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Ernest, fatigued, thinks back to his lessons in maintaining Egorian levels of secrecy. He huffs out slower dialogue than normal, breathing heavily between words. "I... Uh... I learned... About... My... Right to... Remain... Silent... Except in... A... Court... Of... Infernal... Law..."
"Maybe the gnolls are right... I that headband to not be a fattycakes... Or maybe I never really wasn't..."
-Posted with Wayfinder
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Snouts, however, is eager to answer the query.
He is passionate and excited at the thought of something, though it appears he has forgotten that most people can't actually understand him.
-Posted with Wayfinder
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Ignatius endures the long, hot forced march with stoic steadiness. She replies to Eadie's inquiries about his mother with frankness. "Oh I saw my mother often - at meals, when being disciplined and the like. She wasn't what one would call a nurturing mother - at least not in the traditional sense. As you ascertain, I did indeed receive most of my care and early tutelage from various wet-nurses, governesses and even porters. The Van Hjorder household lacked none of the material goods that make a life of ease for it's members."
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Ernest’s stonewalling elicits a *facepalm* and shake of the head from Eadie. She pats Iggy’s hand comfortingly as she listens to the pig’s enthusiastic response.
Going by Professor X’s reaction, Mrs Kalthet must have been a good cook … Hmm … Should I tell the others I’ve forgotten the password to get my falchion back to normal size? Nah, I’ve just gotta try to remember it …
It would have been something clever that NOBODY would think of in a million years … including me, apparently.
The large iron portcullis opens and you slaves are led inside by the gnolls and Snapper.
Once inside, your eyes adjust and you
have a moment to survey the gnolls’ defenses, including
the iron portcullis over the cave entrance to the west of the courtyard.
You are guided through what appear to be kennels in a round room to the north.
Vangru points to the center of the room.
"You two, put chest there on circle."
Assuming Ignatius and Johendar drop the chest in the center,
"Come! Now!" He then leads all the slaves past several guarding hyenas like Snapper, to the slave pen to the west
Hargur points motions to Lore and August.
"You two are to wait outside these kennels until the chief is ready to see you. Do not leave or your status as guests will be revoked
You see other hyenas laze or lope around in the courtyard and several gnolls lounge inside the barracks playing a dice game.
The circular room has the party chest in the center. Additionally:
A stone dais painted with a hyena-like face occupies the center
of this round chamber. A wide, eight-foot-high ledge runs
around the perimeter of the room with a crude ladder to the
east connecting the floor and elevated area.
To the south, an
iron portcullis hangs over the entrance to the caves. Several
shallow caves with wooden gates and floors covered in straw
open into this room from the north.
A door to the east and
a door with a barred grille to the west lead to other parts of
the stronghold. A shattered wooden box and several dozen
scraps of sodden, torn paper lie scattered across the floor.
Snouts is locked safely in one of the cells watching the larger hyenas circling from above.
Once in the slave pens, those of you disguised as slaves see
the slave quarters consist of a single long room with several
bunk beds against the back wall, a pair of buckets in the corner,
and a heavy wood door that can be barred from outside.
The seven of you are greeted by a Kelishite man wearing a
pale linen scarf about his head and an excessively wide
grin on his face. He resides here with two other slaves, not
including the new arrivals.
He greets you all and quickly establishes the ground
rules and pecking order. The other slaves hang back,
waiting.
“Welcome! I am Korshad, Korshad Satevis. Overseer for our masters. Though I
wear a collar, you’ll find it’s best to do as I say! Now, they lock
us in at night when they go hunting, but mostly we have the
run of the place, nearly as much liberty as the hyenas.
You’ll
be trained to be excellent house slaves, then taken back to the
ships to be sold to nice noble families. It may seem harsh, but
if you take to it, it’s probably a better life than you were used to
before. Meanwhile you should get some rest and we can begin
your lessons in the morning. As the proverb says, ‘When the
day is hottest, even the busy must rest and wait.’”
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Eadie continues to fret about her forgotten password. 123abc? No, that’s too obvious. BUT what about … abc123? Ooooh, that’s MUCH more likely to be right!
She keeps silent with her head bowed respectfully as the overseer welcomes them and makes his pitch.
Wow! Slavery actually sounds pretty good. Instead of making hasty judgements based on pre-conceived ideas, maybe I should give it a chance.
Anyway, if I do decide slavery’s not for me, we’re probably better off waiting until nightfall – assuming Lore and August hang around …
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“Welcome! I am Korshad, Korshad Satevis. Overseer for ... Meanwhile you should get some rest and we can begin your lessons in the morning. As the proverb says, ‘When the day is hottest, even the busy must rest and wait.’”
The placement of his porcine partner bothers him noticeably, though he'll simply take to getting on better terms with the cellmates nearby. Namely via stroking the biggest ego in the room. He goes to sit on one of the empty beds, "So, uh, you sure know a lot. What else do you know stuff about?"
Korshad turns to Ernest.
"Oh, you seem to be wise and will do well as a slave."
He smiles warmly.
"You do not get to the station I have attained with these gnolls without some wisdom...and patience.
I know what sets them off and how to appease them.
I will gladly teach you, and it may save your life."
He looks like he stares into space, remembering the past.
"I trained to be a priest you know. But a series of poor judgments
on my part resulted in my leaving the faith. No matter how much I longed to be worthy of
the priesthood, my service to the gnolls has condemned me the goddess’s eyes."
He snaps out of his daze and asks Ernest plainly.
"So how did you end up here may I ask?"
The other slaves keep their distance and are reluctant to say much.
Lore and August wait for awhile, but the gnolls largely ignore them standing near the kennel door.
To the south, the freestanding structure serves as a barracks for
most of the gnolls. Its doors are in poor repair and you occasionally catch a glimpse inside as one gnoll enters or exits.
There appears to be little within other than bedding and the gnolls’ gear.
Hargur is speaking at length to a brute of a gnoll, whom he treats with respect.
He occasionally points to the two of you as he speaks quickly in gnollish.
Meahwhile, Vangru has climbed the guard tower and is on lookout duty for the night.
Several gnolls and pet hyenas exit the main gate, leaving for what appears to be a hunting party or raid for the night.
Gima whispers to Eadie
"So now what's the grand plan you mentioned?"
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Hmm … patience seems to be the byword at the moment. OK we can play that game. Ernest probably needs some time to rest up anyway ... I do hope August and Lore are all right.
Eadie ignores Gima keeping her eyes on the floor. She waits for Ernest and Korshad Satevis to finish their conversation before piping up.
“Overseer Korshad, in the course of our training, should we discover any activities that are … contrary to what you expect for the smooth and efficient operation of the household, should we interrupt our own duties in order to bring the culprit to your attention?”
Eadie adds slyly while still focussing on the floor. “Is such loyalty … rewarded by the Masters and your good self?”
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Ignatius silently walks to the far end of the room, keeping his distance from the overseer. He curses himself for not hiding his holy symbol as carefully as he should have.
As he stands against the wall, he feels it with his hand, the cool stone a small relief from the oppressive heat of their march.
As Ernest and Eadie engage in conversation with Korshad, Ignatius watches the overseer with care, trying to determine the man's general attitude.
Korshad turns to Eadie and replies to her question.
"Everyone of us must do what we think is right. I grown to know this, and in time, you will as well.
I cannot speak of the hypothetical culprit, but when the time comes, trust what is in your heart."
Regarding Johender's question, he does not hesitate to offer some of his personal history...
"I was a follower of the teachings of Sarenrae.
But as a priest I was discouraged by my inability to measure up to her tenets.
I believe that failure has led me to this lot in life.
Someday, I may be redeemed, but for now, I do what I can."
Outside the kennel, Lore and August continue to be ignored as the two gnolls argue and the rest of
the compound has either departed on the hunting trip, or passed through the kennels to some sort of celebration.
They get the distinct feeling the chief will not be seeing them tonight, but no gnoll has bothered to tell them as much.
It is approaching mid-night by this point and no sign of the chief.
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Ernest allows himself to be stopped if someone more judgmental of character notices it's a bad time to start the infiltration plan or get another member for it.
"I think, uh, there's someone in the building you need to talk to. She should be able to judge the best here as to if your actions make you unqualified for priesthood. I think your, uh, redemption time could be really, really soon, but we'd have to go talk to her now, like, before they leave." Ernest looks around the door, particularly for a keyhole and figures out if this door lock from the outside with just a bolt or with a key.
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Eadie takes Gima by the hand, giving it a gentle squeeze or two. In support of Ernest, she blurts out, “Oh yeah. Slave Master August looks a bit intimidating – but he’s a really good listener! He’s got LOTS of life experience, and could probably put you back on the road to redemption, no sweat!”
She scratches her nose. “Come to think of it, Slave Mistress Lore’s pretty good at that stuff too.”
Eadie nods at Ernest. “How long are the hunters likely to be away from the fort? We heard the gnolls talking about ‘wine.’ Do they ALL drink to excess and would their party be underway by now?”
She begins playing with the hem of her pyjamas, silently mouthing something ... abc123 … abc123 … abc123 … abc123 …
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Lore paces a little... three steps one way, three the other, always coming back to her starting point... eventually she turns to August and whispers to him. "Do you think now would be good, while most are out hunting... or wait til they are all here, but napping? I'm kind of a mind to stage our little coup now. Set the prisoners free and find the veiled lady quick quick." She looks at August, blinking her overlarge violet eyes and awaiting his answer.
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August is surprised that someone as smart and wise as Lorelendral is asking him for advice. Trying to gather himself he says, Well, its kinda quiet and them gnolls don't seem to be payin' us no mind. And I'm not sure how much longer I can act all slaver and stuff, its hard! August then thinks of his friends playing slaves and adds, Anyways, I don't think them guys should be locked up anymore. They've played pertend long enough too.
From within the slave pens, Ernest and Eadie continue the conversation with Korshad.
"This Lore person is a priestess? I am sure she is not a follower of the Dawnflower, they abhore the very concept of slavery."
Any attempt to examine the lock is immediately met with concern by the the other slaves.
"Hey, what are you trying to do? Get us all killed? Those gnolls are not going to be happy if you break out.
Life as a slave is better than being a meal for those four-eyed mutant hyena's outside the cage"
You can tell they want no part of a breakout risking their lives.
Even Korshad exclaims...
"Yes, please do not upset the fig-wagon. They will be very angry...with all of us."
From outside the kennels, Lore and August can see the gate to the circular kennel room has a simple bar on their side.
Not locked, but enough to keep slaves or large hyena's from breaking loose.
Opening the gate is easy enough, however the snarling from the horse-sized, four-eyed hyenas circling above the kennel floor will certainly be heard.
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Ernest will back away from the door in an attempt to ease the crowd. "Alright, but, uh..." He continues in Kelish for a semi-secret facet to the meeting.
-Posted with Wayfinder
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"Yes, please do not upset the fig-wagon. They will be very angry...with all of us."
"Wow! They must really love figs, huh?"
You can tell they (the slaves) want no part of a breakout risking their lives.
Eadie whispers to the halfling slave. “What were you before? Bellflower Tiller? Gray Corsair? What?”
“I once served the Ruby Prince indirectly, but it’s all changed now (kinda/sorta). We’ve got a stoopid new name and a stoopid new logo. That doesn’t change the fact that we’re against slavery, though.”
The fighter keeps fiddling with her sleeve. “Hey, Gima! Watch this.
Nothing happens.
The other slaves originally here are dubious.
Gima is ready to break out on your word. "Bellflower . " is all she says, with a grin.
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Ernest and Eadie continue the conversation with Korshad. "This Lore person is a priestess? I am sure she is not a follower of the Dawnflower ..."
Eadie closes an eye as she thinks. “Yeah, I’m pretty sure Lore is a priestess of Sarenrae. That’s the sun goddess, right?”
“She likes fire spells and is up early each morning to greet the dawn. Which is awesome – because then she makes a start on breakfast! She’s always saying stuff like ‘Blessings of Sarenrae on this fine morning.’” Eadie looks sideway at the inquisitor. “Do Iomedaens ever say that, Iggy? I’ve never heard it said in the Golden Vault.”
Eadie tilts her head as she nods rapidly. “Yeah, I’m almost certain she’s a cleric of the Dawnflower.”
Gima is ready to break out on your word. "Bellflower." is all she says, with a grin.
Eadie raises both fists above her head. “YES! I knew it! Won’t be long now, Gima.”
… Now if I could just remember that durn password!
As August opens the door to the kennel, the two large hyena's look down with their many eyes and start with a low growl.
As Lore and August step into the room without a gnoll escore, the beasts start to howl loud enough for the entire fort to hear.
=== Round 1 ====
14+Hyenas
14+Gnolls
14-August
12-Eadie
11-Ignatius
11-Lore
10-Gnoll leader
7-Johendar
3-Ernest
The two reddish hyenadons jump down to attack Lore and August in the kennel area as they approach the slave pen doors.
"YAP YAP - HAOOOOOOOOOOOOOWWWWWLLLL!"
On Lore
for
and trip vs CMD
On August
for
and trip vs CMD
Hargur calls out "Hey, the slavers have entered the kennels! Kill them!" as he rushes and pulls out a barbed whip.
Vangru climbs down and draws a whip of his own.
Everyone hears the howling and start of combat ensue outside the slave pen doors as you discuss matters with Korshad and the other slaves.
14-August
12-Eadie <=unarmed/armored
11-Ignatius <=unarmed/armored
11-Lore <== prone
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Ernest panics a little, leaving him very distracted to act while he attempts to think of a cool one-liner regarding figs.
-Posted with Wayfinder
August is able to bash the large hyena blocking the slave pen door.
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Eadie calls to Epanas, Gima and Korshad. “Not only are we fighting for our freedom, we’re now fighting for our lives. Grab a chair, empty chamber pot, full chamber pot, whatever and FIGHT! Korshad, if you are serious about redemption, NOW’S the perfect time to start.”
“LORE, WE’RE COMING!” Eadie points a finger at the overseer. “There’s a priestess of the Sarenrae on the other side of the door that needs our help. You need to make your decision – NOW!”
Eadie moves 25' forward to the door with her miniature falchion in hand, muttering under her breath “What is that darn PASSWORD!?!” The falchion grows in her hand as she makes it to the door.
Assumptions: AC =10-5-2 = 3 ; hardness 5 ; hp 15 for a good wooden door
Eadie reaches into her tunic as she approaches the stout wooden door, hearing the combat through the barred window. Her falchion grows and slashes into the wood, nearly splitting it open.
Lore, from the ground, shields herself as she casts a spell and causes a gout of flames to envelop the hyena towering over her.
The creature howls in pain as it can only partially dodge the flames. The smell of burnt fur is pervasive, but the creature still stands.