Harran (the Wise) walked and walked. He'd been walking for a very long time. He'd walked so far that he was starting to wonder if he'd need "boots," like a foreigner. The ground here was so much more rocky than back in the swamps...

He'd come looking for a town-- a town with "a dungeon" near it, because he'd had a a vision from the gods. Whether it was from Noric or Ossiga, he wasn't sure. Maybe both. But he'd--

He'd been looking down at his feet, trying to avoid stepping on sharp rocks, but a sound made him look up.

It was a horse, tied to a post.

He was on the outskirts of a town. "Say there," he said to a man nearby. "What town is this?"

"What town? Why, this is Blacktree! Where you tryin' to get to? You lost? You're many miles from the swamps, fella..."

"This is the town... with the dungeon, yes?"

"Oh, you're an adventurer! Should'a known. Yes, this is the right place for you, then... Welcome to Blacktree..."

(Uagu, Yorin: You have just arrived at the town of Blacktree, about 40 miles east of The Cage, where the land has dried out and one can actually see large mountains far to the east. You're aware that there's a dungeon here, but that might not be why you've come here, exactly (or it might)... Please make a post (like the one above) about your arrival...)

Uagu pauses a mile short of Blacktree. He finds a secluded spot to change out of his dusty traveler's clothes and puts on his gambeson which displays the sigils of an Order Mage and the Frog Monarchy. He laments not having any kind of a mirror, but it likely would have broken during the travels. He fixes his clothes as best he can. Appearances are important, especially since he will be representing not just the Order Mages, but the entire Holy Order of the Frog Monarchy.

When he is pleased that his outfit looks as sharp as it is going to, he puts his pack back on and resumes his walk. He enjoys the countryside, and nods politely to any passerbys he encounters, subtly checking that none of them happen to be Gligga. Rumor is that she had attached herself to an adventuring party and they were dungeon-delving.

"Dispicable," Uagu mutters to himself after passing another group. "That a bard of such high standing would leave her role to descend into some foul tomb, or an ancient ruin, just for a good story. And now I must chase her instead of furthering my arcane studies." He shakes his head.

Uagu inhales deeply as he walks into town. He puffs his chest out, the gambeson expands to shows the sigils in all their glory. "You," he says pointing his holy scepter at a guard, "I am new to town and wish to find a place with a cold bath and colder drinks,"

"Yes sir! I recommend the Golden Dove, downtown-- right down this street, sir!" says the guard. "Best hospitality for those with coin to spare!"

Uagu lifts his scepter to his brow to salute the guard and thanks the guard before walking in that direction. Once he is a few steps past the guard he relaxes his breath, allowing the gambeson to relax on his body as well.

Coming along the road to Blacktree is a cat-like creature walking upright. Folks know this cat lady to be a Hapid, a wandering nomadic traveller that's always looking for fun under the sun. Yorin was no different, she stared at the town with fascination. It was her first time coming to a place like the swamps, and so far it's been a blast. The folks in the Cage especially, were friendly townsfolk they were, too much Smokeweed for her liking though. They do make some delicious desserts though.

However, she didn't have time to focus on old places she visited, there was an abundance of fun to reminisce about later and in the near future. But first, she needed answers. She looked toward the guard near the town,"Excuse me, but you wouldn't happen to hear the word on missing Hapids now would you?"

"Missing? No, haven't heard about that..." He pauses. "...How could anyone tell if they were missing or just went off adventuring somewhere?"

Harran walked up on this conversation, and paused with interest to see what the Hapid cat-woman would say next. If people were missing, it might be relevant to the vision he'd had...

(Uagu, I invite you to wander up on this conversation, too.)

After saluting the guard with his scepter, Uagu can't help but overhear the hapid speaking with the other guard. "My understanding is that there is a place of interest near here yes? A place for foolhardy adventurers to test their mettle and maybe find an item of value? If someone went on a week long jaunt to such a place, and two weeks later has not returned, then I dare say they've moved from 'adventuring' to 'missing'."

Uagu turns to the hapid and inhales deeply to puff out his gambeson and show the fine embroidery of his holy symbols as he introduces himself, "I am Seeker Uagu, of the great Frog Monarchy. I too am looking for someone who has gone missing. I was planning to go to the Golden Dove to freshen up and inquire about it. If many are going missing around here, then perhaps our charges know each other, either way we might combine our efforts and search together."

Uagu lifts his scepter to his brow again as a salute and bows to Yorin.

"Is that where yer Hapid friends have gone?" Harran asks the cat-woman. "Into a dungeon? Dark and still? Then that's where I want to go. I have business down under these strange dry parts of the earth..."

Yorin was surprised to meet two others that look to have shown interest in her inquiry. She turned toward the human first,"Huh, dungeon? I don't think they would disappear like that, but then again a dungeon sounds like a highly plausible trap. In fact, I can't help myself but feel a bit giddy on the mention of a dungeon, did that guard over their said something about foolhardy." she says, her ears can't help but perk up in excitement of something dangerous, she then turns toward the Frogger,".... So you too have been affected by this string of missing folk. Very well Seeker, and also human, three heads are better than one as the Hapid saying goes."

Uagu turns when he hears Harran's voice. "Can't say I understand anyone wanting to go into a dungeon; whatever would you want in there? Alas, it does seem the most plausible reason that my missing frog would venture to this town."

Uagu thinks a moment before adding, "It is merely an educated guess on my part. I plan to ask around at the tavern first, I might be totally off base."

"Ahhh. I am Harran the Wise of the Uglolla people, wielder of the Blessed Staff of Bavra-Guk, formerly apprenticed to Dyauga the Mad." Harran gives them a look that means: Yes, that's right-- the Staff of Bavra-Guk. The Dyauga the Mad.

(However, Uagu and Yorin have never before heard of either the Blessed Staff of Bavra-Guk nor of Dyauga the Mad.)

"I have had a mystical vision... there is great danger under the ground, danger that could threaten those of us up here on the surface... all of us. I do not understand the nature of this danger, and I must. These disappearances, I wager, are connected to my cryptic vision of foreboding."



"Yessss, seeker. Ask your questions. Leave no vine unmoved. When you are ready to journey unto the unknown-- as I predict you will-- I shall accompany you."

Uagu takes a deep breath, expanding his gambeson to show the sigil of the Bishops and that of the Frog Monarchy. "A pleasure to meet you, Harran the Wise. You sound like a learned man, a man of magic, which I admire greatly. As you can tell from this symbol, I belong the Bishops of the great Frog Monarchy."

Uagu tries to hide the skepticism in his voice, but there's more than just a hint of curiosity at the mention of visions. "Visions..." he starts, unsure how to phrase his reply. "Well visions have been important in fables and stories for a long time. They are not something we study at the academy, but I would love to hear what your vision entailed. And your assistance will certainly be appreciated."

He bows again then lets the air out of his lungs and his gambeson to fall slack around his body once again.

Seeing everyone starting introductions with their titles and big name items, the Hapud didn't wanna be left in the dust,"The name is Yorin, The Quick and The Swift. Master of The Tricks and The Dance." she says, making a quick pose, then resetting back to a normal position,"Ah, but visions of something dangerous underneath sounds like a dream, I can't help but he excited for what we might face on that dungeon. But for now, we should to Golden Dove, snoop around for info and whatnot." she says, her priorities still something she focused on.

Harran squints suspiciously at the townsfolk nearby. "Not here. There will be time enough for that when we are beneath the mud of the earth, I warrant."

The newly-met trio continues on to the Golden Dove inn...

It's quite a large building, even if it's only two stories high. It takes up a whole block! (It's kind of a small block, but still.)
This message was last edited by the player at 18:40, Fri 15 July 2022.

"I was not expecting such a large building," Uagu says as the block comes into view. "These townsfolk must truly love their merriment to dedicate such a great space to a tavern. We should do our best not to get split up in there."

Yorin gives a whistle as she stares at this big building,"Woo, this Golden Dove In must cater to Hapids like myself. No one's the life of a party like a Hapid, we should do our best to celebrate our most recent alliance." she says as a counter to Uagu's advice.

"Ah hmmmmm life of the party eh?" Uagu asks, while rubbing his brow, clearly uncomfortable. "I might just enjoy a glass of chilled wine and watch you be the life of the party."

"Ah, how boring, you need to have some hint of danger and excitement in your life." Yorin says with a peppy attitude, clearly not knowing the meaning of personal boundaries,"Though I'm not opposed to taking all the attention. You should at least try once, who knows, you might impress a lady with your celebratory spirit and your hidden suaveness inside you."

The inside of the inn involves a front desk, but over to the right one can easily see a common room where meals and drinks are served. There are a few people in there currently, but they're not being loud nor rowdy (so far).

There're also stairs for going upstairs, and a few chairs and couches for people to sit on while they wait for guests to come downstairs. It's all very civilized.

There's a human male at the front desk, prepared to deal with new prospective guests. "May I help you, gentlefolk?"

"That is quite alright, I assure you. I shall enjoy some chilled wine and watch the merriment. Feel free to do what as you like." Uagu replies to Yorin before entering the inn.

He walks up to the front desk and says, "The three of us would like a room please."

"Certainly, sir, certainly." Mm, he's had enough experience to tell a frog man from a frog woman-- not every human can. "A room for three. Are you gentlefolk here to try your skills in the dungeon...?"

"Of course, the dungeon is just waiting for explorers like us to explore." Yorin says, her tail swinging in excitement. The place isn't rowdy as she expected, but she can change that easily enough, for now she wanted to ask a question,"Tell me innkeep, you wouldn't happen to have any words on missing folks going about. I've heard particular rumors of my fellow Hapid brethren and sisters are also include on that list."

"Of course not," Uagu says at the same time as Yorin says "Of course."

"I mean we might be forced to dungeon delve if it comes to that," He mumbles more to himself than anyone else as Yorin continues to talk. He lets the Hapid finish talking before asking, "Ah yes, and has a female frog been through here? She has a gorgeous voice and is quite gifted with both the harp and mandolin."

"No, haven't heard anything like that..." He seems suddenly uncomfortable. "There are some Hapid currently in the dungeon right now, I believe..."



At first he seems not to know what Uagu means, but the last part makes him widen his eyes and nod. "Ah, yes, the bard! Yes, I saw her right where you're standing, oh, about a week ago, I suppose..."

"A week ago!" Uagu exclaims, showing an uncharacteristic amount of excitement for a frog who has seemed to stoic until now.

"That is not so long ago, and yet who knows where she could be by now..." he says to himself before looking back at clerk and asking, "Did you happen to hear anything of her plans, did she mention where she might have been headed?"

Yorin frowns upon not receiving the news she desires,"Oh well, at least some of my people are around having the time of their lives." she says, but then looks upon curiously as Uagu describes her friend,"Ooh, didn't know you had a girl. She must be quite the looker with the way you described her, hehe. Hey, innkeep, got any drinks, particularly something strong. I feel in the mood for celebration and whatnot."

"Erm. Well. I believe she, too, was going to take a shot at Blacktree's dungeon."



The front desk human warms to this change of subject: "Certainly, gentlelady! The bar is right through that passageway behind you!"

"She is not 'my girl', Yorin. She is a highly regarded bard in my kingdom who has gone missing," Uagu states calmly, although clearly upset at being confused for having a personal relationship with his charge.


He listens to the clerk nodding along. "Also in Blacktree's dungeon, and for almost a week. That is quite worrying, surely it doesn't normally take a week to go through the dungeon does it? I do hope she's alright and hasn't done something foolish."

Again, the desk clerk seems uncomfortable. "Um... sometimes it does. You-- I-- I really wouldn't know, sir."

Yorin doesn't believe Uagu's claim for a second,"Sure, whatever you say lady-killer." she says with a smirk, then beams to the access of a bar,"Aight, let's stop making the innkeep uncomfortable here, theirs drinks and celebration to be had." she says as she walks to bar room where she offers everyone present a round of free drinks,"Drinks are on me gents and ladies."

Uagu shoots a quick glare at Yorin before thanking the clerk, giving him a coin, and following the Hapid inside.

He nods to Yorin, but distances himself when the crowd begins to thank her. "A chilled glass of red wine please," He tells the bartender.

(Yorin, if you need to roll Charming with any of the other customers in the bar/dining area, roll 1 extra die. You might be a little short on funds the next time you want to buy something, though...)



The bartender sends a serving frog for a bottle from the wine cellar.

It's not very chilled when it arrives, but a little-- enough to tell that they did make an effort, at least...

Uagu pays for the glass despite its temperature.

"Harran, if you are more of an... observer, shall we say... like myself then feel free to join me in that corner." Uagu practically flees from the crowd and finds a corner to stand in and watch Yorin. He scans the crowd in the tavern for anyone who might look like they have adventured into the dungeon near town, or any frogs.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:08, Wed 20 July 2022.

Yorin orders a pretty hard liquor, she gives the bartender a good chunk of her hard-earned pay. As is the life of a party animal like Yorin, the price is steep Everytime, but this is to the cat Hapid's advantage. She downs her drink and drunkenly approaches one of the patrons that looked to be the veteran that spent his few times adventuring here and their,"Hey their good-looking, having a good time with that drink I bought for you. Mind being a pal and tell a new adventurer like myself some tips about this dungeon. What details can you give me?" she says, giving him a classic kitty eyes just for an extra measure.

17:47, Today: Yorin The Quick and Swift rolled 6 using 2d4 ((2,4))

Gah forgot to record dies, luckily remembered to copy this.

(I have now configured the roller so that all rolls will be d4 and recording all dice by default.)

The man is human, tall and muscular, wearing an incomplete set of leather armor. "...Well, since you bought me my drink, I suppose I'll tell you... The dungeon's not too bad... if you have a good team. I didn't get to the end-- my teammates were weak, and didn't listen to me. Is there anything in particular you want to know about it...?"

"Oh, oh, tell me, is their like any traps or puzzles. And what kind of monsters reside their? Oh, and is their any place to rest when we get injured." Yorin asks a bunch of questions, her tail swishing excitedly.

"Yes, a few. They're cheaper than monsters, after all."



"Mm, mostly pretty easy ones. Just enough to give newcomers a thrill that they might die. One or two harder monsters near the end, but nothing to make experienced adventurers break a sweat, really..."



"Yes, plenty of those. Sometimes one even finds one or more adventurers already using a spot-- everyone's encouraged to be friendly and share the refuges..."

Uagu sips his wine and eagerly listens in, happy he doesn't need to do any talking.

"Ah what, this dungeon sounds more like a tourist site than an actual dungeon. But at least the traps and puzzles sound dangerous enough." Yorin says as she makes a hop, skip and a jump to a random patron,"Hey, hey, wanna join me in my dance. You know, to really livin' up this place." she says drunkenly to the stranger,"Gotta warn you though, I get pretty frisky when I'm in the mood." she says, though her way of playfulness tends to involved a lot of brawls.

(Daneiris! You are in the same large bar-room as the PCs! Introduce yourself now to one or more of the PCs (in a way that makes clear you might be interested in joining them in what they're up to!)

  As Eiris walks into the bar she scans the room. After a long days journey she desperately needed a drink. After walking up to the bar and ordering a drink, her bangles jingling with each step, she heads torwards the the frog-like traveler in the corner of the room hoping to make some conversation. "I'm Eiris." She smiles, sticking her arm out. "What brings you around these parts?" she asks. Being quite a social recluse, she made her best shot when it came to socializing.

"Oh good heavens!" Uagu jumps at the woman's greeting, barely keeping his wine in its glass. He had been too infatuated watching Yorin work her charm to even notice her walk over.

Composing himself Uagu takes a deep breath to fill up his lungs and puff out his gambeson to display the sigils of the frog Monarchy and his rank as being in the order of bishops. He gives a bow, then allows his lungs to deflate. "A pleasure to meet you, Elris. I am Seeker Uagu, at your service. I'm afraid some frogs have gone missing and I am charged with bringing them back to the glory of the great Frog Monarchy. I believe one of them has come here."

He sizes the woman up and adds, "You do not appear to be a local. What brings yourself to these parts?"

    She smiled leaning on the wall, "I really don't know. Floating with the wind I suppose." She said reaching into her bag, pulling out a crystal orb. "For a copper coin I may read your future, are you interested?" She offered holding out the orb.

Uagu looks skeptically at the fortune teller, then at the crystal orb, and back to her again. He narrows his eyes and thinks to himself for a moment.

"Well I suppose I should explore some commoner pastimes while I am out and about," he says as he pulls out a copper and hands it over to the mysterious woman.

A Buff albeit very Homely man looked upon her, seeing no harm in getting frisky with a hapid. Getting lucky was something this man was particularly fond of.


Alright. Sounds Good Kitty. he spoke crudely though his more physical Mannerisms were more polite as if he had been trained to be a dancer. A bit shocking compared to his appearance.

Yorin whistles as she checks out her dance partner and how he conducts himself,"Woah, your quite experienced but I hope you can handle getting a bit rough." she says, her tail wagged mischievously. Then in one flurry motion, the drunken Hapid grabbed both the well-built man's hands and start doing the tango. A classic partner dance, though hers was more wild. She stretched and twisted his arm with every step and motion and then she started a twirl and toss the built man with her momentum to another patrons table. Whether he sticks the landing or bumps into them and cause a chain reaction is certainly up to his skills,"Care to continue now that you got a bit of a taste of what I meant by frisky."

10:50, Today: Yorin The Quick and Swift rolled 10 using 3d4 with rolls of 4,2,4.  Hapid Dance.

Oof, Gaben takes 2 dmg

Gaben the Adventurer, smiles clearly injured. Though having a bit of fun. Most Definitely. He saw her intentions in a Dance Fight. For he had taken it as a genuine attempt at dancing, however while injured a different tack was needed, and he was all for it.

Rolled a 1. However his injuries were too severe and no retaliation could come forth. Too persistent he didn't back down however. Just trying to brunt the brute to hopefully get the sweet.

"Ooh, I like someone who's bold. But we'll how long that'll last." Yorin says and made a sudden pounce on the adventurer, to her surprise she managed to catch her despite his injuries and then he suddenly led her to a slow dance. This was bad, now he had control of the situation and could really damper her move sets,"Hmph, well-played, what attacked will you go for now." she says, her mind making up a defense as they follow each others rhythm.

08:18, Today: Yorin The Quick and Swift rolled 5 using 3d4 with rolls of 2,2,1.  Let's Dance.

I'll take the negative die instead of damage

"Hey, hey!" says the bartender, interrupting. "You two are going to wreck the place if you go on this way! I'll get in trouble if someone dies in here! Stop it, both of you! If you want to continue this, go do it somewhere else-- better yet, go fight monsters in the dungeon and work your destructive impulses out that way!"

Yorin's dance partner is chastened and sheepish, and mutters apologies (to the bartender) and clearly wants to slink out before he embarrasses himself further...

"Ah, boo, what a party poopers." Yorin says but choices to contain her destructive nature seeing as she doesn't want to stop having drinks, she gave a wink to her dance partner as she head back to her crew,"Hey, what'd I miss." she said, but then stares at the Daneiris,"Ooh, or am I interrupting something, hehe, I can leave you two be."

"No, no. Nothing like that Yorin, she is merely uh... well she is going to give me a reading on my future." Uagu says the last part awkwardly, as if he's embarrassed.

Harran nods (completely ignoring Uagu's seeming embarrassment-- he mistakes it for the frog feeling anxious about the future-- an emotion that is entirely reasonable and sensible, from Harran's point of view).

Prognostication is a serious and important art, and Harran is interested in observing this non-Uglolla witch's art.

(Note: Harran mentally labels Daneiris "witch" as a term of respect.)

(Daneiris says they might be back "soon" but I'm not waiting any more)

Suddenly, before anyone can say anything else, a large frog wearing chainmail hops into the barroom-- and points at Uagu.

"You won't take me back, tool of the monarchy!" he shouts. "One of us will die before I'm dragged back!"

Uagu recognizes the frog as Engwun, one of the frogs on his list to track down. He got tracked down first!

Engwun, large sword already drawn, attacks Uagu's table-- which means Uagu, and everyone near him.

There's barely an instant to react before a blow lands-- what do you do?

"You ungrateful wretch!" Uagu yells as he grabs his scepter and points it at the oncoming sword. He steps forward to take the blow, not wanting any of his new companions to suffer on his behalf. A guttural sound escape's the frog's mouth, and a faint blue shimmering surrounds the scepter as Mage Armor is cast.

12:52, Today: Uagu rolled 8 using 4d4 ((1,4,2,1))
This message was last edited by the player at 20:04, Wed 03 Aug 2022.

(Uagu gets 4 points of magic armor, which protect him and anyone immediately behind him.

Whether or not Yorin realizes that the safest place in the area is currently to stay behind Uagu or not, I'll leave up to Yorin's player.

In any event, whether Yorin is aware of what spell has just been successfully cast or not: what does Yorin do next?)

"Hehe, looks like the party just received an extra kick." Yorin says as she unsheathes her and pounces behind their froggy assaulter, not really caring much for Uagu's magic protection. She begins spinning and stabbing, unfortunate for her, her assailant was well-protected and her mind somewhat drunk. She took a moment to simply lay down on the floor and take a catnap.

20:46, Today: Yorin The Quick and Swift rolled 5 using 3d4 with rolls of 2,2,1.  Dance Craze.

Like last time, taking negative

(ELEMENTAL DEFENSE! 10:16, Today: Harran the Wise rolled 7 using 4d4 with rolls of 4,1,1,1.  Elemental blast.

Elemental Defense: Roll Insightful+Charming to unleash elemental energy of your choice. With one 4, you can block, trap, or push back up to 4 targets, if they are all in one direction from you, or you can just repel everyone/everything in a 10 foot radius around you (but that'll include allies near you too). With two 4s, this also does 1 damage to 1 target you choose. With three 4s, this also does 2 damage to 1 target you choose, or 1 damage to 2 targets you choose, and so on.)

Harran gestures with his staff, and a strong wind blows the hostile frog away from his targets, back toward the door of the barroom. He's not hurt, but at least it buys everyone else a little more time...

(Daneiris, if you're back, now would be an ideal time for you to post.

If you don't, someone else is sure to do so soon...)

"Engwun, you will throw down your sword and surrender!" Uagu yells as he charges. He lifts his scepter and swings it as forcefully as he can.

12:59, Today: Uagu rolled 5 using 2d4 ((1,4))

"NEVAH!" Engwun cries, and he swings back at Uagu-- but misses.

Uagu sidesteps the sword and strikes back with his scepter.

15:53, Today: Uagu rolled 3 using 2d4 ((2,1))

(Best result is 2:

2: You take 1 damage, OR you take no damage, but you're forced into a worse position (rolling -1 die on your next roll.)

Shall I presume you take 1 damage, since your magic shield gives you protection to spare?)

Sure

(Okay... Uagu is down to 3 points of magic armor.

17:23, Today: Harran the Wise rolled 6 using 4d4 ((1,1,1,3)).)

Harran tries again to blast the hostile frog, this time with a blast of elemental cold-- but he only succeeds in sticking the frog's feet to the floor with ice. It does no actual damage, though, and it won't be thick enough to last very long... "Somebody get 'im while he's still stuck to the floor!" Harran suggests through the medium of shouting.

Yorin wakes up from her catnap seeing as the froggy warrior didn't took her bait, she pounce right on him. However, his warrior senses kicked in and blocked her blades, she managed to just in time jump before he retaliated. Unfortunately, she didn't calculate where she would land and crashed to a near by table. Ruining a couple's date,"Hehe, sorry." she says to the couple, and tries to reel herself back to the fight.

15:38, Today: Yorin The Quick and Swift rolled 3 using 2d4 with rolls of 1,2.  Dance, Dance Revolution.

Taking Negative Again

Uagu brings a vicious overheard strike down on the disgraced frog knight.

10:11, Today: Uagu rolled 5 using 2d4 ((4,1))

Uagu's opponent is knocked unconscious.

The combat over, the bartender comes over. "I got some rope you can tie him up with, if you need. You gonna take him over to the Monarchy embassy? They got an office in town... that's what happened the last time one'a you Monarchy types tracked down a criminal on the run..."

Yorin dusts herself off from her initial crash, not really that injured if only a tad bruise. She walks toward the bartender,"Hmm, there was a criminal out here in this little town. Boy, that must have been as exciting as this bar fight." she says in a jovial manner, but then scratches her ear as she sees the damage caused from their scuffle,"I'd also like to say I'm not liable for the damage, this guy over here is the culprit. He should be responsible for all charges." she says, patting the unconscious Frogger.

"The loser of the fight was the one who started it," says the bartender, "and also he lost, so that's two reasons to agree with you. It wasn't you folks' idea."

Yorin gives out a sigh of relief and nods vigorously,"Yep, I'm glad you follow the way of the bar fight. You lose from a bar fight, you get the pay the damages, clearly the number one rule in here."

"Yes, by all means, tie him up!" Uagu exclaims, his face red with exertion. He is clearly not used to having his life threatened and after some deep breaths realizes that the bartender was merely offering the rope and is not some Frog underling to be ordered around. He grabs the rope and begins to tie up the disgraced Frog knight himself.

"Yorin, Harran, I cannot begin to express my gratitude for your help in this matter," he says sincerely as he continues to wrap the rope around the unconscious body. "If I might ask for further help in transporting him to the embassy I would be even more so. Truly I owe you two a debt."

"I think that the spirits may intend for us to work together. I will help you move this fighter elsewhere. I expect that any debt you may owe me will be justly repaid in the days to come..."

"No sweat, dude!" Yorin says in a energetic fashion as she grabs the unconscious Frogger by the legs,"And any debt you owe won't be needed from me, I'm just in it for the fun. I think we have ourselves a beautiful company, my friend."

"Ahem, yes, I have another request which you might consider a good deal of fun." Uagu says as he grabs the knight's shoulders and begins to lift him up.

He lowers his voice so only his companions can hear. "It would help me out if the embassy were under the impression that the two of you were... hmmmm how to put this? If the two of you were under my employ, or that I was somehow in charge of this operation. Of course we needn't actually have that arrangment once out of view of the embassy."
This message was last edited by the player at 02:35, Thu 18 Aug 2022.

"...I have no objection, so long as the pretense is brief," says Harran.

"Hmm, well if it's simply just for tricks, then sure, I'm fine with you being the boss." Yorin says, but then also adds a clause,"However, I'd like to point out one thing, I think I should be the leader here. Don't you think I would be a great leader, think of all of the adventures we could have when I'm in charge."

"It shall be quick, just while the embassy can see and hear, Uagu assures Harran. "I am not a fan of hijinks, but it won't do for my first success returning a runaway to be some fluke running into this disgraced knight at a bar and having a brawl."

Uagu nods to Yorin. "Truly the makings of a great leader. You certainly have a gift for merrymaking and gathering information." His voice betrays the fact that he is far more concerned with how he will appear to the embassy.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:37, Thu 18 Aug 2022.

"Just a moment," says the bartender, "let me speak to Yossef at the front desk, he can show you the way."

Soon, led by the human who'd greeted each of you when you'd arrived at the inn, Engwun has been relocated to "the Monarchy embassy," which is basically an office and a jail cell.

The "Ambassador" of the Monarchy congratulates Uagu on a job well-done. A judge will be coming by in a few days, and when he does, he can hold a trial for Engwun. "He killed one or two people when he fled the Monarchy, way I heard it... Well, the judge'll decide what's to be done with him."

Uagu thanks Yossef by flicking a coin to him.

When Uagu first sees the ambassador he inhales deeply to expand his gambeson and salutes with his scepter. "A pleasure to meet you, sir!" he announces. "I apologize for not coming to your office first, but after tracking this rogue here, my associates and I almost immediately discovered him in the tavern."

Uagu nods along, a sad look on his face, as the ambassador talks about the people murdered by Engwun. "It does not surprise me. He is a fiend, a rogue, and a vagabond  - a Frog without honor. Yet even so, it's no easy task to bring down anyone trained to be a knight of the Monarchy, but my associates and I worked flawlessly together. Harran the Wise here magically shoved Engwun to a spot where he could not hurt the patrons while Yorrin the Quick and Swift distracted him so I could knock him out with my scepter. Textbook execution really, I'm sure you would have been proud to see it."

Uagu bows his head respectfully. "Unfortunately Engwun was able to inflict some damage to the tavern. By your leave I'd like to give some funds to the owner, and reimburse myself once Engwun's assets are confiscated by the judge."

The human plucks the coin out of the air. Not bad for a human.



"No offense taken, at all," drawls the ambassador. "Were I in your place, I wouldn't have even stopped to consider that a place like Blacktree might have an embassy at all. But you know the Monarchy."



"Mmm, well, I don't know that I could guarantee that happening... They don't really funnel a lot of money my way... You do what you like, but... For now, maybe you'd better just take the prisoner's sword with you, immediately..."

"An excellent idea ambassador," Uagu says as he hefts the large sword up. "Before we go: we've also tracked an escaped troubadour to this town, and believe she is heading into the dungeon nearby. Have you heard anything about the place that might be of interest?"

(Charming roll, please, Uagu)

17:30, Today: Uagu rolled 2 using 1d4 ((2))

"Hm, no, sorry... haven't really been keeping up with that sort of thing. Maybe I should've been... Can't recall anything I've heard right now that would be of any use to you, I don't think..."

"Ah yes, well I am sure a frog of your stature has far more important matters to be concerned with," Uagu says with a deep bow. " If you have no other matters to discuss, we shall see ourselves out. Thank you for your help."

Uagu begins to walk out.

Is there a check which can be done to determine if the ambassador was telling the truth?

(...About what, exactly?)

When he said he knows nothing about the dungeon.

(I'm tempted to make you roll for it, but I just don't see the point, because it's true.)

"Harran, Yorin, any matters to discuss while we are fortunate to have the esteemed ambassador's attention? If not I believe I am ready to go." Uagu says as he turns to his companions.

OK, thanks.

Harran shakes his head... he can't think of anything. He barely understands foreign ways in the first place...

Yorin has been relatively silent, cause she can't really behave if she starts talking. But now that Uagu, she finally has a chance,"Actually, I do have something I want to talk about. Ambassador, you wouldn't happen to hear word of any missing Hapids, have their been anything strange going on with my people. Other than the usual Hapid activities."

14:39, Today: Yorin The Quick and Swift rolled 3 using 1d4 with rolls of 3.  Charmingly Gaining Info

"Oh, well, I'd heard that some had gone missing... Someone went into the dungeon and hasn't come back yet, is that right...?"

"I believe our missing troubadour might have gone in there as well," Uagu tells the ambassador.

"Hmph! Sounds like that's the place to start, then, and be ready for anything. The people who run that dungeon wouldn't want people not coming back out. Bad for business. They want them to come out with a little treasure and stories that'll lure more people in, or else they want them to come out sadder but wiser and poorer, but adventurers are supposed to come back out. Something funny must be going on down there, it sounds to me like."

At the words down there, Harran gives Uagu a Meaningful Look. Something strange going on down below does not 100% surprise Harran.

"Ooh, looks like you predicted that well Mister The Wise." Yorin says, then looks back to Uagu,"If the dungeon is our main clue, then let's head their. And don't worry of any dangers, I've heard it's not that dangerous, maybe the monsters are but don't hold a candle for the traps."

Uagu nods to Yorin and Harran. "Perhaps it would be wise to sell this sword, purchase any supplies we might need, and head out in the morning. I have walked many miles today and would prefer to start out refreshed."

Turning to the ambassador, Uagu puffs out his gambeson and bows. "If there are no more matters to be discussed, I will ask for your leave, Ambassador."

"Oh, yes, certainly, certainly. Good work so far..."

"What, well I always prefer throwing caution to the wind." Yorin says, rather disappointed at the Frogger's strategic recuperation,"However, I do love a catnap. Alright, you win this round, we'll do this tomorrow."

The prisoner's sword is quickly sold for a few extra coin. No one need worry about the funds to stay at the inn tonight.

"Ah yes, I suppose I am rather quite accustomed to a leisurely lifestyle. I am travelsore and weary. Apologies for delaying our exploration until the morrow. At least we will have the evening to think about if we require any provisions."

Uagu orders a nice meal, and if there are no other matters, is ready to enjoy some relaxation time in his room.

Harran requires no provisions. A good meal and a safe place to sleep is more than enough for him.

(I, too, plan no interruptions until tomorrow morning (the game's "tomorrow morning").)

Yorin made no complaints, she took her meal gladly with a big bowl of hot milk. She then takes a cozy sleep in the inn.

Once that was done, she raises up and starts kicking her teammates door down,"Alright, it's time for adventure. Rise and shine, their are monsters and traps awaiting us."

"Yes, yes. I'm almost ready!" Uagu yells back to Yorin as he finishes his preparations. After a few minutes he exits his room, all dirt from his travels cleaned from his gambeson, and his scepter showing a new polish.

Harran emerges from a room, yawning. It was so quiet, to sleep in a building... and so soft, to sleep in a "bed..." Ah, well. There would be more than enough to wake him fully soon enough, he expected.

(Daneiris, you ready?)

Soon enough, after a bit of breakfast, the adventurers are guided to the foot of a large hill on the east side of town, to a building to which the rear is fenced off with a very sturdy fence of upright logs. The fence bars intruders from getting in, but seems reinforced especially to keep the fence from being knocked down from the inside.

Inside the door of the building is a counter, and behind it is a human (male). "Ah, welcome, welcome! Come to try your hands at exploring the dungeon...?"

"Not quite what I was expecting," Uagu says as he looks around. "I'd like to inquire about the parties currently delving into your dungeon as we speak." Uagu says, trying to sound as authoritative as he possibly can.

Yorin interjects Uagu's authoritative stance,"Don't worry about our stuck-up friend here, sir. What his actually saying is if you've seen some Froggers or Hapids other than us wandering about. Especially recently, like say the past week."

At first the man seems content to answer Uagu's question-- but when the Hapid clarifies, he grows notably more hesitant. "There have been some of each, in the last week. There often are..."

"And now?" Uagu repeats his question. "Are groups delving at this moment?

"Ye-es... two. Four people in one... three in the other."

Uagu turns to Harran and Yorin and shrugs. "We haven't much else better to do."

"I say we enter," says Harran. "I have business with the things which lurk below the earth. I would learn more of them and their... ways."

Uagu nods and is ready to go.

Yorin stared at the nervous man for a short while, but then perks up once her company decides it's time,"Awesome, adventure awaits for us, we shouldn't let her wait."

"Excellent, excellent-- if you'll just sign this paperwork... and there are some fees..."

The paperwork really does appear to be harmless. It mostly concerns

1. That the party can't get mad if they happen to not find treasure in the dungeon equal to nor exceeding what they paid to get in, and

2. That the party can't get mad at the dungeon company for any injuries or harm sustained by going into the dungeon-- basically stating that everyone is going in of their own free will.

The "fees" are going to eat up 3/4ths of the money the party has, though. Good thing you already sold that sword.

"Hmmmm," Uagu says as he scans the document. "Everything seems to be in order. If you two are in agreement then I say we sign and get started."

"Wah, with these exorbitant prices, Uagu have you gone crazy." Yorin whines, but she pulls out her coin pouch anyway and gave the receptionist her coin,"I'm only giving this to you because of my thirst for adventure. I'm still at a disagreement to this highway robbery."

"A minor hurdle to ensure that no riffraff come barging in unprepared and meet their doom." Uagu says with a shrug. He signs the document.

Everyone signs. "Excellent! All right then-- if you're ready, please follow me to the dungeon entrance!" The man leads the adventurers to two very large (15 feet high and almost 20 across) wooden doors that have an iron beam across them. At his signal, (burly) (human) workers lift and remove the iron bar, and the doors are opened.

There are lit torches along the walls of the tunnel the doors reveal, leading downwards... "Off you go, then!" the man says cheerily..."

Yorin stares at door's impressive height, though she immediately turned her attention to the burly humans,"Ooh, nice." she says, giving them a thumbs up before turning to the others,"Alright, let's go dungeoneering!" she says, immediately running off ahead of the others.

Uagu readies his scepter and follows Yorin.

The tunnel leads down, but it's easy to see, because of the torches on the walls...

Then the group comes to the entrance to a cavern that's much less well-lit. There's like one candle burning in there, and it's hidden behind something...

You can tell that there's an exit tunnel to this chamber on the far side, though, because you can see that the helpful torches continue... The distance suggests that this first chamber is about 50 feet long, though it's hard to say how wide it might be...

"It does not seem that the exorbitant fee goes towards proper lighting," Uagu says as he peers down the hall.

"We might wish to light our own torch."

"Our own torches? Pfft, who needs torches when you can see in the dark." Yorin says, but then realizes that the group is just one Frogger and a human,"Ah right, luckily for you, an adventurer is always prepared." she says, pulling out her own torches and lighting it up by use of the torches on the walls.

Someone has filled sacks with something-- sand, perhaps-- and has made vague low walls out of these "sand-bags" here and there about the room.

There is also, you can now see, a closed door over on the right side of the room.

(One of you-- JUST one of you-- do an Insightful check, please.)

I have insightful 2.

(Then... go ahead and roll for it.)

16:44, Today: Uagu rolled 4 using 2d4 ((3,1)).

Uagu manages to catch a little movement behind the sandbag walls.

He also hears words whispered:

"Now?"

"No. Wait. Closer."

"Well I suppose we had better take precaution now that we are inside," Uagu states nonchalantly as he lifts 2 webbed fingers and points to where he believes the ambushers are hiding.

He waves a hand in the air as he strides forward, and a faint shimmer surrounds him. He readies his scepter to strike whoever tries to pop up first, hoping his companions can then flank.

Uagu rolled 9 using 4d4 ((1,3,1,4)).

Pow!

Uagu hits a gretchling!

The gretchling is very surprised. "Oww!" it shrieks, and it scuttles backwards away from the frog... toward that door on the right...

(Gretchlings basically look like this:

https://www.deviantart.com/ant...ardigrades-691283549

But a little less muscle-y. They're about four feet tall. Also, these two are pinkish... where they aren't wearing clothes. Their clothes are dirty and have a lot of patches sewn on. They hold crude clubs.)

Yorin recoils at the sight of these weird bugs?...,"Urgh, whatever you are, you mess with the wrong group of adventurers. We're here today inside these catacombs to bring terror upon you monsters." she says and in a flash, she pounces behind one of the wretches. She then started spinning mid-air, blades already drawn and drawing blood like a murderous cyclone.

20:05, Today: Yorin The Quick and Swift rolled 9 using 3d4 with rolls of 3,3,3.  Dance Battle.

"Oww! They're too good! Run!" The gretchlings run for the large door on the right. They'll both reach it (and maybe close it behind them) if no one manages to stop them, quickly...

"Surrender fiends!" Uagu yells as he rushes after them. He swings wildly, losing his footing as he runs.

11:31, Today: Uagu rolled 3 using 2d4 ((1,2)) -1 on next attack.

Uagu's stumble was all that was needed. The gretchlings rushed through the door, slamming it behind them.

There's a hurried scraping noise suggesting that the door is now locked. The noise was too vague to tell if that means it's locked with a key (there is a keyhole), or a bolt, or if it's barred.

"Curse my clumsiness!" Uagu says as he allows the gretchlings to escape.

Uagu scans the room now that it is lit and clear of the ambushes.

Is this a side door, or a door at the end of the hall?
This message was last edited by the player at 04:11, Tue 27 Sept 2022.

"Pfft, maybe you just need to practice your footwork. If you want, I can show you some lessons." she says as she approached the doors keyhole. She then points her paw at it, then claws sprout out, she begins picking the lock to open up the door.

What kind of roll is needed to lock pick, Agile?

(This is a side door. The regular-looking exit from the chamber is a tunnel that leads north. (It's actually north-west, but for simplicity's sake I'm gonna call it north))

The room seems to hold no other surprises... (You can roll Insightful if you wanna really do a thorough search)



(Yes, lockpicking would be Agile-- trying to just use a claw instead of a normal lockpick is REALLY going to make it harder, though-- just roll 1 die)
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:52, Tue 27 Sept 2022.

Their was a resounding click as Yorin went to work on that door,"Heh, easy peasy... Now, would the gentlemen like to go first?" she say with a bow.

23:25, Today: Yorin The Quick and Swift rolled 4 using 1d4 with rolls of 4.  Lockpicking.

(Wow)

The door is unlocked.

There is some audible shouting and muttering on the other side of the door.

The sound of a key hastily being fumbled into the lock is heard-- they're trying to lock it again as soon as possible--

Uagu tries his best to force the door open and rush inside.

The door opens-- just a crack, like two inches-- then it's shoved back closed from the other side.

(Forceful roll from ONE of you, please...)

Uagu shoves the door.

10:40, Today: Uagu rolled 3 using 2d4 ((2,1))

It budges less than the first time, and then it slams fully shut again.

This time, they've got the key in the lock from the other side, and it's locked again.

It sounds like they're dragging things in front of the door, too.

"Sounds like we may need to explore elsewhere," observes Harran.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:01, Wed 28 Sept 2022.

Uagu slams his open palm against the door in frustration. "Well at least none of us were injured," He says, trying to find a silver lining.

"Aww fiddlesticks, guess we continue exploring." Yorin says as she licks her paw playfully, she was happy that she managed to pick the lock, but for now she needed to explore this area some more,"Come on, come on, this dungeon must hold secrets and treats, and treasures."

The party of three continues downward through the tunnel available, until they reach a new door.

This one doesn't have a keyhole.

Uagu inspects the door, looking for anything out of place.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:31, Mon 03 Oct 2022.

Uagu sees nothing unusual about the door.

Uagu attempts to open the door.

Yorin has her blades drawn and looks ready to pounce.

The door opens freely.

Undead turn toward the door-- two zombies and two skeletons.

"Ah HA!" shouts Harran. "UNDEAD!" This is Harran's wheelhouse.

(19:29, Today: Harran the Wise rolled 10 using 4d4 with rolls of 3,3,1,3.  Elemental Defense.

Elemental Defense: Roll Insightful+Charming to unleash elemental energy of your choice. With one 4, you can block, trap, or push back up to 4 targets, if they are all in one direction from you, or you can just repel everyone/everything in a 10 foot radius around you (but that'll include allies near you too). With two 4s, this also does 1 damage to 1 target you choose. With three 4s, this also does 2 damage to 1 target you choose, or 1 damage to 2 targets you choose, and so on.

Harran got ZERO 4s!)

A gust of wind blows the undead backwards, attempting to knock them down...

...And it totally fails. Especially against the skeletons...

The undead move to attack...
This message was last edited by the player at 00:33, Wed 05 Oct 2022.

Uagu waves an arcane sigil in the air as he says an incantation. A faint glow emanates around Yorin before disappearing.

21:26, Today: Uagu rolled 13 using 4d4 ((4,3,3,3))

Your target rolls as if all their stats are 1 point higher (maximum of 4) for their next two rolls.

Feeling enhance speed on her thighs, Yorin's blades are out and she begins stricking one skeleton through the rib. Unfortunately, her hand seems to be stuck,"Ooh, what a tragedy. What will I ever do." she says sarcastically.

11:40, Today: Yorin The Quick and Swift rolled 3 using 2d4 with rolls of 1,2.  Attack.
That's 2, 3
I dealt 1 damage and I'll take a -1 die

(um, shouldn't you have rolled 3 dice, because of Uagu's blessing right before?)

23:33, Today: Yorin The Quick and Swift rolled 2 using 1d4 with rolls of 2.  One more.

And no change, so I did exactly what I did in my previous post.

(Jus' tryin' to help.)

Harran tries one more time to use magic on the zombies.

(11:12, Today: Harran the Wise rolled 7 using 4d4 with rolls of 2,2,2,1.)

The elemental spirits are just not cooperating today. Maybe he's trying to call on the wrong kind? Maybe air and water spirits are hampered down here underground?

Whatever's going on, the nearest skeleton comes up and rakes Harran's flesh. Owww!

(Harran takes 1 point of damage.)

Uagu strikes at the zombie with his scepter.

, Today: Uagu rolled 4 using 2d4 with rolls of 3,1.  Attack.

(The zombie takes 1 damage.)

Two or three of the zombie's bones audibly snap and break.

The zombie doesn't care. The zombie is already dead.

It does shuffle with difficulty, though, to face its attacker... slowly (for now)...

Yorin gives out a grin as her allies seem to be working these undead to the bone, no pun intended. With blade in hand, she strikes her opponents rib cage, breaking it and freeing her hand. She then starts tap dancing, swiping a cut with every rythmic motion she does.

12:57, Today: Yorin The Quick and Swift rolled 7 using 2d4 with rolls of 4,3.  With my last blessing but I have a penalty!

Take 2 damage

Harran is just about to strike the undead nearest him with The Blessed Staff of Bavra-Guk-- when he remembers oh that's right, he's not all that good at fighting physically. He tries again with the magic...

(09:17, Today: GM BLUE rolled 9 using 4d4 with rolls of 2,1,4,2.  Again with the magic.)


Picking a different element, Yorin chooses fire. A pillar of flame shoots up in front of the zombie, and the zombie backs up-- and falls over. It'll take several seconds for it to get up again...

"Well that was more successful..." mutters Harran...

"I suggest we let them come to us and fight them as they enter the doorway." Uagu says as he steps back, tracing an arcane sigil in the air.

18:02, Today: Uagu rolled 8 using 4d4 ((4,1,1,2))

Harran backs up through the doorway, and waits for Yorin to do the same...
This message was last edited by the player at 19:13, Wed 12 Oct 2022.

Yorin the quick and swift was already behind Harran before he was even wondering where Yorin went.