Cats Milk for the Rat Queen
All In a Days WORK.
It's been a busy week. After scraping together enough money you were able to register your business, purchase a sizable ad in Cottonmouths local paper, and acquire a modest stall in the market where as to display a jobs board, seat and small table. What was left over went to greasing the hands of the local law enforcement, and guilds to ensure a smooth first month in which to establish.
'All In a Days WORK' No job too small all prices negotiable.
It is early and the market is only just waking up as stalls begin to open.
As you approach your stall and the jobs board comes into view you dare not hope that all your hard work has been fructuous.
Arriving at your stall you see that someone has placed a stack of missing cat posters on your table, held down by a large rock. some have rewards others do not.
as you sift through the pile of paper in the hope of finding something not missing cat related you hear someone behind you greet you.
Abby the Apple Merchant
"good morning everyone, how's your first day in the markets going so far?"
Chỗ Lung
"Salutations my esteemed merchant! I must admit that my search for profit has been nothing but failure and missing cat posters."
Abby the Apple Merchant
"yes there have been a lot of missing cats in Cottonmouth recently...... I have a job for you here from Merrill the Millman, I pass his mill everyday on the way to the markets from my family's orchard, he asked me to give it to you..... if you'll take it?"
Chỗ Lung
"That indeed sounds exciting but the cats also intrigued me. But me and what group?"
Abby the Apple Merchant
*@Abby the Apple Merchant looks around at @Chô Lung @Gunther Greenson @lxia covalt @Willy Wonka @Sylmorn and @Jessica*
"why your group, of course 'All In a Days WORK "
*she hands you the letter from Merrill the Millman*
Ixia covalt
Hi
Ixia covalt
(I read the letter)
Jessica
"wow exciting our first job!! what does it say! what does it say?"
the letter reads:
**********
Help!
My cat has gone missing, and RATS have taken over my mill!!
please come quick!!
Merrill the Millman
********
Ixia covalt
Does anyone here know where Merrill the mill man's mill is?(I ask everyone)
Chỗ Lung
"Another missing cat, how surprising! This is becoming quite repetitive but I do like a little mystery!"
Ixia covalt
(I walk around in search for Merrill the millman's mill)
Chỗ Lung
"Well, off he goes... He should perhaps wait up."
Ixia covalt
(I slow down)
Abby the Apple Merchant
"head out the east gates of Cottonmouth and follow the main road to the Reluctant Rooster Inn. once there you want to take the south fork Merrill's mill is the first on the right."
Ixia covalt
Oh ok thanks I will embark on this quest you have given me.
Jessica
"oh! the Reluctant Rooster Inn I know where that is!"
Ixia covalt
Oh could you lead me there?
Abby the Apple Merchant
"yes I read in the local paper that cats have been disappearing all over Cottonmouth, and that it seems rat numbers have more than tripled! be careful out there."
Jessica
"ok thanks Abby, let's go everyone Merrill the Millman is waiting"
Ixia covalt
Ok let's go
Ixia covalt
You ready?
Gunther Greenson
"Let's go make some animal friends!"
the group clean up their stall and head for the east gate of Cottonmouth as Abby the Apple Merchant instructed.
passing through the city they see many more missing cat posters, as well as people shooing small rats out of their shops and houses. you see even more rats skulking down alleyways and around drain pipes and gutters.
Jessica
"wow! there really is a rat problem at the moment."
Ixia covalt
Yeah (I say as a kick a rat off my leg)
Gunther Greenson
"Huh, so they're a problem round here? I just thought the local animal.of these parts" as I try to pet one
Ixia covalt
Hey Jessica question do these things carry diseases?
Ixia covalt
Cuz if so I might need to get some help
Ixia covalt
(I show a rat bite on my leg)
Gunther Greenson
I try to coax the animal off Ixia
Ixia covalt
(I throw the animal off) ow god damn these little things hurt!
Jessica
*@Jessica strums her lute and sings a little song*
"Oh Cottonmouth, oh Cottonmouth, Where have all the kitties gone? The alleys cry, the granaries sigh, And the rats dance all night long.
No whiskers on the windowsills, No purrs upon the breeze, Just tiny feet on cobblestone streets, And cheese thieves bold as you please."
Ixia covalt
Wait do you guys think the cats are eating the rats or something?
Ixia covalt
I'm just saying it kinda makes sense
Ixia covalt
Since the rats showed up the cats are gone
Gunther Greenson
"Hmm it is strange to not see any predators with this many rodents about"
Jessica
"if the cats were eating them wouldn't there be a lot of fat cats around?"
Ixia covalt
Wrong way around my bad
Ixia covalt
I'm restarted
Jessica
"hopefully we'll find some answers at Merrill the Millmans."
Ixia covalt
Yeah.
Gunther Greenson
"Let's go!" excited to see this new place
the group head east until they come to the crossroads at the Reluctant Rooster Inn.
a couple of rats sit outside on some rotting vegetable crates watching you.
following Abby's directions you take the south bound road and before you know it, there on the right is a large mill.
the mills sails aren't turning and the door is open. inside is dark and looks to be in a shambles.
outside a large bold man sits on a log looking mournfully at a picture he is holding.
Sylmorn
"Merrill, we got your letter for help with yo your rat problem. How long have these rats been making trouble in your mill and how much damage have they caused?" I ask the man sitting on the log, while trying to get a peek at the picture he is holding.
Merrill the Millman
"it's been going on for a few days now, ever since my dear Mrs Tinkle went missing."
* he shows you the picture he is holding of a very fat and fluffy white Ragamuffin cat*
"the place is in a bit of a state, I tried to chase them out but there were just too many of them..... oh please help me get rid of these blasted rats and help me find my Mrs Tinkle."
Gunther Greenson
"Oh she looks lovely! Want a beautiful coat!" I grab him by the shoulder, "I promise I'll find Mrs Tinkle! Those rats best not have harmed her..." as I grip my staff, unconsiously making it glow with magic
Merrill the Millman
"oh thank you so much"
Jessica
"yes never fear, we'll rid you of these pesky vermin and rescue sweet Mrs Tinkle"
Chỗ Lung
"I'm truly intrigued about all the missing cats." *Cho rubs his chin* "Tho I shall say, I believe they're all related and someone or something stole them all.
the group stands at the entrance to the mill, all seems quiet inside, through the open doorway you can see into the darkened room.
behind you @Merrill the Millman stands nervously clutching his picture of Mrs Tinkle.
Jessica
"you may be right, missing cats together with a rat epidemic seems very convenient."
Chỗ Lung
*Cho takes a quick sit on the floor and meditates a little, preparing spirituality for the adventure that lies ahead.*
Chỗ Lung
*Then he proceeds to stand up.* "Well, madam, I believe that a person or creature that controls rats stole the cats. Or even worse... the cats became the rats!"
looking inside you can see crates stacked against the east wall near a ladder which goes up into the roof, against the west wall a small kitchen and dining table as well as a bed and clothes cabinet.
as you look inside you can hear the sound of little paws scurrying inside.
Chỗ Lung
*Cho carefully makes his way inside, walking as carefully as possible, using his martial arts knowledge to move quickly but light as a feather.*
@Cho Lung quietly moves into the mill.
@Cho Lung it is quite dark to your human eyes and there are many places where you cannot see through the darkness.
dark shadows conceal movement in the corners, by the crates and at the top of the ladder in the roof, but at present whatever is there is not aware of your presence yet.
Chỗ Lung
(any light source visible or any light comes through the windows?)
the only light is from the open door which is illuminating the area as much as possible.
Chô Lung
*I hide behind one of the boxes and take out my dungeneer's pack a torch and light it up*
Sylmorn
*I enter the mill behind Chō as quietly and quickly as possible and use my darkvision to scan the room for objects of interest and potential danger*
Gunther Greenson
I poke my head through and try to see the source of the sounds
@Cho Lung successfully moves to the closest stack of crates he can see.
@Sylmorn sneaks into the mill behind him his half elf eyes pierce the darkness revealing a swarm of rats at the base of the ladder, and more rats lurking in the shadows of the corners of the room.
@Jessica follows soon after but hits her lute on the door frame sending a reverberating sound through the quiet room alerting the rats to your presence, as this happens @Cho Lung lights his torch and by its flickering light sees that he is surrounded by vermin.
Chỗ Lung
"Oh no. By the gods, I believe that we will prevail!"
@Merrill the Millman lets out a squeal at the sight of the vermin.
Merrill the Millman
"kyaaa rats!"
but @Merrill the Millman manages to suppress his phobia and grips a large mallet in both hands.
@Jessica runs up and stabs @Rat 10 with her rapier and dagger.
but misses.
Gunther Greenson
cast Speak with animals, "Mrs Tinkle, where are you?"
There is no response to @Gunther Greenson either Mrs Tinkle is unable to respond or she is not present.
the rats move in to attack.
@Rat 7 8 and 9 attack @Cho Lung
they claw and scratch at @Cho Lungs legs but he sustains only a minor scratch.
@Rat 5 and 10 attack @Jessica
@Jessica also sustains a minor scratch
@Rat attacks @Sylmorn
but misses
Chỗ Lung
*Cho proceeds to land a kick on a rat to create an opening and move to safety* "Take this you vermin."
the @Swarm of Rats moves towards you like a rolling tide of vermin.
Ixia covalt
I start smashing the hoard of rats with my mace.
@lxia covalt swings with his mace but the vermin are surprisingly quick and are able to dodge the heavy blow.
Sylmorn
I use my longsword to make quick slashes at the rats
@Sylmorn attacks the rat clawing at his leg but misses.
@Merrill the Millman runs into the mill swinging his large mallet at @Rat
the rat is turned to paste as the heavy mallet comes down on it.
@Chō Lung kicks @Rat 7 which flies across the room squelching against the wall and slides down to the floor limp.
@Jessica strikes at @Rat 10
with a quick flick of the wrist @Rat 10 is pierced by @Jessicas rapier, while her other hand brings down her dagger on @Rat 5 skewering it to the floor.
Gunther Greenson
I power up my staff with Shillelagh then bash the rat swarm near Ixia
@Gunther Greenson brings his staff down on the @Swarm of Rats sending fur flying.
@Rat 8 and 9 attack @Cho Lung
@Rat 2 and 4 attack @lxia covalt
the rats crawl over @Chō Lung and @Ixia covalt bitting and clawing at exposed skin, but only dealing minor injuries.
Chỗ Lung
"This is utterly disgusting."
@Cho Lung cuts one rat in half and kicks the other across the room splattering it against the wall.
the @Swarm of Rats washes over @Gunther Greenson like a wave of vermin biting and clawing at the half orc druid.
@Gunther Greenson receives several cuts and bites.
Ixia covalt
Hehehehei cast: FIREBOLT
Ixia covalt
I say time for boom
Merrill the Millman
*@Merrill the Millman seeing sparks begin to form in his hands uses his reaction to quickly throw a bucket of water over the elf breaking his concentration and ending the spell before it can be cast.*
"Are you crazy!! using fire in here, the air is thick with flour! you'll burn us all alive and destroy my home! please think before you act."
@Merrill the Millman brings the heavy mallet down on the @Swarm of Rats
the heavy mallet comes down hard pulverizing a bunch of rats within the swarm.
Chỗ Lung
"This mage isn't that wise."
Jessica
*@Jessica shocked that she was almost barbecued by @Ixia covalt strikes up a tune for a limerick*
"There once was an elf named Ixia, Whose flour-room firebolt was fixia, The blast nearly slew, All the party it's true, Till Merrill doused flames in a mixia."
Ixia covalt
Man f*ck you
Chỗ Lung
"Indeed, use more brain matter."
Ixia covalt
Listen I do stuff before I think not the other way around
Chỗ Lung
"As a mage you should always think first."
Chỗ Lung
"Maybe you should become a barbarian instead."
Ixia covalt
I'm a paladin.....
Chỗ Lung
"Even worse. Paladin, devoted by faith.. You need always seek after your companions." (Edited)
Chỗ Lung
"Think, Ixia, think."
Ixia covalt
Fine I won't use fire bolt in a highly flammable area
Chỗ Lung
"Bare minimum, my most sincere appreciation."
Ixia covalt
No problem friend
Willy Wonka
*I move beside Sylmorn and cast ray of frost to rat 3*
Sylmorn
*I cast animal friendship to charm the swarm of beasts*
@Willy Wonkas ray of frost freezes the rat in place.
@Sylmorn tries casting animal friendship on the swarm but it is ineffective.
you hear movement above and catch the glimpse of something moving at the top of the ladder in the roof.
suddenly a dart flies through the air towards @Merrill the Millman which narrowly misses sticking into the door behind him, almost hitting @Willy Wonka
@Jessica moves across the room attacking rats 6 and 2.
the two rats are quickly dispatched by her rapier and dagger.
Gunther Greenson
"Bonk, bonk bonk! Let's bash em!" Again I power up my staff and smack the swarm in front of me
with a final blow the @Swarm of Rats is sent flying, the last lone rat seeing that the battle is lost quickly escapes out the door, disappearing from view.
Jessica
"uhg this place is wall to wall rat!"
Ixia covalt
Hey sorry for almost blowing us up
Merrill the Millman
"maybe I'll stay at the Inn tonight."
Jessica
"lucky Merrill had a bucket of water handy!"
Ixia covalt
Yeah I was t thinking straight
Chỗ Lung
"You could stay in the inn but, don't you have a second floor?"
Jessica
"speaking of second floor, didn't a dart shoot at Merrill from that direction, yes look there's the dart sticking out of the door back there."
Chô Lung
"So I cannot light up another torch, but I do want to check what's upstairs."
Chỗ Lung
"I like the way you see stuff @Jessica, wise and aware, impressive eyes, madam."
Jessica
"I think a torch might be ok, we just don't want to be throwing fire across the room, I think I saw a lantern on the table we can use, but just to be on the safe side let's not kick up great big clouds of flour into the air."
*@Jessica retrieves the lantern and keeps the light low, then hands it to @Cho Lung *
"here you are, I don't need it my half elf eyes can see just fine in the dark."
Chỗ Lung
"Thanks." *I take the lantern"
Chỗ Lung
*I approach the ladder/stairs for the upstairs compartment* "Carefully now..." *I raise the lantern as high as I can so it lights up before I get to poke my head "out"*
looking in the upstairs space you see that the window is open and an empty bottle of milk is laying on the floor, whoever was up here seems to have left, as other than the empty bottle and mill equipment, there is nothing and no one in the upstairs space.
Chỗ Lung
"Guys there's some clues here for someone smart and with a keen eye to investigate."
Chỗ Lung
*I approach the clues and Investigate them*
picking up the empty bottle of milk, just by the smell you can tell that it is not cow's milk, and the colour is an off grey, yet the bottle sports a sticker of a cow and a logo 'C.C's milk'.
there doesn't seem to be anything else of interest in the upstairs area.
Chỗ Lung
"Strange..."
Chỗ Lung
*I look out the window*
looking out the window you don't see anything out of the ordinary and no trace of whoever was in the upstairs space.
Chỗ Lung
*I make my way downstairs*
Jessica
"find anything?"
Chỗ Lung
"There's some stuff upstairs but I couldn't see anything important. I'm not the detective type anyways."
@Jessica goes upstairs for a look.
Jessica
*she returns shortly with the empty bottle of milk*
"I saw some claw marks by the open window, something big, about the size of a human man, oh and this empty bottle of milk that smells funny."
Merrill the Millman
"hmmm I've never seen this before, I always get my milk from Mack the Milkman, if it's anything to do with milk he knows."
Chỗ Lung
"That's helpful, thanks madam and Merrill."
Gunther Greenson
"Did you see which way the thing went Jessica?"
Jessica
"no it had already left by the time I got there, but the chances are good that if we follow the milk bottle trail, we will eventually reach whoever is behind the rat infestation, and probably the missing cats as well."
Chỗ Lung
*Right behind you."
Jessica
"maybe we should pay a visit to Mack the Milkman, he might know where this milk bottle comes from?"
Chỗ Lung
"I agree, lead the way if you don't mind."
Jessica
"Merrill could you tell us where we can find Mack?"
Merrill the Millman
"Certainly, Mack lives on a dairy farm west of Cottonmouth on the edge of a wildlife preserve. if you follow the road west out of the west gates, you can't miss it. he lives there with his wife and three sons."
Ixia covalt
Hey question can I fire bolt that over there I wanna test out this spell?
points to an old rusty scrap of metal
Chỗ Lung
"Do not shoot inside the house."
Ixia covalt
Ok
Chỗ Lung
"Let's focus on what we know and what awaits us."
Merrill the Millman
"I'm worried about you son, you have some underlying malfunction, but here."
*hands @lxia covalt a kilo of flour*
"take this with you, but be sure to be a good distance away and not in a confined, flammable location when you fire at it"
Jessica
"this guy."
*face palms*
Ixia covalt
So where should I go
Ixia covalt
I just wanna blow shit up
06:32 AM
Ixia covalt
Cast: FIRE BOLT (I throw the flower on the ground and cast fire bolt on the bag of flower)
Chỗ Lung
"Lord have mercy."
Ixia covalt
BOOM BABY
before @Ixia covalt can utter the words to cast his spell the heavy wooden mallet comes down on his head at the hands of @Merrill the Millman. knocking the elf out cold.
Merrill the Millman
"I'm not sure what you want to do with this one? he doesn't seem entirely stable, would you like me to take him to the city guard while you finish your mission?"
Jessica
"if you wouldn't mind Merrill I'm not sure he's in a fit state of mind at the moment."
*Jessica collects the empty bottle of milk and the suspicious dart as evidence.*
Chỗ Lung
"Perhaps send him to the monks that trained me, that would be a wise way of putting him in line."
Merrill the Millman
"I'll take care of him and make sure he gets the help he needs."
the group departs heading west back to Cottonmouth heading towards the west gate then onwards to Mack the Milkmans dairy farm, while Merrill loads up the unconscious @Ixia covalt onto a cart to be delivered to the city guard.
Chỗ Lung
"That was something. Well madam, shall we go?" *I start walking the way the millman showed*
heading west the group arrives at Macks farm just before sunset. an older man sits on the porch holding an ale and a pipe. he greets you as you approach.
Mack the Milkman
"greetings travelers, on this inauspicious day."
Chỗ Lung
"Salutations, elder."
Jessica
"why inauspicious?"
Mack the Milkman
" just this morning we awoke to find all our cows had been poisoned, luckily me and my wife were able to save them, but they won't be producing milk for some time. and now strangers come a knocking on our door."
Jessica
"that's terrible, we just came from Merrill the Millmans, whose cat is missing and he had a rat infestation. that's actually why we are here, Merrill said you could help identify an empty bottle of milk we found, we think it might lead us to whoever is behind the rats and maybe even missing cats."
*@Jessica hands Mack the empty bottle of milk, and the strange dart from the mill.*
Mack the Milkman
*first he looks at the empty bottle of milk*
"hmmm this is definitely not cow's milk, I wouldn't drink this even if I was dying of thirst, but C.C........ hmmm I wonder if it could be......"
*he then looks at the dart and his face turns red*
"this dart is coated with the same poison which eflicted my cows! and you say both of these items were retrieved from a rat infested mill!?"
*He grips both tightly*
"Carmen Cordell!"
Chỗ Lung
"Thanks, elder man."
Jessica
"who and where is this Carmen Cordell?"
Chỗ Lung
"That sounds Spanish."
Mack the Milkman
"Carmen!? she's a criminal rat of the worst kind. she is the head of a criminal organization called the Red Scarves and if she's here in Cottonmouth then the city is in a heap of trouble, where.... hmmmm...... probably where all rats nest, by the docks, I doubt she'll be hard to find, she has never made a point of hiding."
Chỗ Lung
"Tell me, elder sir, do you believe she stole all the cats?"
Mack the Milkman
"I don't know.... I guess it's possible, I wouldn't put anything past her."
Chỗ Lung
"You have no clue then. Understandable."
Mack the Milkman
"if you're going up against Carmen you're going to need some extra muscle, and we have a score to settle after what she did to our cows."
*looking back to the house*
"Mindy!! Get the Boyz!!"
Mindy the Milkmaid
*from within the house Mindy calls back*
"will do Hun!"
after a moment three young men come out from around the side of the house.
Harry the Farmhand
"you called?"
Henry the Farmhand
"who are these people?"
Hobbs the Farmhand
"what's for dinner?"
Chỗ Lung
"Salutations."
Mack the Milkman
"Harry, Henry, Hobbs, these good people are....... actually we kind of skipped that part, I'm Mack, this here is my wife Mindy, and these are our boyz Harry, Henry, and Hobbs. and you are?"
Chỗ Lung
"I'm Chō. I'm a monk."
Willy Wonka
"I am Willy Wonka, friends of oompa loompa. Harhar :>"
Chỗ Lung
"Pomba toopa? Never heard."
Gunther Greenson
"I'm Gunther, I like nature and stuff"
Gunther Greenson
"So you guys work round here then? Would happen to have any food to spare?"
Jessica
"I'm Jessica nice to meet you all"
Chỗ Lung
"I have a good feeling about this group."
Mindy the Milkmaid
"oh yes please do come in dinner is just about ready."
*without turning back as she enters the house*
"boyz! come and set the table."
Chô Lung
*Chō bows down low* "My deepest appreciation for your kindness."
the group heads into the kitchen dining room where Mindy and her three sons are setting the table, Mack follows in behind you.
the table is set with delicious looking breads, vegetables, and fruits, as you sit Hobbs and Henry serve a bowl of soup.
Once everyone is seated Mack thanks the Earth Mother for the bounty after which everyone begins to eat.
the families conversation revolves around the days activities of who went where, what they saw, as well as how the cows are doing, then Mack looks to the boys.
Mack the Milkman
"Boyz our new friends here have tracked down the person responsible for poisoning our cows."
Harry the Farmhand
"then what are we sitting here for!"
Henry the Farmhand
"yes let's get whoever's responsible and make them pay."
Hobbs the Farmhand
"what's for dessert?"
Mindy the Milkmaid
"go fetch the wild berry pie Hobbs dear...... oh and some cream to, there's a good lad."
Mack the Milkman
"It will be very dangerous but these good people will need your help if they are going to put a stop to whatever scheme Carmen Cordell is planning."
Harry the Farmhand
"what! you mean the Carmen Cordell is here in Cottonmouth?"
Henry the Farmhand
"the Carmen Cordell of the Red Scarves, from ... you know...back then?"
Hobbs the Farmhand
"this pie is really good Mar."
Mindy the Milkmaid
"thank you dear."
Harry the Farmhand
"well I didn't see that coming."
Henry the Farmhand
"what are we waiting for let's go"
Willy Wonka
"Oh... huh, are we eating or are we leaving? I just sat down"
Mindy the Milkmaid
"eat dear, the boyz are excitable."
Mack the Milkman
"yes take your time, you're welcome to stay here for the night and leave in the morning if you wish, Carmen isn't going anywhere, although I shudder to think of what she is planning."
Chỗ Lung
*I do a payer and eat*
Jessica
"thank you for the meal, and the offer of a place to rest."
*looking at her companions*
"do we need to rest or are we ready to take the fight to Carmen Cordell?"
Jessica
*Jessica takes a sip of some mold wine and strums a note on her lute*
"To Cottonmouth docks we go, Through moonlight's silver glow, The Rat Queen waits with crown of grime, But tonight will end her crime!
We're marchin' down to Cottonmouth docks, Where the river fog hides crime and locks, Carmen Cordell, Rat Queen of the night, We'll break her crown in the heat of the fight!
Raise your steel, let justice ring, No rat shall rule, no tyrant king, Carmen's reign will meet its doom, By dawn her crown's a tomb!"
Chỗ Lung
"Nice rhyming, I would try myself but I'm not to inclined into music."
Gunther Greenson
"Oo! Thanks very Much miss!" and I dig in to the food
Jessica
*@Jessica looks to @Mack the Milkman *
"it seems we are all eager to put a stop to this as quickly as possible, but thank you for the offer."
Mack the Milkman
"in that case my boyz will accompany you to the Cottonmouth docks tonight to confront Carmen Cordell and put a stop to whatever plot she has cooked up."
Chỗ Lung
"Madam Jessica, I really want to learn the art of rhyming."
Chô Lung
"But first I wish to patch up my wounds from the rats of earlier."
after finishing the meal and bidding Mack and his wife Mindy farewell the group head east back towards Cottonmouth with Mack and Mindys three sons.
by the time you arrive at the dock area it is well past midnight and a heavy fog hangs over the piers wharfs and docking yards, obscuring sight beyond 20ft.
most of the traffic in the area has long since ended, although lights hang from some wearhouses and shine through windows giving an orange glow to the thick fog.
after a short while walking along the wharf @Harry the Farmhand motions for the group to take cover behind some crates and netting.
he gestures ahead where you can see three very large rats standing outside a large warehouse.
The lights are on in the warehouse and a large red rat paw print is painted on the side of the building a little ways down the alley to the left, Mack was right, Carmen has made no attempts to hide her hideout at all, and seems to be inviting anyone to dare stand against her.
you sit for a moment hidden from sight observing the giant rats.
Gunther notices an open window in the roof into the warehouse accessible from the alleyway above some stacked crates.
Gunther Greenson
"Hey, I think I see an open window if we want to get a better look?" I whisper as I point to an open window in the roof into the warehouse accessible from the alleyway above some stacked crates.
Gunther Greenson
Moving towards the the crates to try and sneak up and get a better look
Jessica
*@Jessica whispers*
"good spotting, but be careful"
*bardic inspiration granted to @Gunther Greenson *
Chỗ Lung
*Chō whispers as well* "If we're silent enough we can avoid them. If it's needed I also have darts."
@Gunther Greenson makes his way stealthily into the alleyway avoiding being seen by the giant rats.
he comes to the stacked crates, they all have the same logo as the milk bottle you found 'C.C's Milk', getting a feel for the crates sturdiness @Gunther Greenson realizes that they are empty, perhaps Carmen's plan has yet to be set in motion.
the crates seem sturdy enough to climb.
Gunther Greenson
I lift myself up and get to the roof, I creep forwards and check inside the building
looking down into the warehouse Gunther sees a factory floor filled with machinery and cages full of cats.
many of the cats are hooked up to the machine by pipes and harnesses which feed into a large vat, the vat is connected to another smaller vat, which then leads to a pipe above a conveyor belt.
then he realizes..... IT'S A MILKING MACHINE'.
these cats are being milked, the milk is then being mixed with something else, and then poured into bottles on the conveyor belt.
He also sees other cages with cats inside, possibly male cats as they are not hooked up to the machine.
to the right looking down over the factory floor Gunther sees a balcony and large curtained windows, behind the curtains a lone shadow can be seen pacing backwards and forwards.
Chỗ Lung
"Gunther, what do you see?"
the rats keen hearing alerts them to @Chō Lung as he calls out to @Gunther Greenson .
Jessica
"Chō!"
Chỗ Lung
"M-My apologies, I forgot-"
Gunther Greenson
I cast entangle on the three rats then move into the building stealthy as I can
Gunther Greenson
vines erupt from the wooden wharf, arf, grasping and entwining around the rats, @Giant Rat and @2 Giant Rat are able to avoid the vines, but @3 Giant Rat is ensnared and unable to move.
@2 Giant Rat runs into the building through a dog flap in the wall.
Willy Wonka
I cast ray of frost to Giant rat
ice builds up on @Giant Rat slowing it down and causing minor damage.
@3 Giant Rat tries to free itself from the entangling vines, but is held tight.
Chỗ Lung
*Chô tosses one dart at the rat that is stuck on vines*
@Chō Lungs dart strikes @3 Giant Rat which is stuck in the vines, dealing major damage to the giant rat.
Harry and Henry move out to meet the oncoming vermin.
(dodge action)
@Hobbs the Farmhand moves out and fires an arrow at @Giant Rat
the arrow pierces the giant rat killing it instantly.
Gunther Greenson
I'll take a look inside the building then maybe try to climb inside/jump down if I can judge how high
@Gunther Greenson
looking around you can see a beam which is just a short jump away which would make for the easiest descent on to the warehouse floor.
you also see that the shadow once seen pacing behind the curtains has since disappeared.
Gunther Greenson
I'll jump to the beam
@Gunther Greenson attempts the easy jump to the beam quietly, then a descent down the beam quietly to the warehouse floor.
@Gunther Greenson skilfully jumps to the beam, but as he is climbing down he accidentally knocks a cage knocking it to the floor.
the cage was thankfully empty and no cats were harmed, but the sound it made as it clattered to the floor was surely heard elsewhere in the warehouse.
@Gunther Greenson is now on the warehouse floor, all the cats are looking at him and meowing, begging to be released.
@3 Giant Rat tries to break free from the vines.
but is still unable to move.
Willy Wonka
I cast ray of frost
@Willy Wonka casts ray of frost freezing the giant rat solid.
with the rats defeated the quiet of the docks returns, the warehouse now unguarded.
Jessica
"where did @Gunther Greenson go? he's not on the roof anymore!"
Gunther Greenson
(I try to release the cats inside)
Chỗ Lung
"No clue."
Jessica
"he must have gone inside. are we going to follow him through the roof or walk in the front door?"
Chỗ Lung
*Chō leaps over the boxes and tries climbing like Gunther did, using his monk balance and training*
the group manages to climb up onto the roof with minimal setbacks and noise.
looking down through the window they see a factory floor filled with machinery and cages full of cats.
many of the cats are hooked up to the machine by pipes and harnesses which feed into a large vat, the vat is connected to another smaller vat, which then leads to a pipe above a conveyor belt.
then you realize..... IT'S A MILKING MACHINE '.
these cats are being milked, the milk is then being mixed with something else, and then poured into bottles on the conveyor belt.
you also see other cages with cats inside, possibly male cats as they are not hooked up to the machine.
down below you also see @Gunther Greenson trying to open a cage but they are locked and he doesn't have a key.
to the right looking down over the factory floor you see a balcony and large curtained windows, below the balcony are a set of double doors which are currently closed and probably lead to the entrance of the warehouse.
@Gunther Greenson the cages seem to be locked, you'll need a key.
Chỗ Lung
*Whispering* "What do we do now?"
Gunther Greenson
"There was a large figure, I think the rats alerted whatever it is. Maybe behind thag curtain, I'd try bashing it but I'm worried it mighr draw it here. Maybe we can surprise it, tho it may know from the battle"
Jessica
"let's climb down then, if we are going to confront Carmen we'll have to get up to that balcony somehow."
Harry the Farmhand
"all this sneaking around."
Henry the Farmhand
"we could just go kick in her front door."
Hobbs the Farmhand
"and tell her to stop poisoning cows.......... oh and milking cats, cause that's just weird."
Chỗ Lung
"I think giving her a surprise is wiser. We'll have an advantage and we can still talk to her, but she'll be tied up or something like that."
Jessica
"what with the fight outside, and @Gunther Greenson rattling cages and scaring cats inside I'm pretty sure she knows we're here."
Chỗ Lung
"She can just think the cats are trying to escape?"
Jessica
"and the fight outside? with the rat that ran away and probably told her everything?"
Harry the Farmhand
"that sounds kinda weird when you say it out loud like that."
Henry the Farmhand
"look around, this whole day is pretty crazy."
Hobbs the Farmhand
"are we criminals now cause we are kind of breaking and entering right now.... right?"
Chỗ Lung
"Well, I guess we can just kick the door down. Miss @Jessica has a point."
Chỗ Lung
*Chō climbs back down and goes towards the door*
Jessica
*in a hushed voice*
"psst @Gunther Greenson are you coming or staying?"
Harry the Farmhand
"he probably won't be able to climb back out."
Henry the Farmhand
"we can collect him once we are inside"
Hobbs the Farmhand
"yes it's unlikely he'll be horribly murdered while split from the group...... probably."
Jessica
"comforting thanks"
the group make their way back down and head to the main entrance, the vines from @Gunther Greensons spell have since vanished as well as the
bodies of the two dead rats you left here. standing outside you see that the main entrance doors have been left slightly ajar.
Chỗ Lung
*Chô opens them carefully*
opening the door you see a large entrance hall, unlike the outside of the building and warehouse floor you previously saw this room is quite lavish with a reception desk, polished floorboards and a large chandelier hanging above.
behind the reception desk a set of double doors, probably leading to the warehouse floor.
to the left and right a large staircase leads up to a balcony with large glass doors similar to those seen from the balcony in the warehouse.
standing outside and looking over the balcony you see a stunning red head, she is wearing a black lace flapper dress, she looks down at you with piercing green eyes as she strokes a giant rat sitting on the banister.
Chỗ Lung
"You must be Car Men."
Carmen Cordell
"welcome uninvited guests, to what do I owe this pleasure?"
Chỗ Lung
"Madam. You have quite the unorthodox contraption. Miking cats? Stolen cats might I add! And what's the whole deal with the rats and poison?"
Carmen Cordell
*covering her mouth with her hand she gives an overly fake laugh*
"hahaha, yes ingenious isn't it. I have decided to make Cottonmouth my base of operations for my family. with Macks cows out of the way the milk industry is mine, and if it hadn't been for your meddling I would have had the bread business in the basket as well....... but there's still time for that later. you've saved me the trouble of hunting you down by coming here........... now if you'll excuse me I have some business to attend to ...... I doubt we'll meet again."
* she laughs once more as she turns and enters the doors at the top of the stairs*
"hahaha"
the giant rat glares at you from the top of the banister looking down. and you feel the room start to shake as if from an earthquake.
*********
Gunther Greenson
I sneak towards the curtains and try to stealthily peek through to see what is there
@Gunther Greenson
looking up you see that the shadow has returned behind the curtains.
Gunther Greenson
I move along and try to climb up and look over the curtains
@Gunther Greenson carefully and quietly makes his way up to the balcony.
peaking through a small gap in the curtains he can see a woman sitting at a she has her back to you but you can see she has red hair, and she is wearing a black lace flapper dress,
in one corner is a cage with a sulking black cat inside there is also a dresser with a pair of boots on top, the boots are quite small and don't look like they belong to the woman.
*******
suddenly out of every nook and cranny in the room, from out of air vents in the walls, from cracks in the floors and under doors stream hundreds of rats all pouring out into the room and towards you.
Chỗ Lung
"We need to calculate how to do this."
Jessica
"how do you fight an ocean of rats!"
Harry the Farmhand
"same way you fight everything"
Henry the Farmhand
"with sword and shield"
Hobbs the Farmhand
"this is going to get messy."
Chỗ Lung
"Do we still have flour?"
Jessica
"no! and if I never see a flour bag again I'll be just fine."
Harry the Farmhand
"why what's wrong with flour?"
Henry the Farmhand
"maybe she's allergic?"
Hobbs the Farmhand
"could be a phobia..... I had a phobia of canned fish once...... but I got better."
Harry the Farmhand
"liar"
Henry the Farmhand
"liar"
Chỗ Lung
"If we had flower we could use a torch and throw it at the rats."
Harry the Farmhand
"you trying to kill them or cook them?"
Henry the Farmhand
"doesn't sound very hygienic."
Hobbs the Farmhand
"yummmmm rat pie, I'll give Marr the recipe."
******
@Gunther Greenson tries the handle to the glass doors but it's locked, he slowly releases it without making any noise, he'll have to find another way in if he wants to remain unnoticed.
********
@Harry the Farmhand moves up to meet @6 Swarm of Rats sword and shield in hand.
@Henry the Farmhand moves up to meet @3 Swarm of Rats sword and shield in hand.
@Jessica follows @Harry the Farmhand towards @6 Swarm of Rats rapier and dagger at the ready.
@Hobbs the Farmhand moves up behind his brothers and provides covering fire with his long bow @4 Swarm of Rats
@Jessica is able to skewer a couple of rats out of the swarm with her rapier, but the three brothers have no luck in causing any damage to halt the oncoming rat swarms.
Chỗ Lung
*Cho throws a dart at @6 Swarm of Rats*
@Chō Lung hits @6 Swarm of Rats with his dart piercing a number of rats within the swarm.
Willy Wonka
I cast firebolt towards 4 Swarm of Rats
the firebolt streaks across the room slamming into @4 Swarm of Rats leaving behind chard rats.
@Sylmorn runs up and stabs at @6 Swarm of Rats
@Sylmorn is able to dispatch a couple of vermin with his dagger.
the swarms of rats continue to push in through holes and cracks in the walls the tide of vermin closing in around the party.
@3 Swarm of Rats and @4 Swarm of Rats attack @Henry the Farmhand
wave upon wave of rodent wash up against @Henry the Farmhands shield, but the heavily armoured lad stands firm.
@6 Swarm of Rats attacks @Jessica but @Harry the Farmhand uses his shield to help deflect the oncoming wave of vermin.
(reaction: fighting style protection)
with @Harry the Farmhands help @Jessica is able to fend off the clawing and biting wave of rats.
the giant rat on the banister jumps up and down seemingly enjoying watching the waves of rodents come crashing down all around the group.
@Harry the Farmhand attacks @6 Swarm of Rats with sword and shield.
@Jessica attacks @6 Swarm of Rats with rapier and dagger.
@Sylmorn attacks @6 Swarm of Rats with his long sword.
@Henry the Farmhand attacks @3 Swarm of Rats with his sword and shield.
@Hobbs the Farmhand moves back from the oncoming swarm and fires an arrow at @4 Swarm of Rats.
@Sylmorn slashes at the swarm cutting two rats in half, and @Jessica moves in to clean up wading through the piles of bodies to finish off @6 Swarm of Rats
with @6 Swarm of Rats destroyed @Harry the Farmhand moves to help his brother @Henry the Farmhand and focuses his blows on @3 Swarm of Rats and together they deal devastating damage as parts of rodents fly across the room and the bodies of vermin pile higher.
a well aimed shot from @Hobbs the Farmhand sees a large number of rats skewered to the floor from @4 Swarm of Rats yet more rats crawl over the bodies of the dead to replace them.
*****
@Gunther Greenson
looking around, you don't see any other way in, until you look at the black cat in the cage, at first he's just liking himself but then he stops, looks at you, and then looks up.you follow his gaze and see an air vent above the woman's desk. looking outside you can see an entrance into the vent system a with a little climbing you should be able to get inside........... although as a half ork it might be a tight squeeze to fit inside.
*****
Jessica
"this is disgusting! I got rat guts all over me and if the pile of bodies gets any higher gore will be spilling over into my boots."
Harry the Farmhand
"could be worse"
Henry the Farmhand
"it can always be worse"
Hobbs the Farmhand
"yeah don't lose your footing"
*gives a chuckle*
@Willy Wonka casts firebolt at @4 Swarm of Rats
the blast burning away a few of the rodents.
@Willy Wonka moves back putting space between himself and the oncoming swarms of rats.
@Chō Lung throws a dart at @4 Swarm of Rats
the dart piercing a couple of rats pinning them to the floor.
the group is almost out of room to maneuver as they find that they have backed up against a wall.
the rats swarm around the group as a wave of vermin passes over them like an ocean tide filled with claws and teeth.
@8 Swarm of Rats attacks @Cho Lung
@2 Swarm of Rats attacks @Sylmorn
@5 Swarm of Rats attacks @Harry the Farmhand
@3 Swarm of Rats @4 Swarm of Rats @7 Swarm of Rats attacks @Henry the Farmhand.
the rodents writhe, squeak, claw, and bite but are unable to get through the parties defences, @Harry the Farmhand is able to use his shield to ward off a blow against his brother @Henry the Farmhand from @7 Swarm of Rats but while the lads were focused @4 Swarm of Rats delivered a devastating scratches down @Henry the Farmhand back.
@Henry the Farmhand drops to his knees from the pain as blood streams over his armour and his vision starts to blur.
@Harry the Farmhand attacks @7 Swarm of Rats with sword and shield.
@Henry the Farmhand attacks @3 Swarm of Rats with sword and shield.
@Jessica seeing @Henry the Farmhand on his knees casts healing word in the hopes that he will be able to continue to fight.
@Hobbs the Farmhand moves around the rear of the swarm to cut off its escape and fires an arrow at @7 Swarm of Rats .
@Harry the Farmhand and @Hobbs the Farmhand together deliver massive damage to @7 Swarm of Rats sending blood and fur flying.
@Jessicas spell rejuvenates @Henry the Farmhand helping him to his feet out of the piled up corpses of rats as he delivers the final blows to @3 Swarm of Rats smashing it into the floorboards, and clearing a path up the staircase.
Henry the Farmhand
"everyone we have an exit!!"
Harry the Farmhand
"the staircase is clear!"
@Willy Wonka casts fire bolt at @8 Swarm of Rats.
@Chō Lung attacks @8 Swarm of Rats punching and kicking rats away.
@Sylmorn attacks @2 Swarm of Rats with his sword and dagger.
@Willy Wonkas firebolt scorches @8 Swarm of Rats as @Chō Lung delivers multiple devastating hits sending rats flying.
@Sylmorns blades cut through the swarm sending blood and fur flying.
*****
@Gunther Greenson begins his climb up into the warehouse ceiling towards the air vents.
*****
the swarms of rats push back against the resistant party.
@4 Swarm of Rats attacks @Henry the Farmhand
@7 Swarm of Rats attacks @Harry the Farmhand
@5 Swarm of Rats attacks @Jessica
@2 Swarm of Rats attacks @Sylmorn
@8 Swarm of Rats attacks @Chō Lung
@Harry the Farmhand uses his shield to assist @Jessica . causing the @Swarm of Rats to miss.
(protection)
that rats swarm around the group but are unable to cause any damage.
@Henry the Farmhand strikes @4 Swarm of Rats with sword and shield
scattering the vermin in his wake.
@Harry the Farmhand attacks @7 Swarm of Rats with @Hobbs the Farmhand at their rear flank.
destroying the swarm
@Jessica and @Hobbs the Farmhand take aim at @5 Swarm of Rats
destroying a large portion of the swarm.
@Sylmorn attacks @2 Swarm of Rats
cutting away at the swarm sending fur flying.
@Harry the Farmhand and @Henry the Farmhand begin to wade through the mountain of bodies up the stairs towards the glass doors at the top of the staircase.
the rats from the swarm biting at their heels , to no avail.
Chỗ Lung
*Cho tries to kick @8 Swarm of Rats as far away as possible to create some distance and then dodge to an open area*
*****
@Gunther Greenson misjudges the distance falling to the warehouse floor outside the two double doors leading to the entrance, on the other side he can hear his companions battling valiantly against who knows what. from the gap between the doors and floor a large pool of blood has collected flowing out onto the warehouse floor.
Gunther Greenson
"Ow..." as I get gripping my staff
*****
@Chō Lung attempts to attack the @8 Swarm of Rats but slips on the entrails and blood which have piled up around the group falling prone on the floor getting covered in blood and fur in the process, the rats swarming over his body.
Willy Wonka
cast firebolt to 8 swarm of rats
@Willy Wonkas firebolt burns away the last of @8 Swarm of Rats leaving behind a mound of chard and bloodied bodies.
@5 Swarm of Rats attacks @Hobbs the Farmhand
@2 Swarm of Rats attacks @Sylmorn .
the rats claw and bite at @Hobbs the Farmhand and @Sylmorn inflicting multiple bloody wounds to the ranger and bard.
*****
climbing back up onto the balcony @Gunther Greenson readies himself then leaps through the window at Carmen Cordell while she sits at her desk.
the half orc druid comes crashing through the glass doors staff in hand.
Carmen with lightning speed and agility is out of her chair ready for the half orcs assault.
Gunther Greenson
"Herrrrre's Me!" As i try to bash her over the head with a Shillelagh staff
*****
Willy Wonka
I cast firebolt on 2 swarm of rats
I then move to the left
once more fire scorches the swarms of rats the chard bodies now litter the room, the smoke from their burnt remains filling the room.
@Chō Lung wades through the piled up corpses a attacks @5 Swarm of Rats .
punching and kicking sending rats flying @Chō Lung ends the last remnants of the swarm, the bodies piled high, blood thick on the floor and walls, and the air full of smoke and ashes of the dead vermin.
seeing that it is now outnumbered @2 Giant Rat runs through a hole in the wall into the next room, where you can hear the sound of battle.
*****
@Gunther Greenson strikes out with his staff as he comes crashing through the window, but Carmen is to quick and agile for the half orc stepping out of the way of the attack.
@4 Giant Rat bites at @Gunther Greenson but misses.
@Carmen Cordell attacks @Gunther Greenson with her rapier
the piercing wound is deep, but the half orcs relentless orcish heritage pushes him on in combat.
Gunther Greenson
(oh damn!)
I grit my teeth, "Well let's see how you like it!" and swing my staff again, glowing with Druidic power
@Gunther Greenson swings his staff imbued with druidic energy the staff hits hard against @Carmen Cordells jaw ripping skin away.
@Gunther Greenson swings his staff imbued with druidic energy the staff hits hard against @Carmen Cordells jaw ripping skin away.
Carmen Cordell
* she composes herself quickly and smiles.*
"you're going to regret not running away when you had the chance"
Carmens body begins to contort, skin ripping away.
hey legs disjoint and the bones in her face break move and reform.
hair begins to sprout through the open skin.
her face and ears elongate.
and a long thick tail emerges.
Carmen Cordell takes on her true form as the wererat Carmen Cordell the Rat Queen.
Gunther Greenson
(ahhh, this may be tricky)
Carmen Cordell Wererat Form
*licking her lips*
perhaps you'll be my first test subject for my milk, a wonderful blend of cats milk and wererat milk, a nice cold glass and you will be the newest addition to my family which will soon be the whole population of Cottonmouth!"
*she holds a paw to her mouth and laughs*
"Mwahahaha!"
Gunther Greenson
"Nuh-uh, Imma bash you good! How dare you keep these animals captives!!"
Carmen Cordell Wererat Form
"Bill, Ben my Giant Rat friends, subdue this creature but don't kill it, soon he'll be one of us."
******
@Harry the Farmhand @Henry the Farmhand @Hobbs the Farmhand @Jessica and @Sylmorn wade through the piles of dead rats, up the stairs towards the fighting in the other room.
Barging in they are confronted with the sight of Gunther bloodied and battered surrounded by the two Giant Rats and Carmen Cordell in her wererat form.
Harry the Farmhand
"holly cows! she's a wererat!"
Henry the Farmhand
"regular weapons will be useless, use silver or magic!"
*@Harry the Farmhand and @Henry the Farmhand take out their silver staffs wielding it like a short club*
the two Giant Rats attack the half orc druid with tooth and claw.
the giant rats quickly overpower the already badly injured half orc leaving him unconscious on the floor.
Carmen Cordell Wererat Form
"good! now the others!"
Gunther Greenson
"Huh? Wha?! No!" as I get savaged by the two giant Rats
@Hobbs the Farmhand comes bursting into the room.
Hobbs the Farmhand
"kyaaa wererat!!"
@Hobbs the Farmhand fires an arrow at @Ben Giant Rat
the arrow strikes @Ben Giant Rat hard sending the giant rat flying out through the broken glass doors and over the balcony into the warehouse below.
Cat
*the cat starts to jump and thrash inside the cage trying to get free and making a terrible racket with his meowing."
Chỗ Lung
*Cho makes his way to the group, but stays a bit back.*
@Willy Wonka also heads towards the office at the top of the stairs.
@Carmen Cordell Wererat Form darts towards @Henry the Farmhand her fluid motions so fast the lads have a hard time tracking her movement.
she lashes out with her rapier.
but @Harry the Farmhands shield manages to deflect the deadly blow just in time.
@Henry the Farmhand and @Harry the Farmhand then bring their silver staffs down on the Rat Queen looking to end the fight quickly before she has a chance to regroup.
but Carmen is too quick and agile easily avoiding the clumsy blows.
@Harry the Farmhand and @Henry the Farmhand maneuver as @Sylmorn charges into the room and into combat with the Rat Queen.
@Jessica moves into the room and heads to the cat who has knocked his cage over and has tangled himself up.
looking to @Gunther Greenson so calls out with her healing words to try and revive the fallen druid.
"Get up we need you!"
she then unlocks the cage and helps the cat out.
@Jessicas words do the trick reviving the half orc, although he is prone on the floor and @Bill Giant Rat is sitting on his chest ready to strike.
Cat
"MEEOOW!"
Cat
*the cat jumps up onto the dresser and steps into the small pair of boots which were there.
doing so he stands on his hind legs, dusts himself off and then switches to a fighting stance.*
"You vile creature, you'll pay for what you've done here to these cats!"
Chỗ Lung
"I never saw a cat standing on its two legs. Must be well trained."
Carlos Montoya the Cat
"my name is Carlos Montoya you dare milk cats against their will! Prepare to die!"
Jessica
"this is a first for me.... he's quite dashing and forward...... but still kind of cute in that cat way."
Carmen Cordell Wererat Form
"you rotten feline, you can't save your cats! they belong to me now!"
Gunther Greenson
"Hur-up" as I push myself up to my feet, I look around quickly as I wipe the blood from my eyes, "Well let's pay You back first!" and take a swipe at the Giant rat infront of me with a Druidic infused staff
@Gunther Greenson swings his staff like a bat knocking @Bill Giant Rat through the broken glass doors out into the warehouse.
Gunther Greenson
"Right! Which of you buggers is next!" As i stare down the other enemies in the room
Willy Wonka
I cast firebolt to C.C.
@Willy Wonka moves into the room, a firebolt streaking out from his hands and burning the hair from the left side of Carmens body.
Chô Lung
*Chô charges at @Carmen Cordell Wererat Form (and if possible) kicks her*
Hobbs the Farmhand
* @Hobbs the Farmhand moves around closer to @Cho Lung *
"you'll need silver to harm her, here take this!"
*he tosses @Cho Lung a silver staff about the size of a club which @Harry the Farmhand and @Henry the Farmhand are also carrying.*
@Cho Lung catches the silver staff and readies himself to strike at Carmen.
@Carmen Cordell Wererat Form slashes at @Harry the Farmhand
cutting deep into his shoulder with her dagger.
@Henry the Farmhand and @Harry the Farmhand attack with their silver staffs.
the two lads deal crushing blows to the Rat Queen
Jessica
* @Jessica calls out*
"you flea bitten rodent your days are numbered!"
(vicious mockery)
@Carmen Cordell Wererat Form hearing the slander, her confidence shattered.
Carlos Montoya the Cat
@Carlos Montoya the Cat leaps forward at the wererat.
"Vengeance is mine!!"
Slashing with his claws @Carlos Montoya the Cat cuts the wererats hands, @Carmen Cordell Wererat Form drops her silver rapier and dagger, and in a fluid roll @Carlos Montoya the Cat lands on his feet catching the blades as they fall.
Carlos Montoya the Cat
"I'll be taking these back thief!"
@Sylmorn attacks the wererat with his silver staff.
dealing a crushing blow to her right flank
Gunther Greenson
I get to bonking with my Shillelagh staff again.
@Gunther Greenson swings his staff and with a mighty hit sends @Carmen Cordell Wererat Form flying through the broken glass doors out into the warehouse with a scream.
Carlos Montoya the Cat
*@Carlos Montoya the Cat leaps up onto the table and starts kicking papers and books off*
"the key! it has to be around here somewhere!?"
Gunther Greenson
"Oo!" as my hand suddenly lights up with Produce Flame, "Oh, I'll help look!" and check the dead wererat for a key
looking out over the balcony to see where Carmen fell you are shocked discover that there is no body to be found only a large blood stain where she landed, the two Giant Rat corpses are also strangely missing.
searching through the office you find a set of keys, @Carlos Montoya the Cat unhooks one of them and heads down to the warehouse floor and begins to unlock the cages releasing the imprisoned felines.
Carlos Montoya the Cat
"Go my furry brothers and sisters you are free!"
@Carlos Montoya the Cat along with the three brothers then dismantle the machine and destroy all the milk bottles.
Harry the Farmhand
"it seems Carmen escaped"
Henry the Farmhand
"but we have foiled her plans to take over Cottonmouth and turn its population into wererats!"
Hobbs the Farmhand
"and reclaimed the dairy business!"
Jessica
*@Jessica strums her lute and begins to sing"
"The Ballad of the Rat Queen's Flight"
In Cottonmouth town where the rats ran rife, The heroes marched to risk their life, To save the cats, the milk, the land, They fought together, hand in hand!
Gunther the druid, fierce and green, Chô Lung struck swift and keen, Willy Wonka's sparks did fly, While farmhands swung their pitchforks high!
Jessica sang, Sylmorn played, Carlos Montoya's blade displayed, They broke the Rat Queen's wicked scheme, And shattered Cottonmouth's foul dream!
But Carmen fled with Bill and Ben, To plot her crimes another when, Though victory's ours, we still must say-The Rat Queen lives to fight someday!
Harry the Farmhand
"you know we have swords right? not pitchforks."
Henry the Farmhand
"and shields don't forget the shields."
Hobbs the Farmhand
"yes and I use a bow, just so we're clear on that point."
Jessica
"it's called poetic license it's......... you know what forget it, I'll fix it later ok."
Chỗ Lung
*I liked it."
Amongst the papers on the desk the group finds the deed to a shop on the market street, this was likely to be the shop front for Carmen's milk and bread business and where she had hoped to ensnare the people of Cottonmouth with her vile concoction. Unfortunately there doesn't seem to be a deed for the warehouse amongst the papers or in any of the draws.
Among the keys there seems to be one with a little tag that says 'shop' and a very large old key with a little tag that says 'old sewers' the other keys are labeled for doors at the warehouse.
there is also a chest in the room that seems quite heavy but look as you might you can't locate the key, the lock itself is quite large and intricate with three key holes and a cypher combination lock.
Jessica
"I think our little stall at the markets just got an upgrade. I know a guy who can change the name on this deed for us..... for a little coin."
Harry the Farmhand
"I guess that's it then?!"
Henry the Farmhand
"yes we should be heading home to update Mar and Par."
Hobbs the Farmhand
"it was awfully fun though, and if you're ever out west be sure to drop in."
Chỗ Lung
"I'm still not at peace. I feel like she will return."
Carlos Montoya the Cat
"I too must depart, but on my oath I will not rest until that vile rat Carmen and all her vermin are dead. purrrhaps we shall meet again but for meow I must be off"
*and with that he jumps up leaping across the beams of the warehouse disappearing out the window in the roof.*
Jessica
"you're probably right, but next time we'll be ready for her..... and besides we know we aren't alone in wanting to see her brought to justice."
Chỗ Lung
"I must agree with that, but I don't feel at peace. I still feel uneasy. Must just be the fighting rush ending."
Chỗ Lung
"Mister Obbs, would you like your staff back?"
Hobbs the Farmhand
"oh yes thanks, don't want to lose that."
Harry the Farmhand
"knowing what we face it might be a good idea to invest in something silver."
Henry the Farmhand
"that would be good future planning".
and with that the three brothers take their leave and depart the building heading home to the farm.
as they leave you can hear them talking down in the entry hall as they exit the warehouse.
Harry the Farmhand
"this place is disgusting."
Henry the Farmhand
"wall to wall vermin blood and guts."
Hobbs the Farmhand
"quick let's get outta here before someone asks us to clean up the rotten mess we made."
Chỗ Lung
"For that they're right, this is a disgusting place."
Jessica
"so I guess we should probably leave as well before anyone comes around asking questions. oh and I found Mrs Tinkle!"
*holds up the fat and fluffy white Ragamuffin cat*
the group leave the warehouse and spend the next few days returning cats from all over the city, and receive a handsome reward by the end.
true to her word, @Jessica arranges for the papers to be changed making the group the legal owners of the shop in the markets which just so happened to be right where their little stall was, with a downstairs shop and rooms upstairs.
Merrill the Millman is overjoyed when reunited with his Mrs Tinkle and on top of the reward he organises a large full spread page in the local newspaper thanking the group for returning the cats of Cottonmouth to their homes.
he also organized for a years worth of advertising in the local paper for the groups business ensuring that the word gets out and you are able to stay in business with the possibility of new commissions.
you never catch a glimpse of Carlos Montoya after his departure, yet without his boots or hat on he could easily pass as a regular cat going unnoticed.
but you always hope he might return and regular put out a kipper and a saucer of milk with a little sign that says 'For Carlos Montoya our fearless feline companion '.
the group stored the chest with the amazing lock in a safe place within the shop as well as the keys they liberated from the warehouse.
the warehouse itself was closed and boarded up by local authorities and even after some time remained uninhabited with no sign of rats or Carmen. even still you keep your eyes open knowing that she escaped and is probably plotting her return, or worse her revenge against those who foiled her plans.
but for now it seems you can rest easy and enjoy some success, who knows how long the peace will last until you're called into action once more.
