[slingergame] DM asks, "Okay, adventure kitties, are you all here?"

[slingergame] DM says, "(maybe 'kitties' isn't really the mot juste)"

[slingergame] Runt takes a catnap.

[slingergame] Tiger me-row.

[slingergame] DM says, "We're only missing Steevins."

[slingergame] DM says, "(He's the sort of half-feral tom who sort of happens to tag along with the rest of you)"

[slingergame] DM says, "Oh he's here."

[slingergame] DM says, "Okay, let's get this party started."

[slingergame] Runt says, "You mean Pawty"

[slingergame] Steevins says, "Yes I am here"

DM says, "So, it was night-time in the seaside town of Doggenbe'er, on the Eastern Coast of the old continent, and you were all prowling the streets when you came across an old lady being mugged by dastardly pirates."

[slingergame] Steevins says, "Just had to use the little boys' box"

Tiger oh no!

[Crows-Nest] Runt says, "Time to crossover : 0 seconds"

Herring does a little jig.

DM says, "You managed to chase away those blighters, and next thing you know she's invited you all to be her bodyguards on a trip."

DM says, "[CONT'D]"

[Crows-Nest] Herring says, "Hee."

DM says, "So the story really begins in Lady Silverhall's spacious carriage as y'all ride forth under the thunderstorm on your way to some fancy place the old lady got invited to... a certain Moonveil Manor."

[Crows-Nest] Steevins says, "professional crazy cat lady"

[Crows-Nest] DM says, "heh"

Tiger is happy to be out of the rain.

(From DM) Lady Silverhall, an adorable but nevertheless aristocratic old woman, is pleased to be surrounded by cats. 'I feel so safe with you around,' she simpers.

Runt says, "and then I said to the city guard, "But that wasn't even MY tail! HA ha ha!""

(From DM) Lady Silverhall is charmed by Runt's tale.

[Crows-Nest] DM says, "Pun intended."

Herring is lightly napping in the carriage, as Runt and Tiger seem to be on the job.

Steevins says, "It is dangerous to go alone, m'lady."

[slingergame] Runt asks, "So she's one of those weird hairless ones? Huhmons or something?"

(From DM) 'Indeed, Steevins! Do you know, I fancy that someone is after my life.'

[slingergame] DM says, "Yep."

Tiger says, "Well, we'll protect you!"

[slingergame] Tiger says, "There is also a hairy ape in the carriage. He's behaving himself."

(From DM) 'Thank you, Tiger, thank you. It is always a little frightening to be invited to somewhere new. I barely know Lord Brokenstaff, but he seems like a most chamring man, albeit a trifle absent-minded, it must be said.'

[slingergame] Herring says, "Four cats, one hairless ape, and one hairy one? Got it."

Runt asks, "Oh no! Do you have any idea who it might be?"

(From DM) 'I have no idea. My physician says it's all but a nervous condition, this paranoia of mine, but I maintain that someone wants me dead!'

(From DM) Thunder rumbles.

(From DM) And the coachman calls out from outside: 'Lady Silverhall! There's someone in the middle of the road! He wants me to stop! Should I stop, milady?'

Herring wakes up at the sound of the thunder.

Tiger looks out the window.

Tiger gets his head wet, and pulls it right back in. Gah.

Runt looks out on the other side.

[Crows-Nest] Tiger says, "Run 'em over."

DM says, "You catch a glimpse of two shapes standing under the rain. One appears to be a kobold in a yellow raincoat."

Herring asks, "Should we invite them in out of the rain?"

DM says, "'PLEASE STOP! OUR HORSE DIED ON US!'"

Tiger says, "I don't think stopping is a good idea..."

(From DM) Lady Silverhall says, 'They might be out to murder me!'

Runt asks, "Do we see a dead horse?"

[slingergame] Herring asks, "If I remember correctly, Insight is the skill to determine if someone is lying, right?"

[slingergame] DM says, "Yeah"

[slingergame] Herring says, "I'd like to roll it."

[slingergame] DM says, "Go for it"

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

DM says (to Herring), "The kobold appears to be truthful, at least with regard to the dead horse."

Herring says, "I don't see any evidence of dishonesty. And the poor fellow is getting awfully wet out there."

Tiger says, "I suppose.."

(From DM) Lady Silverhall sighs, and tells the coachman to stop.

(From DM) 'THANK YOU!' the kobold in the yellow raincoat says, and fetches his companion from whatever he was doing in the ditch, kicking something you cannot see clearly in this dark storm.

[slingergame] Herring asks, "Kicking it, or *beating* it?"

Runt says, "No problem! I'M afraid you'll have to ride up top with the driver"

DM exclaims, "THAT WOULD BE NOT A PROBLEM! CUSTARD, LEAVE THE HORSE AND FOLLOW ME!"

Herring's ears perk up at the word 'custard'.

DM says, "And you realize that the kobold's companion is a goofy-looking gnome, also in a yellow trenchcoat, who was kicking a dead horse in the ditch."

DM says, "They get on top of the carriage with the coachman, and your journey resumes."

(From DM) 'How much longer, Jenkins?' Lady Silverhall calls out.

Herring keeps a close eye on them.

DM says (to Herring), "you can't really see them well from inside the carriage"

Steevins asks, "What do they smell like?"

DM says (to Steevins), "For some reason, you do not like their smell. It's reminiscent of something you'd rather stay away from."

[slingergame] Herring says (to DM), "OK, then I'll at least keep an eye on Lady Silverhall."

[slingergame] DM says, "heh"

[Crows-Nest] Steevins says, "try the sherbet it's lovely"

[slingergame] Runt says, "We'll just have to hope Jenkins has a good perception roll"

(From DM) And half-an-hour later, you arrive at Moonveil Manor... a gaunt edifice guarded by an iron gate and a row of grim oak trees.

(From DM) An elderly elf is standing under the rain, awaiting you with a lantern, under the shade of a black umbrella.

(From DM) 'Welcome to Moonveil Manor, Lady Silverhall! I trust you'll have a pleasant stay!'

[slingergame] DM asks, "What do you do?"

[slingergame] DM says, "(otherwise I can transport you straight inside)"

[slingergame] DM says, "(with an appropriate ellipsis)"

[slingergame] Herring says, "I have a pleasant stay."

Tiger helps Silverhall out of the carriage and ducks under the umbrella with her.

[slingergame] DM says, "haha"

[slingergame] Tiger says, "Hehe"

DM says, "'And who may these people be, Lady Silverhall?'"

[slingergame] Steevins asks, "Are their other carriages and/or horses and such out here too?"

Herring helps carry the luggage, unless there's already a servant doing that.

[slingergame] Tiger asks, "What do we do with the gnome and kobold?"

(From DM) 'Oh, they're my bodyguards! One can't be too safe.'

(From DM) The gnome and the kobold step down and look around. The kobold remarks, 'What a lovely place.'

Herring says (to Lady), "And don't forget the gentlemen riding with the driver."

(From DM) 'Oh, them? Who are they?'

Herring says (to Elf), "They were in need of assistance on the road, and Lady Silverhall graciously allowed them to ride with us."

[Crows-Nest] Runt says, "I'll call him Old Yella"

(From DM) The elf rubs his hands. 'The Brokenstaff hospitality is a time-honoured tradition around these parts, ladies and gentlemen! They can come in.'

DM says, "So you all hurry out of the storm and into the...."

DM says, "... open reception room: a vast entrance hall and staircase, with doors leading off to the side, decorated with innumerable oil paintings and family portraits."

DM says, "There is a smell of dinner in the air."

Tiger admires the art, but is distracted by the smell of food.

(From DM) The elf exclaims, 'You must all be famished, ladies and gentlemen! Dinner has already started, but don't worry, there'll be more than enough for everyone!'

Herring exclaims, "Ah, thank you!"

Tiger says, "Oh, yes! Thank you!"

(From DM) 'It is my pleasure to entertain, as my fathers and forefathers did before me,' the elf smiles.

(From DM) And he leads you into the dining room (after you've all taken off your muddy boots, of course)

[slingergame] Herring says, "Ahem."

DM says, "Several people are already seated in front of a luxurious meal at a very long table"

[slingergame] Herring says, "Not all of us are wearing boots."

[slingergame] Runt says, "Yeah, I have those cool legwraps"

Tiger wipes his feet politely on the doormat before proceeding.

Steevins casually scans the other guests for signs of easily-portable wealth.

DM says, "Two tall and jovial gentlemen are eating side by side, identical twins of each other, and telling tall tales. One suspicious-looking goblin lady is poking at her food, and sneezes as you arrive, looking rather sour."

Tiger says bless you in goblin.

Herring bows politely to the dinner guests.

Runt bows as well.

DM says (to Tiger), "The goblin lady looks rather surprised that you can speak Goblin. In fact, you have the distinct suspicion she didn't think you were capable of intelligent speech at all."

Tiger just smiles widely at the goblin lady.

[slingergame] Tiger says, "With teeth."

[Crows-Nest] Runt says, "Just because INT is Tiger's dumbstat..."

[Crows-Nest] Tiger says, "Actually it's charisma. SO I should be less charming."

[Crows-Nest] Steevins says, "heh"

[Crows-Nest] Runt says, "hah"

Runt says, "That looks delicious" and sits down.

Tiger sits down, flanking Lady Silverhall protectively.

Steevins kinda stands up against the wall, probably amid some maids and butlers and so forth.

Herring sits as well. "Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. I apologize for our tardiness."

(From DM) 'I am Lord Brokenstaff, in case you hadn't already guessed! And here are the illustriously witty Stiff twins! And here is the beautiful Lady Harriet Lockwell! Do help yourself and feel free to exchange barbed epigrams with everyone!'

DM says (to Herring), "'Oh, do not apologize, my dear fellow,' says Lord Brokenstaff. 'Unexpected guests are the spice of life!'"

[slingergame] Herring asks, "Which one is Lord Brokenstaff?"

[slingergame] DM says, "The elf"

[slingergame] DM says, "The one who showed you in"

[slingergame] Herring says, "Ah, OK. So that wasn't a servant meeting us at the door."

[slingergame] Herring asks, "Are there any servants that we've seen so far?"

[slingergame] DM says, "None yet"

[slingergame] DM says, "(that's a plot point...)"

Steevins kinda stands up against a wall, all by himself.

(From DM) 'Lady Silverhall, I do apologize for there being no servant to show you in. You see, I've grown accustomed to do a lot of things myself.'

(From DM) 'Ah, no bother, Lord Brokenstaff! Hired help is so hard to find nowadays.'

[slingergame] Tiger asks, "Is she paying us, incidentally? Or did we just agree?"

[slingergame] Tiger says, "I don't really care, but it might affect something I say :D"

[slingergame] DM says (to Tiger), "She offered a small compensation for your efforts."

Tiger says quietly, "And sometimes you just find them on the street."

[Crows-Nest] Runt says, "What we Tabaxi call Kibblemonesy"

[slingergame] Herring says, "I will donate my share to the monstary and orphanage."

Herring asks, "So, are you and Lady Silverhall old friends?"

(From DM) And as if on cue, a young Tiefling woman comes in carrying a lot of assorted wines, which she serves with skill.

(From DM) 'Ah, thank you, Amy. Oh, no, me and Lady Silverhall only met recently at Lord Ratshenhauer's gala.'

(From DM) 'I invited her because I thought she'd make a lovely addition to this dinner party.'

[slingergame] Herring asks, "Did we catch the name of the kobold we met on the road?"

[slingergame] DM says, "Not yet"

[slingergame] DM says, "But he's eating at the table"

[slingergame] DM says, "So you can ask him"

[slingergame] DM says, "(in fact, feel free to ask questions of everyone at dinner, it'll help you later on)"

Runt asks, "Sorry, we didn't catch your name?"

Tiger stays quiet unless someone addresses him first.

(From DM) The kobold finishes spreading some foie grass on toast. 'How rude of me, I forgot to introduce myself! I am Inspector Leek, at your service. And this is Custard, my friend and a trusty officer of the Law.'

[Crows-Nest] DM says (to Steevins), "Feeling hot under the collar? har har har"

Herring asks, "Oh, how fascinating! Are you in the middle of a case right now?"

Runt asks, "Oh, is there crime afoot here?"

(From DM) 'I've been investigating a few suspicious rumors. Technically, I am on vacation, but crime never takes a holiday, so they say!'

Runt says, "Maybe you are investigating why these sausages are so delicious""

(From DM) 'Ha, ha, ha! Excellent. What is your name, my witty friend?'

Tiger laughs as if that was the most hilarious thing he's heard, and he means it.

Runt says, "I am Three-Toed Runt of the War Embers. A pleasure."

(From DM) 'Indeed! By the way, could you pass me the salt?'

Steevins slips away and follows his nose to the kitchen.

DM says (to Steevins), "You find yourself in the kitchens."

Runt asks, "Here you go.So what kind of rumors?"

Herring says, "Ah, how rude of us not to introduce ourselves before now -- I am Ballad of a Herring Pie, of the same clan. But you can call me 'Brother Herring'."

[slingergame] DM says, "Splitting the party, eh heh"

Steevins asks, "Are there chefs and cooks and such?"

DM exclaims (at Steevins), "It's empty, but some sort of sorcery is afoot!"

DM says (to Steevins), "The ovens and pans appear to be working by themselves."

Tiger waves awkwardly and says quietly, "I'm Stripes of a Tiger. You can call me Tiger. Or Stripes. Or, uh, whatever you want?"

Steevins says, "How intriguing."

Steevins slips away back to the party.

Runt says, "Good old Stripey"

(From DM) 'Tripe? Did I hear tripe?' one of the tall gentlemen opposite Runt says, and they both laugh.

Tiger smiles awkwardly and sinks into his chair.

Steevins asks, "Some special occasion this evening, milord?"

(From DM) Harriet Lockwell sneezes.

Tiger ignores her this time.

[Crows-Nest] Steevins says, "awww she's probably allergic to us all"

(From DM) 'It's Audrey's birthday,' Lord Brokenstaff replies, and there is a subtle change in his voice.

Herring asks (of Lockwell), "Are you ill, Lady Lockwell?"

(From DM) Lockwell sneezes again. 'I'm fine,' she mutters in Goblin, then recovers and speaks in Common. 'I'm perfectly all right, so please don't pester me.'

Runt asks (of leek), "So what kind of rumors where you talking about?"

(From DM) Inspector Leek looks around, then lowers his voice. 'Mysterious disappearances. Been going on for thirty years or so, and nobody's any the wiser.'

(From DM) 'People think there's no connection, but I believe otherwise.'

Runt asks, "What makes you say that?"

[Crows-Nest] Runt says, "Poison dart to the neck in 3...2..."

Herring asks, "Disappearances around here? How many have there been?"

(From DM) The kobold shakes his head. 'I don't have anything tangible. Better not say any more for now. Besides, I'm famished.'

Runt says (to herring), "I bet the Stiffs used to be triplets"

(From DM) The two Stiffs hear Runt. 'Triplets? Our nephews are triplets!'

(From DM) 'Are your nephews triplets, too?'

Runt says, "I don't have nephews. I don't even have a family."

(From DM) 'Oh! Well, have you thought about your funeral arrangements?'

Runt says, "Aw, that's years away"

Herring says, "Now, now. You've got a huge family! Tangerine and Falxseed and Little Star and Bumpershoot..."

(From DM) 'It's a lot of fun to plan out your own funeral!'

Runt exclaims, "if I become a powerful enough Sorcerer, I will never die! MUAHAHA!"

(From DM) 'We're undertakers, by the way. Aristocratic undertakers, special services, we put the FUN in FUNeral, if you get what we me, hahaha!'

Runt says, "Ha, I like that"

Herring says, "Ah, it's good to see someone bringing some sunshine into the darker days."

Herring asks, "By the by, how does everyone here know each other? We four met in <Tabaxi town where Runt and Herring are from>, and we met Lady Silverhall when we saw her being accosted by pirates in the street -- but what about the rest of you?"

(From DM) 'Glad to hear you say that, Brother Berry! Besides, people these days get resurrected all the time, what with all that abracadabra! So you can end up having more than one funeral, so why not make it fun!'

[Crows-Nest] Steevins says, "won't you take me to TABAXI TOWN"

[Setting the zoned flag.]

(From DM) The Stiff twins jostle each other. 'We've been working for Brokenstaff's family since aeons!'

(From DM) 'Must have buried them all!'

Runt asks, "So if you've been working here so long, have you buried some empty coffins? For disappeared folks?"

(From DM) 'Disappeared folks? What for? That would be a waste of good sterling-quality coffinwood!'

(From DM) 'Besides, we bury the best! No paupers, no waiting!'

Herring asks, "If you've buried all of them, does that mean this isn't Lord Brokenstaff's first time around?"

[slingergame] DM says, "I'm puzzled why no one is wondering who is this Audrey that we're celebrating the birthday of..."

[slingergame] Runt asks, "Isn't she the giant flesh-eating flower?"

[slingergame] Herring scrolls back to find what he missed.

Tiger blurts out too-loudly, "So where is the birthday girl?"

(From DM) 'Oh, no, that was a figure of speech! Lord Brokenstaff hasn't died, at least not yet, ahhahah! But we did bury his wife some time back. What a funeral that was, heh!'

[slingergame] Herring says, "Oh! I did miss that in between the sneeze. Thanks."

(From DM) Lord Brokenstaff coughs.

[slingergame] Tiger says, "I saw it and then.. promptly forgot about it."

[slingergame] Herring says, "I feel the two conversation trains may have just collided."

(From DM) 'I fear I was perhaps ambiguous. I forget you are not all acquaintainted with Brokenstaff family history...'

Herring says, "Indeed not, although I for one would be interested to hear it."

[slingergame] Tiger says, "Thank you, charisma of 6."

(From DM) The elf takes a glass of wine to steady his nerves. 'Well, there's little to relate. My wife, Audrey, died thirty-five years ago. To an elf, that is but yesterday. And yet I feel that she would not have wanted me to lament. She was always such a merry soul.'

[slingergame] Herring says, "I didn't even know PC's could have stats that low."

[slingergame] Tiger asks, "Can they not?"

[slingergame] Herring says, "I guess it's different if you roll rather than point buy."

[slingergame] Tiger says, "Yeah"

[slingergame] DM says, "Metagaming will cease."

Runt says, "I am sorry to hear that, mylord."

[Crows-Nest] Herring says, "(That's what *he* thinks...)"

Steevins asks, "Natural causes, it is to be hoped?"

Herring exclaims, "I am *happy* to hear that she is a merry soul, and no doubt still is being merry wherever she is now!"

(From DM) 'Do not be sorry, my friends. It was a most ironic incident. The butler was ill, and she decided to fetch herself a bottle of wine.'

Herring exclaims, "A toast, to Audrey, who is hopefully toasting as well in the feasting halls of the afterlife on this very same day!"

(From DM) Lord Brokenstaff smiles. 'A toast.'

[Crows-Nest] Steevins says, "Friends don't let friends drink and elf"

[Crows-Nest] DM says, "heee"

(From DM) 'To Audrey!'

[slingergame] Herring says, "On the one hand, I'd like to hear the rest of the story of what happened when she tried to fetch the one."

Tiger picks up a glass of wine. Eddie goes to pick up one, too, and Tiger kind of swats his hand away.

Steevins asks, "Was she survived by any children, m'lord?"

[slingergame] Herring says, "On the other hand, it seems like it would be in poor taste to pursue it."

(From DM) 'None, regretfully. The truth is, I will be the last of the Brokenstaffs.'

Runt asks, "Sorry, what happened when she fetched the wine? That in itself doesn't sound dangerous?"

[Crows-Nest] Herring asks (of Runt), "Hey, do you think it's too late to get adopted?"

[Crows-Nest] Runt says, "See, Brokenstuff wasn't always the family name ..."

Steevins says, "Why, I can scarcely imagine a Brokenstaffless world. It is most unseemly."

(From DM) 'The wine? Ah! She tripped on her way down to the wine cellar. Some foolish maid closed the door. Audrey tried to escape, and fell through a wall and got stuck. The rest is not suited for the dinner table.'

Tiger wows.

[slingergame] Herring says, "Fell... through... a wall. And got stuck."

(From DM) 'It was not a pleasant spectacle.'

[slingergame] Herring says, "Yes. That is perfectly plausible. Of course."

[Crows-Nest] Steevins says, "She died as she lived;"

Runt says, "Then let us drink and be merry, as she would have wanted."

(From DM) 'You speak true, my Tabaxi friend.'

[Crows-Nest] Herring asks, "Plastered?"

Runt says, "Herring, sing the one about the tiger with the missing tooth"

Herring exclaims, "Ah, of course!"

Herring clears his throat and begins the song.

[slingergame] Herring says, "Which I'm not going to roleplay because I am not about to try to come up with all the lyrics to this tabaxi folk song on the spot."

[slingergame] DM says, "hehe"

Runt sings along.

[slingergame] Herring says, "Also, darn, if I'm singing, then I can't ask if Lady Lockwell was also close to Audrey."

(From DM) Everybody except Lady Lockwell applauds vicariously.

Herring's singing is sometimes a bit muffled by a mouthful of sausage or potato here and there.

Herring asks, "So! How did Lady Lockwell and Lady Brokenstaff know each other? Were you two close?"

(From DM) Amy serves the dessert: blancmange and raspberries and cream and pastries.

Herring exclaims, "You spoil us, sir!"

Tiger oohs.

(From DM) Lockwell sneezes. 'I was -- atchoo -- Lady Audrey's -- atchoo! -- friend in -- atchoo! -- boarding-scho--ATCHOO!'

Runt says, "*nom nom nom*"

DM says (to Runt), "the pastries are filled with hazelnut cream"

[slingergame] DM says, "I'm giving you the freedom to choose when you head to your bedrooms."

(From Tiger) Eddie climbs into an empty chair next to Tiger, who lets him dig into his dessert with his hands.

[slingergame] DM says, "(they're guest rooms on the first floor)"

[slingergame] Runt asks, "By which you mean wait till everyone is asleep, then check out the cellar?"

[slingergame] DM asks, "No? I did not mean that?"

[slingergame] Herring says, "Someone mentioned the name 'Amy' earlier, but I think I missed which person it was attached to."

[slingergame] DM says, "But you're the adventurers."

[slingergame] Tiger says, "Right. Wink wink nudge nudge say no nmore."

[slingergame] Tiger says, "The tiefling servant."

[slingergame] DM exclaims, "correct!"

[slingergame] Herring exclaims, "Thanks!"

Herring asks, "So how long has Amy been with your family?"

[slingergame] Herring asks, "Was Lady Silverhall's first name ever mentioned?"

[slingergame] DM says, "Never."

(From DM) Lord Berkenstaff dabs at his lip with his handkerchief, wiping off cream. 'Amy? She's a new addition to the place. Someone suggested that I shouldn't live on my own without servants, and someone recommended her to me.'

Herring asks, "Ah, and she's the only one? How has she been doing?"

(From DM) 'Oh, very well. To be honest, I get a lot of things done with magic, so she doesn't have very much to do other than make sure I don't go gaga from old age.'

[slingergame] Herring says, "Of course, from his perspective, 'new addition' could mean that Amy's been here her whole life."

[slingergame] DM says, "Heheh."

Herring asks (of Leek), "So, Inspector Leek... you're a detective. You've been quiet, but I bet you've been assessing all of us all night. What have you learned about us all?"

[slingergame] Steevins asks, "Isn't that Audrey?"

[slingergame] Herring says, "Audrey is the late Lady Brokenstaff, wife of our host."

(From DM) Leek chuckles. 'Oh, well spotted, my dear Herring. I surmised, based on the holy insignia and all, that you were a priest of the order of Bast, and your paws indicate you have been training in the martial arts?'

[slingergame] Herring says, "Lady Silverhall is the woman whom we saved from pirates. She invited us to accompany her here as her entourage."

Herring exclaims (at Leek), "Very good!"

(From DM) 'I also surmise that Mister Steevins is not in fact a member of your party, but merely happened to be around when you rescued Lady Silverhall.'

[slingergame] Steevins says, "Oh yeah"

Steevins says, "That's what it means to be a member of a party! Good parties, anyway."

(From DM) 'Haha. Yes.'

(From DM) 'Anyway, I must be off to bed. Toodle-oo, my friends.'

Tiger waves, "Goodnight!"

Runt says, "Hah, I bet he couldn't read me."

[slingergame] Herring says, "Aw, I was hoping he'd do Brokenstaff or Lockwell too."

Runt says, "I'm all brooding and mysteri - or blancmagne.""

(From DM) The kobold drags his drunken gnome friend up to the guest rooms.

[Crows-Nest] Steevins says, "Their forbidden love unspoken"

[slingergame] Herring says, "Also, given that performance, I think I'm believing his story about being an Inspector now."

[slingergame] DM says, "hee"

[Crows-Nest] DM says (to Steevins), "IT's entirely platonic, like Watson and Holmes (lol)"

[slingergame] Herring says, "When Lady Silverhall retires, I'll take her aside and ask her how she wants to handle the sleeping arrangements tonight."

[slingergame] Herring says, "Since we're presumably supposed to be bodyguarding her."

[Crows-Nest] (from Runt) Herring says, "wink wink"

[Crows-Nest] Herring says, "Dude, she's... human."

[Crows-Nest] Gunther says, "eww"

[Crows-Nest] Runt says, "You sometimes need to go away to appreciate home"

(From DM) Lady Silverhall yawns. 'I shall retire for the night. Tiger, Herring, Runt, Steevins, you may sleep in rooms next to mine! I shall feel safer that way.'

Tiger says, "Yes, Ma'am."

(From DM) 'Goodnight, my guests,' Lord Brokenstaff calls out. 'Remember, if you need anything, ring a bell, I'll come.'

Herring says (aside to the party), "Perhaps one of us should stand guard outside her room."

Tiger says, "Good idea."

[slingergame] Herring asks, "I'd like to look over her room for potential danger -- might that be Perception?"

[slingergame] DM says (to Herring), "yep"

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

[slingergame] Runt says, "One outside her room, and one person awake inside our room"

[slingergame] Herring says, "Natural 20, baby."

[slingergame] Runt says, "That's how we roll"

[slingergame] Herring says, "Hot and buttered is how *I* roll."

DM says (to Herring), "You comb her room thoroughly. The most dangerous thing in the room is a... tiger skin rug, with fangs still attached. If you walked on it the wrong way, it'd hurt, for sure."

[slingergame] Herring asks (of DM), "What about things like windows where an intruder might enter, other entrances (or places where a secret passage might be likely), etc.?"

DM says (to Herring), "There is a window giving out onto the park, but no secret passages to be seen everywhere (and believe me, you've prodded and touched everything)"

(From DM) The only thing that bothers you is the rug.

Herring inspects the rug more closely. Anything under it? Or in its mouth?

DM asks, "Are you alone, or are the others with you?"

DM says, "(ie Silverhall and the gang)"

[slingergame] Herring says, "I think Silverhall probably is. The rest, that's up to them."

[slingergame] Runt says, "I'm there"

Tiger probably followed too.

[slingergame] Runt says, "Looking for magic looking problems"

[slingergame] Herring asks, "Detecting Magic?"

DM says, "You find nothing under or inside the rug, but it feels strangely warm to the touch."

Herring asks (of Runt), "Does this rug feel strangley warm to you?"

Runt says, "It does"

[slingergame] (from Tiger) Runt curls up on the rug and takes a nap, purring.

[slingergame] Runt asks, "Can I roll Arcana?"

Herring asks (of Silverhall), "It's probably nothing, but would you mind if we moved this rug into an adjoining room, just to be safe?"

(From DM) 'By all means, do so.'

Herring rolls it up and takes it with him.

DM says (to Herring), "The only issue is: the guest bedrooms are all full."

[Crows-Nest] Herring says, "This is to say nothing of how creepy it is to make a rug out of such a person-like animal."

DM says, "So you'd either have to keep it in your own room, or..."

[slingergame] Herring says, "Oh, I think our room is fine. I believe we'd planned to have someone awake in there anyway."

DM asks, "Okay, so you're all together in one room?"

DM asks, "And you keep the fishy rug with you?"

DM asks, "And have someone in front of Lady Silverhall's room, keeping guard?"

[slingergame] DM says, "I'm checking."

[slingergame] DM asks, "Is this okay with you all?"

[slingergame] Herring asks, "That sounds reasonable, unless anyone else has a different idea?"

[slingergame] Runt says, "Yep"

[slingergame] Tiger says, "Sure"

[slingergame] DM says, "Alright"

[slingergame] Steevins says, "That is good with me"

[slingergame] Runt says, "Also, someone awake in our room"

[slingergame] Tiger says, "I'll stand guard, because I am ultra-protective of this lady (and people in general)."

[slingergame] Tiger says, "With Eddie :D"

[slingergame] Runt says, "I sit up in our room and read a book"

[slingergame] DM says, "Okay"

[slingergame] DM says, "Excellent"

[slingergame] Steevins sleeps and snores.

(From DM) The grandfather clock strikes midnight.

(From DM) And then...

[slingergame] Herring says, "I assume we're guarding in shifts."

[slingergame] Tiger says, "I hope so!"

[slingergame] DM says, "heh"

[slingergame] DM exclaims, "Okay, roll Perception! Now!"

[slingergame] Herring asks, "Which one of us?"

[slingergame] Runt asks, "Only Tiger?"

[slingergame] Herring asks, "All of us?"

Tiger rolls 1 20-sided die: 1 | 1 + 7 = 8

[slingergame] DM exclaims, "All of you!"

[slingergame] Tiger says, "Oh for fuck's sake."

Herring rolls 1 20-sided die: 9 | 9 + 5 = 14

Runt rolls 1 20-sided die: 8 | 8 + 4 = 12

[slingergame] Tiger throws the die across the room.

[Crows-Nest] Herring asks (of Tiger), "You know that standing gurd usually implies being awake, right?"

[Crows-Nest] Herring says, "Guard, even."

DM says, "Okay, so those inside their guest bedroom hear a scream! Tiger, however, was half-asleep, and didn't hear anything."

[slingergame] Runt asks, "Don't you get advantage as a Ranger?"

[slingergame] DM says, "Oh."

[slingergame] Tiger asks, "No?"

Herring bolts upright!

[slingergame] Runt says, "Oh, nvnmind."

Herring asks, "What was that?"

[slingergame] Tiger says, "I have proficiency as a ranger."

Runt jumps up from his bed and runs into the hallway.

Herring does as well!

Steevins stands up, stretches a bit, toodles over.

DM says (to Runt), "You bump into Tiger, of course, who is standing watch."

Tiger blinks sleepily, "What's up?"

Herring asks (of Herring), "Did you hear that scream?"

Tiger asks, "No?"

Runt exclaims, "Someone screamed!"

Herring raises an eyebrow, then puts a finger to his lips.

Herring quietly opens the door to Lady Silverhall's room and looks inside.

DM says (to Herring), "Lady Silverhall is sleeping fitfully."

[slingergame] Herring asks, "So she's clearly alive?"

Runt says, "I move to the Kobold ladies' room and look inside."

[slingergame] Herring asks, "Anyone else in there?"

(From DM) The kobold is already awake, and is getting dressed quickly. 'Ah, there you are, Herring,' he says. 'Did you heard that? That sounded like Lady Lockwell, if my ear not be mistaken.'

Herring says (to Leek), "Ah, it could be -- it wasn't Lady Silverhall, I know that much."

(From DM) 'I think it may have come from downstairs.'

Herring follows Leek's lead.

[Crows-Nest] Steevins says, "Sorry I should have mentioned that I regulary scream in my sleep"

[Crows-Nest] Herring exclaims, "Ah, so that's why only the people in the room with you heard it!"

Runt exclaims, "Downstairs we go!"

(From DM) The kobold inspector hurries down the stairs, holding a lit candle. The reception looks eerie and menacing at night.

Tiger asks, "Should one of us stay here with Silverhall?"

Runt says, "(Herring goes first)"

Herring says (to Tiger), "Good idea."

Tiger does so.

Tiger is awake now!

(From DM) 'Thank you, Tiger. This is all so dreadful. I was having a nightmare, too.'

Tiger asks, "What was your nightmare about?"

DM says (to Tiger), "It was extremely strange. I dreamt that the rug was eating me alive."

Tiger says, "Wow. Well, don't worry about that. The rug is in our room."

DM says, "So Runt and Herring and Steevins follow the inspector downstairs."

[slingergame] DM asks, "Is that right?"

[slingergame] Runt says, "Yeah"

(From Tiger) Eddie hugs Silverhall's legs.

(From DM) The kobold's candle casts weird shadows everywhere. The family portraits seem to leer down at you.

Herring tries to stay quiet, in case we surprise anyone.

[slingergame] Herring says, "Which is to say, I will roll stealth if needed, in the hope that we get a surprise round against anything we find attacking any innocent people."

(From DM) The kobold looks around. 'There are so many rooms on this floor. The scream could have come from any one of them.'

DM exclaims, "And then there is a second scream!"

Herring follows it!

(From DM) 'The kitchens!'

Runt exclaims, "To the kitchens!"

(From DM) You find yourselves in the kitchens. Amy the little tiefling servant has dropped her candle on the floor in horror, and is staring at...

(From DM) ... the limp form of Lady Lockwell, slumped against a cupboard, a half-eaten biscuit in her hand, her nightgown soaked with blood!

[Crows-Nest] DM says, "So much for dieting."

Runt gasps.

[slingergame] Herring exclaims, "Hey, let's leave the only party member with healing spells upstairs while we investigate the sound of someone possibly getting hurt!"

[slingergame] Tiger says, "Hahahahaha. Oh."

Herring tries to ascertain whether or not she's alive.

Runt examines the biscuit.

DM says (to Herring), "She's deader than doornails."

[Crows-Nest] Herring says (to Runt), "Ha ha."

DM says (to Runt), "It's a chocolate biscuit."

Herring says (to Leek), "She's dead."

(From DM) 'Alas. Something like this was bound to happen.'

Herring asks, "Why do you say that?"

Runt smells the biscuit.

Steevins uses a bit of the old Slight of Hand to, well, taste the nightgown blood, without anyone noticing.

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

[slingergame] Steevins says, "oh dear"

[slingergame] Herring says, "That seems a bit weird."

(From DM) 'Well... hold on, there is something wrong here, for this murder isn't consistent with my theory concerning the disappearances.'

[slingergame] Steevins exclaims, "That's how I'll know it's human blood!"

[slingergame] Steevins says, "or not"

(From DM) 'But -- hold on, is Steevins licking the corpse?'

Steevins says, "Sorry that was just a hairball. Death upsets my stomach."

(From DM) 'Would that be a Tabaxi funeral tradition I know not of?'

Runt says, "Hey, you're insensitive to tabaxi culture, inspector"

Herring asks (of Steevins), "What *are* you doing?"

(From DM) 'My apologies. This murder has brought out the inspector in me.'

Steevins asks, "Could it really be murder?"

Herring says (to Leek), "That seems like an appropriate reaction."

Steevins says, "Maybe she slipped and fell through the cupboard."

[slingergame] Herring asks, "Is there an obvious injury on the body?"

[Crows-Nest] DM says, "Medecine check"

[slingergame] DM says, "Medecine check"

Herring rolls 1 20-sided die: 16 | 16 + 2 = 18

DM says (to Herring), "You examine the body, and discover that Lady Lockwell died from blood loss, as a result of multiple stab wounds."

Herring says, "She's been stabbed. Multiple times."

(From DM) 'But where is the weapon?'

[slingergame] Herring says, "So we're looking for somebody with a weapon that does Piercing damage."

Herring asks, "Wouldn't the murderer still have it?"

[slingergame] Steevins says, "Like claws"

[slingergame] Runt hides crossbow.

[slingergame] Herring says, "No, those are slashing."

[slingergame] Steevins says, "yay alibi"

[slingergame] Runt says, "ha ha"

Steevins asks, "But who would have a motive? Some chocolate-lover?"

Herring says, "I don't think it would be any of the four of us -- none of us knew who else would be here tonight."

Runt says, "Maybe we should examine her room"

(From DM) 'Correct, my dear Herring,' the kobold says.

Herring asks, "Do you have any paperwork to identify that you really are a representative of the law?"

[slingergame] Steevins asks, "Did we seriously all come here without even one Speak With Dead?"

[slingergame] Herring says, "Yes, we have no cleric."

(From DM) 'Ah, yes, everyone is a suspect. Here are my credentials. Note that I am on a vacation.'

[slingergame] Steevins says, "Yay. Or bard I think can also pick it up."

(From DM) The kobold hands you his badge and a official letter.

Herring inspects them, rolling Insight.

Herring rolls 1 20-sided die: 7 | 7 + 5 = 12

[Crows-Nest] Runt says, "Just back from solving the murder on the Bastafore Express"

[Crows-Nest] DM says, "ehee"

[slingergame] Herring exclaims, "You could have been a bard!"

[slingergame] Steevins says, "if only tabaxi had equality of opportunity"

[Crows-Nest] Runt pours a setting appropriate glass of port.

[slingergame] Herring asks (of DM), "Do they look legitimate?"

DM says (to Herring), "The letter, bearing the seal of a larger city further inland, Everhast, seems genuine."

Runt says, "If that's in order, we should check out the ladies' room"

Herring says, "So that clears you and Custard."

Steevins asks, "So there's a murderer on the loose and none of us are protecting the good Lady Silverhall?"

Runt says (to Steevins), "Tiger is"

(From DM) 'Custard? He's probably still asleep.'

Herring says, "Lady Silverhall was apparently fast asleep at the time."

(From DM) 'So that narrows it down to the Stiff brothers, and Lord Brokenstaff himself. Hmhm.'

Herring says, "Which leaves Lord Brokenstaff, his servant Amy, the two morticians or, of course, an unknown intruder as the most likely suspects."

(From DM) 'I couldn't have said it better, Herring.'

Runt asks (of herring), "Hey, why don't you use your first name anymore, Sherlock?"

(From DM) Amy says blankly, 'I didn't do it. I didn't do it. I didn't do it.'

Herring says (to Runt), "I'll explain that when you get your medical training, young Watson."

[Crows-Nest] DM says, "hehe"

Runt asks (of amy), "Is it okay if we check you for bloodstains?"

(From DM) Amy nods weakly.

Herring says (to Amy), "For now, there's no need to start pointing fingers yet. Let's consider everyone innocent until evidence arises."

Runt checks Amy for clues.

Herring says, "Speaking of evidence, we should being Tiger down here -- I think he could help."

[slingergame] Herring asks, "Should we bring down Lady Silverhall as well?"

[slingergame] Runt says, "yes"

Herring fetches the two of them, explaining the situation on the way back.

Tiger enters the kitchen.

Herring asks (of Tiger), "...so do you think you'd be able to tell if there are any tracks left by the assailant?"

[slingergame] Tiger asks, "So, we don't know yet, but can we assume the killer is probably humanoid?"

[slingergame] Tiger says, "Based on who we've got around here."

[slingergame] DM says, "Basically, yeah."

Tiger rolls 1 20-sided die: 5 | 5 + 7 = 12

Tiger rolls 1 20-sided die: 12 | 12 + 7 = 19

[slingergame] Tiger says, "19 :)"

Tiger sniffs around for tracks.

[slingergame] DM says, "Give me a sec, I need to consult the module"

[Crows-Nest] Steevins says, "You all die"

[slingergame] Tiger says, "I presume my natural explorer abilities only count outside? (benefits to tracking, beyond the humanoid advantage)"

DM says (to Tiger), "You follow the faint scent of something humanoid away from the body and up the stairs..."

[slingergame] Tiger says, "Oh, nevermind. Only when traveling for an hour or more."

Tiger says, "C'mon, guys."

[Crows-Nest] Steevins says, "ooh witchervision"

Steevins asks, "Is the game afoot?"

Runt loads his crossbow.

Tiger says, "The game is multiple feet."

DM says (to Tiger), "... and you find yourselves on the landing of the first floor, in front of the first guest bedroom (so basically not yours, but someone else's...)"

Tiger listens at the door. (perception?)

DM exclaims (at Tiger), "Roll it!"

Tiger rolls 1 20-sided die: 20 | 20 + 7 = 27

DM says (to Tiger), "You hear everything inside the room, but these are only the noises of an old house creaking with age. There is not the slightest sound of anything alive inside."

DM says, "And yet, the scent leads you here."

Tiger nods at the others and opens the door quietly.

DM says (to Tiger), "You step into a guest bedroom like any other. The bed is disturbed, but empty. The windows are closed. The candle on the bedside table is still lit. And there is a bottle of whisky on the rug..."

DM says, "It's not a tiger rug, just a woolly one."

[slingergame] Herring says, "Perception:"

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

Runt rolls 1 20-sided die: 15 | 15 + 4 = 19

Tiger rolls 1 20-sided die: 5 | 5 + 7 = 12

Tiger says, "We should find out who was sleeping here."

Tiger says, "And search for a weapon."

DM says (to Runt), "You think you smell something acidic in the air. Like a burp, or something."

Runt says, "Hm, something smell off here ... like a burp, or acid..."

Herring says, "Acid? Odd..."

DM says (to Runt), "And you see something else: a glimmer of metal, on the pillow, lit up by the dying candle."

[slingergame] Herring says, "Now *this* seems like a good opportunity for an Arcana roll."

[slingergame] DM says, "Go ahead."

Runt rolls 1 20-sided die: 9 | 9 + 4 = 13

Tiger points at the whiskey bottle questioningly.

[slingergame] Herring asks, "Is the bottle upright or on its side? Open or closed?"

DM says (to Herring), "The bottle is on its side, and it's closed."

DM says, "Like someone dropped it..."

Herring says (to TIger), "Presumably someone dropped it there. But probably not while drinking, or else it would likely be open..."

(From DM) The kobold scratches his chin.

Tiger picks up the bottle and breaks the seal just enough to sniff at it. Wondering whether it's actually whiskey or not.

Herring asks, "So they were carrying a bottle of whiskey across the room, but were then surprised by something?"

Runt checks out the glinting thing on the pillow.

DM says (to Tiger), "It's genuine, all right. And fine stuff, too. Aristocratic, almost."

Tiger puts the bottle down on the table.

DM exclaims (at Runt), "It's a big, bloody knife!"

Runt gasps. "Methinks I found the murder weapon!

(From DM) 'Aha!' Leek says.

Tiger asks, "Should we wake up Lord Brokenstaff? Find out who's room this is?"

[slingergame] Tiger says, "*whose"

Runt says, "Sounds good"

(From DM) 'There's a bell right here,' the kobold says.

(From DM) He rings it.

[Crows-Nest] Steevins says, "BING BONG ding"

Herring asks (of Runt), "Do you know any magic that might tell us about the history of the weapon? Who might have touched it recently?"

Runt says, "No"

[slingergame] Herring says, "I'm guessing Lockwell's room."

[slingergame] Tiger says, "Oh, maybe."

[slingergame] Herring asks, "Is there anything in the room that might give us a hint to the occupant?"

[slingergame] Herring asks, "Clothing, etc.?"

(From DM) The kobold holds up a black top hat, which he's found under the bed.

Steevins says, "So our killer stabbed the lady in the kitchen, making her scream, then ran up here, pushed the knife under the pillow, didn't have a drink, and then slipped in among the rest of us in the kitchen? Cunning."

Herring says, "That seems like an unlikely sequence of events."

Runt says, "I think the rug is important, but I don't know how"

Herring asks (of Runt), "This rug, or the other one?"

Runt says, "I think the knife was dropped here to frame someone"

Runt asks (of Herring), "I don't know! Both, maybe?"

Herring asks, "And why would there be a top hat under a bed?"

Herring says, "It doesn't seem likely to have simply rolled there by accident."

Runt asks, "Like an undertaker would wear?"

DM says (to Runt), "yes."

[Crows-Nest] DM says, "You guys are sleuthing things out just fine hehehe"

[slingergame] Herring says, "Random thoughts:"

[slingergame] Herring says, "Lockwell wasn't in a good mood at dinner. That could mean there was someone here whom she disliked, in which case, they might also have disliked her. Or it could mean that there was some issue/event going on that put her in a poor disposition that we don't know about yet."

[Crows-Nest] Runt says, "Those seem like pretty ordered thoughts"

(From DM) Lord Brokenstaff arrives in his stripy dressing-gown, accompanied by one of the Stiffs. 'What is going on? Where is Edgar?'

[Crows-Nest] Tiger says, "Or she was bitter about her diet, and waiting to steal some cookies."

[Crows-Nest] DM says, "hee"

Runt asks, "Is this Edgar's room?"

(From DM) The Stiff looks around. 'Say, this is Edgar's room, all right, but where's he got to?'

[slingergame] Herring says, "If this is a frame-up, then the top hat seems like it's probably part of the frame. And as it would equally frame either Stiff, it would probably be Brokenstaff or Amy doing the framing -- *unless* Lockwell was herself trying to do someone a mischief, and got caught at it, in which case she might have been the one trying to frame a third party for a different murder."

Runt asks (of stiff), "We're asking the questions here. Does this whiskey mean anything to you?"

[slingergame] Herring asks, "Is Edgar one of the twins? What's the other one's name?"

(From DM) Lord Brokenstaff says, 'That's from my personal stock! Where did you find it?'

[slingergame] DM says, "Yeah, I forgot to mention it"

Herring says, "Right here, on the rug."

[slingergame] DM says, "It didn't come up in conversation"

Herring asks, "Where do you usually keep it?"

[slingergame] DM says, "But the twins are Edgar and Ragde Stiff."

[slingergame] Tiger asks, "Dun dun dun,. In the cellar?"

(From DM) Lord Brokenstaff says, 'I keep it in the wine cellar, of course. Where else?'

Runt says, "Oh"

Runt exclaims, "To the cellar!"

Herring says, "As he said."

(From DM) 'Hold on,' the Lord says, 'you still have not accounted for Edgar's disappearance.'

Tiger just shrugs at Brokenstaff and Ragde and follows the others.

Steevins says, "He might be in the wine cellar"

Runt says, "We don't know yet, sir, but we aim to find out"

(From DM) The kobold explains to the Lord about the murder.

[Crows-Nest] Herring says (to Tiger), "Ha ha."

[slingergame] DM says, "Hey, guys, you're gallivanting like crazy cats"

[Crows-Nest] Herring says, "(I'm actually hoping the other brother's name is 'Allan'.)"

[slingergame] Herring exclaims, "That we are!"

[slingergame] DM says (to Herring), "Okay, Edgar and Allan Stiff it is."

[slingergame] Herring exclaims, "Imagine the music from the ending of Clue playing as we rapidly transition from one location to another!"

[slingergame] DM says, "(to be honest, the module doesn't specifiy their first names)"

[slingergame] DM says, "hheh"

DM asks, "So you rush downstairs. Does Silverhall follow?"

Runt asks, "Maybe we leave her with the Inspector?"

Herring doesn't know if she follows or not!

(From DM) Lady Silverhall says, 'Wait for me, I don't want to be alone in this dark and scary manor...'

(From DM) So y'all and Silverhall and Leek and the sleepy Custard rush downstairs and start looking for the cellar.

DM asks, "How do you want to do this?"

[slingergame] Herring asks, "Doesn't Lord Brokenstaff come too?"

[slingergame] Herring says, "He should know where the cellar is."

[slingergame] DM says, "Oh right"

[slingergame] Tiger says, "If we don't ifnd him in the cellar, I'll use primeval awareness."

DM says, "Lord Brokenstaff, somewhat grumpily, shows you where the wine cellar is."

[slingergame] Tiger says, "Oh no. Grumpy elf."

(From DM) 'Follow me,' he says, holding up a lantern, and descends down a small set of stairs into darkness.

[slingergame] Runt says, "I volunteer the dress up as the Ghost of Christmas Past"

Tiger follows.

Runt follows behind the melee types.

Herring checks for anyone about who's likely to slam the door behind them, but goes down th stairs in front of Runt.

(From DM) You find yourselves in the wine cellar.

Herring asks, "Where do you keep the whiskey?"

DM says, "It's a cold, dark cellar with many alcoves filled with wines and whiskies."

DM says, "There's a further set of stairs leading down to a rectangular room filled with crates."

Runt whispers to Herring, "The orphanage should have a wine cellar"

Herring says (to Runt), "Shh, we don't tell the children abo-- I mean, yes, we should think about that."

(From DM) 'See for yourselves,' Lord Brokenstaff says. 'No signs of Edgar. If he was there, he's not any more.'

Steevins asks, "Where would this specific bottle come from, milord?"

Tiger points down the stairs, "What's down there?""

(From DM) Inspector Leek points out a blatantly empty alcove. 'There's where he must have gotten you whisky, Lord Brokenstaff.'

Herring asks (of Brokenstaff), "...is it?"

Steevins Investigates the empty alcove.

(From DM) Lord Brokenstaff says to Tiger, 'That's just where we keep the newer vintages.'

Steevins rolls 1 20-sided die: 13 | 13 + 5 = 18

DM says (to Steevins), "It appears to have been recently disturbed."

Tiger heads down stairs to look around.

Steevins says, "Indeed, the shelf has been recently emptied."

Herring asks, "Was there any lock on the wine cellar?"

Steevins asks, "I hate to bring up the subject, milord, but has there ever been talk of your house being... haunted?"

(From DM) The elf's face darkens. 'Yes. There has been. Foolish rumors.'

[slingergame] Herring says, "Hmm. So further thoughts: someone must have gotten this bottle intentionally. Either they just wanted to steal some whiskey, or there's something special about that bottle."

[slingergame] Runt says, "Or the place where it's from"

[slingergame] Tiger says, "How isolated is this house? Like from other houses, cities, whatever. Things we would have noticed on the way in."

Steevins says, "There's nothing more foolish than 'coincidence'... someone goes down to the cellar for a bottle and someone dies; that's quite the coincidence. In my books."

[slingergame] DM says (to Tiger), "It's in the countryside."

[slingergame] Herring says, "It doesn't seem *terribly* likely that leaving a whiskey bottle on the rug would be useful for framing a particular person, and if they wanted to drink it, they'd already be doing so. So, hmm. We should examine both the bottle and the alcove more closely."

[slingergame] Steevins exclaims, "It's the Lady Ghost, you meddling kids!"

[slingergame] DM says, "haha"

Herring examines the bottle closely. Is there anything odd about the liquid it in? What's written on the label? How old is it? Etc.

[slingergame] Tiger asks, "Ok, so there should be.. the four of us, the elf, three humans, a gnome, a kobold, and a tiefling in the house. (And a dead goblin) Does that account for everyone?"

DM says (to Herring), "It's old whisky."

Runt examines the alcove more closely.

Runt rolls 1 20-sided die: 10 | 10 + 4 = 14

[slingergame] DM says (to Tiger), "Yeah, except that one of the humans is missing (Edgar Stiff)"

[slingergame] Tiger says, "Yes, I'm accounting for that :)"

[slingergame] DM says, "aha"

[slingergame] Tiger says, "But there SHOULD be that many."

[slingergame] DM says, "correct"

[slingergame] Herring asks (of DM), "Was it already old 35 years ago?"

[slingergame] DM says (to Herring), "yeah"

Tiger steps back from the group.

Tiger says, "OK. Nobody touch me for a minute." He concentrates, to find all humanoids within 5 miles. He will know what kind, how many, and their distance from us (and direction if traveling).

[slingergame] DM says, "Wow."

[slingergame] Tiger says, "This should tell us if he's still around. Or if someone else is."

DM says (to Tiger), "You sense that the only humanoids within five miles are inside the Manor. But you sense that there is one missing, physically."

[slingergame] Steevins says, "It's like that radar from Alien"

[slingergame] Tiger says, "Great."

Runt asks (of dm), "I was examining the alcove?"

DM says (to Tiger), "That is to say, you count a total number of humanoids which is one less than the known total."

DM says, "Almost as if there was someone who had literally vanished into thin air"

Tiger says, "Edgar isn't in the house, or indeed, within five miles of here."

Herring takes Runt to one side, while Tiger talks with the others.

Tiger says, "So when he dropped the bottle, he probably disappeared. I think."

(From DM) 'Now that is odd,' the kobold remarks.

Tiger says, "Runt was curious about the rug. Maybe it's magical."

[slingergame] Steevins says, "It's a portkey"

[slingergame] DM says, "wrong universe, duuuude"

Herring whispers (to Runt), "Magically speaking, how likely do you think it is that someone could have created an illusory duplicate of themselves that could talk and eat and act like a separate person?"

Runt rolls 1 20-sided die: 10 | 10 + 4 = 14

Runt says, "(Arcana)"

Runt says, "Also, I was examining the alcove"

Steevins asks, "Radge, has Edgar seemed quite himself lately? Anything odd, or more odd than usual?"

Tiger asks, "Does he know magic?"

[slingergame] Tiger says, "(to Ragde)"

[Crows-Nest] Steevins says, "Radge, you're walking through the desert and you see a tortoise."

(From DM) Ragde scratches his head.

[slingergame] Steevins says, "Also someone remember to interrogate Amy, please"

(From DM) 'We're just undertakers. All that abracadabra is fancy stuff we don't know nothing of!'

[slingergame] Tiger says, "Oh right"

[Crows-Nest] DM says (to Steevins), "hahah replicant"

Steevins says, "My Lord, I apologize once more, but perhaps you could show us the exact place where your dearly departed, well, as you say, 'fell through the wall'. If you would. It may be important."

[slingergame] Herring asks, "Also, if it's not clear, the thing I was getting at with my question to Runt was: was Edgar ever even actually here at all?"

[Crows-Nest] Steevins says, "Twins are pretty classic gothic horror stuff"

[slingergame] Steevins says, "Also reminder that we're about 3 hours in at the moment."

[slingergame] DM says (to Steevins), "Yeah. To be honest, I'm looking for a good cliffhanger so that we can continue next week"

[slingergame] Runt asks, "Maybe something in the alcove?"

[slingergame] DM says, "Also, you basically derailed the game as described in the module, hooray"

[slingergame] Herring exclaims, "Yay!"

[slingergame] Steevins says, "haha it feels like we're just doing "the obvious things" to me"

[slingergame] Herring asks (of DM), "Did you see Runt's (repeated) attempts to examine the alcove?"

[slingergame] DM says, "yes"

[slingergame] DM says, "sorry"

DM says (to Runt), "You look into the alcove. The alcove looks into you. And you notice that the brick wall behind it doesn't match the colour of the cellar walls."

[slingergame] Steevins says, "Maybe we need to institute the ClubFloyd rule about not leaving a location until everyone is happy"

[slingergame] DM says, "Maybe"

Runt exclaims, "Aha!"

[slingergame] DM says, "Okay, I've reached a dilemna."

[slingergame] Runt says, "When in doubt, TPK"

[slingergame] DM says, "The game may be about to reach a premature conclusion."

[slingergame] DM asks, "Are you okay with this being over in one session?"

[slingergame] Tiger says, "Sure."

[slingergame] Herring says, "Ha ha. If it's because we're too awesome, then sure."

[slingergame] DM says, "Okay."

[slingergame] DM breathes deeply!

[slingergame] Runt exclaims, "You better think of something for next week, Peregrine!"

(From DM) The cellar door slams shut!

[slingergame] DM says, "Yea"

[slingergame] DM says, "+h"

Herring does a quick count. "Is that Amy?"

[slingergame] DM says, "I might ask you to keep the same characters (if they survive)"

[slingergame] Herring says, "Yeah, I'd be happy to bring back Brother Herring for a second visit."

(From DM) Lord Brokenstaff looks at all of you with a smile.

(From DM) 'Well, this is not how I imagined this would go.'

Runt says, "Damn! Behavior like this reinforces stereotypes and are detrimental to the WHOLE tiefling community"

[slingergame] Tiger touches the X Card.

(From DM) There is a cry from above. 'I can't open the door -- OH MY GOD THE RUG -- !!'

Herring asks (of Brokenstaff), "So. As I feared. Edgar was never really here, was he?"

(From DM) 'Oh, he was.'

[slingergame] Herring asks, "Uh oh. Is Amy the only one who's not down here with us?"

[slingergame] Herring says, "(Aside from Edgar and Lockwell, of course.)"

[slingergame] DM says, "Yup."

[slingergame] Herring asks, "Does anyone here have an adequate strength score?"

[slingergame] Herring says, "Because I feel that someone ought to be trying to break open that door."

[slingergame] Herring says, "But I know I don't stand a chance."

[slingergame] Runt says (to Herring), "Maybe let him finish his monologue. It's only polite"

[slingergame] Tiger says, "I can make Eddie try it. +4"

[slingergame] Herring says, "Sounds good."

(From DM) The kobold frowns. 'Lord Brokenstaff. So it was you all along, right? But not just you.'

(From DM) Leek turns to all of you. 'My friends, we've fallen into one gigantic trap.'

Runt quietly positions himself so he can Chromatic Orb the Lord, if the need arises.

[slingergame] Herring asks, "So, is Eddie trying to open the door?"

[slingergame] Herring says, "I mean, if Amy is being eaten by a rug, we ought to stop it."

[slingergame] DM says, "Indeed."

[slingergame] DM says, "Incidentally, this monologue is very slow LOL"

Tiger says, "Eddie, open the door!"

Tiger rolls 1 20-sided die: 16 | 16 + 4 = 20

DM exclaims (at Tiger), "Eddie breaks down the door!"

Tiger is right behind him. "Amy?"

Herring says (to Leek, Brokenstaff), "Hold that thought."

Herring follows Tiger up the stairs!

(From DM) Lord Brokenstaff says, 'Run if you like, but you can't escape!'

[slingergame] DM asks, "So are you all with Amy? Or just Tiger and Herring?"

Steevins runs because sure.

Runt exclaims, "Stay right there, Brokenstaff!"

Runt watches the Lord.

(From DM) The elf crosses his arms, smiling. 'I have all the time in the world.'

Runt exclaims (at lord), "What is going on here? Explain your evil plan!"

[Crows-Nest] Steevins says, "heh"

[slingergame] Runt exclaims, "Can I persuade him? I'm really good at that!"

DM says, "So, emerging from the wine cellar, you find yourself in the dining room. The tiger rug has come to life and is chasing Amy around the table."

[slingergame] DM says, "Feel free"

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

Steevins says, "Grandfather Tiger, nooooo"

Tiger shoots the rug with his longbow.

DM says (to Runt), "The lord only smiles enigmatically."

DM says, "I think this is time for some INITIATIVE"

Tiger clears the initiative.

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

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

[slingergame] Tiger says, "Thanks, advantage. Pfft."

[slingergame] Tiger says, "And now for Eddie:"

Tiger rolls 1 20-sided die: 10 | 10 + 2 = 12

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

Tiger registers Tiger at init 24.

Tiger registers eddie = at init 12.

Herring rolls 1 20-sided die: 13 | 13 + 4 = 17

Steevins registers Steevins at init 15.

Tiger removes eddie = from the initiative list.

Herring registers Herring at init 17.

Tiger registers eddie at init 12.

DM displays the initiative: Tiger(24) Herring(17) Steevins(15) eddie(12)

Runt rolls 1 20-sided die: 12 | 12 + 2 = 14

Runt registers Runt at init 14.

DM displays the initiative: Tiger(24) Herring(17) Steevins(15) Runt(14) eddie(12)

DM rolls 1 20-sided die: 6 | 6

DM registers LordBerkenstaff at init 6.

DM rolls 1 20-sided die: 12 | 12

DM registers TigerRug at init 14.

DM advances the initiative: TIGER(24) Herring(17) Steevins(15) Runt/TigerRug(14) eddie(12) LordBerkenstaff(6)

Tiger shoots the rug.

Tiger rolls 1 20-sided die: 18 | 18 + 10 = 28

Tiger rolls 1 8-sided die: 1 | 1 + 5 = 6

Tiger says, "And then Eddie reacts with a melee attack."

[slingergame] Tiger says, "(Coordinated Attack)"

Tiger rolls 1 20-sided die: 19 | 19 + 7 = 26

Tiger rolls 1 6-sided die: 4 | 4 + 7 = 11

[slingergame] Herring asks, "What does the scene look like? Is this a hallway? Are Amy and the rug actively engaged in melee right in the corridor?"

[slingergame] Tiger says, "I'm assuming both hit, if not ignore the damage"

[slingergame] Tiger says, "They'r running around a table"

[slingergame] Runt says, "A map would be helpful."

[slingergame] DM says, "They hit"

[slingergame] DM exclaims (at Runt), "no maps!"

[slingergame] Tiger says, "Hehe"

[slingergame] Herring asks (of Runt), "You mean like something from https://webwhiteboard.com/ ?"

[slingergame] Runt says, "ha"

DM says, "So yeah, Tiger's arrow hits the tiger rug in the head, and Eddie tries to strangle it. Amy runs out of the room, taking advantage of the respite provided by this providential intervention."

DM says, "For 17 damage."

DM advances the initiative: Tiger(24) HERRING(17) Steevins(15) Runt/TigerRug(14) eddie(12) LordBerkenstaff(6)

[slingergame] Herring asks (of DM), "So what's the siatuation? Is it a hallway, etc.?"

[slingergame] DM says, "It's a dining room."

[slingergame] Herring says, "Ah, interesting."

[slingergame] DM says, "And the rug was chasing Amy, but now it's fighting Eddie."

Herring spins his quarterstaff in both hands and uses it to strike at the rug!

Herring rolls 1 20-sided die: 17 | 17 + 4 = 21

[slingergame] Herring says, "(Hit?)"

[slingergame] Steevins asks, "What's it like being a German cat, Herr Ing?"

DM says, "that hits it squarely in the teeth"

Herring rolls 1 8-sided die: 7 | 7 + 4 = 11

[slingergame] Herring exclaims, "Very gut!"

Herring keeps spinning and does it again!

Herring rolls 1 20-sided die: 16 | 16 + 4 = 20

Herring rolls 1 8-sided die: 6 | 6 + 4 = 10

Herring then spends a point of ki to use his bonus action to do a flurry of blows!

Herring spikes his staff into the ground and swings up his feet, to do a flurry of pinwheel kicks with his claws out!

Herring rolls 1 20-sided die: 1 | 1 + 4 = 5

Herring rolls 1 20-sided die: 4 | 4 + 4 = 8

[slingergame] Herring says, "Which, I suspect, both miss."

[slingergame] DM says, "Yep."

[slingergame] Runt says, "Herring knows how to cut a rug...or nto"

[slingergame] Runt says, "*not"

[slingergame] Herring says, "(Finishing my turn.)"

DM says, "You break the tiger's teeth, and it starts shifting into an amorphous creature."

DM advances the initiative: Tiger(24) Herring(17) STEEVINS(15) Runt/TigerRug(14) eddie(12) LordBerkenstaff(6)

Steevins leaps onto the dining table, drawing shortsword and dagger, and attacks.

Steevins rolls 1 20-sided die: 20 | 20 + 7 = 27

Steevins rolls 1 20-sided die: 16 | 16 + 7 = 23

DM says, "pow pow"

[slingergame] DM says, "these hit"

Steevins says, "okay so this is going to be 2d6+4 + 1d4 + 3d6"

Steevins rolls 2 6-sided dice: 3 4 | 7 + 4 = 11

Steevins rolls 1 4-sided die: 3 | 3

Steevins rolls 3 6-sided dice: 2 4 3 | 9

Steevins asks, "23 points of slashery into your... ummm... mimickness? doppeldudery?"

DM exclaims (at Steevins), "The mimic explodes, its guts splattering everywhere!"

Steevins says, "And that wasn't even its final form. Nice work, team."

Steevins says, "Now, what about our host..."

Steevins ends turn.

Herring exclaims, "Right, back to the cellar!"

DM advances the initiative: Tiger(24) Herring(17) Steevins(15) RUNT/TIGERRUG(14) eddie(12) LordBerkenstaff(6)

DM exclaims, "So you all rush back into the cellar, and meanwhile it's Runt's move!"

Runt asks, "Is the Lord doing anything except smiling?"

DM says (to Runt), "He's steepling his fingers."

Runt casts Mage Armor on himself.

Runt says, "(And that's my turn)"

DM advances the initiative: Tiger(24) Herring(17) Steevins(15) Runt/TigerRug(14) EDDIE(12) LordBerkenstaff(6)

DM advances the initiative: Tiger(24) Herring(17) Steevins(15) Runt/TigerRug(14) eddie(12) LORDBERKENSTAFF(6)

[slingergame] Tiger asks, "Are we not there?"

[slingergame] Herring exclaims, "Wait, finger steepling is probably the somatic component for some evil spell!"

[slingergame] Tiger asks, "Or rushing on our turns?"

[slingergame] DM says, "You are here, just hurrying things up because the worst is yet to come"

[slingergame] Tiger says, "Ok."

(From DM) The kobold points an accusing finger at the Lord. 'Audrey's not dead, is she, Lord Brokenstaff?'

[Crows-Nest] Steevins exclaims, "She's still stuck in the wall?!?!"

[Crows-Nest] Runt says, "Elves see time differently"

(From DM) 'I suppose you could say... her spirit lives on. And, every now and then, she needs to... feed.' The Lord smiles sinisterly.

(From DM) At these words, the wall behind him collapses.

[Crows-Nest] Runt says, "Lord Brokenstaff, tear down this wall"

(From DM) And, through the walls, you see a monstrous shape, like an enormous heart with... tentacles? and teeth?

Tiger oh jeez.

[slingergame] Herring says, "That's probably a bad thing."

Runt hisssssss.

[slingergame] Herring says, "But, hey, maybe it's a true neutral thing, and we just need to defeat Brokenstaff in order to free it."

(From DM) 'A magical experiment gone wrong,' the Lord says. 'I shall always blame myself. But in order to keep her alive, I needed to feed her innocent lives, preferably without attracting attention. Hence, Inspector Leek was correct in connecting those disappearances to Moonveil Manor. Bravo, Inspector. Prepare to... die.'

[slingergame] (from Tiger) Tiger says, "Nah."

(From DM) Lady Silverhall faints! So does Custard the cowardly gnome.

Runt exclaims, "No! Nobody else needs to die! Come with us willingly and this nightmare can end!"

[slingergame] Herring says, "Man, Custard has gotten a lot of adjectives applied to him in this game."

(From DM) The monstrous, beating heart comes through the wall and howls angrily.

[slingergame] Herring says, "But I note that 'loquacious' has not been one of them."

(From DM) 'FOOD!'

[slingergame] DM says, "heheh"

DM displays the initiative: Tiger(24) Herring(17) Steevins(15) Runt/TigerRug(14) eddie(12) LORDBERKENSTAFF(6)

DM registers Audrey at init 5.

DM advances the initiative: Tiger(24) Herring(17) Steevins(15) Runt/TigerRug(14) eddie(12) LordBerkenstaff(6) AUDREY(5)

[slingergame] Runt says, "I know lots of ways to deal with a broken heart, but not an evil tentacled one"

[slingergame] Herring says (to Runt), "Mathematically, when you're encountering a new problem, one reliable tactic is to reduce it to one you've already solved."

DM rolls 1 20-sided die: 11 | 11 + 6 = 17

[slingergame] Runt says, "heh"

(From DM) Audrey sends forth a tentacle and attacks Runt!

DM rolls 1 20-sided die: 15 | 15 + 6 = 21

Runt says, "That hits"

DM rolls 1 8-sided die: 3 | 3 + 4 = 7

DM exclaims, "And now, Runt is grappled... as the tentacle squeezed him!"

Runt says, "Eep"

[slingergame] DM says, "That's a DC(14) STR save on your turn to escape."

[slingergame] Steevins says, "I'm imagining his wife got polymorphed into an otyugh and just how ignoble that would be"

DM advances the initiative: END OF ROUND

DM advances the initiative: TIGER(24) Herring(17) Steevins(15) Runt/TigerRug(14) eddie(12) LordBerkenstaff(6) Audrey(5)

Tiger shoots Audrey.

Tiger rolls 1 20-sided die: 9 | 9 + 10 = 19

DM exclaims, "That hits!"

Tiger rolls 1 8-sided die: 4 | 4 + 5 = 9

(From Tiger) Eddie reacts by punching at the tentacle grappling Runt.

Tiger rolls 1 20-sided die: 8 | 8 + 7 = 15

DM says (to Tiger), "That does not hit"

Tiger says, "Wiley tentacle."

Tiger is done.

DM exclaims, "Audrey groans! But Runt is still in her throes!"

DM advances the initiative: Tiger(24) HERRING(17) Steevins(15) Runt/TigerRug(14) eddie(12) LordBerkenstaff(6) Audrey(5)

Herring attacks the elf with his staff.

Herring rolls 1 20-sided die: 17 | 17 + 4 = 21

[Crows-Nest] Steevins says, "wait is Audrey the name of the Shop of Horrors plant"

[Crows-Nest] DM says, "yes"

[Crows-Nest] Steevins says, "nice"

[slingergame] Herring says, "(Hit?)"

[Crows-Nest] DM exclaims, "Hit!"

Herring rolls 1 8-sided die: 5 | 5 + 4 = 9

Herring does it again!

Herring rolls 1 20-sided die: 12 | 12 + 4 = 16

DM exclaims, "hits!"

Herring rolls 1 8-sided die: 2 | 2 + 4 = 6

Herring follows it with a Flurry of Blows!

Herring rolls 1 20-sided die: 19 | 19 + 4 = 23

DM says, "hits"

Herring rolls 1 6-sided die: 3 | 3 + 4 = 7

[slingergame] Herring says, "That's slashing damage with my claws -- plus he rolls a DEX save vs 13."

(From DM) The Lord didn't expect a giant humanoid ginger cat to suddenly go all kung-fu on his ass! And he reels.

DM rolls 1 20-sided die: 4 | 4 + 1 = 5

[Crows-Nest] DM says, "The Lord fails his DEx save"

Herring kicks the Lord head over heels, and he's Prone on the ground.

[Crows-Nest] DM says, "He should have been wearing... spandDEX"

Herring continues his flurry of blows!

[slingergame] Herring exclaims, "Since he's prone, and I'm within 5ft, I get advantage!"

Herring rolls 1 20-sided die: 7 | 7 + 4 = 11

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

[Crows-Nest] DM exclaims, "hits!"

Herring rolls 1 6-sided die: 1 | 1 + 4 = 5

[Crows-Nest] DM asks, "How much damage is that in total?"

Herring slashes his face, and with the blood in his eyes, he can't take reactions until the end of Herring's next turn.

[Crows-Nest] Tiger asks, "That was a crit, no? Or does it not count?"

[slingergame] Herring says, "9+6+7+5"

[slingergame] DM says, "thanks"

[Crows-Nest] Herring exclaims, "Oh yeah!"

[slingergame] Herring asks, "Crit doubles the damage die, right?"

Herring rolls 1 6-sided die: 1 | 1

[slingergame] Herring says, "Ha ha."

[slingergame] Tiger says, "Ha"

[slingergame] Herring says, "So that's 28 altogether."

[slingergame] DM says, "Excellet"

[slingergame] Runt exclaims, "Go Herring!"

[slingergame] Herring says, "https://roll20.net/compendium/dnd5e/Conditions#toc_12 for Prone rules."

(From DM) The Lord falls, but there is grim determination in his face. 'You shall pay, you miserable moggy!'

[slingergame] DM says, "Normally spells work when prone"

[slingergame] Herring says, "Also, that's the end of my turn."

Steevins is going to slash at the tentacle holding Runt, hopefully helping him escape?

Steevins rolls 1 20-sided die: 7 | 7 + 7 = 14

DM advances the initiative: Tiger(24) Herring(17) STEEVINS(15) Runt/TigerRug(14) eddie(12) LordBerkenstaff(6) Audrey(5)

Steevins rolls 1 20-sided die: 15 | 15 + 7 = 22

Runt says (to Steevins), "Don't worry about it"

[slingergame] Steevins asks, "maybe half damage for adv to escape?"

[slingergame] Runt says, "Don't worry about it"

[slingergame] DM says, "My head is already spinning."

[slingergame] Steevins says, "okay well I hit with the dagger I think"

[slingergame] Steevins says, "(the 22; the shortsword on 14 is probably a miss)"

[slingergame] Steevins asks, "...okay?"

DM exclaims (at Steevins), "You stab the tentacle with your dagger, having failed to slice it with your sword!"

Steevins rolls 1 4-sided die: 4 | 4

Steevins rolls 3 6-sided dice: 3 3 2 | 8

Steevins says, "12 points, stab stab"

Steevins end turn.

Runt asks, "So I assume only Audrey is within 10 feet of me?"

DM says (to Runt), "yep"

Steevins exclaims, "I'm probably up near you too!"

DM says, "oh right"

Runt asks (of steev), "Blast! How's your CON save?"

DM advances the initiative: Tiger(24) Herring(17) Steevins(15) RUNT/TIGERRUG(14) eddie(12) LordBerkenstaff(6) Audrey(5)

Steevins exclaims, "Good! Go for it!!"

[slingergame] Tiger says, "And Eddie. But he has a +5."

[Crows-Nest] DM says, "Runt, aka Tigerrug"

Runt says, "Well, it's Half-damage even on a save, so..."

[Crows-Nest] DM exclaims (at Runt), "Make a STR save to escape!"

Runt rolls 1 20-sided die: 6 | 6

[Crows-Nest] DM cries.

Runt says, "I cast a Chromatic Orb (Acid) at Audrey"

DM says, "Okay"

[Crows-Nest] Steevins asks, "can't use atheltics or acrobatics to escape?"

[slingergame] Herring asks, "He's only Grappled, right?"

[Crows-Nest] DM says, "yeah"

[slingergame] DM says, "just grappled"

[slingergame] Herring says, "Yeah, as Vraklul learned recently, grappling isn't that bad unless you want to get away."

Runt rolls 1 20-sided die: 8 | 8 + 6 = 14

Runt says, "(Spell Attack)"

DM says (to Runt), "that misses, and makes a bottle of whisky explode."

Runt says, "End of turn."

DM advances the initiative: Tiger(24) Herring(17) Steevins(15) Runt/TigerRug(14) EDDIE(12) LordBerkenstaff(6) Audrey(5)

[Crows-Nest] Herring exclaims, "Nooooo, not the whiskey!"

(From Tiger) Eddie attacks the tenatcle again.

Tiger rolls 1 20-sided die: 4 | 4 + 7 = 11

[slingergame] Tiger says, "UGH"

[slingergame] Tiger will punish him later.

DM exclaims, "Eddie's strength is no match for Audrey!"

DM advances the initiative: Tiger(24) Herring(17) Steevins(15) Runt/TigerRug(14) eddie(12) LORDBERKENSTAFF(6) Audrey(5)

(From DM) The Lord stands up, defiantly. 'This ends here.'

[slingergame] DM says, "That's his Move action."

[slingergame] Herring nods.

[slingergame] Runt says, "Peremar would be a safer place if even monolguing took an action."

(From DM) He then casts a spell at Herring!

[Crows-Nest] Herring says (to Runt), "https://getyarn.io/yarn-clip/1cd8122a-6f92-4de4-8edc-8323de308102"

DM rolls 1 20-sided die: 9 | 9 + 8 = 17

[slingergame] Herring asks, "Is that an attack roll?"

[slingergame] Herring says, "If so, my AC is 16."

[slingergame] DM says, "Spell attack roll"

[slingergame] Herring exclaims, "So it hits!"

(From DM) Herring is hit by an orb of acid!

DM rolls 1 3-sided die: 2 | 2

[slingergame] Herring asks, "Is that damage?"

[slingergame] DM says, "Yep"

[slingergame] Herring exclaims, "OK!"

DM advances the initiative: Tiger(24) Herring(17) Steevins(15) Runt/TigerRug(14) eddie(12) LordBerkenstaff(6) AUDREY(5)

(From DM) Audrey moans eerily, and drags Runt 10 feet, towards slavering jaws!

[Crows-Nest] Herring says, "(Well that seemed disturbingly benign...)"

DM exclaims, "And then it bites Runt!"

[slingergame] Runt exclaims, "NOW nobody is in range!"

DM rolls 1 20-sided die: 3 | 3 + 6 = 9

[slingergame] Herring says, "Ha ha."

[slingergame] Runt says, "Oops"

DM exclaims, "But Runt bends himself like a cat and avoids the teeth!"

DM advances the initiative: END OF ROUND

DM advances the initiative: TIGER(24) Herring(17) Steevins(15) Runt/TigerRug(14) eddie(12) LordBerkenstaff(6) Audrey(5)

Runt says, "It bites me where my missing toes would've been"

Tiger puts an arrow through Brokenstaff's head.

Tiger rolls 1 20-sided die: 2 | 2 + 10 = 12

[slingergame] Tiger hisses.

[slingergame] Herring asks, "Is Audrey's reach 10ft? Or is it more than that?"

[slingergame] Tiger says, "But:"

(From Tiger) Eddie runs over and attacks the Lord as well.

Tiger rolls 1 20-sided die: 20 | 20 + 7 = 27

[slingergame] Runt exclaims, "Go Eddie!"

Tiger rolls 1 6-sided die: 1 | 1 + 7 = 8

[slingergame] Herring exclaims, "Critical Ape!"

Tiger rolls 1 6-sided die: 3 | 3

[slingergame] Tiger says, "11 total"

DM says, "The arrow misses, but the ape does not."

[slingergame] * Runt has changed the topic to: DM says, "The arrow misses, but the ape does not."

DM exclaims, "The Lord fends off the ape, and gets punched in the face. His nose gushes!"

DM advances the initiative: Tiger(24) HERRING(17) Steevins(15) Runt/TigerRug(14) eddie(12) LordBerkenstaff(6) Audrey(5)

DM asks, "Herring?"

[slingergame] Herring asks (of DM), "Is Audrey's reach 10ft or is it more than that?"

[slingergame] Herring says, "(Or do we not know?)"

[slingergame] DM says (to Herring), "You have no idea. It's all a bit confusing."

[slingergame] Herring asks (of Runt), "I might be able to break your grapple -- should I try, or should I keep attacking Brokenstaff?"

[slingergame] Runt says, "Kill the Lord, I want to use my cool spell"

Herring keeps smacking Brokenstaff with his own quite perfectly intact staff.

Herring rolls 1 20-sided die: 9 | 9 + 4 = 13

Herring rolls 1 20-sided die: 7 | 7 + 4 = 11

[slingergame] Herring says, "(Both misses?)"

[slingergame] DM says, "Yup"

Herring flurries his blows as well.

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

DM says, "That hits"

Herring rolls 1 6-sided die: 3 | 3 + 4 = 7

[slingergame] Herring exclaims, "Another DEX save vs 13!"

DM rolls 1 20-sided die: 19 | 19 + 1 = 20

[slingergame] Herring exclaims, "He keeps his feet!"

Herring rolls 1 20-sided die: 12 | 12 + 4 = 16

[slingergame] DM says, "That misses"

[slingergame] Herring says, "Seven damage total."

[slingergame] DM says (to DM), "oh wait"

[slingergame] DM says, "I goofed up, the 16 is a hit"

[slingergame] Herring exclaims, "Yay! Another DEX save!"

Herring rolls 1 6-sided die: 5 | 5 + 4 = 9

[slingergame] Runt bonks DM on the head, "Hey, no recursion!"

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

[slingergame] Herring exclaims, "PRONE!"

[slingergame] DM says, "The lord does not like this."

[slingergame] Herring says, "And 16 total damage."

[slingergame] Herring says, "Also, anyone else who's within 5ft of him gets advantage if they attack him, by the way."

[slingergame] Tiger says, "Cool"

[slingergame] DM says, "Man, you are badass"

[slingergame] Herring says, "(That's just what Prone does. It's disadvantage if you ranged attack him, though.)"

DM advances the initiative: Tiger(24) Herring(17) STEEVINS(15) Runt/TigerRug(14) eddie(12) LordBerkenstaff(6) Audrey(5)

[slingergame] Herring says, "(And, yeah, I totally am.)"

Steevins keen sense of killstealing goes off.

[slingergame] Tiger says, "Sure, but Eddie is right there :)"

Steevins hops over to the prone plaything and stab-stabs.

Steevins says, "sword:"

Steevins rolls 1 20-sided die: 5 | 5 + 7 = 12

Steevins rolls 1 20-sided die: 7 | 7 + 7 = 14

Steevins says, "dagger:"

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

Steevins rolls 1 20-sided die: 4 | 4 + 7 = 11

[slingergame] Steevins says, "okay see you guys later"

[slingergame] Herring says, "Ha ha aw."

DM says, "The dagger is a miss. So is the sword."

[slingergame] Runt says, "Steevins has gone Horst :-("

DM says, "The fumes of whisky have gotten to Steevins' head, sadly."

DM advances the initiative: Tiger(24) Herring(17) Steevins(15) RUNT/TIGERRUG(14) eddie(12) LordBerkenstaff(6) Audrey(5)

Runt exclaims, "BYE AUDREY!"

Runt casts Thunder Step.

[slingergame] DM asks, "What is that?"

Tiger covers his sensitive kitty ears.

Runt says, "I teleport away and appear on a free space next to Tiger."

[slingergame] DM exclaims, "Wow!"

[slingergame] DM exclaims, "You are a Sorcerer!"

[slingergame] DM asks, "That's your move?"

Runt exclaims, "then Audrey needs to make a CON save, because there is a THUNDEROUS ROAR!"

[slingergame] Steevins says, "BAMF"

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

Runt says, "Ah, fiddlesticks"

DM advances the initiative: Tiger(24) Herring(17) Steevins(15) Runt/TigerRug(14) EDDIE(12) LordBerkenstaff(6) Audrey(5)

[slingergame] DM asks, "Wait, has Eddie been having two turns per round?"

Runt says, "She takes half damage"

Runt rolls 3 8-sided dice: 6 2 6 | 14

[slingergame] Tiger says, "Eddie has a reaction when I fight, and an action."

[slingergame] DM says, "ah"

Runt says, "Oops, sorry, 3d10"

Runt rolls 3 10-sided dice: 10 1 1 | 12

[slingergame] DM says, "So 6 damage for Aurdrey."

(From Tiger) Eddie attacks the prone Lord.

[slingergame] Runt exclaims, "Wait!"

[slingergame] Tiger says, "Ok"

Runt says, "I spent a sorcerer point to reroll"

Runt rolls 3 10-sided dice: 6 6 6 | 18

[slingergame] Runt says, "Now I'm done (sorry)"

[slingergame] Tiger says, "Nice"

Tiger rolls 1 20-sided die: 19 | 19 + 7 = 26

Tiger rolls 1 20-sided die: 17 | 17 + 7 = 24

Tiger rolls 1 6-sided die: 5 | 5 + 7 = 12

[slingergame] Tiger says, "12 damage to Mr Lord"

[slingergame] Herring asks, "6 6 6? What diabolism is this?"

[slingergame] Runt says, "he he"

[Crows-Nest] Runt says, "Yay Markov"

[slingergame] DM says, "Okay"

DM exclaims, "The ape beats up Lord Brokenstaff to a pulp!"

(From DM) 'Audrey -- save me -- gah gah gah -- '

DM advances the initiative: Tiger(24) Herring(17) Steevins(15) Runt/TigerRug(14) eddie(12) LORDBERKENSTAFF(6) Audrey(5)

DM rolls 1 20-sided die: 2 | 2

DM advances the initiative: Tiger(24) Herring(17) Steevins(15) Runt/TigerRug(14) eddie(12) LordBerkenstaff(6) AUDREY(5)

[slingergame] DM says, "Lord Brokenstaff just failed a death save."

[slingergame] Herring says, "Oho."

[slingergame] Tiger says, "Good for him!"

(From DM) Audrey rages!!!!

Runt exclaims, "Man, I'd hate to be near her now!"

(From DM) Audrey sends forth TWO tentacles and tries to grab both Tiger and Herring!

[Crows-Nest] Herring exclaims, "Oh no, she's got Barbarian class levels!"

DM rolls 1 20-sided die: 16 | 16 + 6 = 22

DM rolls 1 20-sided die: 18 | 18 + 6 = 24

[Crows-Nest] DM says, "hahahah"

DM rolls 1 8-sided die: 5 | 5 + 4 = 9

DM rolls 1 8-sided die: 7 | 7 + 4 = 11

DM says, "(Tiger and Herring respectively)"

DM exclaims, "And you are both grappled!!!"

[slingergame] Herring asks, "Ah, and I roll Acrobatics, right?"

[slingergame] DM asks, "to escape a grapple? I think so?"

[slingergame] DM says, "But on your turn"

[slingergame] Herring says, "No, to not get grappled in the first place."

[slingergame] DM exclaims, "Oh!"

[slingergame] DM says, "Okay, roll acrobatics."

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

[slingergame] Tiger says, "Nope"

[slingergame] Tiger cries.

Herring rolls 1 20-sided die: 19 | 19 + 7 = 26

[slingergame] Herring exclaims, "Woo!"

DM says, "Herring frees himself daringly from the terrible tentacle of DOOOOOM"

DM advances the initiative: END OF ROUND

Herring twirls on one foot just out of the tentacle's reach!

DM advances the initiative: TIGER(24) Herring(17) Steevins(15) Runt/TigerRug(14) eddie(12) LordBerkenstaff(6) Audrey(5)

[slingergame] Runt says, "You can use STR(Athletics) or DEX (Acrobatics), and the target of the grapple choses"

[slingergame] DM says, "Also, one thing I forgot: the monster makes an action at the end of the grappled person's turn..."

[slingergame] DM staples fingers.

[slingergame] Runt asks (of Steevins&Tiger), "Who of the two of you would get more out of an extra action?"

[slingergame] Tiger asks, "Oof. Ok, so I can acrobatics to get out of this now?"

[slingergame] Tiger says, "i was gonna ignore it, but if she gets an action, meh"

[slingergame] Herring says (to Tiger), "Yeah, as your action."

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

[slingergame] Steevins says, "not me"

[slingergame] Tiger says, "Grump."

[slingergame] Herring says, "It's contested."

[slingergame] DM asks, "That was your move?"

[slingergame] Tiger says, "Yes"

[slingergame] Herring says, "So Audry has to roll Athletics against your 11."

[slingergame] Herring says, "Er, Audrey."

[slingergame] DM exclaims, "Oh!"

DM rolls 1 20-sided die: 5 | 5 + 2 = 7

[slingergame] Herring exclaims, "Woo! Bad rolls all around!"

[slingergame] Tiger says, "A ha"

(From DM) Tiger frees herself from the tentacle of DOOOOOM

[slingergame] DM asks, "And that's the action?"

[slingergame] Tiger asks, "That's all I can do, right?"

DM advances the initiative: Tiger(24) HERRING(17) Steevins(15) Runt/TigerRug(14) eddie(12) LordBerkenstaff(6) Audrey(5)

[slingergame] Herring says, "You can Move, I guess."

Tiger moves away from this thing.

Herring goes in swinging at Audrey!

Herring rolls 1 20-sided die: 1 | 1 + 4 = 5

Herring rolls 1 20-sided die: 3 | 3 + 4 = 7

DM exclaims, "And misses!"

Herring makes a flurry of blows!

Herring rolls 1 20-sided die: 1 | 1 + 4 = 5

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

DM exclaims, "And misses!"

[slingergame] Herring says, "Oh for Bast's sake..."

[slingergame] Steevins says, "dang this place really is cursed"

[slingergame] Runt says, "BAd rolls all around"

[slingergame] Herring says, "That's my turn."

DM advances the initiative: Tiger(24) Herring(17) STEEVINS(15) Runt/TigerRug(14) eddie(12) LordBerkenstaff(6) Audrey(5)

Steevins says, "Goodbye, Lord Brokenstaff."

Steevins stabs and stabs the dying elf.

[slingergame] Steevins says, "okay so these happen with advantage"

[slingergame] DM exclaims (at Steevins), "he's already out of HP!"

[slingergame] Steevins says, "and auto-crit if they hit"

[slingergame] Steevins says, "I want him to die"

[slingergame] DM says, "Oh right"

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

Steevins rolls 1 20-sided die: 7 | 7 + 7 = 14

Steevins says, "and dagger:"

Steevins says, "and dagger:"

Steevins rolls 1 20-sided die: 5 | 5 + 7 = 12

Steevins rolls 1 20-sided die: 11 | 11 + 7 = 18

DM exclaims, "The dagger stabs Lord Brokenstaff in the heart!!!"

[slingergame] Steevins says, "assuming at least one of those hits, it's an auto crit, which counts as two failed death saves, so yeah he is dead as dead is dead."

[slingergame] Herring says, "Well then."

Steevins is now pretty much done.

(From DM) Lord Brokenstaff mumbles, 'Audreeeeeeey' and dies.

DM advances the initiative: Tiger(24) Herring(17) Steevins(15) RUNT/TIGERRUG(14) eddie(12) LordBerkenstaff(6) Audrey(5)

Runt looks at his friends Herring and Tiger. "Can't you kill that thing any faster?"

Runt casts Haste, with Twinning so it affects two people.

[slingergame] Runt | Until the spell ends, the target�s speed is doubled, it gains a +2 bonus to AC, it has advantage on Dexterity saving throws, and it gains an additional action on each of its turns. That action can be used only to take the Attack (one weapon attack only), Dash, Disengage, Hide, or Use an Object action.

[slingergame] Herring exclaims, "Woo!"

[slingergame] Herring looks up Haste.

[slingergame] Steevins says, "okay none of you other DMs get any ideas now about monsters attacking downed PCs."

[slingergame] Runt says, "Muahaha"

[slingergame] (from DM) Quarion shudders.

[slingergame] Herring says, "Ooh, +2 to AC."

Runt exclaims, "Give him hell, brothers!"

[slingergame] DM exclaims, "It's a she!"

[slingergame] Steevins says, "ha you can use it to Hide. Really fast."

[slingergame] Herring asks, "Hmm, on my turn: do we think that a low-ish chance of Stunning Audrey would be more or less beneficial than just me taking two extra unarmed attacks on her?"

[slingergame] Steevins says, "more dots"

DM displays the initiative: Tiger(24) Herring(17) Steevins(15) RUNT/TIGERRUG(14) eddie(12) LordBerkenstaff(6) Audrey(5)

DM advances the initiative: Tiger(24) Herring(17) Steevins(15) Runt/TigerRug(14) EDDIE(12) LordBerkenstaff(6) Audrey(5)

(From Tiger) Eddie runs over and attacks a tentacle.

Tiger rolls 1 20-sided die: 17 | 17 + 7 = 24

DM says, "that hits"

Tiger rolls 1 6-sided die: 4 | 4 + 7 = 11

DM exclaims, "Audrey writhes!"

DM advances the initiative: Tiger(24) Herring(17) Steevins(15) Runt/TigerRug(14) eddie(12) LORDBERKENSTAFF(6) Audrey(5)

(From DM) The Lord, being dead, does nothing.

DM advances the initiative: Tiger(24) Herring(17) Steevins(15) Runt/TigerRug(14) eddie(12) LordBerkenstaff(6) AUDREY(5)

(From DM) Audrey sends forth two more tentacles and tries to catch Herring and Tiger again!

DM rolls 1 20-sided die: 13 | 13 + 6 = 19

DM rolls 1 20-sided die: 15 | 15 + 6 = 21

DM says, "(first Herring then Tiger)"

Runt removes LordBerkenstaff from the initiative list.

Tiger rolls 1 20-sided die: 16 | 16 + 5 = 21

DM rolls 1 20-sided die: 5 | 5 + 2 = 7

DM exclaims (at Tiger), "you easily escape!"

[slingergame] DM asks, "What about Herring?"

[slingergame] Tiger says, "Something something cat-like reflexes."

Herring rolls 1 20-sided die: 11 | 11 + 7 = 18

DM rolls 1 20-sided die: 1 | 1 + 2 = 3

[slingergame] Herring says, "Sorry, was looking something up."

[slingergame] Herring asks, "I think I failed that, right?"

[slingergame] Herring asks, "So I am now grappled?"

[slingergame] DM asks, "Oh, it wasn't a contest?"

[slingergame] Tiger asks, "The 3 is me?"

[slingergame] Herring asks (of DM), "I thought it was -- didn't Audrey roll 19, vs my 18?"

[slingergame] DM says, "aha"

[slingergame] DM says, "sorry, so"

[slingergame] Runt says, "It is a contest and Herring lost, Tiger won, and the DM rolled something else"

[slingergame] DM says, "actually ignore my rolls"

[slingergame] Herring exclaims, "OK!"

[slingergame] DM says, "Runt has it right."

[slingergame] Herring exclaims, "Go Tiger!"

DM says, "Herring, however, in spite of his cat-like reflexes, is GRAPPLED by the Tentacle of DOOOOOOM"

DM advances the initiative: END OF ROUND

DM advances the initiative: TIGER(24) Herring(17) Steevins(15) Runt/TigerRug(14) eddie(12) Audrey(5)

Herring exclaims, "Nooo, not the tail!"

Runt exclaims, "Give her hell, and then an extra action of hell!"

Tiger shoots at Audrey.

Tiger rolls 1 20-sided die: 9 | 9 + 10 = 19

Tiger rolls 1 8-sided die: 7 | 7 + 5 = 12

DM exclaims, "that hits!"

Tiger attacks a second time.

Tiger rolls 1 20-sided die: 16 | 16 + 10 = 26

Tiger rolls 1 8-sided die: 3 | 3 + 5 = 8

[slingergame] Steevins says, "Given that we're fighting a magical mishap, I think we should get some Wild Surge action going on. maybe. If you want."

(From Tiger) And then Eddie attacks once, at the tentacle he's near.

Tiger rolls 1 20-sided die: 11 | 11 + 7 = 18

Tiger rolls 1 6-sided die: 5 | 5 + 7 = 12

[slingergame] Steevins says, "I keep imagining him as the Iron Maiden guy"

[slingergame] Runt says, "Works for me, but it's the DM's call."

[slingergame] DM says, "Ah, you want me to roll a Wild Surge effect."

[slingergame] Steevins says, "It's a tool in the toolbox if it seems called for"

[slingergame] Herring asks, "Does that happen while Runt is casting?"

[slingergame] Runt says, "yeab, after i cast a spel"

[slingergame] Herring says, "Sounds like fun."

[slingergame] DM says, "what page is it in the PHB"

[slingergame] Herring says, "104"

[slingergame] Runt says, "But that will only happen later, on my turn"

[slingergame] Herring asks, "Oh, is it my turn now?"

[slingergame] Steevins says, "There's also the big Wand of Wonder table of effects"

[slingergame] Steevins says, "Anyway let's murder this thing"

[slingergame] DM asks, "How much damage did Tiger deliver?"

[slingergame] Tiger asks, "12+8+12 = Uh, 32?"

[slingergame] DM says, "Excellent"

DM advances the initiative: Tiger(24) HERRING(17) Steevins(15) Runt/TigerRug(14) eddie(12) Audrey(5)

Herring attacks Audrey his his staff, Hastily!

Herring rolls 1 20-sided die: 9 | 9 + 4 = 13

[slingergame] DM says, "Sorry for being slow."

DM exclaims, "Miss!"

[slingergame] Herring asks, "I assume that's a miss?"

[slingergame] Steevins says, "S'alright; there's a lot going on"

[slingergame] Herring uses his normal attacks as well!

Herring rolls 1 20-sided die: 4 | 4 + 4 = 8

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

[slingergame] DM says, "I did not plan on you all fighting Audrey this session, hence the lack of prep"

DM says, "miss miss"

Herring, assuming those both miss, does his flurry of blows.

Herring rolls 1 20-sided die: 18 | 18 + 4 = 22

[slingergame] Steevins says, "You could have put the princess into the next castle"

Herring rolls 1 6-sided die: 2 | 2 + 4 = 6

[slingergame] Herring exclaims, "Now she rolls a STR save!"

[slingergame] Herring says, "Vs 13."

DM rolls 1 20-sided die: 15 | 15 + 4 = 19

[slingergame] Herring exclaims, "Darn. The last blow!"

Herring rolls 1 20-sided die: 18 | 18 + 4 = 22

[slingergame] Herring exclaims, "Another STR save!"

DM rolls 1 20-sided die: 3 | 3 + 4 = 7

Herring rolls 1 6-sided die: 3 | 3 + 4 = 7

[slingergame] Herring exclaims, "She's pushed back 15ft from me!"

[slingergame] Runt asks, "Doesn't Flurry of Blow cost a ki point every time?"

[slingergame] Herring exclaims, "And if that moves her out of her reach, then the grapple is broken!"

[slingergame] Runt asks, "Or am I misremembering?"

[slingergame] Herring says (to Runt), "Yup."

[slingergame] Herring says (to Runt), "That was my last one."

[slingergame] Runt says, "ah"

(From DM) Herring uses his ki to punch away Audrey, sending her reeling! He lands nimbly on his paws.

[slingergame] Herring says, "So I did a total of 13 damage."

[slingergame] Herring says, "And that finishes my turn."

(From DM) Audrey is beginning to falter. There is the sound of creaking wood all around you, and Moonveil Manor itself is reeling in its own foundations.

[slingergame] Runt says, "I wonder if there is any kind of damage a giant h8eart is vulnerable to"

[slingergame] Herring says, "And my ki! So I'll be nominally less awesome for the rest of the fight."

DM advances the initiative: Tiger(24) Herring(17) STEEVINS(15) Runt/TigerRug(14) eddie(12) Audrey(5)

[slingergame] Herring says (to Runt), "Well, the DM hasn't been asking me to clarify which damage types I've been doing... :)"

[slingergame] Herring says, "So presumably it's not bludgeoning or slashing, at the least."

Steevins runs away from the corpse and towards the... thing.

Steevins then attacks.

Steevins says, "Sword:"

Steevins rolls 1 20-sided die: 9 | 9 + 7 = 16

Steevins says, "dagger:"

Steevins rolls 1 20-sided die: 17 | 17 + 7 = 24

DM exclaims, "The sword misses, but Steevins' dagger strikes true!"

Steevins rolls 1 4-sided die: 1 | 1

Steevins rolls 3 6-sided dice: 5 4 3 | 12

Steevins says, "13 points, you monster."

[Crows-Nest] Herring says, "Remember, we all have entries in the monster manual."

(From DM) Steevins does what no one else had managed to do: he strikes at the very core of the monstrous, tell-tale heart of the Manor.

(From DM) It explodes in a geyser of blood! And an earthquake begins to shake the entire Manor, making thing start to fall apart!

Steevins says, "Uh oh, Audrey was load-bearing. We'd better get out of here."

Herring exclaims, "Lady Silverhall! Get outside!"

Steevins grabs the most expensive bottle he sees and boots it.

Tiger rushes to help Lady Whatshername who had passed out somewhere.

Tiger says, "C'mon, Eddie!"

(From DM) Inspector Leek says, 'Hurry!' and drags Custard out to safety.

Runt grabs a bottle of whiskey and darts upstairs.

DM exclaims (at Runt), "Wait!"

Herring helps any innocents who aren't already being helped. Like Edgar, maybe?

[Crows-Nest] Herring exclaims, "And Amy!"

Runt undarts and unsteals.

DM says (to Runt), "You try to dart upstairs, but are stopped by an unexpected..."

Runt asks, "I guess I roll 1d100?"

DM says, "yep"

Runt rolls 1 100-sided die: 57 | 57

[Crows-Nest] Herring exclaims, "You are stopped by an unexpected massive d100!"

[Crows-Nest] Steevins says, "awww man it takes forever for those things to stop rolling around"

Runt grabs a whiskey bottle and it burts into flame. "Hey!" He steadies himself on the shelf and that bursts into flames as well.

Herring exclaims (at Runt), "Stop committing arson and get out of here!"

Runt gets out, setting fire to everything he touches.

Runt says, "(Unless it's carried or worn by another creature)"

[slingergame] Tiger says, "Whoops. I forgot about favored enemy when we were attacking Lord Brokenstaff. Oh well."

[slingergame] Herring says, "So between us, we help Silvehall, Edgar, Amy, etc. outside."

[slingergame] Tiger says, "Not that it mattered much."

DM says, "The Inspector leads everyone out to safety, and you are in the park behind the Manor when the Manor collapses."

[slingergame] Runt exclaims, "and this flaming painting -ouch!"

(From DM) The rain has stopped falling. The sun is rising over the hills.

Runt leans against a tree. "That was close - oh bloody hell!"

[slingergame] Herring says, "Too bad about the rain stopping."

(From DM) Lady Silverhall comes to her senses.

[slingergame] Steevins says, "I'll admit I forgot all about her"

[slingergame] Tiger asks, "So, the goblin lady was stabbed and her body left there, but Edgar vanished. Were both supposed to be sacrifices to Audrey?"

(From DM) 'Well,' Inspector Leek says, 'that was indeed a close one -- hey, what's this I'm sitting on?'

[slingergame] Steevins says, "Edgar was the mimic"

[slingergame] Tiger says, "Right, ok."

[slingergame] Herring asks, "Wait, so Edgar was sleeping in our room all night?"

[slingergame] Steevins says, "I don't know what happened to original Edgar, if any"

[slingergame] Steevins says, "probably"

[slingergame] DM says (to Steevins), "You have it all wrong. Edgar was real."

[slingergame] Steevins says, "Oh whoops"

[slingergame] Herring says, "This is stuff I was hoping to find out from Brokenstaff after the fight, but unfortunately, he kept failing his death saves."

[slingergame] Herring looks at Steevins.

[slingergame] Steevins says, "yeah that was a shame"

[slingergame] Tiger says, "haha"

[slingergame] Runt says, "Well, we only had one stab at finding out the truth."

[slingergame] Runt also stares at Steevins.

(From DM) 'Well, first of all, Lady Silverhall, your coachman is dead, which is unfortunate (I have just sat down on his foot, so I assumed he was prowling around the garden and got jumped)'

[slingergame] Steevins says, "hey you can talk to his dead head if you want to dig it out"

Runt says, "Let me take care of tha- Ahh, flaming foot"

Herring says (to Runt), "Maybe it would be good for you to stop touching things for a few minutes."

(From DM) 'Second of all, my dear friends, the mystery is now clear. Edgar went down to get a bottle of whisky, then realizes he had no bottle-opener, then went to the kitchen where he saw Lord Brokenstaff kill Lady Lockwell. Naturally, Edgar ran away, the Lord chased him, and then the rug ate Edgar.'

[slingergame] Steevins says, "wicked firestarter hey hey hey"

Runt says, "As I assumed."

(From DM) 'Elementary.'

Herring asks, "How did the rug eat Edgar when the rug was inside of our room?"

Steevins says, "That's all very tidy, 'Inspector', except for one thing... there's an enormous mess."

[Crows-Nest] Runt says (to Steevins), "ha ha ha"

(From DM) 'This was another rug, of course. There were more than one mimic, clearly under the mental control of the Manor's 'heart', Audrey.'

Tiger laughs heartily at this last line.

Tiger ah.

Tiger says, "Why, uh, why tigers? Creepy."

Runt asks, "Does that mean ... another mimic is still out there?"

Herring says (to Runt), "Or 'in' there, I presume."

Runt asks, "Have there always been four statues in this garden?"

Herring says, "Assuming they survived having a building fall on them."

(From DM) 'Let's get going, then, shall we? The nearest village is not far,' the kobold replies.

Steevins says, "Yes"

(From DM) 'And thanks to your bravery and your valor, many innocent lives were saved!'

Tiger says, "All right."

Herring asks, "Who'll drive the coach?"

Tiger says, "I can drive!"

Runt exclaims, "Let me try - Ahhh, burning coach!"

Herring says, "Or we could walk."

Runt was only joking, it has worn off.

[slingergame] Tiger is proficient in land vehicles.

[slingergame] Herring says, "Yay."

[slingergame] Tiger says, "And good with animals, so.. :D"

[Crows-Nest] Runt exclaims (at dm), "Yay, thanks!"

[slingergame] Herring says, "It is now official: in ifMUD RPG's, the driver is a cat."

[slingergame] Herring asks, "So what was *supposed* to have happened?"

(From DM) So you leave for the nearest village (along with Leek, Custard, Ragde Stiff, Amy, Lady Silverhall) and find shelter at a hospitable inn! Things are finally taking a turn for the....

[slingergame] Runt says, "Yeah, that's what I want to know as well."

(From DM) THE END

[slingergame] DM says, "Okay."

(From Runt) NEXT WEEK ON INSPECTOR LEEK

(From Steevins) "A very special episode..."

[slingergame] DM says, "Basically, Audrey needed to be fed every year, on her birthday."

[slingergame] DM says, "Lord Brokenstaff killed Lockwell first because she was beginning to suspect something."

[slingergame] DM says, "Edgar, having gotten himself a bottle of whisky, and needing a bottle-opener, went to the kitchen and witnessed the murder."

[slingergame] DM says, "The Lord chased Edgar up to Edgar's room, where the rug in the room ended up eating Edgar's body, leaving only the unopened whisky bottle."

[slingergame] DM says, "That's it."

[slingergame] Herring asks, "Right, but what we were expected to have been doing?"

[slingergame] Herring asks, "What did the module writers plan for us that we sequence broke?"

[slingergame] Runt says, "Yeah, as someone said we did the obvious stuff."

[slingergame] DM says, "Well, because I made you Lady Silverhall's bodyguards, that ended up preventing Lady Silverhall's death at the hands of the rug."

[slingergame] Herring asks, "Aha. Whoops?"

[slingergame] DM says, "Which was an important step in the module, and that's when things spiralled out of control."

[slingergame] Herring says, "So it's your fault! :)"

[slingergame] DM exclaims, "So in fact, you made a better story than the module planned!"

[slingergame] DM says, "Congratulations."

[slingergame] Steevins says, "He really would have gotten away with it if not for us meddling kids."

[slingergame] DM says, "hehehe"

[slingergame] Herring says (to Steevin), "And our ape."

[slingergame] Steevins says, "and our plentiful magic"

[slingergame] Steevins says, "I mean, it seems like Speak With Dead would have sorted things out in pretty short order"

[slingergame] DM says (to Steevins), "ironically, the module had planned for Speak With Dead"

[slingergame] Steevins says, "I guess maybe whatshername didn't see who killed her"

[slingergame] DM says, "exactly what the module said"

[slingergame] Steevins asks, "hrm 5E still has that other thing, Zone of Truth, I think?"

[slingergame] Steevins asks, "Or did buddy have a Ring of Mind Shielding or whatnot?"

[slingergame] DM says, "No idea *jazz hands*"

[slingergame] Steevins says, "hunh well anyway that was a good Call of Cthulhu game; thanks everyone"

[slingergame] DM says, "heh"

[slingergame] Herring says, "Ha ha."

[slingergame] Runt exclaims (at dm), "Thanks!"

[slingergame] DM says, "I'm glad you enjoyed it"

[slingergame] Steevins says, "Also thanks for not making fun of my name"

[slingergame] Runt asks, "So what are we doing next week?"

[slingergame] DM says (to Runt), "No idea yet."

[slingergame] Herring says, "If you've got a one-session module for four level-5 players, I'm up for letting Herring keep hitting people."

[slingergame] DM says, "heheh"

[slingergame] Runt says, "Next week, an all tortle group"

[slingergame] DM chortles at the idea of tortles.

[slingergame] Runt says, "They, like, live in a sewer and are all monks"

[slingergame] DM says (to Runt), "haha"

[slingergame] DM says, "Tortle power"

[slingergame] Steevins says, "yeah and we could be called... the A-Team"

[slingergame] Runt says, "yay"