Session 2b: Unlikely Allies

[Marullus]

What does Rand think of the opportunities to better the world presented to the shackled Ogre and Goblins seen in this area of the dungeon?

I don't understand. Rephrase?

[C. Steven Ross]

I'm speaking towards his beliefs.

[Rusty Tincanne]

in the upper right corner of the hobgoblin chamber, there is an "empty" space that looks like it might be a passageway. And there are a couple squiggles that a hopeful PC could misconstrue as a secret door, I guess.

Rand felt deep sorrow for the goblins and ogre in captivity. He ached to release them - perhaps they would even assist his companions in exchange for the favor. There were risks with this plan though, first among them being the retribution exacted by his grim hosts. So perhaps the opportunity they are present is merely a test; their worth is to maintain the aid of Ghaaldar and his people... Undecided, he quietly put the question to his companions. "Should these wretched souls be freed? Perhaps Ulrich could come to an agreement."

as a player, I don't believe it is worth he risk, but it was certainly a good question to ask of Rand. Thanks for the opportunity! Though as you can see, he remains undecided.

[thesniperknight1]

Garen who has been trying to avert his eyes from them but now he takes a deep look, "At this moment, we have no power to help them, in fact helping them now will probably lead to their and our death, you saw those hotgoblins, they outnumbers and these poor souls can hardly move, they look malnourished and weak, they can't fight", he sighs, "But don't get me wrong, I don't plan on leaving them to be enslaved and die here a miserable death, saying things like it's non of my business or it's not me that is doing that is just running away. Being there and not stoping the crime may not be as much of a sin as committing it but it's still in no way right, running away will make us lose the most important part of us that makes us humans, our morale compass, to do good. I don't claim to be a noble man who haven't done any misdeeds, far from it, I have stolen, cheated and lied my whole life but I only did it to survive under the harsh circumstances that I grew up in. I had my sister to take care of, my life didn't mean much to me, I would have sacrifice it if it means she survived another day", Garen feels that he was straying away from the point so he gets back, "Here is my proposal, we move on with the original plan and once we are done with banishing the deidra, we create a diversion for the hotgoblins, maybe a celebration party or make the old hermit fight them maybe? And through the commotion, free as much as we can and run for our lives".

[Rusty Tincanne]

Nice embodiment moment.

[thesniperknight1]

thanks, I got inspired by my real relationship with my sister there

[Enoch]

Norgrim harrumphs. "They seem hardly able to even care for themselves, much less help us. If you want to spar with these hobgoblins, that's all well and good; but I don't see what good will come of interfering in things that aren't our concern."

[thesniperknight1]

"Doesn't eat at you? Your humanity dissipates little by little every time you say something like 'this doesn't concern me' or 'it's none of my business"

[C. Steven Ross]

OK cool. You guys going off to explore some now?

[Rusty Tincanne]

Having heard from Garen and Norgrim, Rand agreed it was not the time to assist the goblins and ogre - or for them to help his companions. He resolved to offer them opportunities to better the world at a later time, if he could, however. Images of the ogre running headlong into battle with the demon filled his mind. "Later then. For now, let us take this path and explore whatever is behind that door." Jaw set determinedly, the cleric headed out.

Unless someone objects, rand will steer them through the statue hub, down the western tunnel (path #5), over the nailed down planks. Then to the north towards the eels, stopping at the door before the library. If there is anything of note along the way we will probably want to inspect it.

Also, please note that we aren't racing along. And if they don't mind, Norgrim or Garen can lead the way since they are dungeoneers. Rand will cover Ulrich with his torch (in case anything happens to the light).

How does the map work for packing?

[C. Steven Ross]

Maps take up no inventory space.

Great! Using Ghaaldar's notes, you carefully trace your way to the room supposedly filled with dire eels.

The corridor leading here is a ramp sloped downward. As you descend, filthy, fetid, black water on the floor gets higher and higher. The slope downward is, in essence, placing you lower and lower against "sea level". The floor evens out and the water is up to your chest. To the left is a rotted wooden door, half an inch open, with an iron plaque above it which reads (thanks, Orc-wise), "Library". To the immediate right is another door, closed shut and locked with a deadbolt on your side. A rusty iron plaque above that door reads "Workshop". Past that, the watery corridor continues down a dark path into the heart of the mountain.

START TURN 2
6 Turns to Rewards

[Marullus]

Ulrich looks like he is sucking a lemon. "If we are to free these creatures, our best defense is offense - we loosen them in an initial assault and allow them to assist in taking their freedom themselves. That said, it depends on the amount of good in these 'Paladins' of theirs. If they are doing good works and have enslaved offenders to service, then we would do harm in freeing them. Their dishonesty and their hospitality for guests, let alone prisoners, tells me much about their character, however. I suspect that destroying their influence here is likely a good course. Let us meet this supposed cleric of theirs."

As he wades down chest-deep, he offers an arm to help keep Norgrim afloat, carrying him if need be.

When they reach the intersection, he reads the plaques to the others. "So what is it? Library?"

[C. Steven Ross]

Ulrich: When you walk into the intersection, you feel a strong, powerful, slimy thing wrap around your right leg and begin to squeeze.

What do you do?!

[Rusty Tincanne]

I think we should head through a doorway and avoid more of these beasts.

we could push into the left door easily (unless it is a breeding den...) or we could try and bash the lock on the rift (Norgrim using my mace) and head in there... Maybe find some treasure!!!

Steven, is the right side door not on the map?

[Rusty Tincanne]

clerical notes:

Since Ulrich has one skin (and it is full of wine), Norgrim and Garen need to indicate their skins are full now.
Norgrim has 4 torches now, thanks to the hobgoblins.
Garen still has 2 tinder boxes listed, but one of those is with Rand now. You should erase one (I suggest the one in the sack) - maybe take that empty small sack from Norgrim's hand so he can use the crossbow.
Marullus, if you take a small sack from either Garen or Rand, they can actually help in the fight. (We both have our hands full of light and sacks.)
Steven, seeing as we knew these beasts were there and he slope increased gradually, will you allow for a bit of gear rearranging? Seems like such a competent group of adventurers would have made a few sensible preparations.

[C. Steven Ross]

Correct, the doors aren't on the map.

[C. Steven Ross]

I'm cool with a bit of gear re-arranging.

[Marullus]

(Ok, rearranging first. Ulrich will step to the party's defense by interposing himself between them and the eels and stabbing it with his sword because the best defense is a good offense. I expect the others to go for the door. Before I say that aloud IC, counsel me as a player?)

[Rusty Tincanne]

I keep thinking of things in D&D terms, where we would act on the door and then drag you with us. Then I remembered this is a different game and tried to figure out how many tests we wee looking at, but I just had a thought: Steven, if we did something like beating down the door and running, would that all be considered one flee conflict?

As for rearranging, do you want to take my sack or Garen's? We are equal fighters with the same condition. The only real difference is our weapons and I don't know the differences right now.

[C. Steven Ross]

Is that what you do? Describe the fiction of what you want to accomplish, post it and own it, and I'll tell you the mechanics.