[slingergame] Bert says, "Log on."

DungeonMaster flexes his knuckles

[slingergame] DungeonMaster says, "Stage jitters"

Donaar arrives from the east.

DungeonMaster says, "Greetings"

Celaeno says, "Ahoy"

Donaar says, "Hello."

[Crows-Nest] Celaeno says, "reminder: @recap #dtt"

[slingergame] Taleslinger asks (of DungeonMaster), "Do you want the super secret DM password?"

[slingergame] DungeonMaster says, "Oooh, that would be nice."

[slingergame] Celaeno says, "heh"

TheGreenFist arrives from the east.

DM waves

[slingergame] TheGreenFist says, "waves"

[slingergame] DM says, "Thanks heavens I managed to zzap that pesky imposter, DungeonMaster."

[slingergame] TheGreenFist says, "I always hated that guy"

[slingergame] Celaeno says, "Healing is for suckers"

DM glances around. 'Well, it seems like everybody's here.'

[slingergame] DM says, "Any questions? Otherwise, we may begin"

Donaar says, "I'm good!"

[slingergame] TheGreenFist says, "No questions here."

TheGreenFist does a little jig.

[slingergame] DM says, "Excellent."

[slingergame] Dunatim asks, "What game are we playing, again? Was it Monopoly or Go Fish this week?"

[slingergame] Donaar pulls out a deck of cards.

[slingergame] Celaeno asks, "Is everyone here?"

[slingergame] DM says (to Dunatim), "please mock me on #crows-nest"

[slingergame] TheGreenFist asks, "Are we loogging?"

[slingergame] DM says, "yep"

[slingergame] DM says, "Bert's on log duty."

[Crows-Nest] Dunatim says, "Man, that guy can't take a joke."

jenrexrode arrives from the south.

jenrexrode disappears through an invisible gap in the MUD. You think you may have heard the sounds of chatting before the gap closed again.

[Crows-Nest] TheGreenFist says, "The french are known as humorless and efficient"

[Crows-Nest] Dunatim says, "And don't forget 'bad at correctly remembering national stereotypes'."

[slingergame] Celaeno asks, "So the deal is that we're on Planet Tale but on the other side from Those Other Guys?"

DM says (to Celaeno), "So you've been sailing your modest but trusty schooner, 'The Double Clutch', along the west coastline of the Old Continent, heading north. It's not your habit to take on passengers, but a certain half-elf of noble disposition, by the name of Dunatim, offered you a large sum of money to bring him to Direfrost, along with his retainers. Naturally, it was an offer you couldn't refuse."

[slingergame] DM says (to Celaeno), "exactement"

[slingergame] TheGreenFist says, "Man, I should come up with a name for that world"

DM says, "Anyway, the journey has been pretty uneventful, up until now."

Celaeno says, "Arrrr, the journey has been pretty uneventful."

Dunatim reclines in a desk chair -- where he got it from is not entirely clear -- sipping a colorful beverage and enjoying the wind in his hair.

DM says (to Celaeno), "As you keep an eye out on the horizon for potential icebergs and pirates, you spot something floating in the water."

DM asks, "What do you, the captain, do?"

[Crows-Nest] Celaeno says, "dang, you took retainers AND a familiar; that's a lot of bodies"

Celaeno says, "Arrr, pull up alongside yonder flotsam"

Celaeno asks (of Passenger), "What do your half-elven eyes see?"

[slingergame] DM says, "I'm not going to bother asking you to roll for this."

[Crows-Nest] TheGreenFist asks, "ITYM Arrr, what do your half-elven eyes see?"

[Crows-Nest] Dunatim says, "We'll need to get two inns just to fit everyone."

Dunatim leans forward slightly and ppers out.

[slingergame] Dunatim says, "(Er, peers.)"

DM says, "Well, you all look down at the flotsam, and it turns out to be a crudely constructed raft."

Dunatim says, "It looks like a raft, except worse."

DM says, "And on that raft is someone, barely holding on, looking mostly dead, with their possessions literally strapped to their back."

DM says, "That someone appears to be a green dragonborn woman wearing silver armour."

Dunatim tosses the captain a few more coins. "Here, bring them aboard. No one should have to travel like that."

Celaeno says, "Arrr, throw down a line to that poor salty dog"

[slingergame] Donaar says, "Dog, dragon, it's a common mistake :D"

[Crows-Nest] Celaeno says, "a 'line' is a rope"

DM says, "So you haul the poor dragonborn and her stuff up from the water, and proceed to revive her with rum."

Donaar chokes a little.

Celaeno says, "Good thing we sailed by, milady"

[slingergame] Donaar says, "Um. I'm pretty sure I'm male, Mr. DM."

[slingergame] DM says, "oh damn"

[slingergame] TheGreenFist says, "It's hard to tell with dragonborn"

[slingergame] Donaar says, "True!"

Donaar swallows a few times, testing out his words. "Thank you.", he says weakly.

Celaeno says, "Sorry, mi'lad"

[slingergame] DM says, "It's not specified on your sheet"

[slingergame] Donaar says, "It's a male name ;)"

[slingergame] Dunatim asks, "So far, our party features one mammal, one avian, and one reptile?"

[slingergame] Celaeno says, "dang it why couldn't The Green Fist be a tortle monk"

[slingergame] Dunatim asks (of Fist), "Is it too late for you to switch to a fish?"

[slingergame] TheGreenFist says, "My fighting Style is called Bite of the Piranha, if that helps"

[slingergame] DM says (to Donaar), "my apologies for the error"

[slingergame] Donaar says, "No worries :)"

[slingergame] TheGreenFist says, "Should've gone with Gonaad as character name"

DM says, "So, anyway, the dragonborn *dude* is back to life, and looking a lot better now."

Dunatim waves to the dragonborn. "Hi there. I'm Dunatim Silverbreath, son of etc. etc. And you?"

Donaar coughs. "I am Norixius Donaar. And thank you for rescuing me, Sir."

Donaar says, "My entire unit is dead. I thought I was, as well."

Celaeno says, "Arrharrrr, I be Captain Celaeno of The Double Clutch, and we be on our way to Direfrost."

Dunatim exclaims, "Huh. That's a shame. But I'm glad to see you're not!"

Donaar says, "I'd be glad to tag along, if you would be willing to have me. You may be in need of an experienced combat medic."

Donaar says, "I'm afraid I don't have much in the way of money.."

Dunatim says, "Oh, that could be handy -- I *am* on an important quest at the moment, and that could come in handy."

Donaar says, "Glad to hear it."

(From DM) Zig rubs its head against Donaar's boots, purring.

Dunatim pulls a deck of cards out of his pocket. "Hey, do you play Scuttlewick? Now that you're here, I think we've got enough people for a proper game."

Donaar reaches down the pets the.. cat?

[slingergame] Donaar says, "I assume it' a cat, but other things can purr :)"

[slingergame] Dunatim says, "More or less."

[slingergame] DM asks, "Is it male or female?"

Donaar says, "Oh, yes. I'd be happy to play."

[slingergame] DM says, "Because I don't want to goof up the pronouns again."

Celaeno says, "The Code of the Sea obligates me to pick up castaways such of yourself without charge"

[slingergame] Dunatim says, "Male. Grey with blue eyes. Looks elderly but surprisingly spry."

Donaar says, "My thanks, good sir!"

Celaeno says, "But ye may find yerself swabbing the poopdeck"

[Crows-Nest] Celaeno says, "iykwim"

[slingergame] DM says, "Thanks."

Donaar says, "I'd be happy to help in any way I can."

Dunatim exclaims, "Rosa, Denys! We're on for Scuttlewick!"

Dunatim says, "Hey, Banks, come and set up the table for us."

(From DM) Benjamin coughs politely. 'Indeed, sir.'

(From DM) Glydenis, who is looking a little green from seasickness, shakes his head. 'Count me out of this one, cousin,' he says weakly.

[Crows-Nest] DM asks, "Is Scuttlewick an actual game?"

Dunatim asks, "Aw, man. Well, we've got enough for a demi-hand at least... right, Rosa?"

[Crows-Nest] Dunatim exclaims, "I hope not!"

[Crows-Nest] Dunatim says, "I mean, I'm assuming it's real in the context of the game."

(From DM) Rosa, however, is not green at all. In fact, the sea seems to brighten her compexion. 'I'd love to play.'

[Crows-Nest] Dunatim says, "But not in the context of the real world."

Dunatim asks, "Hey, captain, do you want to take Denys' seat?"

DM says, "Well, the sea seems calm enough."

DM says, "ilac"

DM says (to Celaeno), "The sea looks calm, but then you never know."

DM asks, "Roll WIS?"

Celaeno says, "Tis a kind offer but I am required at the helm"

Dunatim shuffles the deck with a few showy flourishes before dealing everyone a hand.

[slingergame] Celaeno asks, "like a Perception thing?"

[slingergame] Celaeno asks, "or just plain old Wis?"

[slingergame] DM says (to Celaeno), "plain old WIS"

Celaeno rolls 1 20-sided die: 7 | 7 + 2 = 9

Dunatim asks, "We'll start simple -- one copper ante, and nothing wild?"

Donaar nods.

[Crows-Nest] Dunatim says, "I'm going to assume that Scuttlewick is a gambling game with a significant bluffing component, like poker."

Dunatim says (to Donaar), "You're on the dealer's left, so you're up first."

DM says (to Celaeno), "You glance at the horizon, and think that maybe it's safe to leave the ship on its current course. There aren't any reefs nearby."

Donaar looks at his hand and draws a card? (I have no idea how you want hti sto work.)

Celaeno whistles a jaunty sea jig.

[Crows-Nest] Dunatim says, "I dunno; I'm making it up as I go along, so feel free to do the same."

Dunatim asks, "And you, Rosa?"

[slingergame] DM says, "Well, maybe make this a quick role-play, because otherwise we'll never reach Direfrost."

[slingergame] Dunatim says, "I was just passing the time while waiting for you to throw some plot at is."

[slingergame] Donaar says, "Donaar is proficient at cards, but will never cheat. It goes against his ethos. I figure a polite bluff is all right. It's not really lying."

[slingergame] DM says, "OK, you can basically roll for success, I think."

[slingergame] DM exclaims, "Or not!"

Dunatim spins a distracting yarn about his previous adventures while they play, bluffing and lying with abandon.

[slingergame] Dunatim asks, "I wonder what we roll. Deceit? CHA + Playing Cards?"

[slingergame] DM says, "CHA sounds right for a bluffing game."

[slingergame] DM says, "Go ahead, guys"

Dunatim rolls 1 20-sided die: 11 | 11 + 5 = 16

Donaar rolls 1 20-sided die: 6 | 6 + 6 = 12

[slingergame] Dunatim says, "(3+2 for having a skill proficiency with the cards.)"

Dunatim collects everyone's copper.

Dunatim exclaims, "Not bad -- but you'll need to get better at hiding your intentions if you want to bluff *me*!"

(From DM) Rosa rolls her eyes.

Donaar just smiles.

DM says (to Celaeno), "The sea is incredible serene, and there's no ice to be seen."

Dunatim laughs. It's not clear if he was joking or not

DM says (to Celaeno), "However, there's a mist on the horizon, and the sun is coming down."

Celaeno says, "Well, suppose we'll drop the sea anchor here and hope the weather continues to hold."

(From DM) Benjamin comes upon the lot of you playing cards, and politely informs you that dinner is served.

[Crows-Nest] Celaeno says, "A sea anchor is sort of this giant bag that just kinda induces a whole lot of drag so the boat doesn't get pushed around too far"

Donaar's stomach rumbles.

Dunatim exclaims, "Ah, splendid!"

Celaeno says, "I believe fish is once more on the menu, gentlefolk"

Dunatim exclaims (at Banks), "How are we doing for white wine? I hope we don't run out!"

(From DM) Benjamin clears his throat. 'Actually, we *are* out, sir, regrettably enough.'

Dunatim goes pale.

Dunatim asks, "You mean... we're going to have to have *red*? With *fish*?"

(From DM) Rosa laughs. 'We'll all survive. Besides, aren't we're close to Direfrost now?'

[Crows-Nest] TheGreenFist says, "I did know this campaign was horror-themed!"

Dunatim exclaims, "I suppose you're right -- and no one said that the life of an adventurer would be free of hardships!"

Celaeno says, "If the wind holds and we catch the tide, we'll be in Direfrost by tomorrow"

[Crows-Nest] DM says (to TheGreenFist), "I swear I will hurry this along and bring you into the story. Don't fret."

Dunatim follows Banks to the dining room. Or galley, if that's what those ship people call it.

[Crows-Nest] TheGreenFist says, "No, that was a joke about the wie thing"

[Crows-Nest] Celaeno says, "the galley is where the food is cooked; it's eaten in the mess"

DM says, "So Banks has made you a thick bouillabaisse with parsley and nutmeg finely grated on top."

DM says, "(Basically, posh fish soup)"

Celaeno says, "If ye ever need a new job, lad, just come a-knockin"

Donaar oohs.

Dunatim takes a bite, rolls it around in his mouth a bit, swallows, then nods to Banks in satisfaction.

(From DM) Benjamin smiles faintly. 'I doubt I shall ever be in need of a job, Captain, but I certainly appreciate the offer.'

DM says, "So you all sit down and start enjoying the soup, when all of a sudden..."

DM exclaims, "... the ship shakes visibly from side to side, racked by an unexpected vibration!"

Celaeno says, "Arrr, that's not right"

DM says, "Some soup lands on Dunatim's clothes."

[Crows-Nest] DM says, "Quick, a cleanliness saving throw"

[Crows-Nest] DM says, "lol"

Donaar would normally take it in stride, but he weakly falls out of his seat.

(From DM) Rosa helps Donaar back up. 'What was that?' she asks the Captain.

Donaar asks, "Thank you, my dear. Yes, what on earth just happened?"

Dunatim manages to keep his own soup from spilling, but is forced to pick Donaar's no-longer-full spoon from his lap with a sigh.

[slingergame] DM says, "Ahem."

Celaeno goes above decks to check out what he can see.

[slingergame] DM says, "I said *Dunatim*'s clothes."

[Crows-Nest] Dunatim says, "Yes."

[slingergame] DM says, "ah okat"

[slingergame] Donaar says, "My spoon in his lap."

[slingergame] DM says, "I get it now, sorry"

[slingergame] Celaeno says, "it's not that kind of ship"

[slingergame] Dunatim says, "Hee."

[slingergame] Donaar blushes

[slingergame] Dunatim asks, "By the way, is Calaeno male or female?"

DM says (to Celaeno), "It's dark out on the sea tonight, and there's a mist all around the schooner."

[slingergame] Celaeno says, "I figure I probably lay eggs"

DM says, "Roll perception"

Celaeno rolls 1 20-sided die: 14 | 14 + 6 = 20

[slingergame] Donaar asks, "Can we eat them?"

[slingergame] Celaeno says, "That would be very painful. For you."

[slingergame] TheGreenFist says, "hey, who let shaborys in here"

DM says, "You check every part of the ship, and eventually find the source of the problem: something has cut straight through the anchor, allowing the schooner to drift freely."

[slingergame] Dunatim exclaims (at Fist), "Just what I was wondering!"

Celaeno says, "dang it I'd just finished paying that off"

Celaeno informs the others:

[Setting the zoned flag.]

Celaeno says, "Alas we're adrift me boyos; I'll keep watch through the night. There's nothing to run into out here, far as I know, but if I run aground it'll be a devil to pay."

Donaar gosh.

Dunatim says, "How inconvenient for you."

Celaeno says, "It may delay our arrival, but hopefully not by much."

Celaeno says, "Anyways, I'll be above, keeping a weather eye out."

[slingergame] DM asks, "Is this going at the right pace for you guys?"

[slingergame] DM says, "Because I can speed it up."

[Crows-Nest] (from Dunatim) Celaeno says, "Hopefully there's no one stuck waiting to join our group, because we might be a while."

DM says, "So you go to bed, and Celaeno keeps watch."

[slingergame] Celaeno says, "It's a bit leisurely but I don't mind at this point"

DM says, "Sometime in the night..."

[slingergame] TheGreenFist says, "I don't mind either"

[slingergame] DM says, "okay"

Donaar sleeps the sleep of the nearly dead, but getting better.

[slingergame] TheGreenFist says, "Always fun to watch you play"

DM says (to Celaeno), "You're at your post, struggling to stay awake, when suddenly there is a THWACK! as something lands on the deck."

Celaeno says, "arrrr ye be my only love HEY WHAT HO"

DM says, "It turns out to be a grumpy-looking penguin, and it looks around for something to vent out its frustration on. That's when it sees Celaeno, and makes a beeline for him."

[slingergame] TheGreenFist says, "Oh no, dire penguin"

[Crows-Nest] Dunatim asks, "Bird to bird combat?"

DM says, "The penguin is trying to intimidate you, but hasn't attacked yet."

[slingergame] Celaeno says, "oh no the dread werepenguin"

Celaeno says, "Hrm something probably chased you up here, eh laddy"

[slingergame] TheGreenFist says, "Maybe it's a water druid"

Celaeno looks over the deck over where the penguin came up from.

[slingergame] Donaar says, "Little penguin holdling a switchblade."

DM says (to Celaeno), "You look over the deck, and then you see it."

[Crows-Nest] Celaeno says, "arrr tis the rare aquatic variant of the landshark"

DM says, "Something large and white, drifting straight towards the ship, hidden by mist."

[Crows-Nest] TheGreenFist says, "ha ha"

DM says, "From the top of the large white thing, you hear a squawk, and then another penguin comes flying down onto the deck."

Celaeno says, "ICEBERG"

Celaeno hauls mainlines and such and tries to get some headway.

DM says, "There is a CRAAAAAAAAAAAACK which slices through the cold misty night air."

[Crows-Nest] TheGreenFist says, "If only it weas an airship"

DM says, "And Dunatim is awakened by cold water in the face."

[Crows-Nest] Dunatim asks, "What, you expect Celaeno to *fly*?"

Celaeno says, "MAKE READY THE AWAY BOAT"

Dunatim says, "What? What's going on-- ? Oh, Denys, you got me this time..."

Dunatim exclaims, "Wait, that's not Denys, that's a hole in the boat!"

DM says, "Indeed it is, and now the water reaches your ankles."

Celaeno makes the sound of a loud ringing bell with his crazy kenku voice.

Dunatim jumps out of bed. "Banks! Grab the trunk! We're getting off this thing!"

Donaar was pretty much dead to the world, but wakes up with a start at the alarm bell sound.

(From DM) Benjamin nods, and grabs the trunk. 'Shall you desire to change first before leaving ship? It is a tad cold outside.'

Dunatim stuffs his loose things into his backpack and heads out toward the top deck, banging on Rosa's and Denys' doors on the way.

(From DM) Rosa emerges, dishevelled and wet. 'Dunatim! There's a hole in the boat! We need to --'

Dunatim exclaims (at Banks), "No time, probably! I'll put on pants on the lifeboat!"

(From DM) Glydenis staggers out, looking greener than ever. 'Will this nightmare ever cease?' he mutters.

Dunatim exclaims (at Rosa), "We need to evacuate!"

Celaeno checks to see if the lifeboat is damaged or unable to launch and if we need to board the iceberg.

[Crows-Nest] Dunatim says, "I'm assuming Dunatime is wearing a silk nightshirt and slippers at the moment."

[Crows-Nest] Dunatim says, "Er, -e"

DM says (to Celaeno), "The lifeboat is intact, fortunately."

DM says (to Celaeno), "However, it's a little cramped, so you won't be able to row so easily."

Donaar bundles up his pack and runs out to see what's going on.

[Crows-Nest] TheGreenFist says, "Stop! Dunatime!"

Celaeno says, "COME ON ye landlubbers"

[Crows-Nest] DM says, "haha"

[Crows-Nest] Dunatim says, "Yay."

(From DM) Rosa does up her hair and jumps aboard, followed by Banks.

(From DM) Zig climbs onto Dunatim's shoulder, hissing at the penguins which now litter the deck.

Dunatim helps Banks load the trunk onto the lifeboat. It's manual labor, but in times such as these, exceptions sometimes must be made.

Donaar jumps into the lifeboat, trying to take up as little space as possible.

Donaar helps whoever needs help.

DM says (to Donaar), "Glydenis can barely stand, and throws up on a penguin, which then bites him in the ankle."

Donaar helps Glydenis into the boat, kicking away the penguin gently.

[Crows-Nest] DM says, "I love these NPCs."

DM says, "So you're all aboard."

[Crows-Nest] Dunatim says, "Yay."

Celaeno says, "Alright, good, you're all aboard"

Dunatim says, "Phew."

[Crows-Nest] TheGreenFist says, "That bit gets infected, Glydenis dies in horrible pain."

DM says, "The lifeboat is so crammed, however, that every wave splashes over the side and makes y'all a bit wetter than usual."

Celaeno says, "Alas, by the Code of the Sea, as captain I am required to go down with my ship. It has been an honou--" then she gets hit in the head by a falling boom and falls unconscious into the lifeboat."

[Crows-Nest] TheGreenFist says, "yay"

[Crows-Nest] DM says, "Couldn't have done it better."

[Crows-Nest] Celaeno says, "It is my pleasure"

Donaar secures Celaeno into the boat, and starts to row.

[slingergame] Dunatim asks, "Was she the only crew member?"

[slingergame] DM says, "It was a small but trusty schooner."

Dunatim says (to Donaar), "Oh, good. I was hoping someone else here knew how to operate one of these."

Dunatim asks (of Banks), "Well, now that things are under control, could you hand me a pair of trousers?"

DM says (to Donaar), "Rowing's a tough task, given how little space there is, and you end up elbowing half the passengers in the face unintenionally."

Donaar says, "My bad."

Celaeno says, "...r to serve you HEY MY BOAT"

(From DM) Benjamin Banks raises an eyebrow. 'Are you certain there is sufficient room on the boat for...?'

Celaeno says, "Well keep rowing then. We're actually going the right direction; well done."

[slingergame] Celaeno says, "The lifeboat's name is The Broken Egg"

DM says, "So you drift away from the sinking schooner, which disappears into the mist without a sigh."

Dunatim sighs. "Perhaps not."

[slingergame] Donaar says, "Aw."

DM says, "Dunatim remains trouserless, and must resign himself to having zero breathing space."

DM says, "A few hours pass by, punctuated by Glydenis every now and then as he leans over the side and surrenders to the call of seasickness."

Donaar continues to row, being as careful as dragonly possible.

Celaeno makes foghorn sounds into the night.

DM says (to Celaeno), "You think you hear a reply from somewhere further in the mist."

Celaeno says, "Arrr keep rowing in yonder direction. No a bit more to the left."

DM says, "The mist seems black as pitch, and then..."

DM says, "...out of the fog..."

DM exclaims, "... a fisherman's boat emerges!"

Celaeno says, "AHOY permission to come aboard captn"

DM exclaims, "BLIMEY! WE'VE GOT OURSELVES A SHIPWRECK AGAIN!"

Celaeno says, "AYE twas a rogue iceberg"

[Crows-Nest] TheGreenFist says, "British sailors!"

DM exclaims, "BARDOLF! TOSS THEM A ROPE!"

DM exclaims, "AYE, CAPTAIN!"

[Crows-Nest] Dunatim says (to Celaeno), "Danged rogues, never can trust them."

DM says, "And a rope ladder rolls down the side of the fishing boat."

[Crows-Nest] Celaeno says, "mmmhmmm"

Celaeno says, "Alright up you go. Code of the Sea doesn't say anything about going down with the lifeboat."

DM asks, "So you clamber up. How do you handle the luggage?"

Dunatim says (to Banks), "Carefully, please."

DM says, "Benjamin nods. 'I shall certainly try my best, sir.'"

Celaeno says, "They've got nets and such"

Donaar helps Banks with the luggage.

DM says, "So you all get aboard the fishermen's vessel, and are greeted by the captain and his mate, who you know is called Bardolf by now thanks to the captain's vociferous voice."

Celaeno tells them the sad short tale of The Double Clutch and her ignomious end.

DM says, "The captain, who is human and looks like a right old crusty sailor, nods. 'That's happened quite a bit,' he says."

DM asks, "By the way, name's Liam. Liam Okawillow?"

[Crows-Nest] TheGreenFist says, "The Triple Clutch wouldn't have sunk"

DM says, "(Oakwillow)"

Dunatim says, "I appreciate your helping us, Captain Oakwillow -- once the luggage is loaded and we're settled into our quarters, I'll happily write you a letter of credit against House Silverbreath to cover the cost of our passage."

Celaeno says, "Captain Oakwillow; I'm Captain Celaeno... well, just Celaeno, I should suppose."

Donaar introduces himself as well.

Celaeno says, "We still mean to make Direfrost"

(From DM) Captain Oakwillow adjusts his red woolly cap as he glances at Dunatim. 'You look like you've got the goods,' he nods. 'It's a deal.'

(From DM) He turns to Celaeno. 'Direfrost? You're in luck, we're on our way back home.'

Celaeno says, "Finally, a spot of luck."

(From DM) Oakwillow turns to Bardolf, who's somewhat thinner and less talkative. 'Get them some blankets,' he commands, 'these folk here must be freezing.'

(From DM) 'Especially the gentleman elf here.'

[Crows-Nest] Dunatim exclaims, "I know, man. First we run out of white wine, then Donaar spills soup on my lap, then we get shipwrecked... I frankly don't know which of those is worse!"

Dunatim says, "Thank you."

Dunatim bows.

[Crows-Nest] Celaeno says, "got attacked by a great white shark AFTER Labour Day"

DM says, "'We don't have room for y'all to sleep, but no worries, we'll be in Direfrost in an hour. There's a good inn who'll, so to speak, take you in, heheh.'"

[Crows-Nest] Gunther says, "yay"

Dunatim says (to Banks), "I believe *now* would be the time for those trousers."

DM says, "'So, just stay warm, and we'll make it in no time, sure as fish eggs is eggs.'"

(From DM) Benjamin hands over the carefully folded trousers to Dunatim. Amazingly, they are still dry.

Celaeno rubs the bump on her head.

Dunatim finds that an hour is an adequate amount of time to make himself properly presentable before they arrive.

Donaar wraps himself up in a blanket.

(From DM) Rosa pulls out some ointment and rubs it on Celaeno's bump. 'There, that should be all right,' she says.

DM says, "So, an hour later, you're in Direfrost, being lead a cheerily boisterous Captain Oakwillow through its darkened streets."

DM says, "There's frost and patches of ice on the cobblestones, and lanterns light every corner, providing comfort for those still out and about at this ungodly hour."

DM says, "And thus you arrive in front of atwo-storey timber and brick building, with a slate roof and a big sign saying THE PILGRIM AND CUP."

Dunatim says, "Ah, good."

">[LINK]

[Crows-Nest] TheGreenFist says, "They had to rename it from 2 PILGRIMS AND CUP"

[Crows-Nest] Celaeno says, "you have chosen poorly"

[Crows-Nest] Dunatim says, "Welp, let's find the next inn."

DM says, "As you're about to come in, you hear a slight disturbance, and have to step aside momentarily as a grumpy-looking red tiefling is thrown out. She pushes past you and disappears, grumbling something in infernal."

DM says, "'It's all right,' Liam says, seeing your concern. 'It's a good inn.'"

Celaeno says, "Any port in a storm, as they say."

Dunatim says, "Well, let us give it a try, then."

Dunatim goes inside, trusting the others to follow.

Celaeno says, "Arr."

DM says, "So you enter the Pilgrim and Cup. The innkeepers come to greet Captain Oakwillow; they're a couple of friendly halflings, who present themselves as Merey and Roscoe Tosscobble respectively."

(From DM) Merey exclaims, 'Look at those poor travellers! Another shipwreck, Liam?'

DM says, "'That it was indeed.'"

[Crows-Nest] TheGreenFist says, "hehe"

[Crows-Nest] Celaeno says, "we packed a bad week to run our Shipwreck Survivors Drink Free promotion"

DM says, "'Those icebergs are a public menace!' Merey shakes her head, then turns to y'all brightly. 'Will you be wanting dinner?'"

Celaeno says, "Dinner, breakfast, whatever ye might have on hand"

[Crows-Nest] Donaar says, "Belatedly, yay!"

Celaeno says, "No eggs for me, thanks."

Dunatim says, "I've dined already -- but I could do with a soft, clean bed."

Donaar would eat.

(From DM) Her husband adds, 'Given what happened to you guys, we won't charge you for tonight.'

DM says, "'Free dinner and bed!'"

[Crows-Nest] Celaeno says, "as per the ancient and noble Code of The Friendly Halfling Innkeepers"

Donaar says, "That is very kind of you, Sir."

Dunatim nods in agreement. That makes perfect sense.

[Crows-Nest] TheGreenFist says, "How did Roscoe acquire an inn and did he ever find the white Hallfling? I want these questions answered in this campaign"

[Crows-Nest] DM says, "hee"

DM asks, "So, Donaar just goes to bed, and the rest of you have dinner?"

[Crows-Nest] Dunatim asks, "A brief but intense romantic relationship limited entirely to corridors?"

[Crows-Nest] Donaar says, "s/Donaar/Dunatim/"

[Crows-Nest] Dunatim says, "Donaar said he'd eat; I wanted to go to bed."

[Crows-Nest] DM says, "Ooops, I mixed you up again. Damn those similar-looking names."

Dunatim asks, "I suppose a quick nightcap first wouldn't hurt -- how is your cocktail selection?"

(From DM) Merey smiles pleasantly. 'We have cider, port and mead.'

Dunatim says, "Ah."

[Crows-Nest] Celaeno says, "time for a pipeweed fattie"

Dunatim says, "A glass of port, then."

Celaeno apparates a pipe from some deep pocket and loses herself in morose thought.

(From DM) 'Perfect! May I suggest poaches shrimp and dried pomegranate to go with that? It's a specialty.'

[Crows-Nest] DM says, "uh, poached, not poaches"

[Crows-Nest] Celaeno says, "awww man these guys are gonna go all Sweeney Todd on us"

Dunatim says, "Very well. Thank you."

(From DM) 'Otherwise, we have Smoked Hare and Blue Cheese to go with a tankard of cider, or else steamed grouse and pepper with a nice glass of mead.'

[Crows-Nest] TheGreenFist asks, "Can you tell our DM is french yet?"

[Crows-Nest] Dunatim says, "Ha."

[Crows-Nest] Celaeno says, "I don't see it"

[Crows-Nest] Celaeno says, "also the innkeepers are wearing berets OH THERE IT IS"

DM says, "So y'all make your orders while Roscoe brings up the luggage to your rooms, aided by the capable Benjamin Banks."

Donaar says, "I would gladly have the hare with cider."

[Crows-Nest] Celaeno says, "damnit boy never hire halfling porters how many times do I need to tell you"

[Crows-Nest] Celaeno says, "time for that traditional sea shanty, Sail Away With Me"

DM says, "Merey notes down your orders on a large notepad in wide swirly handwriting."

[Crows-Nest] DM says (to Celaeno), "Let's assume the loss of your ship has injured your appetite, shall we"

[Crows-Nest] Celaeno says, "yup"

(From DM) Captain Oakwillow also declares that he might as well spend the night, since he leaves early tomorrow morning.

DM says, "So y'all are lead into the dining room, which is surprisingly spacious, and you notice that there are some people (obviously guests) who are playing cards."

DM says, "You all sit down."

Dunatim keeps an ear on the card game. What are they playing? And more importantly, are they any good at it?

DM says (to Dunatim), "There are four people playing card: a woman, a male elf, a female dwarf, and a taciturn gnome."

[Crows-Nest] Dunatim says, "Man, how racist of you."

[Crows-Nest] Dunatim asks, "I assume you mean a *female human*, a male elf, a female dwarf and a taciturn gnome?"

DM says, "The gnome appears to be winning, but there's no money involved, so not much excitement."

[Crows-Nest] Celaeno says, "and no halforc monk"

[Crows-Nest] DM exclaims, "I swear I've got this planned!"

Dunatim begins to lose interest when he realizes there are no stakes.

[Crows-Nest] Celaeno says, "I trust you my bro"

[Crows-Nest] Dunatim asks (of Fist), "Unrelatedly, how are you for the 27th?"

[Crows-Nest] Celaeno says, "It's some sort of stripping game"

DM says, "The gnome gives up on the game, glances around, and spots Oakwillow. 'Captain. I'm glad you're here. We need to talk.'"

[Crows-Nest] TheGreenFist says (to Dunatim), "Player yes, DM no"

[Crows-Nest] Dunatim was joking.

DM says, "Oakwillow chuckles. 'Mr. Dorrick.' Then he tells y'all, 'I'm just popping out for a wee minute.'"

[Crows-Nest] Celaeno says, "Gnomes, the evil nazis of this world"

DM says, "So the gnome and the captain steps outside, and Merey brings you the food. 'Anybody want spiders with that?' she asks."

Donaar looks horrified, but quickly recovers.

(From DM) 'Sorry, I couldn't resist! You see, some crazy tiefling came in and asked for spiders with her dinner, so Roscoe got mad and tossed her out. He's so easily offended, and he's the one who does the cooking after all, so...'

Donaar forces a chuckle, still thinking about (live) spiders crawling their way down his throat.

DM says, "Upon these words, there is a sound of a door slamming open."

Celaeno says, "That wasn't me."

DM says, "And, seconds later, a stranger comes in, doing a cool backflip and landing on the nearest chair , startling everyone."

Donaar is startled!

DM exclaims, "It appears to be a half-orc!"

DM exclaims, "Wearing wet, muddy robes!"

[Crows-Nest] Celaeno says, "Everyone roll initiative and shoot to kill"

Dunatim raises an eyebrow. This could be entertaining.

[Crows-Nest] TheGreenFist asks, "Woot, another half-orc monk?"

TheGreenFist says, "Good thing there was a chair there, otherwise this would've been embarassing!"

(From DM) Merey exclaims, 'What in the name of --?'

TheGreenFist says (to merey), "Fear not, brave lady, for it's only me ... The Green Fist"

(From DM) Merey blinks. 'The Green *what*?'

(From DM) Roscoe comes stomping into the room. 'What's this?'

TheGreenFist says, "Er ... Fist. I'm a monk!"

Celaeno asks, "Are you in a band?"

(From DM) Merey blinks again. 'Is that how monks usually enter a room? It seems sort of funny.'

TheGreenFist says (to Celaeno), "Oh, this pan flute? No, I just use it recreationally"

Dunatim whispers (to Denys), "Hmm. Monks are good at hitting things, aren't they?"

TheGreenFist says (to merey), "Not every room, but sometimes. Anyway, good lady, I require room and board"

Dunatim says (to Denys), "I wonder if I should hire this guy for the quest. Muscle *and* entertainment, rolled into one."

(From DM) Roscoe looks relieved. So does Merey. 'Room and board? Well, so long as you don't bother the others, and remember to pay...'

TheGreenFist asks, "Of course! A true hero always pis hís debt. Incidentally, how much is it?"

[Crows-Nest] Celaeno says, "damnit I didn't know these guys were on a quest when I rented them my boat stupid stupid stupid"

DM says, "Six gp a night, bed and board."

DM says, "Of course, if you've been shipwrecked..."

TheGreenFist says, "That, uh, that, is not technically a problem ..."

(From DM) 'But...?'

TheGreenFist asks (of dunatim), "Hire this guy, you said?"

[Crows-Nest] Celaeno says, "they also accept payment in pushups"

Dunatim asks (of Fist), "Hmm? You're interested in joining the quest?"

TheGreenFist says, "Sure, if there is at least 6gp of paymentr"

Dunatim says (to Roscoe), "He's on my tab, then."

(From DM) Roscoe nods, and tells Merey to note that down.

TheGreenFist says, "Excellent! I'll have the hare!"

(From DM) Merey and Roscoe vanish back into the kitchen.

Dunatim asks (of Fist), "Welcome to the group! We're on a hunt for the cup... I mean, the grail of... argh, what is that thing called again, Banks?"

[Crows-Nest] Celaeno says, "the Cup of the Pilgrim sir"

(From DM) Benjamin sighs. 'The Cup and Dagger of Mithros, sir.'

[Crows-Nest] Celaeno says, "hey wait a minute"

Dunatim asks, "Right, the Cup and Dagger of Mithros. Ever heard of them?"

TheGreenFist asks, "Er, of course. But why don't you refresh my memory?"

(From DM) At this juncture, Oakwillow and Mr. Dorrick return, the latter looking more taciturn than before. But they hear Dunatim's last words.

(From DM) Captain Oakwillow sits down. 'Cup? What's this about a cup? And who's this young monk, if I may ask so meself?'

Dunatim explains what he's learned about the cup so far, without going into too much detail about the last half dozen dead ends that completely failed to turn up anything of value.

TheGreenFist says, "Hello, brave mariner, I'm known as ... the green Fist"

[slingergame] TheGreenFist asks, "Uh, did I miss this story somewhere?"

[slingergame] DM says, "don't worry about ti"

[slingergame] Dunatim says, "No, but I don't know much backstory about it other than 'a gnomish religious artifact', so I figured I'd give the DM a chance to fill in any extra details."

[slingergame] Dunatim says, "(Detail that my character knows but I don't, I mean.)"

[slingergame] DM says, "Let's return to the game. Trust me on this."

[slingergame] Dunatim exclaims, "I haven't left!"

TheGreenFist asks, "So where do we start?"

Donaar listens intently.

(From DM) The Captain leans back, pulling his braces and looking thoughtful. 'This cup... is it gold?'

Donaar asks, "We're not... we're not going to steal anything, are we?"

Dunatim says, "...yes? I mean, probably. That would be consistent with our research so far."

(From DM) Benjamin Banks tut-tuts. 'If you forget, sir, Mithros is a forgotten god. I doubt anyone still worships him anymore.'

Donaar nods thoughtfully.

(From DM) The Captain seems even more thoughtful. 'So you really have no idea what this thing looks like?'

Dunatim says (to Donaar), "Don't worry, I've never had to steal anything. Everything I've needed so far has been either available for a price, or else more or less abandoned."

Donaar says, "That is fair."

Dunatim says (to Captain), "Not really. We were hoping to find someone around here who had heard of it."

(From DM) For the first time, Mr. Dorrick takes an active part in the conversation. 'If I may say something. I've heard of... Mithros.'

[slingergame] Dunatim asks, "Is that the taciturn gnome?"

[slingergame] DM says, "yeah"

Dunatim asks, "Ah, yes?"

(From DM) Mr. Dorrick is a bald gnome with dark eyes. His eyes seem very wise.

(From DM) The gnome says, 'I was a monk once.'

TheGreenFist says, "Oooh."

TheGreenFist says, "I grew up in a Gnomish monastery"

(From DM) 'Indeed? That is... that is gratifying.'

Dunatim looks at Mr. Dorrick, then at TheGreenFist, then back and Mr. Dorrick. Then shrugs. Sure, why not.

TheGreenFist says, "Were you at the Coldriver Monastery? That's where I was. I learned Gnomish Shadow Boxing!"

(From DM) The gnome smiles. 'I was a novice there, before I was then ushered into the world and became a member of the Temple of Mithros.'

Dunatim asks, "Mmm. Where is this 'Temple of Mithros'?"

[slingergame] TheGreenFist asks, "And does this temple have a rolling boulder trap?"

Donaar frowns to himself.

(From DM) Dorrick hesitates. 'It does not exist any more,' he finally says. 'It burned to the ground, smitten by the wrath of Mithros. Its ruins are lost somewhere in the Waywoods, to the south of Direfrost.'

(From DM) 'But I doubt you'd find what you seek there.'

Dunatim frowns. "Why's that?"

DM says, "'Well... all the ceremonial items were taken by fleeing monks as they tried to escape the wrath of Mithros.'"

DM says, "'I myself was lucky to make it out alive.'"

Dunatim asks, "Ah! Do you know where they fled to?"

DM says, "The gnome smiles grimly. 'Mithros is the god of the earth-fire, my friends. The only place safe from him... was the sea.'"

TheGreenFist says, "Sounds like we need a ship!"

Dunatim says, "Mrm. I've been there. I admit it hasn't made the best first impression on me."

(From DM) Captain Oakwillow then intervenes: 'Dorrick, does this have anything to do with the thing you asked me about --?'

Celaeno asks, "And what, pray tell, were the good monks of Mithros up to that warrented getting smitten by their god?"

(From DM) 'They lacked... faith.'

(From DM) Captain Oakwillow tries to get another word in: 'Dorrick, that thing -- I mean --'

Dunatim says, "Seems surprising that they would want to take the artifacts with them."

Dunatim asks, "But hey, it seems like you know a lot about these guys. How would you like to come along, as our guide?"

(From DM) 'It... would be a pleasure. However, I have some business to finish in town.'

(From DM) 'Rather urgent matters, I'm afraid.'

Dunatim asks, "Sure, sure. When do you think you'll be ready to set out?"

Dunatim asks, "Tomorrow? The next day?"

Celaeno says, "Perhaps we could expedite things."

(From DM) The gnome is hesitant. 'I'll think it over and tell you in the morning. Sleep often offers counsel... to those who know how to listen.'

Dunatim says, "Fair enough. I should be heading to bed myself."

(From DM) Captain Oakwillow looks like he'd like to say something, but thinks better of it.

Dunatim says (to Denys), "See, Denys? I *told* you that if we came here, we'd probably find someone who could give us another lead."

(From DM) Glydenis nods weakly. 'Right as alway, cousin. My head hurts.'

DM says, "So you all have dinner, the Captain remaining unusually silent, as though he were trying to make a difficult decision."

Donaar digs into his hare and quaffs the cider, very much enjoying the food.

(From DM) Rosa eats her hare eagerly.

TheGreenFist asks, "So how long have you guys searched for this mug?"

(From DM) Glydenis pokes his food around listlessly.

(From DM) 'For months and months,' he mutters.

Dunatim says, "Yeah, sounds about right."

Dunatim says, "Tricky things, these magic artifacts. They're never quite where you expect them to be."

(From DM) The Captain's eyebrow twitches.

TheGreenFist asks (of captain), "Something wrong with your food, sir?"

(From DM) Captain Oakwillow is startled by the monk's question. 'No,' he stammers slightly. 'No worries. I'm -- well, um -- just jitters, that's all.'

(From DM) He glances around, as if to check that someone is indeed not there.

Dunatim asks, "Do you know anything about this cup of Mithros? Or artefact hunting in general?"

DM says, "(just to be clear, I forgot to mention that Dorrick headed up to bed)"

(From DM) The Captain mops his brow. 'Well, I didn't like to mention it with Dorrick there, because, well, it wouldn't have been very nice for the poor gentleman.'

(From DM) 'But now he's upstairs and in bed, I feel like I can't really hide this anymore.'

(From DM) 'You see, while I was fishing, I found a certain item which looked like the one Mr. Dorrick has been looking for.'

TheGreenFist says, "Oh"

(From DM) 'So of course we were discussing a price for it, and so forth, you see.'

(From DM) 'And it's basically a done deal, so's to say, so it wouldn't be very nice of me to back out and all that.'

(From DM) The Captain unbuckles his pouch. 'I suppose I have to show it to you,' he says, and pulls out....

(From DM) ... a golden-looking cup.

Dunatim asks, "Would you mind if I took several minutes to examine that?"

(From DM) The Captain is suspicious. 'I couldn't afford to let it get stolen. Dorrick would be unhappy, oh my.'

[slingergame] DM says, "Charisma roll, dear Dunantim"

Dunatim says, "Oh, I won't leave the table."

Donaar says, "Sir, I would not allow it to be stolen. I have taken an oath of Devotion."

Dunatim rolls 1 20-sided die: 20 | 20 + 5 = 25

[slingergame] Dunatim says, "Persuasion."

[slingergame] DM says, "The captain is swayed."

(From DM) 'Okay,' he says, and hand you the cup cautiously.

Dunatim sets the cup in the middle of the table, then spends several minutes chanting and making arcane gestures, ritual-casting Detect Magic.

DM says (to Dunatim), "It's magic, all right."

TheGreenFist says, "I steal some of his cheddar"

Dunatim studies it to learn the school of magic, and anything else the DM thinks he could discern.

DM says (to Dunatim), "The cup doesn't really stand on the table, though."

(From DM) The cup, having nothing to make it stand up, just lies uselessly on its side.

(From DM) It's not gold, but copper, after all.

[slingergame] Dunatim asks, "A) While the spell is active, is there anything else magical in the area?"

[slingergame] Dunatim says, "And B), I'd like to do the 'learn the function of a magic item by studying it during a short rest' thing."

DM says, "The cup isn't the only magical object, but you don't know what or where the other one is. You only vaguely sense its presence."

[slingergame] DM says, "Eating dinner is a short rest, in my opinion"

(From DM) Dunatim tries to discern the magical properties of the cup. He senses Abjuration.

[slingergame] Dunatim says, "Sounds good to me."

Dunatim finishes his dinner, only half paying attention to the quality of the food, while he continues to study the cup.

(From DM) It appears to have protective use, though why would anyone need to protect wine (or whatever the cup is meant to contain) is a mystery to you.

[Crows-Nest] Celaeno asks, "It's an athletic cup?"

[Crows-Nest] Dunatim says, "Ha."

TheGreenFist says, "Maybe we can fill it, see what happens"

Dunatim holds the cup upright with one hand and pours in the last of his port.

(From DM) The wine starts to boil.

Donaar stares.

(From DM) The wine evaporates, leaving nothing left to the naked eye.

Dunatim sniffs it.

(From DM) 'Good grief!' Oakwillow exclaims. 'What use is a cup like that, I'd like to know?'

[slingergame] Dunatim says, "So in theory, 'At the end of the rest, the character learns the item's properties, as well as how to use them.'"

Dunatim says, "It's an abjuration magic of some sort -- for purposes of protection..."

[slingergame] TheGreenFist says, "It's a malfunctioning water heater, genius"

(From DM) Thunder rumbles outside.

[slingergame] Dunatim asks, "Is there anything I can do here to learn more about it?"

(From DM) 'Blimey!' Oakwillow looks up. 'That can't be thunder, it's not the season for that.'

[slingergame] DM says, "You have learnt all that the gods will allow, one can assume"

Dunatim says, "I feel as though I should be able to tell more about this... the fact that I *can't* makes me believe there may be something special about this item that's hiding its true nature from me."

Celaeno asks, "What about the other thing? The dagger?"

TheGreenFist says, "I take a peek outside."

Dunatim asks (of Captain), "How much is Mr. Dorrick offering you for this?"

(From DM) Oakwillow hesitates. 'Well, he was asking for a low price, and I wasn't sure, because I thought this was gold. But now that you tell me it's copper, well, now Dorrick's offer seems pretty reasonable.'

Dunatim says, "If you haven't yet closed the deal, I'll gladly offer you more."

(From DM) 'But maybe I can be persuaded to change my mind... though it'd be a shame to disappoint old Dorrick.'

TheGreenFist says, "We monks don't desire money, only Wisdom"

[Crows-Nest] Dunatim says, "And free food."

[Crows-Nest] Celaeno says, "and punching"

(From DM) The Captain yawns. 'Well, I was going to leave in the morning, but with Dorrick in town, I'll still be here tomorrow. How about you let this old sailor get spome beauty sleep?'

(From DM) 'That way I can figure out a way to sell you this without upsetting the poor old gentleman.'

Dunatim exclaims, "Fair enough. We'll talk again in the morning. But please," he says, smiling, "don't let the cup be lost before I have a chance to make a deal with you!"

(From DM) The Captain chuckles. 'I'm no greenhorn,' he replies. 'I guard my possessions with my life.'

[Crows-Nest] TheGreenFist says, "cough cough foreshadowing cough"

Dunatim says (to Banks), "Then I believe it's time that I prepared for bed."

(From DM) Rosa stifles a yawn. 'Well, this has been lovely, apart from the shipwreck of course.'

[slingergame] Dunatim says, "Given that I've already had two dinners, went to bed once, and had an hour-long boat ride in the middle of the night..."

[slingergame] DM exclaims, "All these thrills, and you haven't even rolled initiative!"

DM says, "So you all head to bed."

TheGreenFist says, "yep"

Celaeno says, "true"

DM says, "The retainers are all in one bedroom, Dunatim, Celaeno, Green Fist and Donaar in another which has two bunkbeds."

DM says, "These are side by side."

Donaar chooses a bottom bunk, being talk and heavy.

Donaar says, "(tall)"

TheGreenFist says, "I sleep on the floor, because beds are too soft for monk tastes"

[slingergame] Dunatim says, "Man, I know it's rude to look a gift room in the mouth, but..."

DM says, "The beds are comfy and filled with feathers. Even the floorboards are warm. Everything's nice and snug."

Dunatim falls asleep very quickly.

TheGreenFist says, "Me too"

Celaeno probably sleeps on one leg or something

TheGreenFist asks, "Head under your wing?"

Donaar curls up to fit in the bed. And also borrows the unused pillows.

DM says, "So you all have several hours of sweet dreams. And then, sometime after midnight..."

DM says, "... there is a scream. A woman's scream."

DM says, "Followed by the sound of running, then more screaming."

Donaar bolts upright, smacking his head.

Dunatim wakes up around the second scream.

TheGreenFist says, "Is already on his feet."

Dunatim asks, "What... what is it this time?"

Donaar grabs his morningstar and is out the door immediately.

TheGreenFist says, "I follow Donnar"

DM exclaims, "The door to the retainers' bedroom is ajar!"

Dunatim climbs out of bed, puts on his armor and such and then follows.

Dunatim pushes the door the rest of the way open, if no one else has done so yet.

Celaeno says, "WHAT HO"

DM says, "The bedroom is deserted."

Dunatim asks, "Rosa? Denys? Banks?"

Donaar remembered to put on chainmail, or maybe sleeps in it because PTSD.

[slingergame] DM says, "PTSD is plausible."

[slingergame] DM says, "Especially given your backstory which *cough* you haven't mentioned to anyone."

[slingergame] Donaar says, "It didn't come up, except "Everyone is dead!""

Dunatim goes inside and looks around, trying to figure out what's going on here.

DM says, "You hear then a shriek that sounds like Rosa, coming from the corridor."

[slingergame] Dunatim exclaims, "Time to make new friends to replace the old friends! Better, less dead friends!"

Dunatim exclaims, "Rosa!"

Dunatim runs after her.

TheGreenFist says, "Me too!"

Donaar runs towards the shriek as well

DM says, "Once back in the corridor, you notice another door which is ajar, further away. Rosa is standing in the doorframe, pale and frightened."

DM says, "'DUNATIM!'"

Dunatim asks, "Rosa! What's happened?"

TheGreenFist says, "I run over and push her out of the way"

DM says (to TheGreenFist), "You see Glydenis and Benjamin standing next to something grisly, in the middle of the room."

[Crows-Nest] Dunatim exclaims, "My amicable ex girlfriend is being manhandled by a half-orc I just met yesterday! Rolling initiative to fight him off!"

TheGreenFist asks, "What's the grisly thing?"

DM asks, "It looks like... the torso of a man? But where are his arms? Or his legs? OR HIS HEAD?"

[Crows-Nest] TheGreenFist says, "Then it wouldn't be a torso"

[Crows-Nest] Dunatim asks, "?"

Donaar #crows That's the definition of torso, no?

[Crows-Nest] Donaar says, "Oops"

[Crows-Nest] DM says, "Surely the torso is the middle part of the body."

TheGreenFist asks, "Oh no! Why did you two kill the captain?"

[Crows-Nest] Dunatim says, "Yeah."

(From DM) This is when several other guests push past Rosa and also see the corpse.

Donaar tries to clear the guests out of the room.

Donaar says, "You don't need to see that, Ma'am, Sir."

Dunatim embraces Rosa to console her. "There, there. It's all over now."

Dunatim asks, "Come and sit down in your room. I'll get you some wine. Do you want to talk about what happened?"

(From DM) One of the guests (a female dwarf) starts yelling 'MURDER! MURDER! SOMEBODY CALL THE GUARD!'

TheGreenFist says, "Hey, maybe these two had a good reason to kill him"

Donaar looks around for the other guy. The gnome.

(From DM) Dorrick the gnomes comes rushing, as well as Merey and Roscoe and some roguish looking wood elf.

[Crows-Nest] Donaar says, "Timing"

TheGreenFist says, "I look around the room for the cup"

DM says, "So now we have: a dead body, three retainers, Dunatim, Donaar, Dorrick, Merey, Roscoe and some wood elf, as well as a female human with red hair, a slimy looking half-elf and a female dwarf"

DM says, "All in one room."

[slingergame] Dunatim says, "No, I led Rosa out of the room."

Donaar continues to try to usher people out of the room then.

Donaar says, "Guests and other extras."

[slingergame] Dunatim says, "Back into her room, where I'm comforting her and asking her what happened."

[slingergame] TheGreenFist says, "Hey, I'm there too!"

[slingergame] DM says, "dammit I forgot you"

[slingergame] DM says, "so many people"

[slingergame] DM says, "gah"

[slingergame] TheGreenFist says, "Maybe the cat is there, too"

(From DM) So basically the wood elf who's with Roscoe and Merey stops Donaar and asks, 'What in the name of the Underdark is going on?'

(From DM) While everyone is kind of panicking a little.

Donaar says, "Someone's dismembered the Captain!"

[slingergame] Donaar says, "Ok, that's a big word for Donaar."

(From DM) Merey clasps a hand over her lips, and Roscoe turns pale. 'Oh my God,' they say in unison.

Celaeno asks, "Whoever did this almost certainly ran off afterwards. Who has fled the scene?"

(From DM) 'Okay,' the wood elf says, trying to calm everyone, 'nobody's to leave this place until the Guard comes, all right? Just go back to your rooms and stay there. I'll go get the police working on this.'

Donaar is relieved to have someone in charge.

(From DM) Merey says, 'Oh, god, I cant' be sure, but I think there's nobody missing.'

[Crows-Nest] Dunatim says, "Except for TheGreenFist."

(From DM) 'All right, Roscoe old friend,' the wood elf says, 'get the ledger from downstairs, we'll check this.'

(From DM) So everybody stays where they are while Roscoe rushes downstairs, and comes straight back up with a leather book.

TheGreenFist asks, "Are the limbs in the room?"

[slingergame] Dunatim says, "So I'm hoping at some point to find out from Rosa what happened -- how she discovered the body, what she was doing going into that room in the first place, if she saw anything else, etc."

[slingergame] Dunatim says, "But if she's having trouble dealing with this, I won't rush her."

(From DM) The wood elf glances around. He looks under the bed, and retrieves a head with a knife sticking out of its forehead.

(From DM) 'Oh, my god, it IS poor Liam --'

(From DM) Rosa faints.

[slingergame] Celaeno says, "Not to get too metagamey, but recall that you're also the telepath guy"

[slingergame] Dunatim says, "I can project messages into people's brains."

[slingergame] Celaeno says, "At least with the head we can get a Speak With Dead going. I mean we can't cast it but maybe someone in this town can."

TheGreenFist asks, "What kind of knife is it?"

[slingergame] Dunatim says, "But I can't read minds."

[slingergame] Celaeno says, "right, right"

DM says, "It's hard to tell, but it looks like a present. It has shiny jewels in its hilt, something evident when the wood elf pulls it out and shows it to everyone, asking 'Does anyone recognize this?'"

Donaar shakes his head.

TheGreenFist says, "No"

Dunatim says, "Yes."

(From DM) The wood elf turns to Dunatim.

Dunatim says, "That's Rosa's knife. I was the one who gave it to her."

[Crows-Nest] TheGreenFist says, "Oh, I feel like such an idiot for suspecting your other two retainers."

Donaar asks, "R-- Rosa?"

(From DM) The wood elf glances at Rosa, who has passed out. 'That's not exactly good news. For her, I mean.'

(From DM) Roscoe exclaims, 'I've checked! None of the guests are missing!'

Dunatim says, "Well. It means that if we can find out who stole it from her, we'll probably have found the killer."

Donaar looks worriedly between Dunatim and Rosa and the wood elf and back ot the dagger.

TheGreenFist asks, "Why would she kill him?"

(From DM) The wood elf ponders this. 'Well, it does seems like a strange case.'

Dunatim says (to Fist), "*How* could she kill him? The limbs were ripped from the body."

(From DM) Roscoe sighs. 'Come on, now, Perry, don't pretend to be a sleuth when you're not. Of course she couldn't have done it.'

Dunatim says, "There's no way that Rosa was strong enough to do that, nor would that little knife be enough to butcher a corpse like that."

Donaar perks up, "That's definitely true!"

TheGreenFist says, "Yeah, it would have to be someone strong like Donaar"

Dunatim looks around the room, assessing who *would* have been strong enough.

Donaar glares at the Fist. "I was in the room with you the whole time."

(From DM) 'I have to agree with you,' the wood elf says, 'but I'm worried about what Commissioner Brinestone would think. Some people like to jump to conclusions, you see.'

[Crows-Nest] Dunatim says, "Misread that at first as 'Commissioner Brimstone', thought the head of the local police was a tiefling."

(From DM) 'Oh, I forget, I'm a plainsclothes detective for the Direfrost City Guard. Name's Galanodel. Peren Galanodel.'

Donaar asks, "Has anyone actually alerted the police?"

[slingergame] Donaar says, "I thought the wood elf said they would, but they're still here"

(From DM) Peren says, 'I was going to, but then people started yelling about daggers and heads and stuff.'

Donaar says, "Fair."

Celaeno says, "Perhaps that magic-detection procedure would be useful again."

TheGreenFist says, "We still haven't found neither the arms nor legs"

(From DM) Peren scratches his head. 'Are you sure you really want me to call in the City Guard?' he asks.

Donaar asks, "Can we rouse Rosa?"

TheGreenFist says, "Hey, we have some smart people here. They can figure it out."

TheGreenFist searches the room for the rest of the Captain.

Donaar says, "Surely she'll have something useful to tell us."

Dunatim says (to Peren), "Why not? This sort of thing is their job to deal with."

Donaar looks at hte others, "The cup was also missing, right?"

[slingergame] Donaar is dumb. For the record.

[slingergame] Donaar says, "And honest to a fault."

DM says, "The cup is nowhere to be seen, and the pouch is on the dead man's corpse, open."

[slingergame] Donaar says, "In case nobody wanted to mention the cup in front of Peren :)"

Dunatim says, "Well, there's a motive, right there."

(From DM) Peren glances at Roscoe. Roscoe glances at Merey. They all look somewhat uncomfortable. 'Well, the thing you need to know about the City Guard, Mr Dunatim, is that they're not exactly a fan of subtlety.'

Dunatim says, "Anyone who was in the dining room last night knows that that cup was worth money."

Celaeno asks, "Is that gnome Dorrick still around?"

(From DM) Dorrick says, 'Yes.'

Dunatim asks (of Peren), "Are you suggesting that they're not terribly good at things like determining the actual culprit in a crime like this?"

Celaeno says, "Oh sorry; I didn't see you there for a moment."

[slingergame] DM says, "This is conversational chaos."

Celaeno asks (of Dorrick), "Other than you and us, do you know of anyone who might want to steal the cup and also know it was here?"

Donaar asks, "Besides anyone who saw us at dinner last night?"

(From DM) Dorrick seems surprised that Celaeno knows about the cup. 'No one would kill for this,' he protests. 'Its value is sentimental only.'

Celaeno says, "Other people might harbour delusions of its value"

Dunatim says (to Dorrick), "It's valuable to me."

Dunatim glances at Celaeno, then dismisses the remark for now.

(From DM) 'Then they'd steal it. Not rip a man apart for it. There are far better methods of silencing people than to dismember them, Captain Celaeno.'

TheGreenFist says, "Yeah, the murder method seems odd for a simple theft"

TheGreenFist says, "And I still haven't found the arms or legs"

Celaeno says (to DM), "I'd like to use Perception or Search or something to look around for something obvious like bloody footprints leading away or whatnot"

DM says (to Celaeno), "okay"

[slingergame] Donaar says, "So is Rosa on the floor or in her room? Mixed messages."

[slingergame] DM says, "Rosa is on the floor, passed out."

Donaar kneels next to Rosa and tries to wake her.

[slingergame] Dunatim asks, "Hmm. I'd like to see if this method of death rings any bells. If I do an Arcana check, can I use my 'book of lore' (part of the scholar's pack) as a reference to get an advantage on the check?"

Celaeno rolls 1 20-sided die: 5 | 5 + 6 = 11

[slingergame] Celaeno says, "sigh too many people tromping all over everything"

[slingergame] Dunatim says (to DM), "Oh, if she was on the floor, then I assume I helped her to her bed before returning."

[slingergame] TheGreenFist asks, "Can I roll to see if I find the rest of him?"

[slingergame] DM says, "One request at a time, friends"

[slingergame] DM says (to GreenFist), "roll for search"

[slingergame] Celaeno says, "I mispoke earlier; there doesn't seem to be a search skill in this edition. There's perception and investigation, though."

[slingergame] DM says (to Dunatim), "I'll say that Merey stays with Rosa to keep an eye on her, and Peren ushers all irrelevant people back to their rooms."

TheGreenFist rolls 1 20-sided die: 6 | 6 + 2 = 8

[slingergame] Dunatim says, "I think Investigation is the usual skill for searching."

[slingergame] DM says (to Celaeno), "roll investigation"

DM says (to TheGreenFist), "You find one leg, but are otherwise clueless."

[slingergame] Dunatim says, "And I *think* Perception is usually for noticing, like, people behaving oddly or animals making noise or other things happening around you."

Dunatim says (to Fist), "Are you trying to search the room? Maybe I can help."

Dunatim lightly touches TheGreenFist's forehead while saying a few cryptic syllables.

Dunatim says, "Try again."

[slingergame] Dunatim says, "But this time, add an extra 1d4 to the check."

[slingergame] Dunatim says, "('Guidance'.)"

Celaeno rolls 1d20+1 4-sided dice: 1 | 1 + 3 = 4

Celaeno says, "err"

Celaeno rolls 1 4-sided die: 4 | 4

Celaeno rolls 1 20-sided die: 3 | 3 + 3 = 6

Celaeno sigh.

[Crows-Nest] DM says, "Now I'm horribly confused."

TheGreenFist rolls 1d20+1 4-sided dice: 4 | 4 + 2 = 6

TheGreenFist rolls 1 20-sided die: 8 | 8 + 1d4 = 9

[slingergame] Dunatim asks, "Oh, whoops, did I mix up who was seraching?"

[slingergame] Dunatim says, "Assume I cast it on everyone taking part, I guess :)"

[Crows-Nest] DM says, "Everybody is searching at the same time and I'm losing my mind"

TheGreenFist says, "Er"

[slingergame] Dunatim says, "I'm not searching! I'm just casting spells to help everyone who is."

[slingergame] TheGreenFist says, "That is an 11 from me"

[Crows-Nest] Celaeno says, "That's what being a DM is all about"

[Crows-Nest] Celaeno says, "in principle there's good reasons to have secret target numbers. In practice it's often more practical to tell everyone what they need to succeed and then they can just report back"

DM says (to TheGreenFist), "You find another leg, hidden under a table."

Donaar asks, "Why did they take the time to hide the limbs??"

(From DM) Peren is baffled. 'Maybe they're just mad?'

[slingergame] DM says, "And to summarize: you're all in the room, Rosa and Merey are in the retainers' bedroom, Peren and Roscoe are here."

[slingergame] DM says, "Dorrick's here too."

[slingergame] DM says, "But the other guests have been ushered back to their rooms."

[slingergame] Dunatim says, "So, I'd like to do an Arcana check to see if this method of execution seems familiar."

[slingergame] DM says, "Do so, please."

[slingergame] Dunatim asks, "I have a 'book of lore' as a part of my scholar's pack. If I use it as a reference, can I get Advantage on the check?"

[slingergame] DM says (to Dunatim), "Yep."

Dunatim casts Guidance on himself, then studies the book to try to find anything similar to this.

Dunatim rolls 1 4-sided die: 2 | 2

Dunatim rolls 1 20-sided die: 11 | 11 + 1 = 12

Dunatim rolls 1 20-sided die: 18 | 18 + 1 = 19

[slingergame] Dunatim says, "So the total would be 21."

DM says (to Dunatim), "The book tells you that dismemberment is used in very specific contexts. Usually it's a way to remove a spirit from whatever mortal flesh it's found shelter in. It's also more rarely used for appeasing gods when ceremonial items are soiled by infidel hands."

(From DM) In the latter case, when the sacrifice is successful, the limbs will literally dance as a sign that the god is appeased.

Dunatim says, "This... *unusual* method of execution seems to suggest certain motives on the part of the killer."

TheGreenFist asks, "Are those legs I'm holding uncomfortably moving?"

DM says (to TheGreenFist), "You glance at the legs... look closely..."

Dunatim says, "It's likely that this was either some form of exorcism, or -- more likely in this case -- an attempt to re-consecrate a ceremonial artefact to some evil deity."

Donaar asks, "Is Mithros evil?"

(From DM) 'No,' Dorrick says insistently. 'Mithros is a harsh god, but he does not ask evil of his followers.'

Donaar nods.

Dunatim asks (of Dorrick), "So he wouldn't expect someone to, say, dismember a corpse?"

(From DM) Dorrick shakes his head.

[slingergame] Dunatim says, "I'd like to assess whether or not he's lying to me."

[slingergame] DM says, "Do you have a spell? Because otherwise it's a check"

[slingergame] Dunatim asks, "I don't. Perception?"

[slingergame] DM says, "Insight."

[slingergame] Dunatim asks, "Is it possible to cast Guidance before making the check, or would I have had to do it before he spoke?"

[slingergame] DM says, "You'd have to have cast it before he spoke."

Dunatim rolls 1 20-sided die: 20 | 20 + 1 = 21

[slingergame] Donaar says, "Moot point :)"

[slingergame] Dunatim says, "Indeed."

DM says (to Dunatim), "You sense that Dorrick is hiding something."

Dunatim asks (of Dorrick), "But...?"

[slingergame] Dunatim says, "A Persuasion check to try to get him to say more."

[slingergame] DM says, "Go for it."

Dunatim asks, "I sense that there's more you want to add here. Something else you need to tell us?"

Dunatim rolls 1 20-sided die: 10 | 10 + 5 = 15

(From DM) Dorrick sighs. 'Well, there is something I must say. Mithros has two faces, a light side and a dark side. But I cannot tell you the name of the dark side.'

[slingergame] Donaar asks, "Intimidation check?"

(From DM) Peren is more and more puzzles. 'Dark side? This sounds all very farfetched to me.'

[slingergame] DM says, "puzzled, dammit"

[slingergame] DM says (to Donaar), "go for it"

Donaar stands up to his full height. "You're going to tell us. Or you're going to regret it."

Donaar rolls 1 20-sided die: 6 | 6 + 6 = 12

[slingergame] Donaar says, "Ugh"

[Crows-Nest] Dunatim says (to Peren), "You see, a long time ago, on a plane far, far away..."

[slingergame] Donaar is cuddly and tired.

[slingergame] Dunatim says, "I'm trying to decide at what point it's worth making a total enemy out of him in order to try to cooperate more fully."

(From DM) Much to Donaar's surprise, the gnome hesitates. Then he says: 'Well, I'll tell you, no need to try and intimidate me.'

Donaar says, "Oh. Thank you."

(From DM) 'The name of the dark side... is Rosmith.'

[slingergame] Donaar says, "That goes over Donaar's head."

(From DM) And, just as these syllables pass his lips, the legs in the Green Fist's hand come to life and kick him in the nose.

TheGreenFist says, "Ouch!"

Dunatim says, "Well, that confirms it. This was a consecration ritual."

[slingergame] TheGreenFist says, "That'S what In get for being nosey! HA HA HA"

(From DM) Roscoe gasps, Peren stares, Dorricks smiles sadly, and then a hand flies towards Dorrick's face, right from behind the curtain!

[slingergame] DM says, "You've been waiting for it... it's"

[slingergame] DM exclaims, "INITIATIVE!"

Donaar rolls 1 20-sided die: 13 | 13 + 2 = 15

Donaar clears the initiative.

Donaar registers herself at init 15.

DM rolls 1 20-sided die: 2 | 2 + 2 = 4

DM rolls 1 20-sided die: 20 | 20 + 2 = 22

DM rolls 1 20-sided die: 15 | 15 + 2 = 17

DM rolls 1 20-sided die: 15 | 15 + 2 = 17

Celaeno rolls 1 20-sided die: 19 | 19 + 5 = 24

TheGreenFist rolls 1 20-sided die: 20 | 20 + 4 = 24

Dunatim rolls 1 20-sided die: 9 | 9 + 2 = 11

Dunatim registers himself at init 11.

Celaeno registers Celaeno at init 24.

DM registers RightFoot at init 4.

TheGreenFist registers Fist at init 23.

DM registers LeftFoot at init 22.

DM registers LeftArm at init 17.

DM registers RightArm at init 18.

DM displays the initiative: Celaeno(24) Fist(23) LeftFoot(22) RightArm(18) LeftArm(17) Donaar(15) Dunatim(11) RightFoot(4)

[Crows-Nest] Dunatim says, "Our first combat session is going to be against the Hokey Pokey."

DM rolls 1 20-sided die: 3 | 3

DM rolls 1 20-sided die: 7 | 7

DM rolls 1 20-sided die: 12 | 12

[slingergame] Celaeno says, "being this early in the list is weird"

DM says, "So, just to be clear: the right hand is strangling Dorrick who is powerless, the right leg and left leg are kicking Fist, the left hand is flying around like a weird bird overhead."

[slingergame] DM asks, "Can I have a minute to set this up?"

[slingergame] Celaeno says, "you can have all the minutes"

[slingergame] DM says, "I'm considering these limbs to be zombies for simplicity"

[slingergame] TheGreenFist says, "The creepy hand is as a monster in the MM"

[slingergame] DM says, "my initiative thingy doesn't have it, so relax"

[slingergame] DM says, "anyway, zombies aren't TPK material usually"

[slingergame] Dunatim says, "So he thinks."

[slingergame] Dunatim exclaims, "But we'll show him!"

[slingergame] Dunatim says, "(Since I'm late in init order, I'm going AFK for a moment.)"

[slingergame] DM says, "Okay"

[slingergame] DM says, "I need time to set this up properly anyway. Sorry for this inconvenience."

[slingergame] DM says, "Okay, it's all set up."

[slingergame] Celaeno asks, "okay. shall I go?"

[slingergame] DM says, "yep"

[slingergame] Dunatim says, "(Back.)"

[slingergame] DM says, "just in time, dear dunatim :)"

[slingergame] DM exclaims, "for the deathmatch has begun!"

Celaeno attacks that right leg what's kicking the Fist.

Celaeno rolls 1 20-sided die: 8 | 8 + 5 = 13

[slingergame] Dunatim says, "Quite literally."

[slingergame] DM asks, "That's with a dagger, or blunt force?"

Celaeno says, "Which I think also gives me sneak attack."

[slingergame] DM says, "Sneak attack way"

[slingergame] DM says, "awya"

[slingergame] DM says, "darn typos"

[slingergame] Celaeno says, "oh if I don't have my rapier with me, sure, I could use a dagger"

[slingergame] DM says, "Well, you got out of bed in a hurry."

[slingergame] Celaeno says, "sure, sounds good"

Celaeno rolls 1 4-sided die: 2 | 2 + 3 = 5

Celaeno rolls 2 6-sided dice: 6 2 | 8

Celaeno says, "13 points, poke poke"

DM exclaims, "The right foot is unhappy!"

Celaeno is done.

DM advances the initiative: CELAENO(24) Fist(23) LeftFoot(22) RightArm(18) LeftArm(17) Donaar(15) Dunatim(11) RightFoot(4)

DM advances the initiative: Celaeno(24) FIST(23) LeftFoot(22) RightArm(18) LeftArm(17) Donaar(15) Dunatim(11) RightFoot(4)

TheGreenFist says, "I drop the right leg, and I rain a flurry of blows on the left leg"

TheGreenFist says, "Which I imagine as holding it up with one hand and punching it with the other"

TheGreenFist rolls 1 20-sided die: 11 | 11 + 4 = 15

TheGreenFist rolls 1 20-sided die: 6 | 6 + 4 = 10

TheGreenFist rolls 1 20-sided die: 14 | 14 + 4 = 18

DM says, "Okay, all these blows land."

TheGreenFist rolls 1 6-sided die: 5 | 5

TheGreenFist rolls 1 6-sided die: 3 | 3

TheGreenFist rolls 1 6-sided die: 6 | 6

TheGreenFist says, "It also can't any reactions until my next turn"

TheGreenFist says, "And I'm done"

DM says, "The left foot starts squirting black fluid, but otherwise doesn't move."

[Crows-Nest] Celaeno says, "and the cops show up right.... now."

DM advances the initiative: Celaeno(24) Fist(23) LEFTFOOT(22) RightArm(18) LeftArm(17) Donaar(15) Dunatim(11) RightFoot(4)

DM says, "The left foot is paralysed by the Green Fist's flurry of martial arts awesomeness."

DM advances the initiative: Celaeno(24) Fist(23) LeftFoot(22) RIGHTARM(18) LeftArm(17) Donaar(15) Dunatim(11) RightFoot(4)

DM says, "The right hand focuses on strangling Dorricl."

DM advances the initiative: Celaeno(24) Fist(23) LeftFoot(22) RightArm(18) LEFTARM(17) Donaar(15) Dunatim(11) RightFoot(4)

DM says, "The left arm, which has been hovering like a weird ghost, now plunges onto an unsuspecting victim... Peren! With a powerful punch, the wood elf detective collapses in typical film noir fashion."

DM says, "Roscoe is horrified."

DM advances the initiative: Celaeno(24) Fist(23) LeftFoot(22) RightArm(18) LeftArm(17) DONAAR(15) Dunatim(11) RightFoot(4)

[slingergame] Donaar explicitly grabbed his morningstar ;)

[slingergame] DM says, "good one"

[Crows-Nest] TheGreenFist says, "Now I'm imagining Peren as Angus MacDonald from TAZ"

Donaar waves his morningstar at the right arm strangling Dorrick.

Donaar rolls 1 20-sided die: 7 | 7 + 6 = 13

[slingergame] Donaar says, "One sec. Why is that +6 and not +4."

[slingergame] Donaar says, "I don't know..."

[slingergame] Donaar says, "Let's go with 11"

DM says, "The morningstar breaks the right hand's hold, allowing Dorrick to collapse unconscious to the floor."

[slingergame] DM says, "And yes, this is still valid with an 11. Zombies aren't tough."

Donaar rolls 1 8-sided die: 4 | 4 + 4 = 8

[slingergame] Celaeno says (to donaar), "fighting style duelist, I bet"

[slingergame] Donaar says, "But duelist is on the damage, not attack, I think. one sec."

[slingergame] Donaar says, "yeah"

[slingergame] Donaar says, "I probably screwed up initially"

DM says, "The right hand gives Donaar the finger, and oozes black fluid from its fingernails."

[slingergame] DM says, "you are forgiven"

DM advances the initiative: Celaeno(24) Fist(23) LeftFoot(22) RightArm(18) LeftArm(17) Donaar(15) DUNATIM(11) RightFoot(4)

[slingergame] Dunatim says, "Since I had been in the other room with Rosa before coming back in order, I'm going to assume I'm near the doorway."

[slingergame] DM says, "You may do so."

Dunatim backs out into the hallway.

[slingergame] Dunatim asks, "Can I do that without attracting any attacks of opportunity?"

[slingergame] DM says, "Sure."

[Crows-Nest] Celaeno says, "whew almost didn't split the party"

[slingergame] Dunatim asks, "Once I'm in the hall, which enemies can I clearly see from here to ranged attack?"

[Crows-Nest] TheGreenFist asks, "Do I add my proficiency to initiative or is it just dex?"

[Crows-Nest] Celaeno says, "did manage to spread out the damage evenly among all the enemies though"

[Crows-Nest] Celaeno says, "It's just dex usually"

[slingergame] Dunatim says, "(Assuming I can't see the whole room clearly from out here.)"

[slingergame] DM says (to Dunatim), "Well, we'll say Peren was closer to the door, arriving last, so the hand that attacked him (the flying left hand) is the only one you can see from where you are."

Dunatim incants a few magic words and points at the left hand. A midnight blue bolt of crackling energy leaps from his fingertip.

[slingergame] Dunatim says, "Eldritch Blast, a ranged attack spell:"

[slingergame] DM says, "oooo"

Dunatim rolls 1 20-sided die: 5 | 5 + 5 = 10

[slingergame] Celaeno says, "fireball for all of us"

[slingergame] Dunatim says, "Aw."

DM says, "And that hits! You smell burning flesh."

[slingergame] Dunatim says, "ooh, excellent. Damage:"

[slingergame] DM says, "AC for zombies is 8 :P"

Dunatim rolls 1 10-sided die: 1 | 1 + 3 = 4

DM says, "The left hand is angry! Looks like it'll vent its frustration out on the nearest person... soon"

DM advances the initiative: Celaeno(24) Fist(23) LeftFoot(22) RightArm(18) LeftArm(17) Donaar(15) Dunatim(11) RIGHTFOOT(4)

[slingergame] Dunatim says, "Here's hoping someone *inside* the room will be nearer at the time..."

DM rolls 1 20-sided die: 15 | 15 + 3 = 18

DM rolls 1 6-sided die: 3 | 3 + 1 = 4

DM says, "The right foot jump up into the Green Fist's face, and does a backflip, hitting him in the face."

DM says, "For 4 HP worth of damage."

DM advances the initiative: END OF ROUND

TheGreenFist says, "Ouch"

DM advances the initiative: CELAENO(24) Fist(23) LeftFoot(22) RightArm(18) LeftArm(17) Donaar(15) Dunatim(11) RightFoot(4)

[Crows-Nest] TheGreenFist says, "My poor nose!"

Celaeno attacks the leg that Fist is still holding, so the left one.

Celaeno rolls 1 20-sided die: 12 | 12 + 5 = 17

Celaeno rolls 1 4-sided die: 1 | 1 + 3 = 4

DM exclaims, "You stab the undead foot with your rapier!"

Celaeno rolls 2 6-sided dice: 3 2 | 5

Celaeno says, "9 points, phantom limb"

DM says, "It wiggles its toes in pain."

DM exclaims, "And then it explodes!"

Donaar ew.

DM says, "The Green Fist gets most of the yucky stuff on his bruised and battered face."

[Crows-Nest] TheGreenFist says, "My poor face!"

DM removes LeftFoot from the initiative list.

DM advances the initiative: Celaeno(24) FIST(23) RightArm(18) LeftArm(17) Donaar(15) Dunatim(11) RightFoot(4)

TheGreenFist says, "I rain a flurry of kicks on the foot that kicked me in the face, see how he likes it"

TheGreenFist rolls 1 20-sided die: 19 | 19 + 4 = 23

TheGreenFist rolls 1 20-sided die: 3 | 3 + 4 = 7

TheGreenFist rolls 1 20-sided die: 20 | 20 + 4 = 24

[slingergame] Celaeno says, "dang son"

TheGreenFist rolls 1 6-sided die: 1 | 1

TheGreenFist rolls 2 6-sided dice: 2 3 | 5

[slingergame] Dunatim says, "Critikick."

TheGreenFist says, "6 damage all in all"

DM says, "Well, the first and third kicks strike true, but the second one sort of misses and you nearly fall over, barely recovering at the last second with an improvised Crane pose."

DM says, "The right leg loses a few toes under the violent brunt of your wrath."

DM advances the initiative: Celaeno(24) Fist(23) RIGHTARM(18) LeftArm(17) Donaar(15) Dunatim(11) RightFoot(4)

DM exclaims, "The right arm which was trying to strangle Dorrick now lunges at Donaar's throat!"

DM rolls 1 20-sided die: 20 | 20 + 3 = 23

Donaar aaaagh.

DM rolls 1 6-sided die: 4 | 4 + 1 = 5

DM says, "And grabs hold of it with a deathly clutch."

[slingergame] Celaeno says, "no not Donair"

DM advances the initiative: Celaeno(24) Fist(23) RightArm(18) LEFTARM(17) Donaar(15) Dunatim(11) RightFoot(4)

DM says, "The left arm, which attacked (and knocked out) Peren, choses to ignore Dunatim and proceeds to knock out poor innkeeper Roscoe, who lands with a thud next to his trusty old friend, unconscious."

DM advances the initiative: Celaeno(24) Fist(23) RightArm(18) LeftArm(17) DONAAR(15) Dunatim(11) RightFoot(4)

[slingergame] Celaeno says, "this is the punching fist of ONE PUNCH MANNNNNNNNNNnnnnnnnn"

[slingergame] Donaar asks, "How do I get this arm off me? Strength check?"

[slingergame] DM says, "Yeah"

Donaar rolls 1 20-sided die: 20 | 20 + 2 = 22

DM says, "You pull off the arm, which flies across the room and nearly hits the Green Fist in the face."

DM asks, "Anything else you'd like to do?"

[slingergame] Celaeno says, "his martial art is like kickboxing except instead of kicking it's more face-based"

[Crows-Nest] TheGreenFist says, "I literally feel so attacked right now"

Donaar breathes!

[slingergame] Donaar says, "That's it"

DM advances the initiative: Celaeno(24) Fist(23) RightArm(18) LeftArm(17) Donaar(15) DUNATIM(11) RightFoot(4)

Dunatim performs another ELDRITCH BLAST against the left arm!

Dunatim rolls 1 20-sided die: 15 | 15 + 5 = 20

Dunatim rolls 1 10-sided die: 1 | 1 + 3 = 4

[slingergame] Dunatim asks, "Um, can someone check if my d10 has more than one side?"

[slingergame] DM asks, "is that a joke or a real query?"

DM rolls 10-sided dice: 1 | 1

[slingergame] DM says, "it has more than one side, yep"

[slingergame] Dunatim says, "It *was* a joke."

[slingergame] DM says, "oops"

[slingergame] Dunatim says, "But now I'm getting suspicious."

[slingergame] Dunatim says, "(I mean, you did just roll a 1 as well.)"

Dunatim rolls 1 10-sided die: 1 | 1

Dunatim rolls 1 10-sided die: 10 | 10

[slingergame] Dunatim says, "OK, that is really weird that it took five rolls to roll something other than a 1."

[slingergame] Dunatim says, "But the streak is broken! Carry on."

[slingergame] Donaar says, "Well maybe now it'll roll a bunch of 10s :)"

[slingergame] Dunatim exclaims, "Or I've used up the only 10 it had in it!"

DM says, "Anyway, your eldritch magic smites the ungodly left arm (which once belonged to poor Oakwillow) and burns it into a hideous-looking skeleton of its former self."

DM advances the initiative: Celaeno(24) Fist(23) RightArm(18) LeftArm(17) Donaar(15) Dunatim(11) RIGHTFOOT(4)

DM says, "The unrighteous right foot jumps up again, eager for revenge, and re-does its classic backflip and kick."

DM rolls 1 20-sided die: 2 | 2 + 3 = 5

DM exclaims, "But misses!"

DM advances the initiative: END OF ROUND

DM advances the initiative: CELAENO(24) Fist(23) RightArm(18) LeftArm(17) Donaar(15) Dunatim(11) RightFoot(4)

[Crows-Nest] TheGreenFist says, "Aw, we failed to make a "the game is afoot" joke"

Celaeno attacks the remaining foot.

[Crows-Nest] DM says, "I practically fed it to you guys, what with 'Sherlock' Peren and all"

Celaeno rolls 1 20-sided die: 2 | 2 + 5 = 7

Celaeno thinks about the life choices which has led her to this junction.

Celaeno advances the initiative: Celaeno(24) FIST(23) RightArm(18) LeftArm(17) Donaar(15) Dunatim(11) RightFoot(4)

[Crows-Nest] DM asks, "So that's the left foot, right? The one Fist is holding?"

[Crows-Nest] Celaeno says, "Reckon so"

[Crows-Nest] DM says, "Okay"

TheGreenFist says, "I rain a single blow on the foot I'm holding"

[Crows-Nest] DM says, "Anyway, you missed, because you didn't want to hurt Fist."

TheGreenFist rolls 1 20-sided die: 13 | 13 + 4 = 17

[Crows-Nest] Celaeno says, "Yes let's go with that"

TheGreenFist rolls 1 6-sided die: 3 | 3

DM says, "You deal a hell of a blow to the left foot."

[slingergame] Donaar asks, "Isn't the left foot out?"

[Crows-Nest] DM says, "oh right"

[Crows-Nest] DM says, "shit"

[Crows-Nest] Celaeno says, "Every Tuesday at the monastery was limb-punching practice"

[Crows-Nest] DM says, "RETCON TIME"

[Crows-Nest] DM says, "Celaeno was attacking the right foot, and missed."

[Crows-Nest] TheGreenFist says, "I too attacked it then"

[Crows-Nest] DM says, "Indeed"

[Crows-Nest] DM says, "With success, I may add"

DM says, "So you manage to punch the right foot just as it's about to jump and kick again."

DM exclaims, "And that blow is so powerful, the foot explodes in your face!"

DM removes RightFoot from the initiative list.

DM advances the initiative: Celaeno(24) Fist(23) RIGHTARM(18) LeftArm(17) Donaar(15) Dunatim(11)

[Crows-Nest] TheGreenFist says, "I went to the Charlie Chaplin school of monking"

DM exclaims, "The right arm, seeing how its foot friends got utterly mashed by the Green Fist, decides to take an exemplary revenge!"

[Crows-Nest] Celaeno says, "Performing in greenface is super-offensive to the orc and half-orc communities"

DM rolls 1 20-sided die: 17 | 17 + 3 = 20

DM rolls 1 6-sided die: 5 | 5 + 1 = 6

DM exclaims, "The right hand starts strangling poor Green Fist! Oh no!"

TheGreenFist says, "Grglbrlgrllrl!"

[slingergame] Celaeno says, "so sad when DMs turn on each other"

[Crows-Nest] DM says, "not my fault if he picked up dead body parts"

DM advances the initiative: Celaeno(24) Fist(23) RightArm(18) LEFTARM(17) Donaar(15) Dunatim(11)

DM says, "The left arm, which has enjoyed the pleasure of delivering knockout punches to innkeepers and detectives, now decides that it's a good idea to try and attack Donaar."

Donaar disagrees.

DM says, "But instead of strangling, it goes for the punch."

DM rolls 1 20-sided die: 19 | 19 + 3 = 22

Donaar oof!

DM rolls 1 6-sided die: 4 | 4 + 1 = 5

DM says, "Donaar gets a headache and a black eye."

DM advances the initiative: Celaeno(24) Fist(23) RightArm(18) LeftArm(17) DONAAR(15) Dunatim(11)

Donaar responds by whacking at the left arm that just punched him.

Donaar rolls 1 20-sided die: 10 | 10 + 4 = 14

DM says, "that hits"

Donaar rolls 1 8-sided die: 5 | 5 + 4 = 9

DM exclaims, "The left arm retreats, its knuckles broken!"

DM advances the initiative: Celaeno(24) Fist(23) RightArm(18) LeftArm(17) Donaar(15) DUNATIM(11)

[slingergame] Dunatim asks, "Is it still theoretically active in the fight?"

[slingergame] Dunatim asks, "Or is it incapacitated?"

[slingergame] DM says, "It is still fighting, but weak."

Dunatim gives it another blast of magic, hoping to finally finish it off.

Dunatim rolls 1 20-sided die: 9 | 9 + 5 = 14

[slingergame] Celaeno says, "it's Fist vs fist vs fist in a fisting showdown too fisty to miss"

Dunatim rolls 1 10-sided die: 9 | 9 + 3 = 12

[slingergame] Dunatim says, "There we go."

DM exclaims, "The flying arm catches fire!"

DM says, "It falls down onto Captain Oakwillow's corpse in a shower of ashes."

DM advances the initiative: END OF ROUND

DM advances the initiative: CELAENO(24) Fist(23) RightArm(18) LeftArm(17) Donaar(15) Dunatim(11)

DM removes LeftArm from the initiative list.

DM says, "So, there's only one undead limb still flying."

Celaeno attacks remaining arm.

Celaeno rolls 1 20-sided die: 11 | 11 + 5 = 16

Celaeno rolls 1 4-sided die: 1 | 1 + 3 = 4

DM exclaims, "The arm writhes!"

Celaeno says, "stab stab"

Celaeno advances the initiative: Celaeno(24) FIST(23) RightArm(18) Donaar(15) Dunatim(11)

TheGreenFist says, "Punch punch"

TheGreenFist rolls 1 20-sided die: 14 | 14 + 4 = 18

TheGreenFist rolls 1 6-sided die: 3 | 3

DM exclaims, "The arm's fingers fall off!"

DM advances the initiative: Celaeno(24) Fist(23) RIGHTARM(18) Donaar(15) Dunatim(11)

DM says, "The right arm, raging against the dying of the light, gives the Green Fist a parting slap."

DM rolls 1 20-sided die: 8 | 8 + 3 = 11

[slingergame] Celaeno says, "the dreaded Quivering Palm strike"

TheGreenFist says, "But I duck out of the way"

DM says, "Which misses, because it has no fingers and forgot this fact."

DM advances the initiative: Celaeno(24) Fist(23) RightArm(18) DONAAR(15) Dunatim(11)

Donaar gives the right arm a whack.

Donaar rolls 1 20-sided die: 16 | 16 + 4 = 20

Donaar rolls 1 8-sided die: 2 | 2 + 4 = 6

DM says, "The arm starts spurting black fluid everywhere, but still remains floating in the air, dancing around madly."

DM advances the initiative: Celaeno(24) Fist(23) RightArm(18) Donaar(15) DUNATIM(11)

DM says, "Dunatim can't see the arm."

DM says, "Because it's too close to Donaar and Celaeno and Fist."

Dunatim steps just far enough into the room to see if there are any zombie parts left.

Dunatim asks, "...are they all gone?"

[slingergame] Dunatim says, "Assuming that is enough to see the arm, I'll zap it. If not, I guess I won't."

DM says, "You get a splash of black fluid in your eyes for your troubles."

Dunatim exclaims, "Ugh!"

DM advances the initiative: END OF ROUND

DM advances the initiative: CELAENO(24) Fist(23) RightArm(18) Donaar(15) Dunatim(11)

[Crows-Nest] DM says, "This fight is too easy..."

[Crows-Nest] DM asks, "But at least it's fun! Right?"

Celaeno attacks.

Celaeno rolls 1 20_5-sided die: 18 | 18

Celaeno rolls 1 4-sided die: 4 | 4 + 3 = 7

DM says, "Your rapier slices the arm into sushi! The pieces of blackened flesh tumble down, and stay down."

[Crows-Nest] Celaeno says, "well yeah four CR 1/4 monsters against a lvl 3 party of four is pretty softball"

DM says, "You are victorious."

Celaeno says, "Good job team."

Donaar looks around. "Who is injured besides the Fist and myself?"

TheGreenFist says (to Celaeno), "I didn't know you knew a disarming strike!"

Dunatim wipes his face with a monogrammed handkerchief. "What a mess."

TheGreenFist asks (of Dunatim), "You wouldn't happen to have a towel sized version of that?"

(From DM) There is the sound of many heavy footsteps!

Dunatim says (to TheGreenFist), "I believe the inn keeps towels in the washroom, down the hall."

Celaeno says, "Perhaps we should flee and let the innkeepers explain everything"

Donaar says, "That would be dishonorable."

DM says (to Dunatim), "You feel a hand land on your shoulder."

Dunatim turns to look.

DM says, "There is a very snooty-looking female elf standing right behind you. By her side are three thick-looking guards."

DM says, "She wears a helmet with the Direfrost crest on it."

Dunatim says, "Ah, good. Reinforcements."

(From DM) 'I am Commissioner Thilda Brinestone. Who are you, and where is the body?'

Dunatim says, "I am Dunatim Silverbreath of House Silverbreath and the Duona bloodkin, son of Alexander Silverbreath, Baron of House Silverbreath, and Princess Dynella Duona of Mauroudor and Raylee."

(From DM) 'Ah. A half-elf.'

Dunatim gestures around the room at the various bits of semi-rotted flesh. "And the body, or what's left of it, is here."

(From DM) 'It looks to me like you've been savagely murdering local citizens in a wanton and no doubt bestial fashion, and now expect your noble blood to exempt you from the prying eyes of the law.'

Donaar steps in, "Ma'am. I have sworn a sacred oath of devotion. I am happy to tell you exactly what transpired here."

Dunatim asks, "Does it? Does it honestly look like that to you?"

TheGreenFist says, "Can I get a towel while you do that? I had like 3 animated body parts explode into my face"

(From DM) 'Will you please stop talking to me all at once!' Brinestone snaps.

Donaar shrinks a little and steps back.

Dunatim shrugs. He stops talking and instead attends to the fallen. He goes to each of the non-zombies who were taken out and casts Spare the Dying on them, in case any of them were knocked below zero hit points.

[slingergame] Dunatim says, "This should heal them up to 1 hit point and stabilize them."

TheGreenFist also take a step back and bows.

(From DM) 'Now, unless you can provide me with a clear and convincing explanation of all -- Silverbroth, are you even listening?'

Dunatim says (to Brinestone), "Just a moment -- we have injured people here."

[slingergame] Dunatim says, "(Actually, I guess it might not bring them to 1 hit point, but it does stabilize them. So they're still unconscious, but they don't have to worry about death saving throws.)"

(From DM) 'We will have accedited City healers here in a minute, Silverbroth. I do not wish any of you tampering with the injured, especially since they are all witnesses which you might have an interest in silencing.'

Donaar tries again, "Ma'am. Please."

[slingergame] DM says, "Roll persuasion."

Dunatim finishes "tampering" with them anyway before turning back to answer any questions.

Donaar rolls 1 20-sided die: 4 | 4 + 4 = 8

[slingergame] Donaar says, "hahahahaha no"

(From DM) Thilda Brinestone remains as haughty as ever.

[slingergame] Celaeno says, "Donaar still thinks all his smoove pick-up artist techniques are totally working"

(From DM) 'Now. Explain this to me.'

[Crows-Nest] TheGreenFist says, "Time for some negging. That is a good looking uniform, it would look even better if you lost some weight."

[Crows-Nest] Celaeno says, "peacocking? heck I'm at least half-peacock baby"

[Crows-Nest] Dunatim says, "You sound like you've done this before."

Dunatim says, "Captain Liam Oakwillow is dead."

(From DM) 'A notorious smuggler? How interesting.'

Dunatim says, "He was killed at some point between last night and this morning. And further, his body was used in a magical ritual."

Dunatim gestures around the room. "He was dismemebered, and his remains were used to fuel a ceremony to consecrate a religious artefact to an deity -- most likely the dark aspect of Mithros."

DM says, "'That does not explain why you are in the deceased's bedroom, with weapons drawn and drenched in gore, does it?'"

Dunatim says, "A side effect of this ceremony is apparently the necromantic resurrection of the severed limbs, we have discovered -- to our misfortune."

Dunatim says, "We don't know yet *who* was responsible for this, but I can tell you several things:"

TheGreenFist stage-whispers to Donaar, "They should call him Silvertongue."

Dunatim says, "There is a magical artefact that was in this inn last night, and which most of us knew of the existence of, which is very likely to be the item that was the object of the ritual."

Dunatim says, "That knife -- " He points to the jewelled knife -- "was found in the Captain's severed head. It belonged to my friend, Rosa Karens, who is presently unconscious in the next room. But we don't know who it was who used it.""

Dunatim says, "If we can find who stole the knife, *or* if we can find the cup, there's a significant probability that one or the other could help lead us to the person responsible for all of this."

Dunatim says, "And, as I personally had an interest in finding and retrieving this artefact, I would be happy to cooperate with you, and to share my magical abilities, to help resolve this matter expediently."

(From DM) 'Hmhm. Would that Rosa Currant of yours be the girl whom we found running away from the inn when we arrived?'

Donaar's eyes go wide.

Dunatim asks, "Bronze hair, brown skin, about so tall, wearing a purple night gown?"

Dunatim asks, "Twenty years of age, human?"

(From DM) 'What a meticulous description.'

Dunatim asks, "Well? Is that the woman you saw?"

(From DM) 'Yes.'

Dunatim says, "Then yes, that sounds like Rosa Karens."

(From DM) 'I have some guards searching the city for her. She seemed like a most suspicious person.'

Dunatim says, "I believe she's the one who discovered the body in the first place. Her scream is what woke the rest of us up."

(From DM) 'Duly noted, Silverbroth.'

Dunatim says, "I had hoped to ask her what happened, and what she was doing in this room, but she fainted before she could explain -- and then *this*--" he again indicates the mess in here "--happened."

Dunatim says, "I hope that she wasn't responsible for any of this. If your people find her, please instruct them to be gentle with her. She is likely just terrified out of her wits at this point, running in shock."

(From DM) Just there and then, Merey the halfling innkeeper's wife rushes in and sees poor unconscious Roscoe and Peren. 'Oh God!' she cries out. 'What happened?'

(From DM) (she'd pushed past the guards, of course)

[Crows-Nest] DM says, "nudge nudge"

Dunatim steps aside, to let someone else handle Merey while he continues talking to the Commissioner.

TheGreenFist says (to merey), "Captain Liam Oakwillow is dead."

TheGreenFist says, "He was killed at some point between last night and this morning. And further, his body was used in a magical ritual."

[slingergame] Donaar says, "haha"

[slingergame] Celaeno says, "Second verse same as the first"

TheGreenFist gestures around the room. "He was dismemebered, and his remains were used to fuel a ceremony to consecrate a religious artefact to an deity -- most likely the dark aspect of Mithros."

Dunatim says, "Commissioner, have you placed guards at the exits to this building? We don't want anyone else leaving. *Someone* is responsible for this, and we want anyone else to escape before we find out who."

TheGreenFist says, "(etc.)"

(From DM) Merey tears at her hair. 'I already know he's dead! I mean, what happened to my husband?'

TheGreenFist says, "Oh, he just fainted. Don't worry, he's gonna be fine."

Donaar says, "He was punched in the face by a floating arm. Ma'am.""

Donaar oh.

(From DM) Brinestone raises an eyebrow. 'Was that a Freudian slip, Silverbroth? Did you say 'we want anyone else to escape before we find out who.'?'

[Crows-Nest] TheGreenFist says, "I don't want to be the party pooper here, but any idea how long we're gonna play? It'S nearly 2 am here"

(From DM) Merey seems relieved. 'He's seen worse,' she mutters. 'But, oh, I forget, Rosa's gone!'

[Crows-Nest] DM says, "Wrapping this up"

[Crows-Nest] DM says, "Roleplaying takes longer than expected, and I can't thrown another encounter at y'all"

Dunatim glowers at Brinestone. "You *know* what I mean. Are you taking this seriously, Commissioner?"

(From DM) The Commissioner takes a deep breath. 'All right. Supposing that your story is true, I'd advise you not to leave town before this is all cleared up.'

(From DM) At the juncture, Dorrick gets up, rubs his head and sighs. 'Brinestone.'

DM says, "'Dorrick.'"

Dunatim says, "Indeed. And once you've secured this inn, we should begin a thorough search of it for the artefact. I have some magical ability that might help with that."

TheGreenFist says, "I would be very surprised if that mug is still here"

Dunatim says, "Yes. But we have to at least try."

(From DM) Dorrick raises a hand. 'Excuse me. I'm feeling unwell.'

(From DM) 'Can I open a window?'

TheGreenFist says, "My master always said, you can look at the broken plate all you want, but you will never catch the cat that way"

Dunatim says, "No. But the washroom is that way, if you need it."

TheGreenFist asks, "Can you bring me back a towel?"

Dunatim says, "When you come back, please bring Mr. Fist a towel."

[slingergame] Dunatim exclaims, "Timing!"

Dunatim asks, "Now, who here is skilled at tracking?"

(From DM) Dorrick smiles. 'I always have towels,' he says, pulling one out from a pouch of holding and handing it to the Green Fist.

Dunatim looks around. "The inspector likely is. Let's rouse him, then see if he can follow Miss Karens' trail."

[Crows-Nest] Celaeno says, "Pre-moistened too"

(From DM) 'And one last thing,' says Dorrick the gnome.

Dunatim says (to Donaar), "You said you were a practitioner of healing arts? See what you can do for him."

TheGreenFist says (to dorrick), "Thank you"

Donaar lays hands upon the inspector to grant him a bit of healing.

[slingergame] Donaar says, "My shield is in the room, so I ca'nt cast"

(From DM) Dorrick says, 'You're always welcome, young monk. But one last thing. One last thing I need to do.'

(From DM) 'You see, it is not simple for us Deep gnomes to lie. And sometimes there comes a moment when it's no longer necessary.'

TheGreenFist nods.

[Crows-Nest] Celaeno says, "Kiss me, you fool"

(From DM) Dorrick scratches his bald head. For a brief moment, his skull seems shinier than normal. 'It's time for me to become... legend.'

(From DM) And upon these words, he runs straight at the window.

[Crows-Nest] Celaeno says, "freeedooooo splut"

[slingergame] Donaar says, "Nooooooo"

[slingergame] Celaeno says, "I guess this makes him our.... fall guy. FORSOOOOOOOOOTH"

TheGreenFist says, "I run to the window. "Dorrick!!!""

[slingergame] Dunatim asks, "Anyone able to use a Reaction, or has he Surprised us?"

[slingergame] DM exclaims, "surprise!"

[slingergame] Donaar is busy.

[slingergame] Celaeno was thinking that penguin was kinda cute.

[Crows-Nest] TheGreenFist says, "You idiot! If you only had some monk training, you don't have feather fall yet!"

(From DM) You see Dorrick lying seemingly dead under the snow which has begun to fall on Direfrost.

DM says, "But then he gets up."

[slingergame] Dunatim asks, "Can I cast a spell at him?"

[Crows-Nest] Celaeno says, "He's a secret cultist of Chumbawumba"

(From DM) And looks up at y'all with a wan smile. 'It was I.'

(From DM) He shows you a copper dagger which glints in the light of the street lanterns.

[slingergame] Dunatim says, "If so, I want to cast a spell at him."

(From DM) 'As I said, I do not enjoy lying. But now the truth cannot hurt me, so...'

TheGreenFist says, "Beware villian! You win for now, but you will not escape ... The Green Fist!""

(From DM) 'Life isn't like the stories paint it out to be, young monk. You will learn.'

[slingergame] Dunatim says, "(If I do get to cast the spell at him, then he needs to attempt an INT save against DC 13.)"

[slingergame] Donaar says, "If I had my damn shield, I'd try to cast COMMAND."

(From DM) 'There are two choices: either you die a mortal, or live long enough to become a god. But farewell. I have a feeling we'll meet again. Till then, address your prayers... to me, Orrick Drakeriver. To me.'

Celaeno exclaims, "Okay bye Derrick Orcreaver!"

(From DM) And then he disappears into the streets, under the falling snow, into the darkness.

[slingergame] Dunatim says, "...I guess I didn't get to cast a spell."

[Crows-Nest] Celaeno says, "Enjoyed the soup but didn't care for the dismemberment; 3 out of 5 stars; would not stay again"

[Crows-Nest] Donaar says, "Haha"

(From DM) Thilda Brinestone yells, 'Guards!' She rushes off with them to chase Orrick.

Dunatim says, "Well, that could have gone better."

DM says, "Leaving you alone in the inn, where Roscoe and Peren have returned to the world of the living once more."

DM says, "Anything you'd like to do before the inevitable CLIFFHANGER"

Celaeno says, "No"

Donaar shakes his head.

TheGreenFist says, "Nope"

DM says, "Well then, you stand together, a united, ragtag band of adventurers."

DM says, "THE END.... for now"

[Crows-Nest] (from Dunatim) DM says, "And a detective, two inkeepers, a couple of retainers and a cat."

[Crows-Nest] DM exclaims, "correct!"

[slingergame] DM says, "Whoo. That almost derailed."

[slingergame] Dunatim asks, "So I take it we're playing against next week, to conclude this story?"

[slingergame] DM asks, "I guess so?"

[slingergame] DM asks, "That really depends on whether you liked it enough?"

[slingergame] Donaar says, "Yes!"

[slingergame] Dunatim exclaims, "I did!"

[slingergame] DM says, "awwww"

[slingergame] Celaeno says, "yep it was a good change"

[slingergame] Dunatim says, "I was not expecting a murder mystery. It took me rather by surprise."

[slingergame] TheGreenFist says (to Celaeno), "I get it. *sniff*"

[slingergame] TheGreenFist says, "I liked it!"

[slingergame] DM says, "And then the murder mystery became the D&D version of Evil Dead."

[slingergame] DM asks, "So, any thoughts before I go to bed?"

[slingergame] DM asks, "Did any of you figure out what's the deal with the cup?"

[slingergame] DM says, "(it's okay if you haven't, that mystery can remain for the next episode)"

[slingergame] Dunatim says, "I feel like we've also just seen what happens when you take someone who is used to giving orders and being obeyed, but is also used to *following* orders, and put them in a room with someone else who is used to giving orders and being obeyed, but does not even have the mental concept of him following orders from anyone else."

[slingergame] Dunatim says (to DM), "I don't know yet what's up with the cup, but I am interested to find out."

[slingergame] DM says (to Dunatim), "stay tuned :)"

[slingergame] TheGreenFist says, "Thanks! That was a lot of fun! See y'all next week!"

[slingergame] DM says, "you're welcome"

[slingergame] DM says, "have a nice Sunday"

[slingergame] Dunatim asks, "Should I send the transcript to Slinger to put up with the other ones?"

TheGreenFist exclaims, "Eeeagh! Bar!"

TheGreenFist has disconnected.

[slingergame] Donaar says, "G'night!"

[slingergame] Donaar says, "Presumably, yes"

[slingergame] DM says (to Dunatim), "yeah, that should be fine"