the young girl looks around at everyone dubiously. "Shug's no help like this. The rest of you ever sailed before?"
[16:28] <@Rudy> "Today is my first day on boats, in fact."
[16:29] <@Glenn> "Never even left Salerno as far as my memory goes," Glenn chips in.
[16:29] * @Miranda_Altair shakes her head. "Only travelled."
[16:29] <@Henrietta> "Best to just make several trips across with the gondola," Henrietta suggests, attempting to climb down to it and then help the wounded would-be smuggler onboard.
[16:30] <@Ebiris> She rolls her eyes. "Great, the only four land-lubbers in the whole damn city. No, we're not gonna get anything done like that. Might as well just use the launch or your boats to get back, then."
[16:30] <@Rudy> "We can put him in the launch and lower it down," suggests Rudy.
[16:30] <@Ebiris> OOC: climb check, Henrietta, gondolier will aid and Shug will try not to be useless
[16:30] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+4 gondolier
[16:30] * +Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+4 gondolier and gets 21." [1d20=17]
[16:30] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20-2 Shug
[16:30] * +Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20-2 Shug and gets 18." [1d20=20]
[16:31] <@Henrietta> roll 1d20+3
[16:31] * +Hatbot --> "Henrietta rolls 1d20+3 and gets 21." [1d20=18]
[16:31] <@Ebiris> The wounded smuggler at least knows to grab onto the ropes and not make a nuisance of himself, and with a little help from the gondolier Henrietta gets aboard with her burden. "What happened to the other girl?" the gondolier asks, looking at the bloodied smuggler in clear disappointment.
[16:32] <@Rudy> "Alright, I guess we'll take the launch ourselves," continues Rudy, sighing. "Let's.. untie the ropes and.. pull them... uh."
[16:32] <@Miranda_Altair> "I'm up here!"
[16:32] <@Ebiris> "What about the rowboatyou came in on? I saw it earlier," Trucy asks Rudy in a puzzled tone.
[16:32] <@Rudy> "Oh, your other friend stole it. How much are rowboats?"
[16:33] <@Ebiris> Smiling, the gondolier waves up at Miranda. "There's always room for you if you want to ride!"
[16:33] <@Ebiris> "Depends, most are fifty gold or so?" Trucy shrugs, but can't quite wipe the smile off her face as she goes to start working the pulleys to lower the ship's rowboat down into the water.
[16:35] * @Miranda_Altair attempts to climb down into the gondola.
[16:35] <@Ebiris> OOC: climb check, he'll aid
[16:35] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+4 aiding
[16:35] * +Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+4 aiding and gets 16." [1d20=12]
[16:36] <@Miranda_Altair> roll 1d20
[16:36] * +Hatbot --> "Miranda_Altair rolls 1d20 and gets 2." [1d20=2]
[16:37] <@Ebiris> Miranda starts to lower herself down, the gondolier's hands offering a convenient cushion for her derriere, but abruptly she slips and loses her grip entirely!
[16:37] <@Ebiris> OOC: gondolier is directly below rather than water, so you can make a jump or tumble check to negate the damage
[16:37] <@Ebiris> OOC: wait
[16:37] <@Ebiris> OOC: Acrobatics!
[16:37] <@Rudy> "Fifty gold? That much?" complains Rudy, beckoning Myra across. "The perils of an honest life..."
[16:37] <@Miranda_Altair> "EeeEEEP!"
[16:38] <@Miranda_Altair> roll 1d20+2
[16:38] * +Hatbot --> "Miranda_Altair rolls 1d20+2 and gets 11." [1d20=9]
[16:38] <@Ebiris> "They don't grow on trees..." Trucy starts but breaks off into stifled and near hysterical giggles as the boat is easily lowered down the Nixie's port side.
[16:38] <@Ebiris> roll 1d6
[16:38] * +Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d6 and gets 3." [1d6=3]
[16:39] <@Henrietta> "Would you mind terribly waiting on the peer, as we bring the watch over?" Henrietta calls to Rudy, Glenn and Trucy, trying her very best to maintain her composure in the face of such blatant flirting going on in an already cramped gondola.
[16:39] <@Rudy> "They're made of wood. Wood comes from trees. So they kind of grow out of trees, right?" asks Rudy, glancing back at Henrietta. "Can do!"
[16:40] <@Ebiris> Miranda plummets and lands hard on the gondola, setting it to rocking! Or rather, she lands hard on the unfortunate gondolier, who softens the impact somewhat as he's buried beneath witch!
[16:40] <@Ebiris> OOC: 3 nonlethal damage
[16:40] * @Henrietta can't resist rubbing her forehead tiredly with her good hand. "I shall attempt to return as swiftly as humanly possible, I give you my word."
[16:41] * @Glenn turns to Rudy. "You said you found it, by the way, right?" he asks, regarding the item they had been tasked to search for by Vanderboren.
[16:41] <@Ebiris> With the other boat now in the water, Trucy scrambles down ahead of everyone else on the port side.
[16:41] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+4
[16:41] * +Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+4 and gets 18." [1d20=14]
[16:41] <@Miranda_Altair> "Oof! Umm...sorry." she says, getting up and trying to help the poor man to his feet.
[16:42] <@Ebiris> "Urgh... quite alright," he gets up with Miranda's help, blushing profusely. "Okay... everyone ready to go?" he unsteadily leans over to collect his dropped pole, floating by the side of the gondola.
[16:43] * @Miranda_Altair nods.
[16:43] <@Henrietta> "Yes, by all means! We must find the Watch, as well as someone to help this injured man!"
[16:44] <@Rudy> Rudy ties the top of the sack so it won't spill, and tries to clamber down without embarrasing himself!
[16:44] <@Ebiris> With that he starts poling away towards the pier, while the wounded smuggler groans miserably and hogs much of the gondola for himself.
[16:44] <@Ebiris> OOC: climb, Rudy. Same for Myra/Glenn if following
[16:45] <@Glenn> roll d20+1
[16:45] * +Hatbot --> "Glenn rolls d20+1 and gets 9." [d20=8]
[16:45] <@Ebiris> Glenn slips as he climbs, but manages to dig his temporary claws into the railing and keep from tipping over entirely as his feet scrabble for purchase!
[16:46] <@Rudy> roll 1d20 climbing!!1
[16:46] * +Hatbot --> "Rudy rolls 1d20 climbing!!1 and gets 14." [1d20=14]
[16:46] <@Rudy> Myra drops the sack onto the boat before beginning to climb down herself!
[16:46] <@Rudy> roll 1d20+3 myra!1
[16:46] * +Hatbot --> "Rudy rolls 1d20+3 myra!1 and gets 22." [1d20=19]
[16:46] <@Ebiris> Rudy however manages to join young Trucy in the rowboat with minimal fuss, quickly followed by Myra who descends 'head' first but seems entirely at ease with her strange method. Trucy does shuffle away from the monstrosity as much as she can, however.
[16:47] <@Ebiris> OOC: Glenn, you failed to make any progress, you can try again or just try jumping down
[16:48] * @Glenn grumbles, and tries to get down again, hopefully keeping in mind his modified body this time.
[16:48] <@Glenn> roll d20+1
[16:48] * +Hatbot --> "Glenn rolls d20+1 and gets 16." [d20=15]
[16:50] <@Ebiris> That does it, Glenn makes it down and then they're off, multiple rowers able to catch up with the more stately gondola, and soon the entire party are reunited on the docks! "That's enough for one night, I think I'll worry about cleaning it up tomorrow," the gondolier sighs with a glance at the bloodied and torn seat on his craft. "So, uh... my name's Darryn," he finally introduces himself to Miranda with a bashful smile.
[16:51] * @Henrietta immediately departs in search of healers and Watchmen, unwilling to interrupt this tender moment.
[16:52] <@Miranda_Altair> "I'm Miranda." she says with a smile. "Do you know the way to the nearest Watch house, Darryn?"
[16:53] <@Ebiris> "Uh, yeah, it's this way," he perks up at Miranda's smile and starts leading everyone in the opposite way Henrietta is starting to stalk off in, while Shug groans and starts staggering off on an entirely different course away from everyone else.
[16:54] * @Henrietta is not so far gone that she can't adjust her path while making it look entirely natural.
[16:54] <@Rudy> "I don't feel comfortably carrying this sack around these parts," mumbles Rudy, in an aside.
[16:54] <@Ebiris> Trucy falls in step with Henrietta's subtle U-turn, although she glances at Shug's departing form with a conflicted expression. "I guess he just wants to sleep it off?"
[16:55] <@Miranda_Altair> "We can drop it off with the Lady in a bit, I suppose."
[16:55] <@Ebiris> "What's in the sack?" Trucy asks curiously.
[16:55] * @Henrietta shrugs. "I can't very well force him to seek medical care."
[16:56] <@Rudy> "Money," replies Rudy, offhandedly. "It belongs to the owner of that boat."
[16:57] <@Ebiris> "She was..." Trucy's eyes narrow a moment before her face lights up in both realisation and disappointment. "Oh! Vark's stash? Damn, I thought Maril was gonna get that..."
[16:58] <@Rudy> "That would be stealing! Which is wrong."
[16:58] * @Miranda_Altair looks at Trucy curiously. "Who's Maril?"
[16:58] <@Ebiris> "It's stealing from a thief, isn't that alright?" Trucy asks cunningly, before glancing to Miranda. "She's the woman you gave the evil eye to, remember?"
[16:59] <@Henrietta> "It's not quite right when we have been hired by the rightful owner," Henrietta comments.
[16:59] <@Rudy> "I don't write the laws, honey."
[17:00] * @Miranda_Altair slows for a bit before resuming walking. "Maril, huh?"
[17:01] <@Ebiris> As the law is debated, so does the party approach a bastion of lawfulness in the form of a city guardhouse, well lit up against the gloom with two men in leather armour with blue and silver tabards standing guard at the open doors. "That's it there," Darryn points it out.
[17:02] <@Henrietta> With her destination straight ahead, Henrietta marches towards the armor-clad guards!
[17:02] <@Rudy> "Ho! Guardsman! We have a most henious crime to report!" proclaims Rudy, wandering towards the gates.
[17:03] <@Miranda_Altair> "Thank you, Darryl." she says, giving him a peck on the cheek. "Why don't you go on home for the night. I wouldn't want you to get mixed up in this nasty business. Your boss might fire you."
[17:03] <@Ebiris> "Evening, Miss," the one on the left nods to Henrietta, before both perk up at Rudy's words. "What's this about? Trouble?" the take note of Henrietta's bandaged hand and bloodied dress, although most of said blood came from Shug.
[17:03] <@Ebiris> Darryl blushes and rubs his cheek, giving Miranda a boyish grin before walking away blissfully.
[17:04] <@Rudy> "In the process of carrying out our duties, we uncovered a plot to smuggle contraband with an impounded vessel," declares Rudy. "The harbourmaster should be ashamed! Right under his nose!"
[17:05] <@Henrietta> "We have been hired by Lavinia Vanderboren to negotiate the safe release of her vessel with one Soller Vark," Henrietta further elaborates. "Not only did he attempt this heinous deed, but he attacked us without provocation!"
[17:06] <@Ebiris> The two guards exchange a look and sigh. "Is it something that needs immediate attention or have you lot already taken it on yourselves to deal with?" the one on the right asks in response to Rudy, before the leftmost one nods to Henrietta. "Right, you better all go in and cover this with the Lieutenant."
[17:07] <@Rudy> "Do you get this kind of thing often?" asks Rudy, after a moment.
[17:07] <@Miranda_Altair> "It's all over but the shouting, boys. We just need to get the ship towed in."
[17:07] <@Henrietta> "Thank you kindly," Henrietta says, tipping her hat towards the guard. "Where would I find the lieutenant?" she asks afterwards, not willing to just go off randomly once inside.
[17:08] <@Ebiris> "S'on the rise," the rightmost guard replies curtly. "Not my place to tell the Harbourmaster his business, though. Just go right in, that's 'im there," he turns and points into the guardhouse where an older man in a tabard but no armour is sat over a sheaf of papers. He looks up at the pointing.
[17:09] * @Henrietta proceed onwards towards the officer!
[17:09] <@Rudy> "Hmm." Rudy shrugs, and brings up the rear. Myra remains outside, clutching the sack!
[17:10] <@Ebiris> The officer stands up as people come in. "Think I heard some of that from in here. Lieutenant Graves, at your service," he offers Henrietta his hand. "So some sort of smuggling plot, was it?" Outside the two guards edge slightly away from Myra.
[17:10] <@Ebiris> Trucy follows Henrietta in, albeit with some trepidation.
[17:12] * @Henrietta shakes the offered hand. "So it appears," she responds. "One we have had the misfortune of stumbling upon as we were under the employ of Miss Lavinia Vanderboren. Normally, we would have left it for morning, but that man Vark was smuggling animals, and they are still on the Blue Nixie, the whole lot of that frightened bunch."
[17:14] <@Ebiris> "Oh, ancestors..." he palms his face momentarily. "Animals are the worst. All that shit and mess everywhere, screeching and clawing when we try to impound them. Anything particularly dangerous in the bunch? Had to deal with a hold full of juvenile hippogriffs last week, and that was just no fun for anyone," he shakes his head in resignation.
[17:14] <@Rudy> "Not anymore! Unless there's a species of venomous parrot..."
[17:14] <@Henrietta> "There was a... guard bug, of sorts?" Henrietta makes a face. "It was terribly dangerous and tore up a person."
[17:15] <@Glenn> "It was a Rhagodessa," Glenn clarifies.
[17:15] <@Henrietta> "Bless you," Henrietta says kindly.
[17:16] <@Glenn> "Thanks," Glenn replies drily.
[17:16] <@Ebiris> "Was?" he latches onto that word. "If it's dead, good, we can just tip it out for the fish," he nods. "Haven't seen a poison parrot yet, but you never know... Okay, I'll want to take statements from each of you. Disturbing Lady Vanderboren can wait until morning, but I'll have some men sent to impound the animals..."
[17:17] <@Ebiris> OOC: we can skim over police procedure, does anyone intend to give more than just the facts in their statements?
[17:17] <@Miranda_Altair> OOC: Nope.
[17:17] <@Rudy> OOC: I'll put in a nice word for poor Trudy who lost her best friend under the cruel manipulations of the unscrupulous Vark.
[17:18] <@Henrietta> OOC: I'll do the same and even spell her name right
[17:20] <@Ebiris> After taking everyone's stories, Lieutenant Graves nods, "Alright. Trucy, we'll need to keep you here until things are straightened out," he gives the young girl a kind look as she tries to make herself look as small and pathetic as possible, "Sounds like it'll be a bit of dicking around considering Vark had the Harbourmaster's backing in all this, so you'll probably get off easy. The rest of you are free to go, but let your employer know someone'll be round tomorrow to speak to her."
[17:21] <@Rudy> "Certainly. Come on, let's go get paid!" declares Rudy, triumphantly marching off. "Finally! I can live under a roof again!"
[17:22] * @Miranda_Altair eyes Rudy as he comes out. "What's so bad about sleeping outside?"
[17:22] <@Rudy> "Haha! You're funny! I like you!"
[17:23] <@Ebiris> Trucy meanwhile sighs and submits herself to captivity as the lieutenant has two guards gently take her down to the cells.
[17:23] <@Henrietta> "I will be staying at the Balstorm Inn for the next few days," Henrietta tells the officer and Trucy alike before she departs. "Just in case you need to get in contact with me regarding any fines."
[17:24] <@Ebiris> "Thanks," Graves nods to Henrietta in response to her civic mindedness. "Suppose for the rest we'll go through Lady Vanderboren."
[17:25] <@Ebiris> OOC: Going back to Lavinia's now or waiting till tomorrow?
[17:25] * @Henrietta returns the nod, leaving with the others. "Despite the late hour, perhaps Lady Vanderboren would be pleased to receive her property back as soon as possible?" she suggests.
[17:25] * @Miranda_Altair nods. "Most likely she'll be glad to hear good news."
[17:26] <@Rudy> "I think it would be better than lugging that thing everywhere," suggests Rudy, glancing at Myra.
[17:27] <@Henrietta> "Your pet?" Henrietta asks, following Rudy's glance.
[17:27] <@Rudy> "My pet, with the sack of coins?"
[17:28] <@Henrietta> "Ah, of course. It would be a terrible thing to have to defend ourselves once more, and see another person plummet into the sea, burning."
[17:29] <@Ebiris> It's not a long walk back to the Vanderboren estate, and you can see from the closed but unlocked gate that there are lights on inside. Upon knocking on the door, Kora answers in short order and ushers you all inside to a plush sitting room with paintings showing jungle scenes and panoramic landscapes. Lavinia isn't long in coming, still dressed the same as she was earlier. "You've returned, more quickly even than I hoped," she smiles, "What news do you bring?"
[17:29] <@Miranda_Altair> "We brought your sack back."
[17:30] <@Ebiris> "My sack?" Lavinia repeats, giving Miranda a bemused look, before she sees what Myra carries and lights up. "Oh! So Vark still had all of my money on him? And you reclaimed it?" she asks eagerly.
[17:31] <@Rudy> "There's a lot of coins in there," replies Rudy, with a nod. "I also took the liberty of procuring this," he adds, flashing the signet ring.
[17:32] <@Glenn> "Your ship might be out of your hands for a while longer though, given what Vark was doing on it, and the investigation that's going to follow," Glenn adds. "But you probably care most about the ring anyway."
[17:32] <@Henrietta> "Vark was also, it turns out, using your ship for smuggling," Henrietta adds here. "We have managed to catch him in the act, and the Watch has all the details of this and of his unprovoked attack on us. On the morrow, Lieutenant Graves will send someone to contact you for further details."
[17:33] <@Ebiris> "Ahh, even better!" Lavinia grins, focusing on the ring and approaching Rudy expectantly to claim it. Further elaboration from Glenn and Henrietta sobers her. "I see. Do you know when? I intended to visit the vaults tomorrow if I had the ring, although I must also settle things witht he Harbourmaster..." a shrewd look comes over her. "If his man is guilty of smuggling on my vessel, though, I may be able to force him into rescinding the fines entirely."
[17:34] <@Henrietta> "The thought has crossed our minds," Henrietta agrees. "And he was most certainly guilty, as we have both material proof and witnesses on our side."
[17:34] <@Rudy> "Tomorrow, most likely. I imagine they'll want to get this sorted quickly."
[17:35] * @Henrietta nods. "The morning, I would expect."
[17:37] <@Ebiris> Lavinia nods in satisfaction. "I'm most grateful for all your work, it has turned out far better than I had hoped." She pauses a moment, looking over the group with a thoughtful eye. "If you are interested, I would like to hire you to be my personal troubleshooters and bodyguards - I could pay a retainer of one hundred gold per month each, and you may find other advantages beyond the coin to serving one of Salerno's noble families."
[17:38] <@Miranda_Altair> Eyes very wide, Miranda nods silently.
[17:40] <@Henrietta> "As long as I would be called upon to earn that retainer, I would happily accept your gracious offer, Lady Vanderboren," Henrietta responds, curtseying before her employer.
[17:40] <@Rudy> "A hundred gold a month on retainer, eh? I assume there's to be a bonus for successful tasks?" asks Rudy, thoughtfully. "Shall we draw a contract tomorrow?"
[17:42] * @Glenn whistles softly as he thinks of the money and how he can use it, thinking of how fast that will help him set up an alchemical lab. "It does sound like a good deal," Glenn admits.
[17:43] <@Ebiris> "For particularly risky or burdensome tasks, yes," Lavinia responds to Rudy, "I already have a task for tomorrow, actually, where your help would be needed but it should not be so strenuous as to require more than earning your wage." She glances to her maid, "Kora, would you count out the payment for today's work from the Harbourmaster's fines? I doubt I'll need to pay them after this."
[17:45] <@Ebiris> The dwarven maid comes over now to bravely try and take the sack of platinum from Myra...
[17:46] <@Rudy> The arm that was holding the sack seems to retract into Myra's body, dropping it unceremoniously on the floor.
[17:49] <@Ebiris> And so Kora starts counting out platinum coins into four neat stacks of ten off to the side, while Lavinia continues unperturbed. "As I mentioned before, I must access my family's vaults at Castle Teraknian. The signet ring should get past the first hurdle, but rumours speak of the vaults being trapped and guarded by all sorts - I've never been, but from overhearing my parents I believe our vaults to be small and relatively safe, but may be some sort of construct guardian. Therefore I'd like for you four to accompany me to the vaults for protection and aid in investigating the contents."
[17:50] <@Rudy> "Wouldn't the guardian bow to your presence?" asks Rudy, blinking.
[17:51] <@Ebiris> She shrugs apologetically, "I don't know. Perhaps it might recognise me, but I've never seen it... that I recall. No doubt it was trained to recognise my parents, or some sort of password, but it is nothing they ever shared with me."
[17:52] <@Rudy> "Hmm..."
[17:54] <@Henrietta> "It is regrettable that this knowledge was not passed on to you, Lady Vanderboren, but this certainly fits within the capacity of a bodyguard to protect you from such threats. When do you expect to depart for your vaults?"
[17:55] <@Ebiris> "As you said the guards will be by tomorrow morning, I will hire a coach to take us from my estate to the castle after lunchtime, say around one?" Lavinia suggests.
[17:55] <@Glenn> "That sounds all right with me," Glenn states.
[17:56] * @Miranda_Altair nods. "I can do that."
[17:56] <@Rudy> "I should probably be sober by then," agrees Rudy.
[17:56] <@Ebiris> By now Kora has counted out the money and starts handing out piles of ten platinum coins to everyone, giving Rudy a chastening look at his words.
[17:57] <@Ebiris> OOC: Okay, we can skip along now. Does anyone have any plans before meeting up at Lavinia's after lunch tomorrow?
[17:58] <@Henrietta> OOC: I want to GI the Vanderboren family situation/recent history tomorrow morning.
[17:58] <@Rudy> OOC: I have dates
[17:58] <@Rudy> OOC: Also, I want to talk about some stuff before we go see her
[17:58] <@Miranda_Altair> OOC: Naw. Feed raven, sleep 8 hours, regen spellz.
[17:58] <@Rudy> OOC: That would be with the people who I sort of work with now
[17:58] <@Ebiris> OOC: go ahead and roll GI, Henri. What's Rudy's dating agenda?
[17:59] <@Henrietta> OOC: I'll happily take 10 for 20, please
[17:59] <@Rudy> OOC: I'll go to the crooked lantern, meet up with the waitress, and get horribly drunk
[17:59] <@Rudy> OOC: Also, I'll heal Myra
[18:00] <@Rudy> roll 1d10+1 HEALZ
[18:00] * +Hatbot --> "Rudy rolls 1d10+1 HEALZ and gets 4." [1d10=3]
[18:02] <@Ebiris> OOC: roll a charisma check, Rudy?
[18:03] <@Rudy> roll 1d20+5 are you serious
[18:03] * +Hatbot --> "Rudy rolls 1d20+5 are you serious and gets 7." [1d20=2]
[18:04] <@Ebiris> Henrietta has a productive morning, catching up on noble gossip. Apparently it's a rather ghastly topic, as a tragic fire a month ago claimed the lives of Verik and Larissa Vanderboren on their yacht while taking a pleasure cruise out of Salerno. They're survived by their eldest daughter, Lavinia, and her younger brother, Vanthus. Lavinia's been busy trying to assume control over the family, while Vanthus hasn't been seen much, and there's some speculation that he's fallen in with a bad crowd.
[18:04] <@Ebiris> Rudy has a less productive morning as he tries to sleep off his excesses of the night before, but from what he recalls it was a good night, having a few drinks after hours with the redheaded waitress who's name he... just can't quite remember. He's certain it started with a D! And he thinks he got a kiss, but it's rather hazy... For some reason Myra seems rather disapproving of him this morning as well.
[18:06] <@Rudy> "Don't look at me with those eyes!" yells Rudy, throwing a pillow in Myra's face. "Only my father looks at me like that! I won't stand for it!" he adds, hurriedly getting dressed for the day before scampering out of his cheat rented room.
[18:08] <@Ebiris> In varying states of wakefulness and energy, the party soon gathers at the merchant square near Lavinia's home, ready to make plans for their new employer...
[18:08] <@Henrietta> Feeling invigorated and energized by her fruitful morning, Henrietta waves at the others as she approaches.
[18:09] <@Rudy> "Hello, everyone! How do you do this morning? Afternoon. I would've liked to share drinks with all of you in celebration of our success, but there was a prior engagement," says Rudy, striding up towards the group with Myra in tow. "However! We can still make up for lost time!"
[18:09] * @Miranda_Altair waves cheerfully in return. "Hi Henrietta!"
[18:10] <@Glenn> "Afternoon, all," Glenn greets in turn.
[18:11] <@Henrietta> "Ah, you mean after we defeat the inevitable guarding at our employer's vault and go out for ale in a seedy tavern?" Henrietta asks excitedly.
[18:12] <@Miranda_Altair> "It's just an ale, Henrietta. Nothing to get giddy over." says Miranda, eyeing Henrietta oddly.
[18:12] <@Rudy> "A seedy tavern? But we can afford so much better."
[18:13] <@Rudy> "Besides, I've had quite enough of seedy inns," adds Rudy. "Since it seems we're going to be here a bit longer than I thought, I was thinking of looking into getting a proper place."
[18:14] <@Henrietta> "It does sound rather sensible," Henrietta agrees. "Why, I have been considering that very same thing. I cannot possibly stay too long at an inn as if I have no proper home to return to. Still..." Henrietta looks rather hopeful as she asks, "can we still go for ale even if we are paid well?"
[18:14] <@Glenn> "I hope to save enough money to set up a proper alchemical lab to call my own, but some drinks wouldn't dent my savings much," Glenn comments.
[18:15] <@Rudy> "Oh! Can you make drinks?"
[18:15] * @Miranda_Altair nods at Henrietta. "Sure, I'll take you to get some drinks after this is all over, hmm?"
[18:15] <@Henrietta> "Just as long as there are dangerous sorts about," Henrietta agrees, mollified.
[18:16] <@Glenn> "No, but I can do next best thing," Glenn admits as he pulls out a small flask. "This, is called Alchemist's Kindness. It sobers you up and gets rid of a hangover. One of the best things an alchemist can make, if I do say so myself."
[18:16] <@Rudy> "Do you mind if I take a look?"
[18:16] <@Miranda_Altair> "Then the bars by the docks are the best, I'd think. There could be a decent bar fight, even!" Miranda says, a bit dreamily.
[18:17] <@Henrietta> "My, I have always wanted to have one!"
[18:17] <@Glenn> "...if you drink it, I'm charging you for it," Glenn informs Rudy.
[18:17] <@Miranda_Altair> "The trick is to get them to fight over you. It's so much better!"
[18:18] <@Rudy> Rudy pauses for a moment, and then shakes his head. "You are both terrible people, you know," he remarks. "How dare you toy with the hearts of men?!"
[18:18] <@Miranda_Altair> "Oh hush. Men like it."
[18:18] <@Henrietta> "I toyed with the hearts of men?"
[18:19] <@Rudy> "I believe I am somewhat more qualified to speak on that."
[18:19] <@Henrietta> "I toyed with your heart?"
[18:19] <@Miranda_Altair> "You spend your time with a monstrous sin against god creature with too many mouths. I doubt your credibility."
[18:20] * @Henrietta is just progressively getting confused with the turn the conversation has taken.
[18:21] <@Glenn> "So what sort of being do you think the guardian might be? And do we still get paid if there is no such being?" Glenn ponders, attempting to derail the conversation to work-related subjects, without a hint of subtlety.
[18:22] <@Henrietta> "We will get paid per our retainer regardless," Henrietta responds, finding herself on familiar ground now. "And it was said to be a construct? Luckily, I have a flail! I shall use it, if need be!"
[18:22] <@Rudy> "Myra will get the job done, if necessary," suggests Rudy. "Fighting is one of her talents! Alongside making beds, and sweeping."
[18:23] <@Miranda_Altair> "I suppose it may be a challenge, if it decides not to immediately recognize Miss Lavinia." mumbles Miranda.
[18:24] <@Rudy> "Though, I bet there's some kind of puzzle," continues Rudy. "And I bet I can solve it."
[18:25] <@Henrietta> "I suppose we can do that," Henrietta concedes, looking contrite. "But if you happen to fail, we can fight it!"
[18:25] <@Rudy> "Do you like fighting?"
[18:25] <@Miranda_Altair> "I think she does."
[18:25] * @Henrietta brightens up considerably at the question. "Oh yes! It is the reason I'm traveling, in fact! To fight villainry!"
[18:26] <@Rudy> "Shouldn't you join the Watch, then?" asks Rudy, confused. "They deal with villains full-time."
[18:26] <@Henrietta> "Then I wouldn't be traveling anymore."
[18:26] <@Rudy> "That is something of a conundrum."
[18:26] * @Miranda_Altair nods. Very sensible.
[18:28] <@Henrietta> "Shall we proceed to meet with our employer, then? I'm certain today will be glorious!"
[18:28] <@Miranda_Altair> "To work!"
[18:29] <@Rudy> "They'll sing songs about us yet? Tally-ho, and all that?"
[18:30] <@Henrietta> "That would probably need to wait until we can laugh off crossbow bolts instead of having trouble falling asleep at night from all the terrible pain," Henrietta says quite reasonably. "But one day!"
[18:31] <@Rudy> "Oh, I'm so sorry!" says Rudy, aghast. "Are you alright now? Are you sure you should be working in your condition?"
[18:32] * @Miranda_Altair elbows Henrietta gently in the side. "Ale would have fixed that problem right up, you know."
[18:32] <@Rudy> "Workplace injuries are no joking matter, you know!"
[18:32] <@Miranda_Altair> "Who's joking? Ale really would have helped her sleep!" she says innocently.
[18:33] * @Henrietta smiles. "I'm sure I'll be fine, but thank you all for your concern. If I cannot find it within me to swing my flail, I will just have to use my magic and annihilate our opposition."
[18:33] <@Ebiris> OOC: ready to move on?
[18:33] <@Rudy> OOC: Sure
[18:33] <@Glenn> ooc: yep
[18:33] <@Henrietta> OOC: Sure
[18:33] <@Miranda_Altair> OOC: Yup
[18:34] <@Ebiris> Lavinia is found at her estate in a quite irrepressibly happy mood. Informing you all that she's spoken to the guards and the Harbourmaster this morning, and managed to avoid paying any fines due to Vark's disgrace, she has everyone get onto a horsedrawn carriage which begins heading through the Merchant district, across a bridge into Azure before heading down towards the Noble district where Castle Teraknian sits. It's a large and imposing old fortress, built on a crag of rock jutting close to the harbour entrance. It's as much a civic structure as a defence point, and Lavinia leads you all in easily enough. She's only stopped by a clerk long enough to display her signet ring and verify her identity before he escorts you all down a spiral staircase to a large circular room below the castle. Over a dozen hallways branch out from here, leading to various family vaults, and the clerk only stays long enough to point out the Vanderboren vault down one of the passages before bidding you all good day and heading back upstairs.
[18:36] <@Rudy> "Who runs this castle?" asks Rudy, walking alongside Lavinia. "I assume there's some charge for keeping things here?"
[18:36] * @Henrietta wards herself in advance once they have passed through the first obstacle of the clerks, keeping slightly behind.
[18:38] <@Ebiris> "It's run by the Iron Council," Lavinia explains as she starts down the indicated path. "Most vaults are ancestral, and I think you'd have to wait for someone to give up their vault for a new spot to open up." The short passageway ends in a solid looking iron door, emblazoned with a simple rune of an eight pointed star. Above the door on a polishd silver plaque is the name "Vanderboren" written in flowing script. A handle juts out, just below a circular depression bearing the same mark as Lavinia's signet ring.
[18:40] <@Rudy> "The protections must carry a significant fee for any newcomers," muses Rudy. "Well, milady, here we are."
[18:42] * @Henrietta prepares for any fearsome guardians that might suddenly attack!
[18:42] <@Ebiris> "That looks familiar," Lavinia opines, pausing a moment to regard the rune, before she presses her ring against the depression. The door glows blue for a moment before soundlessly opening inwards, revealing a domed chamber of polished green marble. Two fifteen feet wide alcoves have lower ceilings and feature marble pillars carved to resemble coiling snakes, and five similar pillars are embedded into the walls around the room, rising up to the dome bearing the same eight pointed star. "After you?" Lavinia steps back to let her bodyguards take point inside.
[18:43] <@Rudy> Rudy boldly sends Myra in first!
[18:43] <@Ebiris> OOC: Myra can roll perception
[18:44] <@Rudy> roll 1d20+12
[18:44] * +Hatbot --> "Rudy rolls 1d20+12 and gets 28." [1d20=16]
[18:44] * @Glenn fiddles with his hand near a dose of the mutagen, but pulls his hands away in the end. 'Probably won't need it...' he tells himself as he steps in next.
[18:44] * @Miranda_Altair eyes the snakes warily as she steps in behind Glenn. "...I hate snakes."
[18:45] -> *Rudy* Myra can see a metallic snake nestled amidst the pillar in the lefthand alcove, clinging to the wall and moving with uncanny silence towards the entrance where everyone is coming in.
[18:46] <@Rudy> Myra lets loose a shriek of alarm, and points a finger towards the ceiling! A moment later, Rudy raises his crossbow and fires a shot into the alcoves!
[18:46] <@Ebiris> OOC: init
[18:46] <@Henrietta> roll 1d20+2
[18:46] * +Hatbot --> "Henrietta rolls 1d20+2 and gets 18." [1d20=16]
[18:46] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+3 guardian
[18:46] * +Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+3 guardian and gets 6." [1d20=3]
[18:46] <@Miranda_Altair> roll 1d20+2
[18:46] * @Glenn looks around briefly, looking for a guardian when Myra lets loose that shriek!
[18:46] * +Hatbot --> "Miranda_Altair rolls 1d20+2 and gets 10." [1d20=8]
[18:46] <@Rudy> roll 1d20+4 aww I was cool for a second there...
[18:46] * +Hatbot --> "Rudy rolls 1d20+4 aww I was cool for a second there... and gets 9." [1d20=5]
[18:47] <@Glenn> roll d20+4
[18:47] * +Hatbot --> "Glenn rolls d20+4 and gets 22." [d20=18]
[18:47] <@Rudy> roll 1d20+1 myra
[18:47] * +Hatbot --> "Rudy rolls 1d20+1 myra and gets 10." [1d20=9]
[18:47] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+2 Lavinia
[18:47] * +Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+2 Lavinia and gets 19." [1d20=17]
[18:48] * Ebiris changes topic to 'Glenn > Lavinia > Henrietta > Miranda > Myra > Rudy > Guardian'
[18:48] <@Ebiris> If anyone besides Myra wants to see anything they can roll perception as well.
[18:48] <@Miranda_Altair> roll 1d20
[18:48] * +Hatbot --> "Miranda_Altair rolls 1d20 and gets 7." [1d20=7]
[18:49] <@Henrietta> roll 1d20+2
[18:49] * +Hatbot --> "Henrietta rolls 1d20+2 and gets 11." [1d20=9]
[18:49] <@Rudy> roll 1d20 though I can just cheat
[18:49] * +Hatbot --> "Rudy rolls 1d20 though I can just cheat and gets 12." [1d20=12]
[18:49] <@Glenn> roll d20+6
[18:49] * +Hatbot --> "Glenn rolls d20+6 and gets 9." [d20=3]
[18:49] <@Ebiris> Myra is pointing furiously towards the ceiling by the left alcove, but no one can really tell exactly what she's pointing at. The pillar? It doesn't look different than any of the others...
[18:49] <@Ebiris> OOC: Glenn
[18:51] <@Glenn> "Oh...why not. I spent my morning making it, after all," he mutters under his breath as his hand digs into one of his pockets and pulls out the mutagen, which he chugs down, enacting the same changes from the night before.
[18:52] <@Ebiris> Lavinia keeps herself in the hallway behind the protective presence of her hired goons! "What is it?" she asks anxiously, peering over people's shoulders.
[18:52] <@Ebiris> OOC: Henrietta
[18:53] <@Glenn> "Not sure, haven't seen anything yet, but that sort of shriek can't mean anything good..." Glenn answers their employer.
[18:53] <@Henrietta> "Please keep back, My Lady!" Henrietta calls out, drawing her flail and stepping before their employer. Myra should draw the guardian's first attack, if there truly is one, and then she would be ready!

[Ebiris]

[18:56] <@Miranda_Altair> Miranda peers upward, trying to see what could be the matter, but can't make anything out. "What the hells is up there?"
[18:56] <@Ebiris> OOC: you can try another perception check as a move action
[18:56] <@Miranda_Altair> roll 1d20+2
[18:56] * +Hatbot --> "Miranda_Altair rolls 1d20+2 and gets 19." [1d20=17]
[18:57] -> *Miranda* You can't really see anything that seems dangerous.
[18:57] <@Ebiris> OOC: Myra
[18:59] -> *Miranda_Altair* You can't really see anything that seems dangerous.
[18:59] -> *Miranda_Altair* (I accidentally sent that to Miranda)
[19:00] <@Rudy> Myra squeals again, and her appendages morph into sharpened claws, ready to grab the guardian should it come near her! Rudy sighs. "I don't know, but she's never panicky over nothing, you know," he remarks, aiming his crossbow in the direction Myra is looking at.
[19:00] <@Rudy> OOC: myra's readying an action to hit the snake if it goes by her
[19:00] <@Rudy> OOC: and she's in the doorway
[19:01] <@Ebiris> OOC: Okay, readying an action yourself?
[19:01] <@Rudy> OOC: To shoot a.. thing... if I see it? >_>
[19:02] <@Ebiris> As everyone prepares, the guardian suddenly reveals itself! A dull grey metallic snake of three feet in length slithers with complete silence across the marble despite its iron plating, and lunges up to bite Myra in plain view of everyone!
[19:02] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+5 charge
[19:02] * +Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+5 charge and gets 16." [1d20=11]
[19:02] <@Ebiris> OOC: AC, Myra?
[19:02] <@Rudy> OOC: 15
[19:03] <@Ebiris> roll 1d6+1 and fort save
[19:03] * +Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d6+1 and fort save and gets 5." [1d6=4]
[19:03] <@Rudy> roll 1d20+3 oh no
[19:03] * +Hatbot --> "Rudy rolls 1d20+3 oh no and gets 22." [1d20=19]
[19:04] <@Ebiris> Myra is savagely bitten, the snake hanging off her forearm as blood and a clear liquid with a metallic sharp tang drip down from the injury!
[19:04] <@Ebiris> OOC: readied actions can go now. That's Henrietta, Rudy, and Myra
[19:04] * Retrieving #dunes modes...
[19:04] <@Rudy> roll 1d20+4 bite!
[19:04] * +Hatbot --> "Rudy rolls 1d20+4 bite! and gets 12." [1d20=8]
[19:04] <@Rudy> roll 1d20+5 shoot!
[19:04] * +Hatbot --> "Rudy rolls 1d20+5 shoot!  and gets 8." [1d20=3]
[19:04] * Ebiris changes topic to 'Glenn > Lavinia > Miranda > Guardian > Henrietta > Myra > Rudy'
[19:05] <@Henrietta> roll 1d20-2 ray of frost
[19:05] * +Hatbot --> "Henrietta rolls 1d20-2 ray of frost and gets -1." [1d20=1]
[19:05] <@Ebiris> Myra's many mouths can't quite get a proper biting grip on the flailing snake, although it at least lets go of her arm and drops to the floor! Meanwhile arrows and rays go flying into the chamber, zipping past both combatants to no effect!
[19:05] <@Ebiris> OOC: Glenn
[19:08] * @Glenn moves closer to the snake, circling it so he's opposite Myra and giving the others more room to work with and attempts to slash at it! "Lady Vanderboren, can you try to calm it at all? Wouldn't want to leave you without a guardian for the future!"
[19:08] <@Ebiris> OOC: moving around the snake will provoke an AoO, Glenn. you okay with that?
[19:08] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+3 AoO go
[19:08] <@Glenn> ooc: yes
[19:08] * +Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+3 AoO go and gets 18." [1d20=15]
[19:09] <@Ebiris> The snake lashes out at Glenn's ankles as he passes, but he's too quick by far!
[19:09] <@Ebiris> OOC: Go with the attacks
[19:09] * @Henrietta thinks that a proper lady can afford to replace such a nasty guardian with one that greets her properly!
[19:11] <@Glenn> roll d20+6 claw
[19:11] * +Hatbot --> "Glenn rolls d20+6 claw and gets 25." [d20=19]
[19:11] <@Ebiris> OOC: hit
[19:11] <@Glenn> roll d6+1
[19:12] * +Hatbot --> "Glenn rolls d6+1 and gets 3." [d6=2]
[19:12] <@Ebiris> Glen gives the snake a vicious clawing, but it's like clawing... well, metal. He only manages to blunt his nails, barely even scratching the slithering plates!
[19:12] <@Ebiris> "Er... stop that!" Lavinia calls from the back rather lamely, keeping well sheltered behind Henrietta and Miranda. The snake doesn't seem particularly moved by her words.
[19:13] <@Ebiris> OOC: Miranda
[19:13] <@Miranda_Altair> OOC: Casting Ray of Enfeeblement
[19:13] <@Ebiris> OOC: make a ranged touch attack and then a CL check
[19:14] * @Miranda_Altair mutters some soft words, a sickly green glow forming around her hands before blasting at the snake!
[19:14] <@Miranda_Altair> roll 1d20
[19:14] * +Hatbot --> "Miranda_Altair rolls 1d20 and gets 15." [1d20=15]
[19:14] <@Ebiris> OOC: hit. CL?
[19:14] <@Miranda_Altair> OOC: it goes at +1 CL
[19:15] <@Ebiris> OOC: Roll 1d20 plus your caster level.
[19:15] <@Miranda_Altair> OOC: Due to trait
[19:15] <@Miranda_Altair> roll 1d20+2
[19:15] * +Hatbot --> "Miranda_Altair rolls 1d20+2 and gets 7." [1d20=5]
[19:16] <@Ebiris> Miranda's spell arcs out, slamming into the snake with a dull green glow! It doesn't seem to impede the construct at all, and it whirls around to bite Glenn before slithering away towards the right alcove!
[19:16] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+3
[19:16] * +Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+3 and gets 6." [1d20=3]
[19:16] <@Ebiris> It misses, however, and leaves itself vulnerable!
[19:16] <@Ebiris> OOC: AoOs for Myra and Glenn
[19:16] <@Rudy> roll 1d20+4 chomp!
[19:16] * +Hatbot --> "Rudy rolls 1d20+4 chomp! and gets 7." [1d20=3]
[19:17] <@Glenn> roll d20+8 slash
[19:17] * +Hatbot --> "Glenn rolls d20+8 slash and gets 24." [d20=16]
[19:17] <@Ebiris> OOC: glenn hits
[19:17] <@Glenn> roll d6+1
[19:17] * +Hatbot --> "Glenn rolls d6+1 and gets 4." [d6=3]
[19:18] <@Ebiris> Myra misses entirely, and again Glenn doesn't do more than leave a dull scratch! The snake vanishes behind the pillar in the right alcove, fifteen feet away!
[19:18] <@Ebiris> OOC: Henrietta
[19:19] <@Henrietta> As before, when ice was of no help, Henrietta turns towards acid for her answer! Leaving her protective position before Lady Vanderboren, she attempts to circle the pillar in question from a reasonable distance and dissolve this unruly guardian!
[19:20] <@Ebiris> The snake is seen behind the serpentine pillar as Henrietta approaches the rightmost alcove, a clear shot granted!
[19:20] <@Henrietta> roll 1d20+2 acid splash!
[19:20] * +Hatbot --> "Henrietta rolls 1d20+2 acid splash! and gets 17." [1d20=15]
[19:20] <@Ebiris> OOC: hit, does that allow SR?
[19:20] <@Henrietta> roll 1d3
[19:20] * +Hatbot --> "Henrietta rolls 1d3 and gets 2." [1d3=2]
[19:20] <@Henrietta> OOC: No
[19:21] <@Ebiris> The acid impacts the snake's armoured plates, sizzling and melting as it takes its first notable injury!
[19:21] <@Ebiris> OOC: Myra
[19:21] <@Rudy> Myra lurches forward, ready to chase after the snake and rip it to shreds!
[19:21] <@Rudy> roll 1d20+4 probably can't charge
[19:21] * +Hatbot --> "Rudy rolls 1d20+4 probably can't charge and gets 11." [1d20=7]
[19:21] <@Ebiris> OOC: not around the pillar
[19:22] <@Ebiris> Myra rounds the pillar with Henrietta, hemming the snake in but failing to land a decisive strike!
[19:22] <@Ebiris> OOC: Rudy
[19:22] <@Henrietta> "Can your pet catch that snake?" Henrietta calls to Rudy. "Then it would be a simple matter to melt it down."
[19:23] <@Rudy> "We need a box! If only we had a box!" laments Rudy. "Myra! Grab it!"
[19:23] <@Rudy> He moves in to touch her on the shoulder, enshrouding her in an impenetrable shield of ooze!
[19:24] <@Ebiris> OOC: Glenn
[19:27] <@Glenn> Glenn briefly considers throwing a bomb at the guardian, but decides not to continue a bad precendent of continually blowing up Rudy's pet, instead trying to move closer and help keep it trapped, slashing at it once he's close enough.
[19:27] <@Glenn> roll d20+6
[19:27] * +Hatbot --> "Glenn rolls d20+6 and gets 16." [d20=10]
[19:28] <@Ebiris> The snake just  manages to slither out of the way of Glenn's clawing while Lavinia hesitantly comes into the chamber so she can watch the carnage, but remains close to the door nonetheless.
[19:28] <@Ebiris> OOC: Miranda
[19:29] <@Glenn> "Try invoking your name or something, when telling it to stand down!" Glenn suggests as he briefly turns his head towards their employer.
[19:30] <@Ebiris> "In the name of Vanderboren, cease your attack!" Lavinia calls over hopefully. The snake doesn't seem overly impressed, but Lavinia is no doubt a distant concern when it has two pairs of sharp claws jabbing at it!
[19:32] <@Glenn> "Oh well, it was worth a shot!" Glenn calls out.
[19:33] <@Miranda_Altair> Moving alongside the wall, Miranda tries to get behind the snake.
[19:33] <@Ebiris> There's no room, with the pillar and snake and Myra and Glenn all clustered in the alcove with Henrietta and Rudy on its fringes.
[19:34] <@Miranda_Altair> Miranda bravely approaches melee combat, brandishing her quarterstaff!
[19:35] <@Ebiris> The melee in the small alcove is already too crowded, someone would have to vacate for Miranda to get in on the action.
[19:35] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20-1
[19:35] * +Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20-1 and gets 1." [1d20=2]
[19:36] <@Ebiris> OOC: Glenn
[19:36] <@Ebiris> OOC: sorry, got confused
[19:37] <@Ebiris> The snake lashes out at Glenn, trying again to sink its metal fangs into him!
[19:37] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+3
[19:37] * +Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+3 and gets 11." [1d20=8]
[19:37] <@Ebiris> But he's far too fast when hopped up on dangerous chemicals!
[19:37] <@Ebiris> OOC: Henrietta
[19:37] <@Henrietta> If it works, why change anything? She very much wished to show her proficiency with a flail, but Henrietta settles for taking a step back, pointing at the snake and trying to erode it further!
[19:38] <@Henrietta> roll 1d20-2 acid splash x2
[19:38] * +Hatbot --> "Henrietta rolls 1d20-2 acid splash x2 and gets 18." [1d20=20]
[19:38] <@Henrietta> roll 1d3
[19:38] * +Hatbot --> "Henrietta rolls 1d3 and gets 2." [1d3=2]
[19:38] <@Ebiris> OOC: you can crit constructs in Pathfinder! Confirm that
[19:38] <@Henrietta> roll 1d20-2 ah, is that so?
[19:39] * +Hatbot --> "Henrietta rolls 1d20-2 ah, is that so? and gets 9." [1d20=11]
[19:39] <@Ebiris> OOC: alas, regular hit
[19:39] <@Ebiris> The snake is further eroded by sizzling acid, but the bulk of it remains intact and aggressive!
[19:39] <@Ebiris> OOC: Myra
[19:40] <@Rudy> Myra lunges to grab the snake in place, as commanded by her distant master!
[19:41] <@Rudy> OOC: AoO?
[19:41] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+3
[19:41] <@Rudy> OOC: Then, three grab attempts...
[19:41] * +Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+3 and gets 13." [1d20=10]
[19:41] <@Rudy> OOC: miss
[19:41] <@Ebiris> OOC: make your CMB roll?
[19:42] <@Rudy> roll 1d20+4
[19:42] * +Hatbot --> "Rudy rolls 1d20+4 and gets 7." [1d20=3]
[19:42] <@Ebiris> OOC: miss
[19:42] <@Rudy> OOC: Ah, it's as a standard action
[19:42] <@Rudy> OOC: So only one shot
[19:42] <@Ebiris> Myra tries to grab the snake, but it doesn't offer any good handholds and wriggles out of her grasp!
[19:42] <@Ebiris> OOC: Rudy
[19:43] <@Rudy> The acid seems to be doing it's job, slowly but surely, so Rudy just backs away and plinks at it with his mechanical bow!
[19:43] <@Rudy> roll 1d20+5 shoot!
[19:43] * +Hatbot --> "Rudy rolls 1d20+5 shoot! and gets 25." [1d20=20]
[19:43] <@Rudy> roll 1d20+5 crit????
[19:43] * +Hatbot --> "Rudy rolls 1d20+5 crit???? and gets 21." [1d20=16]
[19:43] <@Rudy> roll 2d8+2 crittage!11
[19:43] * +Hatbot --> "Rudy rolls 2d8+2 crittage!11 and gets 13." [2d8=4, 7]
[19:44] <@Ebiris> Rudy's arrow strikes well and true, crashing into the snake's head and savagely puncturing right through it! Not enough to impede its jaws by much, but it nonetheless reels from the blow!
[19:44] <@Ebiris> OOC: Glenn
[19:45] <@Glenn> With the snake right in front of him, Glenn goes for a full-out assault, a frenzy of claws and teeth!
[19:45] <@Glenn> roll d20+6 claw 1
[19:45] * +Hatbot --> "Glenn rolls d20+6 claw 1 and gets 25." [d20=19]
[19:45] <@Glenn> roll d20+6 claw 2
[19:45] * +Hatbot --> "Glenn rolls d20+6 claw 2 and gets 16." [d20=10]
[19:45] <@Glenn> roll d20+6 bite
[19:45] * +Hatbot --> "Glenn rolls d20+6 bite and gets 18." [d20=12]
[19:45] <@Ebiris> OOC: claw and bite hit
[19:45] <@Glenn> roll d6+1
[19:45] * +Hatbot --> "Glenn rolls d6+1 and gets 6." [d6=5]
[19:45] <@Glenn> roll d8+1
[19:45] * +Hatbot --> "Glenn rolls d8+1 and gets 5." [d8=4]
[19:46] <@Ebiris> Glenn's claws finally do a bit more, puncturing through a section of plate but not quite able to get at the innards. His teeth have a far harder time, however, only leaving him with a nasty metal taste in his mouth and a desire to eat something soft.
[19:46] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20-1
[19:47] * +Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20-1 and gets 7." [1d20=8]
[19:47] <@Ebiris> Lavinia continues hanging back fretfully by the entrance.
[19:47] <@Ebiris> OOC: Miranda, still holding?
[19:47] <@Miranda_Altair> OOC: The only thing I got right now is a fear and a touch necromancy spell. Constructs are immune to both.
[19:48] <@Miranda_Altair> OOC: So yeah.
[19:48] <@Ebiris> The battered and beleagured snake coils itself up to spring at Glenn in retaliation!
[19:48] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+3
[19:48] * +Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+3 and gets 23." [1d20=20]
[19:48] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+3 crit check
[19:48] * +Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+3 crit check and gets 6." [1d20=3]
[19:48] <@Ebiris> roll 1d6+1 fort save, Glenn
[19:48] * +Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d6+1 fort save, Glenn and gets 4." [1d6=3]
[19:49] <@Glenn> roll d20+5
[19:49] * +Hatbot --> "Glenn rolls d20+5 and gets 19." [d20=14]
[19:49] <@Ebiris> Glenn is bitten on the outer thigh, drawing blood and feeling a burning substance injected from its fangs into the wound! He manages to endure it, nonetheless!
[19:49] <@Ebiris> OOC: Henrietta
[19:50] * @Henrietta does what she seems to do best in combat, even as she laments not being able to cave the snake's head in.
[19:50] <@Henrietta> roll 1d20-2 acid
[19:50] * +Hatbot --> "Henrietta rolls 1d20-2 acid and gets 0." [1d20=2]
[19:50] <@Henrietta> roll 1d20-2 HEROIC acid
[19:50] * +Hatbot --> "Henrietta rolls 1d20-2 HEROIC acid and gets 0." [1d20=2]
[19:50] <@Ebiris> This time Henrietta's acid contrives to merely mark the ornate pillar, melting away the carefully carved marble!
[19:51] <@Ebiris> OOC: Myra and Rudy Power Hour
[19:51] <@Rudy> roll 1d20+4 Grabbbb!
[19:51] * +Hatbot --> "Rudy rolls 1d20+4 Grabbbb! and gets 21." [1d20=17]
[19:52] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+3 AoO
[19:52] * +Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+3 AoO and gets 13." [1d20=10]
[19:52] <@Rudy> OOC: AoO, yeah
[19:52] <@Ebiris> Myra lunges down to grab the snake by its neck and tail, holding it fast!
[19:52] <@Rudy> Rudy takes off his jacket, and moves forward to wrap it around the snake so that it can't bite them, nor move freely!
[19:53] <@Ebiris> OOC: make a CMB check?
[19:53] <@Rudy> roll 1d20+0
[19:53] * +Hatbot --> "Rudy rolls 1d20+0 and gets 6." [1d20=6]
[19:54] <@Ebiris> Even with Myra's help, the snake still manages to flail enough to keep Rudy's jacket from being firmly affixed, but nonetheless it now lies particularly vulnerable!
[19:54] <@Ebiris> OOC: Glenn
[19:55] <@Glenn> Even as his claws and teeth are probably not the best weapons against the guardian, they're the best weapons he's got, so he carries on using them!
[19:55] <@Glenn> roll d20+6 claw 1
[19:55] * +Hatbot --> "Glenn rolls d20+6 claw 1 and gets 14." [d20=8]
[19:55] <@Glenn> roll d20+6 claw 2
[19:55] * +Hatbot --> "Glenn rolls d20+6 claw 2 and gets 25." [d20=19]
[19:55] <@Glenn> roll d20+6 bite
[19:55] * +Hatbot --> "Glenn rolls d20+6 bite and gets 25." [d20=19]
[19:55] <@Ebiris> OOC: 3 hits
[19:56] <@Glenn> roll d6+1
[19:56] <@Glenn> roll d6+1
[19:56] * +Hatbot --> "Glenn rolls d6+1 and gets 5." [d6=4]
[19:56] * +Hatbot --> "Glenn rolls d6+1 and gets 4." [d6=3]
[19:56] <@Glenn> roll d8+1
[19:56] * +Hatbot --> "Glenn rolls d8+1 and gets 9." [d8=8]
[19:57] <@Ebiris> With furious savagery Glenn mauls the bound snake, tearing off a plate of armour in his teeth and ripping it loose to expose the snake's vulnerable magical innards! Its struggles become erratic and feeble in Myra's grasp, surely near destruction!
[19:57] <@Ebiris> Lavinia walks closer since it seems to be under control, peering curiously over Henrietta's shoulder. "I wonder how it works?" she mutters.
[19:57] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+3 guardian tries to free itself from Myra
[19:58] * +Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+3 guardian tries to free itself from Myra and gets 6." [1d20=3]
[19:58] <@Ebiris> The snake's weakened struggles fail to accomplish anything in Myra's grasp!
[19:58] <@Ebiris> OOC: Henrietta, assuming Miranda keeps holding
[19:58] <@Henrietta> "Magic would be my guess, Milady," Henrietta responds, as poised as ever outwardly.
[19:58] <@Henrietta> Melt, you evil snake, melt!
[19:58] <@Henrietta> roll 1d20-2
[19:58] * +Hatbot --> "Henrietta rolls 1d20-2 and gets 10." [1d20=12]
[19:58] <@Ebiris> OOC: that's a hit while grappled
[19:58] <@Henrietta> roll 1d3
[19:58] * +Hatbot --> "Henrietta rolls 1d3 and gets 2." [1d3=2]
[19:59] <@Ebiris> With Henrietta's acid splash, the exposed centre of the snake is melted clean through, causing it to break apart into two suddenly limp halves in Myra's hands!
[20:00] <@Ebiris> OOC: we'll pause here, but Glenn and Myra can make fort saves now against secondary poison damage so I don't forget
[20:00] <@Glenn> roll d20+5
[20:00] * +Hatbot --> "Glenn rolls d20+5 and gets 15." [d20=10]
[20:00] <@Rudy> roll 1d20+3
[20:00] * +Hatbot --> "Rudy rolls 1d20+3 and gets 22." [1d20=19]
[20:00] <@Ebiris> OOC: you're clear