Chapter 1
//Game Master
The group heads back down the mountain towards the city, by the time they reach the outskirts the morning crowds are already gathering, as people head to work or the markets, all around the sounds of businesses opening, and merchants calling out to passers by trying to make a sale.
The air is warm, and humid, and the sound of birds and insects join the morning chorus.
Arriving at the narrow streets and alleyways of the markets, the group can smell the delicious produce of food stalls, and the area is humming with activity, the colours, sounds, and smells intoxicating and energizing.
//Daisy the Hedgehog
"Was there something in particular you were looking for Bjorn?"
//Bjorn
"Some proper armor. Also see what this baton goes for"
//Daisy the Hedgehog
"I guess we're looking for a weapon smith or armourer then."
//Jack Frost
"I am quite interested in these hot springs they mentioned you know, maybe ill go for a soak while you guys check the market out, I dont really have any money on me anyway"
//Poppyseed
"Oh we will definitely visit the hot springs..... after the markets."
//Daisy the Hedgehog
"Does sound very relaxing..... I could definitely use the relaxation."
//Game Master
Looking around the group find that there are a couple of merchant stalls where artifacts, potions, herbs, and scrolls, could be bought and sold, there is a well established weapons and armour forge called The Armoury, and a potions, scrolls, and magical artifacts antique store called The Eldritch Archives.
Watching the comings and goings of people around the market, and listening in on the occasion chit chat, the group discovers that prices are quite fluid within the market, depending on the deal struck and the price paid, ranging from standard currency and intrinsically valued commodities, to other more intangible currency like tasks, memories, or information.
While in the more established shops like The Armoury and The Eldritch Archives, the prices are higher but stable, with the currency being predominantly gold.
//Poppyseed
"Should we try our luck in the market..... Might get a good deal."
*Mumbles*
"Or lose a childhood memory."
"Or should we take a look at the more established shops that have more standard form or trade and payment?"
//Daisy the Hedgehog
"I don't like the idea of losing a memory, or being asked to do anything....... unsavory."
//Bjorn
"Loose a memory?" Bjorn looks concerned at the idea. "But yes, I believe the market is best seeing as our employer pays us in near death experiences rather than gold."
//Bjorn
The large warrior starts making his way towards the market place looking for a stand selling some armor.
//Bjorn
As he is making his way to the market he stops in his tracks as if he just heard Daisy's comment. "By the Earth Mother! What type of market places have you all been to? I don't think there will be any of that here ladies"
//Daisy the Hedgehog
"But ... The....oh have it your way, but don't say we didn't want you."
//Game Master
*Both Daisy and Poppyseed nod in unison.*
//Game Master
Looking around Bjorn sees three stalls, which seem to buy and sell, armour, and weapons.
The first is run by a Fey Goblin it is covered in coal dust and ash, they obviously make their own equipment off site then transport their goods into the city to sell.
The second stall, is run by an elf trader, he has the smell of the sea on him and the way he moves in a bobbing fashion, the group is inclined to think he probably comes from one of the pirate flotillas in the warm southern oceans.
The third stall is run by a dwarf, and is probably a traveling merchant, he has a lot of crates stacked behind him near a wagon and large pig, most haven't even been unpacked.
//Bjorn
Bjorn approaches the Elf and says in elvish "Greetings. I am in search of some armor befitting a slayer of demons."
//Game Master
The Elf Trader sways a little as he looks Bjorn up and down.
"n wha' kind o' clamshell would ya be lookin' fer then?"
//Bjorn
"The kind that covers the vitals."
//Game Master
*The Elf Trader winks at Bjorn.*
"I know jus' the thing ye're lookin' fer."
*Holds up a chastity belt.*
"I hear these things be all the rage in the SDE ya savvy."
//Bjorn
Bjorn props one foot on a crate accentuating his bulge "Lad.... There's no belt in all the lands that'll keep this stallion in check."
//Game Master
*The Elf Trader looks frustrated and puts the barbaric item away, it is obviously not a good seller.*
"Then what is it ya be after lad."
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//Bjorn
"A simple half-plate"
//Game Master
"Think I have some...."
*Mumbles something about weight and drowning*
"And how will ye be paying for said half-plate?"
//Bjorn
"I've got quite the deal for you sir. A magical baton, taken from a Void Maestro. I'd like to trade this magical artifact for the armor"
//Game Master
The Elf Trader looks at the item carefully and scratches his head.
"I don't know me matey, maybe hard to move....maybe worthless.......but ok, sure, you seem like a nice enough crew to be sure."
The Elf Trader hands over the half-plate, then producing an impossibly fine silver chain cloth takes the Shattered Batton, being careful not to touch it directly and places it in a chest, which he then locks.
//Bjorn
"A pleasure doing business"
//Daisy the Hedgehog
I get the feeling he knows exactly how much it's worth, and exactly where to sell it."
//Poppyseed
"OUCH! What was that..... I feel weird all of a sudden!"
//Game Master
The group look at Poppyseed, and soon realize that something is very strange about her, it takes but a moment before they notice that her shadow has gone.
The little fairy flitters this way and that in an awkward way as if her balance is off, yet below her nothing, not even a pinprick of a shadow can be seen.
The Elf Trader looks at her in an unusual way "Yikes little one, you've got no shadow's what's wrong, it's positively unnatural that is!"
//Bjorn
*scans the crowd looking for signs of danger*
//Game Master
Looking around the busy market the group searches for signs of Poppyseed's stolen shadow.
They eventually spot a pair of tattered wings attached to a strange and ugly looking Fairy dragging Poppyseeds shadow behind it as it speeds along and zips into an overhanging drain pipe.
//Bjorn
"You there! Unhand that shadow!"
//Game Master
The Elf Trader covers his mouth and mumbles through his palm, "Yikes! A tooth fairy!"
//Bjorn
*chases after it*
//Game Master
Giving chase the group comes to the drainpipe the tooth fairy had vanished into, but the opening is much too small for them to enter, even Poppyseed would have a hard time squeezing through.
Looking around the group sees a little dark speck on the ground, Poppyseed picks it up, and on closer inspection it looks like a cookie crumb.
//Poppyseed
"It's my shadow!! Well a crumb of my shadow anyway."
//Game Master
The crumb slides down Poppyseed, coming to rest on the ground where her shadow should be.
Following the path of the overhead pipes through the alleyway under a vent the group sees another shadow crumb sitting on the ground.
//Bjorn
*Scans the area* "Careful this could be a trap"
//Game Master
Looking around, there doesn't seem to be any sign of an ambush, but Bjorn does see further ahead, more shadow crumbs below a vent opening at an intersection in the alleyway.
//Bjorn
"The scum bags leading us on, I just know it. Be on guard"
*He then proceeds forward with hurried caution*
//Poppyseed
"What if it's my shadow leaving a trail for us to rescue her!!"
//Bjorn
"Shadows can do that?!"
//Poppyseed
"Sure why not? I swear I saw her waving as she was being dragged away!"
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//Bjorn
"What a nice shadow"
//Poppyseed
"Of course.... She's me."
//Game Master
The group follows the trail of shadow crumbs through the twisting and turning alleyways behind the market streets of Summer.
Each time they come to a crumb, Poppyseed quickly gathers it up and adds it to the small dot of a shadow she now possesses.
After a while of following the trail of shadow crumbs the group arrives at the entrance to a large storm water drain which drops down into an underground water canal, there is a shadow crumb floating just above the fast flowing waters below.
//Game Master
The drop down to the water is approximately ten feet, and there is a narrow ledge on either side of the canal for maintenance workers, although it looks slippery and covered in algae and slime.
//Bjorn
"There'd better not be an evil clown down here"
*Attempts to climb down and land on the algae covered ledge*
//Game Master
The group manages to jump down landing safely on the ledge to the side of the flowing canal waters, Poppyseed flitters down somewhat awkwardly and collects the shadow crumb from above the waters.
Looking around the shadow crumb trail leads off into the underground storm water system.
//Poppyseed
"I never knew a shadow was so important.... I feel so awkward and off balance without it."
//Game Master
Following the storm water canal and the crumbs of shadow, the group comes to an intersection.
The water in the canal continues flowing to the right presumably to the port, but to the left a second canal is feeding into the main canal.
An old iron gate stretches across the canal to the left, beyond the gate looks as if it has been abandoned, with some sections having collapsed partially blocking the canal, and plant life reclaiming the area.
The shadow crumbs trail leads off to the left beyond the iron gate. Poppyseed could easily fit through the bars, but for the other larger members of the group, it could be a tight squeeze, if not impossible.
//Game Master
Poppyseed slips through the bars and stares at the others.
Daisy the Hedgehog tries to slip through, but although small, the hedgehog is too round to fit through the bars.
//Daisy the Hedgehog
*After trying a few times Daisy steps back brushing herself off, trying not to make eye contact with anyone.*
"No good.... My armour is too big.... What are we going to do?"
//Bjorn
"you could take off your armor, throw it down to use, then put it pack on once you're down. If your armor is too difficult to put back on then one of you with a teleporty spell might be able to work some magic."
*Bjorn looks around for an alternate access*
//Daisy the Hedgehog
*Daisy looks at Bjorn and blinks*
"It takes too long to take off and put on...... Oh! You are right though.."
*Daisy suddenly puffs into mist, wafts through the bars of the iron gate, then returns to normal.*
"What about Bjorn?"
//Poppyseed
"I've got an idea!"
*Poppyseed chucks a little fist full of Fairy dust at Bjorn, suddenly he starts to shrink, down, down, down he goes until he's about the size of Daisy, only less round.*
"There you go."
*Claps her hands excitedly*
"Now you can fit through the bars as well."
//Bjorn
"this better not be permanent"
*Walks through*
//Poppyseed
*Poppyseed looks worried and puts her little hands to the side of her face.*
"Oh no! I think it might be!"
*Then she laughs, clicks her fingers and Bjorn returns to his natural size....more or less.*
//Bjorn
*checks to make sure the giblets returned to*
"Whoo, thanks Poppyseed!"
//Poppyseed
*As she collects the little crumbs of shadow from the ground*
"No problem!"
//Daisy the Hedgehog
"Don't just stand there like a statue Jack, come on!"
//Bjorn
"Let's go lad"
*Kicks the latch in an attempt to break the gate open*
//Game Master
The gate makes a large clang, the sound of iron on stone, but the gate doesn't budge.
//Poppyseed
Poppyseed chucks a handful of fairy dust at Jack, once he is small enough, she pulls him through the bars.
"Ok time to go, but I really want to know who stole my shadow, and why.".
//Bjorn
"Then lets go!"
*continues down the tunnel*
//dvx
The group continues through the storm water drain following the trail of shadow crumbs, until they come to a large open chamber.
The large open chamber looks like it was once part of the storm water system but is now overgrown and dysfunctional, around the edges thick brambles have invaded the area and rubble piles up against the walls.
Dappled sunlight streams down on the center of the chamber from a grate high above at street level, though the sounds are inaudible and muffled, and it is unlikely anyone above could hear the group down below.
The chamber is flooded with water, although shallow at the entrance where the group now stands it is possible deeper pockets exist.
In the very center of the chamber lies a small island made of sticks, leaves, and other plant debris which has collected over time, it is not immediately apparent whether it is floating like a raft, or solid ground attached to the floor.
In the center of the little island is a campfire, where fish on sticks are being grilled, and the smell and smoke drifts through the moist warm air.
The group entered through a large open drain pipe in the north, to the south an opening in the wall looks to be the only exit out of the chamber, and the group can see a small collection of shadow crumbs leading away southwards.
//Bjorn
*looks for the owner(s) of the fire*
//Game Master
The group hears clickety clacking coming from somewhere within the chamber, and a little voice from the far right side, "help me please I'm stuck.".
//Jack Frost
Jack cranes his neck looking in the direction of the voi e trying to see if he can spot who or what made it and see how.exactly they are stuck
//Game Master
As the others prepare to run across the chamber through the water to rescue whoever is calling for help, Jack Frost realizes something is very fishy about the voice and the set up of the chamber.
//Jack Frost
"Hold up guys" Jack almost says in a whisper.. "sorry sir we are unable to help, in fact I think we have taken a wrong turn so we are just going to turn around and walk away"
//Poppyseed
"Jack, we can't turn back....my shadow.."
//Jack Frost
whispering quietly Jack says to the group "Look something is wrong in there, entering the room probably means trouble but I want to try to draw out whatever is waiting by feigning to leave, just play along for a moment"
//Game Master
The group hears the clickety clacking once more as from out of the water rises to Fey Goblins, they are wearing strange heshen sacks which have all manner of shells woven into them, in their can a shell is clasped, they carry a net in one hand and a stick with a shell on top in the other, they look a little put out, perhaps because the group didn't fall for their trick.
The Goblins stand on top of the water, looking around the water is murky and agitated, and impossible to guess how deep, some areas could be shallow while other areas are deep, but there is no way of knowing just by looking at the water.
//Poppyseed
"Oh dear.... Shellycoats!"
//Jack Frost
"Told you something smelt funny"
//Poppyseed
"Shellycoats, so mean, I thought someone was really in trouble."
//Bjorn
*levels his sword at the one on his side*
"Come on then ya' yella bellied bastard" (BA: Rage) (Holding Action and Movement Until the creature takes its turn)
//Jack Frost
jack eyes the creatures, "you didnt have to be so tricky you know, I dont appreciate being lied too" he stands and prepares balls of glowing white light which he throws at the creature on his side
//Game Master
The two glowing balls of Santa's Holiday Cheer strike the Shellycoat to the groups left hard, causing serious injury, it doesn't look very happy that Jack didn't appreciate their trick.
//Poppyseed
*Wags her finger at the two Shellycoats, if you want a giggle so bad I'll help you with that, as she twirls in the air she throws fairy dust in their direction.
//Game Master
The first Shellycoat begins to laugh uncontrollably from the little fairy's magic, the second one looks like it just might withstand the urge to laugh, until Poppyseed pokes her tongue out at it, sending it into hysterical laughter as well, both Shellycoats flop onto their backs, and roll around laughing uncontrollably, the sound of laughter, clickety clacking shells, and water splashing filling the chamber.
//Poppyseed
Poppyseed uses the momentum of her silvery barbs spell to give Bjorn a helping hand.
//Game Master
Bjorn starts to move forward prepared to strike at the Shellycoat to the groups right, but as he approaches he spots a difference in the water, just in time he moves around a rather large deep spot in the flooded chamber.
//Bjorn
"Look out! Holes in the floor!"
//Daisy the Hedgehog
Daisy follows Bjorn's lead, as she heads towards the Shellycoat on the groups left.
As she starts to move forward she hears Bjorn's warning, and spotting the colour difference in the water is able to avoid a deep patch.
"Oh I don't want to fall in one of those, I'd sink like a rock!"
//Jack Frost
jack will throw another orbs at b
//Bjorn
*Moves the rest of the distance towards the shelly and attacks. Checking the water as he goes*
//Game Master
A ball of Santa's Holiday Cheer strikes the laughing Shellycoat to the groups left, as it rolls around unable to stop laughing.
Bjorn moves in, dodging around another deep patch in the water, closing the distance Bjorn strikes the Shellycoat on the groups right, dealing a powerful hit, but shaking the Shellycoat out of its laughing fit in the process.
The Shellycoat looks at Bjorn and squints its eyes, "Not funny.." it grumbles in Sylvan.
//Bjorn
*grins*
"Then you'll hate my sense of humor. Rrraaahhh!"
//Poppyseed
*Poppyseed pips a tune on her Panpipes of the Silver Wind, sending glowing notes towards the Shellycoat to the groups right, but the notes miss their target.*
"Drats!"
//Game Master
The Shellycoat to the groups left is able to control itself and stops laughing.
The Shellycoat to the right stands up ready to face Bjorn.
//Daisy the Hedgehog
Daisy moves up to the Shellycoat, spotting and avoiding a deep patch, her heavy soup ladle raised and ready to strike, but the Shellycoat quickly swims away from the little Fey Hedgehog, but remains in the prone position laying on top of the water, it looks like it's enjoying itself a little too much.
//Daisy the Hedgehog
"Hay come back here you slippery eel."
//Bjorn
"Stay on the one Jack! I've got this guy" (BA: Master of Tactics Adv on Jack)
//Game Master
Bjorn strikes the Shellycoat once more, causing serious damage as the Fey Goblin looks for a way to turn the battle in its favor.
//Jack Frost
taking note of Bjorns words Jack nods and fores off more holiday cheer
//Game Master
Two glowing balls of Santa's Holiday Cheer fly out, skipping across the water in the flooded chamber, but miss the Shellycoat as it lays low on the waters surface.
//Poppyseed
Poppyseed pips a tune on her Panpipes of the Silver Wind, sending glowing notes slamming into the Shellycoat next to Bjorn, dealing considerable damage to the already injured Fey Goblin.
*Poppyseed calls out inspiring encouragement to Bjorn*
"You got him on the ropes Bjorn!"
//Game Master
The Shellycoat next to Bjorn looks tired and cross, it grips its heshen clothes covered in shells of the river and begins to rattle them, at first it seems odd and harmless, yet the clattering builds, the sound of each shell clickety clacking building on the shell before it, untill the sound is a thunderous shockwave centered around the Shellycoat.
The thunderous chorus of clicking shells hits Bjorn like a tidal wave of sound.
//Bjorn
*Laughs loudly*
"PATHETIC!"
//Game Master
Bjorn's taunts, seem to make the Shellycoat more angry as it tosses its net at the barbarian.
//Game Master
But misses.
//Bjorn
*Grins*
//Game Master
The second Shellycoat swims towards Bjorn, coming up behind him and tosses its weighted net.
//Game Master
The net wraps around Bjorn restraining him.
The Shellycoat then lashes out with its claws, but misses.
//Daisy the Hedgehog
Daisy changes direction, chasing after the Shellycoat and heading in Bjorns direction.
//Bjorn
*grunts*
"You'll regret that!"
//Game Master
Bjorn easily breaks free from the weighted net of the Shellycoat.
//Bjorn
*with a roar that echoes throughout the cavern Bjorn shreds through the net. He then repositions himself*
"Come one Jack, these bastards are on the naughty list for sure!" (BA: Master of Tactics Adv on Jack)
//dvx
GM:
As Bjorn maneuvers away from the Shellycoat at his back it lashes out with its claws, but misses the Aasimar.
//Jack Frost
"come on guys, at least make it easy to hit you, stop moving!" mire holiday cheer bolts fly at b
//Game Master
Two glowing balls of Santa's Holiday Cheer go skimming across the water, one striking the Fey Goblin as it flops around on the surface.
//Poppyseed
Poppyseed pips a tune on her Panpipes of the Silver Wind, sending a glowing note slamming into the back of the Shellycoat in front of Bjorn.
//Game Master
The Shellycoat that Jack has been targeting this whole time, swims through the water towards him at surprising speed, reaching the elf and lashing out with its claws.
//Game Master
Although difficult to attack from its prone position, it manages to land a slashing strike against the elf with its claws, cutting Jack deeply.
//Game Master
The Shellycoat by Bjorn lashes out with its claws at the Aasimar.
//Game Master
Managing to slash at the Aasimar, although a large amount of the damage is reduced due to the Bjorns rage.
//Daisy the Hedgehog
Daisy moves up to clobber the Fey Goblin attacking Bjorn, but the Shellycoat quickly splashes away through the water.
//Jack Frost
jack reacts with a dreadful step moving feet away
//Game Master
The shock from Jacks dreadful step rocks the Fey Goblin, his eyes look confused and his ears are bleeding as he sways backwards and forwards.
//Jack Frost
Jack points down at the creature "Can't you hear the christmas bells calling you? There ringing is said to be rather painful to non believers"
//Jack Frost
jack then uses his fey step to move ft west
//Game Master
The Bell's of Christmas Past tolls out, but the Shellycoat is able to withstand the ringing, perhaps its ears are full of water.
//Game Master
Bjorn starts moving towards the Shellycoat at the rear, but stops just in time before falling into a deep patch of water.
//Poppyseed
"Enough of your shenanigans!"
*Poppyseed punches the seriously injured Fey Goblin in the nose knocking him out*
//Game Master
The last Shellycoat, seeing its companion knocked unconscious moves a little away from Bjorn then puts its hands in the air with a clickety clack of shells.
"I give up!...... Don't kill me!"
//Daisy the Hedgehog
*Daisy moves up next to Bjorn.*
"What should we do? Poppyseed knocked the other one out cold.....its taking a nap now."
//Bjorn
"got some rope?"
//Bjorn
"I say we search, strip, and hogtie. Then we'll see what he has to say"
//Daisy the Hedgehog
"Sorry I don't have any rope."
//Poppyseed
*Pats down her tutu, and shakes her head.*
//Game Master
The Shellycoat puts out his hands in front of him as if offering them to be tied.
//Bjorn
*Points his sword at the shelly*
"Walk or die"
*Guides him to dry land*
"Watch him closely. He tries anything funny and he end him"
//Game Master
The Shellycoat does as asked and moves to the center island where he sits down and grabs one of the fish which were cooking over the fire.
*While chewing noisily with its mouth full*
"So hungry, please don't kill us, we were just tricksing."
//Bjorn
"We search for a shadow thief, can you tell us where one might have gone?"
//Game Master
The Shellycoat munches his fish as he looks up as if thinking hard, but obviously not thinking at all, "Yes we saw a Tooth Fairy dragging a shadow through here not moments before you showed up..... We tried to call after it, but it was too fast..... Plus it flies, so it probably wouldn't have fallen in the deep water, which isn't any fun.".
//Bjorn
*hands him rations*
"There's more where those came from if you help us track the tooth fairy"
//Game Master
The Fey Goblin looks at the rations, then at the half cooked fish it's eating and stuffs them under his shell coat, "Oh, wow, yum, yeah we know where that little Tooth Fairy was heading dragging off that shadow.........."
//Poppyseed
"Where!! Where did it take my shadow!"
*Poppyseed's usual calm composure beginning to unravel at the thought of losing her shadow*
//Game Master
The Shellycoat looks at the Fairy, then at where her shadow should be, "oh dear, it was your shadow...... you're looking for the Pitch-Black Syndicate, their hideout is up ahead, it's run by a gang of Red Caps, who use Tooth Fairies to steel shadows, which are then used in the creation of magical ink for tattoos and sold to the Pirate Confederation...... But they are insane.... These Red Caps....and murderous!".
//Game Master
The Shellycoat holds out his hands making little grabbing motions for more rations.
//Bjorn
"They're not the only insane ones around here ...... Ya' should see what happened to the goblins tha' tried steal'n from us..... Jack, wake the other one. They'll lead us to the Red Caps. If they try any funny business blast 'em with some of that Santa magic"
//Game Master
The Shellycoat waves its hands frantically, "Wait no we can't go with you, if they see us together we are as good as dead.... Look we told you where they are... Just up ahead, you can't miss it REALLY!.... Please just give us he rations and let us go....."
//Daisy the Hedgehog
"We really shouldn't put them in any more danger than they already are..... Besides we beat them pretty badly, I doubt they are going to be any more trouble.".
//Bjorn
*looks to Daisy*
"They did try to drown us though"
//Game Master
The Shellycoat looks shocked "No no never drown, no, just wet ....... Maybe a little panic..... But not drown no.".
//Bjorn
"Don't make me regret this or I'll wear your shells as a loin cloth"
*Hands another rations*
*Turns to the team*
"How is everyone? Any injuries?"
//Poppyseed
"Good to go."
//Daisy the Hedgehog
"Same, let's get our Poppy's shadow back."
//Game Master
The Shellycoat gives the rations a big sniff then stuffs them under his coat with a rattle of shells.
"Good luck........ " *Mumbles* "you're going to need it.......so crazy...."
//Bjorn
"Yes, we've delayed long enough"
*Starts walking in the direction indicated by the Shelly*
//Game Master
The Shellycoat watches as Bjorn walks off towards the exit.
//Game Master
The Shellycoats eyes widen in anticipation, then *SPLASH* Bjorn falls into a deep patch of water up to his shoulders.
The Shellycoat bursts out laughing, tears rolling down its cheeks, it looks so happy, as if everything that had just happened was all worth while now that their prank had worked.
The Shellycoat gets up and helps Bjorn out of the deep water and pretends to brush him off, "Oh dear, oh dear, you're all wet, what happened......." *Still laughing.*.
//Bjorn
*takes a moment to sink past his nose and blow bubbles*
"This the baths you were talking about Daisy?"
//Poppyseed
*Almost laughs but manages to hold it in*
"Oh my, it's true Bjorn, you are all wet maybe you need an umbrella."
*She takes out the pretty Parasol of Distant Rain which Mok had given her and with a little twirl it starts to rain lightly on Bjorn's head*
//Game Master
The Shellycoat can't take it, it's too much, he falls in after Bjorn laughing hysterically.
//Daisy the Hedgehog
*Daisy nods approvingly*
"Yes a bath does a word of good, although I prefer the hot kind"
//Game Master
Once the Shellycoat calms down he hands Bjorn a little pouch, "Such a good sport.".
//Bjorn
*the large warriors irritation turns to a deep chuckle. He splashes at the Shelly playfully*
//Bjorn
"thanks"
*Takes the pouch*
//Game Master
The group leaves the flooded chamber of the storm water drain system, saying goodbye to the Shellycoats, and leaving them to nurse their wounds and eat their fish and rations.
Heading through the open passageway, as the Shellycoat had said, finding the hideout of the Pitch Black Syndicate was simple enough, Poppyseed collecting the crumbs of shadow along the way, until they reached an open area of the storm water system.
Perched over a large open junction where the water flows from multiple drainage pipes down into the earth, the group sees a massive wooden door reinforced with iron bands has been attached to the far wall across the large hole the water cascades over.
To the left of the door a jerry-rigged guard tower has been built and holes knocked out of the wall for spy holes.
//Bjorn
*tries the door*
{Reactions}
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//Game Master
As the group goes to approach the door they see a shadow in the guard tower moving about in the torch light.
//Game Master
Reaching the large solid door Bjorn finds that it is locked.
//Game Master
But there doesn't seem to be a keyhole or doorknob, perhaps it opens from the other side.
//Bjorn
*tries to kick the door down*
//Bjorn
"We're here for the shadow thief and won't take no as an answer!"
//Game Master
There is silence for a brief moment, then from within the hideout loud clanking can be heard, like the sound of a giant in heavy armour stomping along on the wet stone of the storm water system.
//Game Master
CLACK! CLACK! CLACK!
The group hears the sound of chains, locks, bolts, and wood, being moved, before the door creaks open.
Expecting a giant, the group is met by a very small, ugly looking goblin with a wet red cap, and oversized iron boots.
"Who is it?....what you want?"
//Poppyseed
*Poppyseed ducks behind Daisy and whispers in a shivering voice*
"Redcap..."
//Bjorn
"We are in search of a shadow thief, I am owed a bath & I have about as much patience left as you have height so I'd suggest you speak! Where is the tooth fairy that came this way!" (Attempting intimidation)
//Game Master
The short Fey Goblin looks at Bjorn.....then at the other three companions and squints....he then looks at their shadows, or in Poppyseeds case the lack of a shadow, then smiles a large, crooked jagged tooth smile.
"Oh that's terrible, please come in and I'll take you directly to the Tooth Fairy who perpetrated this dastardly crime.".
The Redcap opens the door wide and with a CLACK CLACK of his big iron boots steps aside for the group to enter.
//Bjorn
"Fantastic! You know it is amazing to meet such a helpful lad!
//Poppyseed
*Holds Daisy's hand tightly and looks at Bjorn in shock*
*Whispering to Daisy*
"Has he been charmed?"
//Daisy the Hedgehog
*Looking at Bjorn as if he's lost his mind and shakes her head*
"I don't think so."
//Game Master
The group follows the Fey Goblin through a narrow guard room, to the left a wet and moldy staircase leading up, ahead another set of thick wooden doors bound in iron.
The room is lined with a collection of vicious looking weapons, which would look more at place in a torcher chamber, than in a guard room.
There is also a little table and chair, presumably for a guard, there is a deck of cards laid out, and looks like they were playing solitaire although there only seems to be fifty one cards.
*CLANK CLANK CLANK CLANK*
The Redcap opens the large doors at the end of the room leading the group into a much larger chamber.
Here there is a large table with rotten meat and fish, and bowls of a thick red liquid smelling of copper.
There are two more red caps in this room who jump up quickly when they see the group but slow the reaching for their weapons as the Fey Goblin leading the group moves his hands in a calming reassuring way.
There is another large iron bound door at the end of the room, and two smaller doors to the left and right.
A mess of straw in the far corner looks to be the Redcaps bed.
The Redcap who has led the group into the hideout stops at the door on the right and puts his hand on the handle.
"That mean old Tooth Fairy who stole that pretty little thing's shadow is right through this door, you should definitely give it a talking, I'm sure it will give your shadow back."
The other two Redcaps look at each other then nod in agreement as what the first Redcap had said sinks in.
//Bjorn
"Great! About time we have an easy adventure!"
//Bjorn
*as he approaches the door he looks towards the Fey Goblin and says*
"Say lad, what's the massive boots for anyway?"
//Game Master
The Fey Goblin stomps his feet.
*CLANK CLANK CLANK*
Then winks.
"So you can hear me coming."
//Game Master
The Redcap puts his ugly clawed hand on the door handle and swings open the door, as he does a mass of unintelligible jibbering fills the room as Tooth Fairies fly out in all directions, circle the room, then swoop down towards the group, their large mouths full of razor sharp teeth gnash and chatter in their ugly eyeless faces as they dive in to attack.
The Redcaps meanwhile stand back laughing as the chaos unfolds.
//Bjorn
"OH CRAP!! You're not a friendly goblin at all!"
//Bjorn
*looks at the goblin with a face of hurt at being betrayed by his kindred spirit*
//Daisy the Hedgehog
*Rolls her eyes*
//Poppyseed
"Honestly I think you're the only one here who didn't see this coming."
//Game Master
The Swarm of Tooth Fairies swoop in on the group, their sickly sweet peppermint aroma almost overpowering.
The little Fey strike out missing Bjorn before ganging up and trying to remove the Aasimars teeth from his mouth.
//Game Master
Bjorn is able to fend off the attack with all his teeth still in his mouth, but receives minor cuts and jabs from the failed attempt to remove his teeth.
//Bjorn
"My teeth! You have your own!"
//Jack Frost
Jacks hands glow with a faint sickly energy as he swipes at the tooth fairies, "Leave bjorn and his pearly whites alone!" Casting you've been naughty with my free use of the spell
//Jack Frost
Jack then turns invisible as he elf hops away from the swarm
//Jack Frost
jack edit, he uses fey step not elf hop, no invisibility
//Bjorn
*takes his insecurities out on the nightmares swarming him*
//Bjorn
*angrily* (BA: Rage)
//Poppyseed
The overwhelming peppermint aroma of the Tooth Fairies almost knocks Poppyseed out, but she focuses and creates a ball of light shining a kaleidoscope of colours down on the Redcaps.
One of the Redcaps becomes mesmerised by the brilliant display unable to move, but the other two Fey Goblins seem to pay it no attention.
//Daisy the Hedgehog
Daisy grips her holy symbol of the Earth Mother and prays for her protection as a swirling vortex of spirit leaves, plants, and forest creatures forms around her in her defense.
//Game Master
Many of the tiny Tooth Fairies are caught in the swirling vortex and pop, in a tiny explosion of peppermint scented bubbles.
//Game Master
The Tooth Fairies are shocked at the sudden death of many of their kin, some even poop themselves........ Looking at the ground the group notices that the Tooth Fairies have pooped trinkets, they see a die, a little wooden toy soldier, and a silver thimble now laying on the ground where the Tooth Fairies pooped.
//Game Master
One of the Redcaps which resisted Poppyseeds hypnotic pattern moves across and shakes the affected Redcap.
*CLANK CLANK CLANK*
"Stupid you snap out of it, there's killin needs doin!".
The other Redcap, stomps across the floor, slashing at Jack Frost with its meat cleavers, and giving the elf a hefty kick for good measure.
*CLANK CLANK CLANK CLANK*
"Rotten elf, time to die!"
//Game Master
The Swarm of Tooth Fairies flitters around Daisy, chattering their teeth but are unable to get past her armour.
//Game Master
The little Tooth Fairies do their best to avoid Daisy's Guardian Spirits, but are buffeted about, some popping in an explosion of peppermint scented bubbles.
Those remaining are shocked by the sudden pops and poop a collection of strange items which clatter to the floor with the other oddities.
A gold hair pin, a clear marble, and an old copper coin drop to the ground amongst the other items.
//Bjorn
*Turns his attention to the Red Cap that tricked him*
"YOU TRICKED ME!! I DON'T LIKE BEING TRICKED!"
*rushes him with his shortsword*
//Bjorn
*The gullible Barbarians broken heart inspires Poppyseed* (BA: Master of Tactics Adv on Poppyseed)
//Jack Frost
Jack stands up and lets out a small smile at the redcap "oh you are.one bad cookie" he then casts coming down the chimney, reappearing on the other side of the room
//Game Master
Daisy is steadfast against the peppermint aroma of the Tooth Fairies, she maneuvers within the swarm, her spirit guardians circling round her now enveloping the Redcap near the door.
The Redcap is able to defend himself however receiving only minor injury.
Daisy then strikes out with her heavy soup ladle at the Tooth Fairies, but is unable to land a blow on the fast, and noisy little creatures.
//Poppyseed
"Kyaaa too pepperminty!"
//Game Master
Poppyseed is overcome by the intense peppermint aroma of the Tooth Fairies as she cries out before dropping to the ground with a little thud as her wings give out.
//Game Master
the two Redcaps by Bjorn attack.
//Game Master
The Redcap in Daisy's Guardian Spirits, chases after Jack Frost.
*CLANK CLANK CLANK CLANK*
"Get back here ya slippery elf I's trying to kill ya dead!"
Reaching Jack, the Fey Goblin attacks.
//Game Master
Bjorn stands steadfast against the barrage of attacks from the Redcaps, his strength so overpowering that one of the Redcaps dints their iron boots, rendering it unusable until repaired.
"Gaaaar me boot, yo done dinted me boot ya weirdo!"
//Bjorn
"Ya done dented me heart you ugly bastard! I didn't want to play cards with you anyway!"
//Bjorn
"Hang in there Jack" (BA: adv for Jack)
//Game Master
Bjorns blade finds its target cutting at the heavily muscled Redcap .
//Game Master
Poppyseed continues to be affected by the strong peppermint aroma as she rolls around on the floor holding her nose, mouth, and stomach.
//Poppyseed
"Uhg it's horrible, get it away, I'm going to be sick!"
//Daisy the Hedgehog
*Daisy looks at Jack and the terrible state he is in.*
"Dear Earth Mother Jack, you look terrible, you should take better care of yourself."
*Daisy maneuvers herself, putting herself between Jack and the angry Redcap chasing Jack, she then puts a hand on jacks elbow sending healing energy into him.*
//Jack Frost
recovered from his beating Jack stands and sees the tooth fairy's slitting about, "right one problem at a time..." he uses bells of Christmas past on the tooth fairys
//Game Master
The Bell's of Christmas Past toll, the remaining Tooth Fairies cover the sides of their heads trying to stop the ringing, but it is no good, in one final unanimous shriek the last of the Tooth Fairies simultaneously pop in a shower of peppermint scented bubbles.
//Game Master
The Redcap chases after Jack.
*CLANK CLANK CLANK*
But Daisy is in its way, so it attacks her instead, missing with its meat cleavers, but knocking the little Fey Hedgehog onto the floor with a heavy iron boot kick.
It laughs as the little Hedgehog falls over with a clatter of pots and pans.
"Kya Kya kyaaa! Stupid Hedgehog!"
Daisy is able to maintain her concentration, and the spirit guardians whip around the Redcap, causing serious injury to the very angry Fey Goblin.
"Kraaa! Blasted wispy spirit stuff!" It curses.
//Game Master
The other two Redcaps continue to attack Bjorn, lashing out with their meat cleavers.
//Game Master
The two Redcaps laugh as they chop away at Bjorn.
"Kyaaa Kya Kya kyaaaa! Chop chop chop!"
//Jack Frost
"Hey you leave Daisy alone!" Jack uses his elf's curse on redcap c hexing his wisdom, before firing bolts of holiday cheer at him
//Game Master
The two glowing balls of Santa's Holiday Cheer strike the Redcap in the face, it makes a muffled squeal as it flies backwards crashing to the floor, its eyes glaze over as it exhales its last breath.
//Game Master
One of the other Redcaps looks over and yells out, "You rotten elf, you gone and killed him Gyaaaa you're gonna pay for that!"
//Bjorn
*The warrior is doing what he can, but the onslaught from the Red Caps is starting to overpower him*
//Game Master
Bjorn strikes out once more, hitting the Redcap, but the Redcap becomes infuriated, "Kyaaa! Just die already!" Striking back in 'Bloody Retribution ', dealing the Aasimar a retaliatory blow, and invigorating itself.
//Daisy the Hedgehog
*Daisy picks herself up with a huff, and heads towards the Redcaps attacking Bjorn as her spirit guardians encircle the evil Fey Goblins they are buffeted about.*
//Poppyseed
*With the Tooth Fairies gone Poppyseed is able to stop being sick , and flittering back off the dirty floor, makes her way over behind Daisy, to help out.*
//Game Master
The Redcaps seem to be enjoying themselves as they continue to hack at Bjorn with their meat cleavers.
//Daisy the Hedgehog
"Bjorn!! No sleeping on the job, we still have to get Poppyseed's shadow back, and we need you."
*Daisy's loud voice echoes in the room sending its healing power to Bjorn.*
//Bjorn
*Bjorn who was in that moment stumbling forward, plants a foot and lifts himself back up coughing up blood*
"Thanks Daisy!"
*He says weakly*
//Bjorn
*Seeing Bjorn in this state inspires Jack to fight harder*
//Bjorn
(BA: Master of Tactics Adv on Jack)
//Jack Frost
Jack sees the first redcap fall and quickly turns to help Bjorn, seeing him feels on the floor he snaps his fingers moving the purple haze from the defeated redcap to redcap b and then fires off orbs of holiday cheer
//Game Master
Two glowing orbs of Santa's Holiday Cheer strike the Redcap causing serious injury to the Redcap in front of Daisy and drawing its attention away from Bjorn.
//Bjorn
*spits blood on the ground and locks eyes with Red Cap A*
"Return with your shield or on it!"
*A bright light emits from the warrior, searing everything around him* (inner radiance)
*Bjorn thrusts his now flowing sword at the Red Cap*
//Game Master
The Redcaps and Daisy shield their eyes from the brilliant light flowing out of Bjorn, as he deals a massive hit to the Redcap in front of him.
//Game Master
The two remaining Redcaps squint through the glare of Shiny Bjorn, and gripping their meat cleavers dive in to attack, the first attacking Bjorn, and the other now focused on Daisy, "Stupid Hedgehog, how we gonna kill ya if ya keep healing each other!".
//Game Master
The Redcaps frenzied assault on Daisy and Bjorn is incredible, as they lash out with their meat cleavers causing massive damage to both the Fey Hedgehog, and the Aasimar.
Daisy is able to maintain her concentration however thanks to her sturdy constitution, as her Spiritual Guardians whip around the Redcaps in a whirlwind.
//Bjorn
*The warriors vision begins to blur and there is a large pool of blood forming at his feet.*
//Daisy the Hedgehog
*Daisy looks at Bjorn with serious concern.*
//Poppyseed
"Oh dear Bjorn, you've sprung a leak!"
//Daisy the Hedgehog
"This is no time for jokes Poppyseed, he's in really bad shape!"
*Daisy reaches out her little hand touching Bjorns elbow and pushes a large amount of healing energy into the failing Aasimar.*
//Bjorn
*Bjorn spares a moment to look back at the brave and loyal Hedgehog*
"Thanks Daisy. *Coughs* whatever happens, I am glad to have met you"
//Bjorn
*The warrior stands firm once more and lunges at the Red Cap A whispering to himself*
"With your shield..... or on it"
//Poppyseed
"Whoa! That's dark, we are getting my shadow back and then getting out of here, that's what's going to happen."
//Daisy the Hedgehog
"Poppyseed is right, we've been through worse, and once this is over we will look back on this knowing we did the right thing."
//Game Master
The Redcaps laugh, "Nope, and nope, you are going to die, then we are going to take a nice warm bath in your blood and laugh about how stupid you were waltzing into our hideout!".
//Game Master
The Redcap in front of Bjorn goes to heckle the group some more but only manages a gurgled groan as Bjorn's blade slips through his shoulder blade ending the evil Fey Goblin in a spray of blood which speckles the ceiling before raining down on the Aasimar.
//Poppyseed
"Your goose is cooked you ugly little man, you're all alone now with nowhere to run!"
//Game Master
The little fairy's cutting words hit the Fey Goblin like a sack of moldy old potatoes, its grin turning to a frown as it realizes she is right.
//Jack Frost
"This could of all been different if you were nice you know, we could of brought you presents instead of death" Jack snaps his fingers again as the last redcap gets enveloped by the purple haze and then fires off to more shining balls at him
//Game Master
Jack's glowing balls of Santa's Holiday Cheer hit the Redcap right in the face, the little Fey Goblin tips backwards as if in slow motion, a long undulating cry passing its sharp crooked teeth before a thud as it hits the floor, then CLANK! as its iron boots hit the floor after.
As the adrenaline slows with the battles conclusion, a hush falls over the chamber.
To the left the rhythmic clanking of machinery can be heard, to the right, the fluttering of delicate wings.
//Daisy the Hedgehog
*Releases the guardian spirits around her*
"Oh my! They were so mean......is everyone ok... Bjorn?"
//Poppyseed
*Flitters around the room looking under the table in corners.*
"But..but...my shadow isn't in here!.... Where did those horrible Redcaps put her!?"
//Jack Frost
"maybe we should check through the door that had the tooth fairies, although im not overly keen on potentially letting more of those vicious little terrors out"
//Poppyseed
"Toooooth Fairies..... Nope, all I remember is the intense aroma of Peppermint..... Looks like there are three doors here, Tooth Fairies to the right, a machine of some sort to the left......and that big door straight ahead.."
//Bjorn
"They seemed so nice. Guess you can't judge a book by its cover"
//Daisy the Hedgehog
*Daisy rolls her eyes*
//Poppyseed
*Poppyseed looks at Bjorn in disbelief as her jaw drops*
//Bjorn
*completely misses the social cues*
"What has the world come to? A shame really, can't trust anyone these days"
//Bjorn
"Anyhow, we're here for a shadow"
//Poppyseed
"My shadow!"
//Daisy the Hedgehog
"So which door?"
//Bjorn
*shrugs*
//Bjorn
*looks to Jack*
"Thoughts?"
//Poppyseed
*Flitting about the room like a hummingbird Poppyseed points a finger at the left door*
"Eenie" *she then points at the three doors in turn as she recites.* "meenie miney moe, catch a pixie by the toe, if it squeals let it go, eenie meenie miney moe!".
//Jack Frost
Whispering to Bjorn, "whatever she picks we should go for a different door, the luck weve had so far has been terrible"
//Poppyseed
*Poppyseed's finger points to the door to the left, she turns her head to look at Jack*
"I'm small not deaf! We should check in here, I thought I heard something strange."
//Bjorn
*walking to the one indicated by poppyseed Bjorn tries it to see if it's unlocked*
//Game Master
The door is unlocked.
//Bjorn
*looks to the team to ensure they are prepared mouths*
"Three, two, one"
*Throws door open violently*
//Jack Frost
"you could of tried knocking first..."
//Game Master
Walking into the room the group is met with a strange scene.
A large machine clanks away, you can see a Redcap pouring a large jar of shadows into a funnel, the machine munches and mixes the shadows and out the other end magical tattoo ink drips into a small bottle.
To the right another Redcap is trying to hold down a Gnome who is tied up and gagged, it mumbles as it holds its meat cleaver over its head, "Stop yo wiggle'n so I can kills you now!", the Gnome seems disinclined to acquisition its request.
The Redcap at the machine turns as you walk in, "What was all that racket then we is try'n to work in here.......oh...... Killin time.".
//Game Master
The Redcaps seem to be surprised that the group interrupts them, the Redcap by the machine puts the large jar of shadows down and picks up his meat cleavers.
The second Redcap, seems confused on whether to chop the captive Gnome in half, or rush the group.
//Marley
Seeing newcomers enter the room, the gnome’s efforts to get loose increase with renewed vigor.”Hhhhmmmp,” she mumbles from behind her gag.
{Reactions}
omg PartyWizard
//Game Master
The Gnome easily slips the knots of her bonds and removes her gag, slipping off the table while the Redcap isn't watching.
//Bjorn
*rushes up to the gnome*
"Help us kick some goblin hide!"
*He follows his words with a vicious swing of his sword as he rounds the goblin*
//Marley
Marley pulls back her arm and sends a punch directly into the goblin's face. "Scum," she spits out in disgust.
//Marley
Marley looks at her fist and then around to each of the newcomers, realizing that something helped her aim ring true.
//Daisy the Hedgehog
As Bjorn and the Gnome spring into action, Daisy grips her holy symbol of the Earth Mother and whispers a blessing as she heads into the room to intercept the Redcap at the machine.
//Game Master
Marley's fist strikes the Redcap right on the nose sending it staggering back as Bjorn slips in with his blade in its back causing serious damage.
//Game Master
"Kyaaa!" The Redcap screeches, "Me nose ..... Me back..... Me gizzards!!".
//Jack Frost
"you got this Bjorn, ill help daisy" Jack snaps his fingers enveloping redcap a with the same purple haze from his elf's curse before launching balls of holiday cheer at it
//Game Master
Jack sends two glowing balls of Santa's Holiday Cheer flying towards the Redcap by the machine, the first one strikes the Fey Goblin spinning him around, but the second one flies off hitting a shelf behind the Redcap smashing a collection of large jars, the shadows imprisoned within fly off in all directions, escaping through any gap they can find.
The Redcap curses, "Careful those ain't easy to come by!".
//Poppyseed
*Poppyseed flits about, as she pips a tune on her Panpipes of the Silver Wind.*
"So mean and ugly, snatching shadows, make you laugh till your belly rattles!"
//Game Master
The little fairy tosses a handful of fairy dust at the Redcap, who suddenly bursts into uncontrollable laughter, and drops to the floor.
//Game Master
The Redcap by the machine continues to laugh uncontrollably.
//Poppyseed
"And you stay there just like that until we come and teach you a lesson for stealing shadows."
//Game Master
The other Redcap is very unhappy about being punched in the nose and stabbed in the back, it turns around and lashes out with its meat cleavers, but misses, then it tries to kick Bjorn in the shins but misses again.
//Jack Frost
somehow lying down and rolling around in laughter makes it a lot more difficult to hit those nasty redcaps so Jack switches up with a snap of his fingers highlight the enemy in melee with Bjorn and miss stranger danger before firing off balls of Christmas cheer
//Game Master
Jack sends two more glowing orbs of Santa's Holiday Cheer, again the first one misses, smashing jars filled with shadows which slither off as quickly as they can, while the second one smacks into the back of the Redcaps head.
The Redcap shoots an angry look at Jack,
"Oi! What we say about the jars, you think shadows grow on trees... This one needs glasses me thinks, don't worry, I kill ya, then no miss'n."
//Jack Frost
Jack just points and Bjorn who has his sword raised and shrugs
//Marley
“Ahhhh”, Marley cries out as she drives her fist into the redcap’s solar plexus, striking once, and then again. Using the momentum, she pivots and with a flurry of blows, punches the goblin twice more for good measure to **addle** it.
(attack, extra attack, flurry of blows, addle [no opp attacks this turn])
//Game Master
The Redcap is pummeled from all directions, with Marley's fists, and Bjorn's blade once more cutting at the Redcap.
//Daisy the Hedgehog
With the battle seemingly under control, Daisy stops her prayers and instead summons a giant spiritual cooking pot over the head of the Redcap which Bjorn and the Gnome are fighting.
She then brings the large pot down on the Redcaps head.
//Poppyseed
Poppyseed pips a tune on her Panpipes of the Silver Wind driving a psychic spike into the Redcaps brain.
The Redcap tries to fight the intrusion, but the little fairy wags her finger disapprovingly her silvery barbs ruining whatever luck the Fey Goblin had left as it drops dead on the ground.
//Game Master
The other Redcap by the machine looks worried knowing what's coming, but is still unable to stop the uncontrollable laughter.
//Jack Frost
Jack snaps his fingers and highlights the prone redcap once more before attacking twice with holiday cheer
//Bjorn
"Take this one alive! We need information on the shadow!"
//Bjorn
*runs up to the goblin and slashes wildly*
//Marley
Marley grabs her pack and weapons as she dashes (step of the wind) over to the Redcap near the machine. She hears the aasimar say something about needing information about a shadow, so she decides to hold back any death blows as she punches the goblin again and again.
//Game Master
The Redcap unable to defend itself as it laughs uncontrollably is completely overwhelmed as Bjorn's blade comes down, Jack Frosts glowing balls slam into it, Daisy's spiritual pot drops on its head, and Marley's fists land one after another, when the dust clears, the Fey Goblin is laying unconscious on the ground.
//Bjorn
*looks to the gnome and slammed his fist onto his chest*
"Well met warrior! I'm Bjorn and these are my companions Daisy, Poppyseed, and Jack. The fairy's shadow was stolen by a nasty looking toothfairy and we tracked it here, to this den of deception."
*The large warrior shakes his head while he retrieves the cleavers from the unconscious goblin*
"We thought we had the shadow secured, but these creatures can be deceptive and fooled us with their honied words. Help us get the shadow and we'll help get ya out in one piece. What do ya say?"
//Marley
Marley looks to where she saw some shadows escape through the walls. “Yeah, I saw some shadows in here. The gobs seem to be trapping them.” She sneers in disgust, and then shakes it off. “…glad you came along. I’m Marley. Deez no good scumbags got the drop on me.” She looks at the fairy. “I’ll be happy to help ya find yur shadow.”
//Bjorn
*grabs the rope Marley was tied up in and begins to hog tie the goblin*
//Marley
Marley's attention moves to the large machine in the room. "We need to destroy this thing before we go, though. It's making something nasty from shadows." She starts attempting to break the machine by disconnecting parts and anything else she can manipulate. "Does anyone have a hammer?"
//Bjorn
*shakes his head no*
//Poppyseed
*Makes the action of turning out her pockets, although her tutu doesn't have pockets.*
//Daisy the Hedgehog
"I think I can help with that."
*The large spiritual cooking pot moves over the machine then drops, smashing it to pieces, then the spiritual cooking pot vanishes.*
//Daisy the Hedgehog
"It's wonderful to meet you Marley"
*The Fey Hedgehog waves her heavy soup ladle she uses as a weapon in greeting.*
//Poppyseed
"Yes it's so nice to see a friendly face in such a horrible place......Now WHERE'S MY SHADOW!!"
*The little fairy makes the action of stomping her feet as she flitters three feet off the ground.*
//Game Master
Thanks to Jacks missed attacks all the jars of shadows in this room have been broken, and the shadows fled, the Redcap raises a broken hand and weakly points in the direction of a door next to the one the party came in through.
//Jack Frost
"I'm guessing the way the shadows shot off, when I totally purposefully released them, that they return to the owners once freed. Perhaps mystery door number will contain another jar with your shadow poppy?"
//Bjorn
*starts cracking his neck and stretching his limbs ready to kick open a door*
"I'm just getting started!"
//Game Master
Bjorn kicks open the door, Daisy and Poppyseed jump, not sure what to expect, but inside seems to be a store room.
Shelves line the walls, to the right a large solid door with iron bands.
On the shelves are hundreds of jars of different sizes, each one containing at least one, if not multiple shadows of all manner of creatures....and people.
//Jack Frost
"I dont suppose you have a way of finding your shadow amongst these poppy?"
//Poppyseed
"No need to find, there she is!"
*Poppyseed points a little finger towards the top shelf, there in a large jar is Poppyseed's shadow waving at the group.*
//Jack Frost
"good eyes little miss, hold on" Jack casts Santa's little helper, A spectral hand appears wearing a christmas hats, Jack then directs the hand to lift the jar down
//Poppyseed
*Poppyseed opens the jar*
//Game Master
As soon as the jar is open, Poppyseed's shadow jumps out, gives a little twirl, hugs the fairy, then goes to her proper place as the fairy's shadow.
//Daisy the Hedgehog
"Well I'm glad that's done with."
//Poppyseed
"But.. but... but, what about the other shadows?! We can't just leave them trapped here!"
//Jack Frost
"Releasing them, I think at least based on what just happened to your shadow, allows them to go back to their owners so allow me to have some fun" Jack directs the mage hand to knock all of the jars off the shelf
//Game Master
For a moment the room is thrown into chaos as the spectral hand moves about knocking jars of left and right smashing them on the stone floor, as the jars smash the shadows trapped inside dart off through any crack they can find, Poppyseed takes the opportunity to do a little swirl in the air and plays a lively tune to accompany the mayhem, until all the shadows have been freed.
The group now stands in a room full of broken glass, Daisy's arms are crossed and she doesn't look impressed at the mess which has been made, Poppyseed however looks totally delighted at letting off a little steam, it's probably been a while since the Fairy was involved in a good dose of property damage.
//Jack Frost
Jack catches Daisy's disapproving stare, "relax we did a good thing" he says with a smile....then after a few seconds "Let's me find a broom to sweep this into a nice pile"
//Daisy the Hedgehog
"I guess it's time to get out of here........ What are we going to do with that?"
*She points at the badly beaten Redcap laying hog-tied in the machine room.*
//Bjorn
"That's a great question."
*Looks at Jack*
"Does Santa have correctional facilities?"
//Jack Frost
"I mean, he could always be put to work in the coal mines, we will have to take his stompy boots away first though"
//Marley
Marley watches in astonishment as Jack destroys all the jars. When Bjorn asks about the gob, she speaks up. "Who's this gob's boss? Did you mention a tooth fairy or something? I know you're here for the fairy's shadow, but should we find the brains behind this operation?"
//Daisy the Hedgehog
"That's a good point! We could ask the Redcap?"
//Poppyseed
"I feel sorry for the Tooth Fairies, I doubt they are here by choice...... I would like to set them free!"
//Jack Frost
"As long i can send him to Santa afterwards, im a little short on my quota this year"
//Bjorn
"That's smart! Good thinking Marley"
//Game Master
The group drags the Redcap through to the banquet hall and sits him at the table.
Poppyseed goes to the door where the Tooth Fairies originally came out of and flings open the door.
//Poppyseed
"Go! You're freeeeeee!"
//Game Master
It takes a moment as the mass of Tooth Fairies flitters about staring with their eyeless faces out the door, sniffing the air, the strong scent of peppermint filling the room.
Then as if they could sense or smell that the Redcaps were defeated, they instantly blink out in a puff of green, pink, and white mist, leaving a few lucky poops behind, and the strong smell of peppermint.
//Poppyseed
"I feel much better, now that that's taken care of."
//Daisy the Hedgehog
"So.....what about this Redcap.....?"
//Game Master
The Redcap's cap has dried considerably since the battle, and it is looking a lot older, and weaker, than it once did.
//Bjorn
*looks for a bucket of water to wake him*
"I'm with the gnome. I say we find out where his boss is, then let Jack turn him into his patron."
//Game Master
The room is in total disarray from the previous battle, the other Redcaps seem to have turned to piles of dry dirt, leaves, fungus, and blood on the floor. The table is badly damaged and all the raw meat, and bowls of blood are now scattered across the room.
The captured Redcap is conscious, and stares at the group defiantly, although it looks exhausted.
//Bjorn
*splashes a bowl of blood onto the red caps face for good measure*
"WHERE'S YOUR BOSS YOU NO GOOD PIECE OF GARBAGE!!! TELL US OR I'LL CUT YOUR THROAT AND FEED YOU TO THE TREES AS AN APOLOGY FOR WAISTING THEIR OXYGEN!!!"
//Game Master
The blood soaks into the Redcaps red cap moistening it, the group notices some of the Redcaps former spite and vigor returning.
//Bjorn
"Ooooooohhhhh..... Red Cap .... I get it"
{Reactions}
joy
//Marley
Marley tries to rip the red cap off the Redcap.
//Game Master
The Redcap snarls as Marley snatches the cap, "Give its back, is mine!!"
//Game Master
The Redcap seems to be sulking at the loss of his cap, "Ain't no boss, stupid, we'z the Pitch Black Syndicate! We'z the BOSS!", the creature is obviously lying.
//Daisy the Hedgehog
*Daisy makes a buzzer sound*
"Bzzzz! That's a lie!"
//Jack Frost
"Come on chap, your obviously not smart enough to be a boss, how about you tell us the truth" Jack casts roast the chestnuts creating a bonfire next to the redcap, "We would hate to have to roast your chest nuts over these flames if you catch my drift"
//Game Master
The Redcap looks at Daisy crossly, then turns to Jack, "You don't scare me Elf!"
//Daisy the Hedgehog
"Bzzzz lie... obviously.... nobody wants to be burned alive, not even psychotic goblins."
//Jack Frost
Santa's little helper appears again and grabs a burning stick from the bonfire and moves it towards the legs of the redcap
//Jack Frost
"The chestnuts are my first target but not the only"
//Game Master
The Redcap grimaces, "Fine! But whaz init for me?"
//Poppyseed
*Poppyseed chimes in.*
"Bzzzzzx!"
//Game Master
The Redcap glares at the fairy, "WHAT!! I didn't even!".
//Poppyseed
"Sorry.....it just looked fun."
*Quietly continues buzzing while flitting about.*
//Game Master
The Redcap squints, "I'll tell ya, but then ya got ta let me go....deal?"
//Jack Frost
"Depends how good the information is"
//Jack Frost
"I will have to ask the big guy of your redeemed or not"
//Game Master
The Redcap scoffs, "You let me go, I'll tell you who our boss is, then I'm outta here, shake on it!".
//Game Master
The Redcap looks at Marley, "And give uz me cap back!"
//Game Master
"Is a good deal, a Fey deal!"
//Daisy the Hedgehog
"He's telling the truth.....this time."
//Jack Frost
"I promise to let you go if you tell us"
//Game Master
The Redcap raises an eyebrow, "Fine, the Gristle Sisters, Pitch Black reports to the Gristle Sisters...... Now let me go!".
//Jack Frost
"I need a bit more than that im afraid, where do we find the gristle sisters?"
//Game Master
The Redcap spits on the floor, "Not part of the deal, I tell you name, no let me go!"
//Jack Frost
"I didnt say when I would let you go, and my friends here weren't part of the deal, they havent agreed to anything, ill let them ask some questions first"
//Game Master
The Redcap glares at Jack, "Then we sit here and rot Elf."
//Jack Frost
"You will I am free to go"
//Daisy the Hedgehog
*Looks at Jack and shakes her head*
"A deal's a deal Jack, we need to let him go now."
//Poppyseed
"Yes, no take backsies... I'm sure we can find out more information about these Gristle Sisters ourselves."
//Marley
Marley puts the red cap in her pack and searches her memory for anything about these gristle sisters.
//Jack Frost
"I havent said I wont let him go i just never specified when. I figured you guys could try and get more information first"
//Game Master
The Redcap looks at Marley, "Hay that's mine!".
//Daisy the Hedgehog
"Honestly, this creature is dangerous, and evil, and the less time we spend with it the better.".
//Game Master
Redcap Snickers, "yeah what she said.".
//Jack Frost
"hey mr, shh please were talking about you not to you"
//Bjorn
*searches the area and corpses for anything useful & takes the other red caps from the corpses so the live one can't use them*
//Game Master
Looking around Bjorn doesn't find anything of particular value, even the meat cleavers the Redcaps use are pretty standard, he searches for the red caps, but it seems they have also decomposed along with the Redcap bodies, leaving only dry dirt, fungus, and leaves.
Marley thinks hard, trying to recall any information she may have overhead regarding the Gristle Sisters, she vaguely remembers seeing a wanted poster while walking the streets of Summer, she recalls that they are hags, and wanted for piracy, and the selling of illegal ink for the production of tattoos.
//Marley
Marley ignores the Redcap’s plea for its cap. “I say let’s let the pissant live his pathetic life. When one of these gobs dies, the Gristle Sisters just find another dungpile to do their dirty work, so why not let him scurry off. I doubt we’ll get much more out of him at this point anyway.”
//Bjorn
"Agreed"
*Then looking at the goblin*
"Tell the gristles they're next!"
//Game Master
The Redcap is starting to look wizened again, "But I needs me cap, I NEEDS IT!".
//Bjorn
"Does this look like the face of someone who cares?"
//Game Master
Daisy unties the Redcap who stands and starts walking for the exit, *CLANK CLANK CLANK*, but the Fey Goblin is seriously injured, and without the fresh wet blood of its cap to sustain it, it doesn't get more than three steps before, with a grunt it collapses to the floor, a pile of dry dirt, leaves, and fungus.
//Poppyseed
"Oh dear...."
//Bjorn
"And that's why you should always tell the truth. When you lie once they don't believe you when you say you need your evil hat"
//Daisy the Hedgehog
*Daisy raises an eyebrow at Bjorn.*
//Daisy the Hedgehog
"So what now?"
//Bjorn
"isn't there a room at an inn with our name on it? I say we go get a proper night's sleep then track down to hags"
//Marley
"Thank you again for your help. I'll join you if you're tracking down the Gristle Sisters. Rest will be needed for sure."
//Bjorn
"My apologies brave warrior. Are you well? Did those vile creatures harm you?"
//Marley
"No, no, no. You came along before they got a chance to hurt me." She laughs wryly. "I'd like to think I would have bested them on my own, but probably best you showed up." She pauses. "Are *you* ok?"
//Bjorn
"I am; thanks to this beautiful hedgehog!"
*gestures to Daisy*
//Daisy the Hedgehog
"My strength is my faith, the Earth Mother provides the rest....I think a goodnights rest at the Branch and Stone, is exactly what we all need... We might even pick up some information on the Gristle Sisters at the Inn if we are lucky."
//Poppyseed
"Don't forget the bath... I really want a nice hot bath..... Speaking of luck!"
*Poppyseed flits into the Tooth fairy room, the group hears some clattering before the Fairy returns carrying an arm full of trinkets.*
"I think the Tooth Fairies pooped these lucky charms for us..... maybe...."
*The little fairy hands everyone one charm, keeping one for herself.*
//Bjorn
"How kind of them!"
//Bjorn
"or not..... You might say we have 'shit luck'...."
*The large warrior grins deviously*
//Game Master
With Poppyseed now reunited with her shadow, and the Pitch Black Syndicate defeated the group leaves the wet, humid surroundings of the Storm Water System returning to the warm sun lit streets of Summer above, heading for the Branch and Stone.
As they traveled Poppyseed spent most of the trip playing with her shadow, a look of relief on her face that such a precious and personal effect was once more returned to its proper place.
As the sun started to set, bathing the city in a warm amber light the group arrived outside the Inn of Branch and Stone where the Scribes from the Repository had organized a room for them to stay.
//Jack Frost
"right i need to get me something sweet to eat, and then its time for a bath.... shame we never made it to the hotsprings..."
//Game Master
Standing outside the Branch and Stone it looks like many other buildings within Summer, a large tree has grown over natural mossy rock creating the foundations of the building.
The tree is quite large stretching up three or four stories, areas of roofing have been built around the tree but it also seems there are many open areas of the structure, with the trees natural canopy providing shelter.
Under a large buckled root is an entrance into the Inn, there is a sign next to the entrance, it advertises open air hot springs, spacious resting quarters, and stone grilled cuisine.
//Bjorn
"Friends..... This will be a night to remember!"
//Game Master
Heading through the arched root into the Inn the group sees a large dining area, there are many tables and stools, some made of stone, others wood, or large leaves.
The whole establishment seems to be a giant tree entwined and fused with a massive chunk of igneous rock, but on closer inspection, the inn itself is alive.
The tree portion of the Inn is in fact one of the owners, occasionally a face will protrude from the wall, floor, or ceiling as it takes orders and talks to guests, branches and vines seem to carry plates, serve drinks, and open doors.
The other owner is the massive igneous rock portion of the Inn, and seems to be the chef, as it cooks meals on its own super heated volcanic surface, it also seems to be responsible for the hot spring, as its body extends out into the garden area away from the dinning room where steam rises behind a tall bamboo fence.
There are other woodland creatures such as squirrels and birds who seem to be helping the duo with tasks around the Inn, mostly clearing plates, carrying light loads, or entertaining guests.
There is a large wooden staircase which seems to be part of the trees body, leading upstairs to the Inns rooms.
As the group stands in the doorway taking it all in, the face of the tree appears in the wall next to them and in a slow earthy voice greets them to the Branch and Stone Inn, "'Delighted', Greetings travelers. 'Questioning' How can I help you this evening.".
//Bjorn
*explains they have a reservation*
//Game Master
The face in the wall changes position and appearance, "'Delighted' I see, 'Questioning' and could you tell me the name the reservation is under."
//Game Master
The group notices that the deep dulcet tones of the tree have no intonation, pitch, or emotion, but are a steady creek and groan like heavy branches in the wind, instead the tree seems to express its emotion verbally with words.
//Bjorn
"I believe the repository sent ahead for us. I am Bjorn, and these are my companions Daisy, Poppyseed, Jack, and Marely."
//Game Master
The face shifts once more, "'Interested' I see, 'pleased' It is wonderful to meet you, I am known as Branch, that one" *a branch extends from the wall pointing in the direction of the igneous rock formation where food is cooking* "is known as Stone, welcome. 'Questioning' would you like to see your rooms before supper.".
//Bjorn
"Yes please, I think we could all freshen up"
//Game Master
Branch looks in the direction of a little squirrel which is busy clearing a table, it stops, its ears and nose twitching at the air, it then scurries off, coming back with a large paper lantern full of fireflies on a stick.
The little squirrel scurries over to the group tilting its head this way and that inquisitively before cheeping at the group and then scurrying towards the staircase, it occasionally stops and looks back to check if the group is following or not.
//Marley
Marlowe quietly takes in the wonder of this place, her mood lifting as she realizes that she might just be safe for the moment. Ready to freshen up a bit, she follows the squirrel.
//Game Master
The group follows the little squirrel to their room on the fourth floor high up in the branches of the tree.
The room is a large open space covered in grass mats with a large wooden table and chairs at one end.
The squirrel busies itself around the room tapping globes of resin in the trees walls which light up, the squirrel cheeps to be sure the group is watching then taps the resin globe turning it off, then taps again to turn it on.
The squirrel then scurries over opening cupboards to reveal sleeping mattresses, blankets, and pillows all folded away inside, it cheeps and points then moves on.
The squirrel scurries over to the balcony opening the sliding door allowing the fresh night breeze to blow in, the squirrel points and cheeps again, then scurries over to open another sliding door revealing a bathroom and toilet, it points and cheeps again.
The squirrel then scurries to the open door to the room, gives a little bow, then scurries off.
//Poppyseed
*Poppyseed flitters about tapping resin globes turning them off and on, then checks the bathroom, giving a little clap as she spins around in the air.*
"They have one of those hot shower things, how wonderful! I do love Summer!"
//Daisy the Hedgehog
"I'm looking forward to the hot spring and something to eat."
//Bjorn
*sits down with a loud thud. After taking enough of a beating to kill most creatures, then being brought back to take even more damage the large warrior is quite tried*
"I shall bathe then meet you all in the dining area. I believe we have much to discuss"
//Game Master
Daisy and Poppyseed unceremoniously dump their packs in the corner and rush off.
//Poppyseed
"Yes yes no problem see you at dinner!"
//Daisy the Hedgehog
"Yes diner time ...see you then.. off to the hot springs!"
//Poppyseed
"Bye!"
//Daisy the Hedgehog
"Bye!"
//Game Master
Marley, Bjorn, and Jack clean up and prepare themselves for dinner, they trio are kept waiting for some time before Daisy and Poppyseed finally emerge from the hot springs looking relaxed and happy, a reddish glow from the hot water still lingering on their cheeks.
The two late arrivals join their companions at a table and start looking over the menu.
//Marley
Marley looks around at her new companions. A quiet laugh escapes her lips. "We've only known of each other for a very short time, less than an hour actually, ...but yet I feel like we've lived a lifetime together already. It's funny how that happens when you're fighting for your lives." she pauses "What was all that about anyway?"
//Poppyseed
"One of those devilish little Tooth Fairies stole my shadow...... Probably to turn into ink."
*She looks down fondly at her shadow, like looking at an old friend.*
"I don't know what I'd do without it....so of course we stormed in there to get it back."
//Daisy the Hedgehog
*Daisy pats Poppyseed on the shoulder reassuringly*
"What about you dear, what were you doing down there?"
//Marley
Marley shakes her head. "I noticed a goblin with that silly redcap sneaking around, and I decided to follow him. I knew darn well that he was up to no good." She takes the redcap out of her pack. "This cap when soaked in blood gave the gob life. Those hags need to be stopped."
//Daisy the Hedgehog
"Well who knows how long it will take the Great Repository to review our case...... I don't mind a little side adventure while we wait......what do you say Jack..Bjorn.. are we off to put an end to the Gristle Sisters?"
//Poppyseed
*Poppyseed starts swinging her little legs, her feet not able to touch the ground sitting in the high chair, she suddenly flitters up.*
"I'm with you Daisy.... Always."
*She gives the group a wink then pips a tune on her Panpipes of the Silver Wind and begins flittering around the room singing to all that will listen, leaving the group to discuss what actions to take next..... And more importantly, what to order for dinner.*
"Down in the deep where the peppermint blows,
Past the trickster Goblins where the dark river flows,
A little stolen shadow was trapped in a jar,
Hidden away from the sun and the star."
"But prick up your ears and kick off your boots,
We’re safe in the warmth of the living tree roots!
The ink has been spilled and the cages are broke,
And Poppy’s true shadow is no longer a joke!"
"Bjorn took the blows and he dented his heart,
While Daisy’s sweet healing kept us from part.
Jack threw the cheer and young Marley fought well,
To shatter the machine and break the dark spell!"
"So prick up your ears and kick off your boots,
We’re safe in the warmth of the living tree roots!
The ink has been spilled and the cages are broke,
And Poppy’s true shadow is no longer a joke!"
"Now stomp with your feet, let the fireflies gleam,
We’re washing the blood away into the steam!
A charm for your pocket, a bath for the soul,
The shadow is back, and the fairy is whole!"
//Bjorn
"I could go for a hag hunt"
" I say Mr Tree, ya' got an ale befitting the embarking of a perilous quest?"
//Marley
”What do you mean by waiting for the Great Repository? Were you on a quest before the shadow was stolen?”
//Daisy the Hedgehog
*Watching Poppyseed flit around the Inn singing*
"Yes that's right, many things have happened, some more worrying than others....we originally came to Summer to deliver an account of a Demi Lich, which Poppyseed had the misfortune of running into, I also handed in a few laters myself...... But while they deliberate on the information, they requested we wait in Summer, probably in case they have any further questions."
//Game Master
A badger walks up with a tray of mugs and a large pitcher of ale for the table, as it places the items on the table, the Trees face appears inside the wood of the table "'Curious' The Repository has graciously paid for your expenses while here at Branch and Stone, 'sincere' do enjoy your selves.".
//Daisy the Hedgehog
"So where do we start, to hunt down the Gristle Sisters....do you think?"
//Jack Frost
"Perhaps some good old fashioned detective work, ask around the town about anything strange etc... but please from tomorrow would be great, I am a bit too tired tonight yo worry about such things, lets drink our fill and celebrate another day alive"
//Daisy the Hedgehog
"Right you are, I remember the fellow who Bjorn bought his armour from had some tattoos, perhaps he might know? But yes let's enjoy a relaxing evening and worry about it tomorrow."
//Game Master
The group spent a relaxing evening, with delicious food, and drink, in the peaceful atmosphere of the Branch and Stone Inn.
The next morning, they all come down together and after a full breakfast with tea and coffee, they prepare to hit the streets of Summer in search of clues to the whereabouts of the Gristle Sisters.
