The Swords of Imarr: Midnight at the Meat & Gristle

[Faoiltiarna]

Denther glares at Rajero a bit, as if uncertain if he is jesting or not.
"If Faoil wishes to lead, I certainly will not argue with her but, I would think that the lady Alyx might be the best choice to lead as she seems to have a knack for finding that which is hidden. I am more than willing to to use what skills I have."
"Bernard, is this one torch that Jareg and Loth have provided the only one we have? Depending upon how long it takes to locate this Amulet, we may need more. Also, I recommend blocking or spiking the doorway open if only to provide a path for the smoke to escape. I would not want to find this Amulet and suffocate on the way out."

Faoil seen logic in Denther's reasoning.

"True, I have little skill in wards and locks. In that case I shall follow behind Alyx. If Master Bernard wishes, he can carry my lantern. There is plenty of oil inside to aid us if the torches die."

::tag::

 

[Faoiltiarna]

Alyx sighs and grins.

"Yeah yeah, 'Alyx go first' as usual! Alright then, I can go first an' check for traps, but I'll need a torch-bearer right behind."

She brandishes her rapier, peering down the crumbling steps into the darkness.

Bernard turns to Loth, who's hanging about near the steps up from the cellar, clearly not intending to accompany the group into the catacombs.

"Another torch, if you please. Denther, if you have a spike you're welcome to spike this door, otherwise one of those barrels there could perhaps be used to block it open, though they'd impede our egress somewhat."

Loth grunts and fetches an unlit torch from a wall bracket, handing it to Denther who's armed with longsword and buckler, so he can hold it in his shield-hand without difficulty. Bernard lights Denther's torch, then stands back.

Alyx:
"So, I reckon myself first, then Denther here, then Lady Faoil and Bernard, with Hrothgar and Rajero guarding the rear. Agreed?"

Faoil shrugged her shoulders. "If that is how you wish it."

She handed Bernard the hooded lantern, then withdrew her sword, testing its weight.

"Into the bowels the earth," Faoil muttered quietly to nobody in particular and took her place behind Denther.

::Tag::

 

[rangerjohn]

Hrothgar

"Agred," Hrothgar says with a smirk, as he draws his broadsword. Every on the lookout for trouble.

 

[mps42]

Bernard turns to Loth, who's hanging about near the steps up from the cellar, clearly not intending to accompany the group into the catacombs.

"Another torch, if you please. Denther, if you have a spike you're welcome to spike this door, otherwise one of those barrels there could perhaps be used to block it open, though they'd impede our egress somewhat."

Turning to Bernard, "True enough. But I would still prefer that to it closing behind us."
Denther quickly shoves a barrel up against the open door, blocking it open. He then goes back to the group, straps on a small buckler shield and, holding the lit torch in his off hand, moves in behind Alyx. "I am as ready as I will be. Let's go."

 

[S'mon]

Bernard takes the lantern from Faoil.

"I thank you milady."

He lights it with the torch, then places the torch in a wall bracket where it illuminates the cellar nicely.

Alyx takes a deep breath then starts down the crumbling stairs, testing each one as she goes. Denther follows, torch held high, then Faoil, Bernard with lantern, Hrothgar and Rajero.

The narrow stairway descends about 20', then comes out into a maze of narrow tunnels, ancient mouldering bones inset into narrow wall-cavities - the catacombs. Something skitters in the darkness. Corridors lead off in all directions.

Bernard checks his map, then points to the north. The party sets off slowly, Alyx in the lead on the lookout for traps.

The tunnel opens out into a wider chamber, about 20'x30'. The walls are indented with dozens of burial spaces. There are bones on the floor - well-gnawed bones...

Alyx:
"The entrance to Virius' crypt should be on the far side of here..."

There's a chirping sound. Denther, behind Alyx, is the first to spot the serried ranks of red eyes in the chamber, gleaming in the lamplight - rats! Dozens of them, it seems, and here and there the larger shape of a giant rat, some three feet long.

Attracted by the light, and apparently unsatisfied by a diet of mouldering bones, the rats creep closer...

(Actions? Currently Alyx is just inside the chamber entrance, with the rest of you right behind in order in the narrow catacomb tunnel. It's about 5' wide so you can squeeze past each other ok).

 

[S'mon]

OOC: I'll be away for 8 days from Sunday, I'll aim to put you in a good point to discuss matters before I go.

 

[mps42]

There's a chirping sound. Denther, behind Alyx, is the first to spot the serried ranks of red eyes in the chamber, gleaming in the lamplight - rats! Dozens of them, it seems, and here and there the larger shape of a giant rat, some three feet long.

Attracted by the light, and apparently unsatisfied by a diet of mouldering bones, the rats creep closer...

(Actions? Currently Alyx is just inside the chamber entrance, with the rest of you right behind in order in the narrow catacomb tunnel. It's about 5' wide so you can squeeze past each other ok).

With a sharp intake of breath, Denther quickly taps Alyx on the shoulder and points out the rats. "Watch your step, we're not alone down here. I recommend that we get Faoil, Rajero and Hrothgar up front since they're our muscle.
"Alyx, is that Rapier the only weapon you've got?"
He quickly places the torch in a holder (if there is not one readily available, he'll just hold onto it) and draws a throwing dagger, ready to throw at the first beastie that moves toward the group.

 

[Faoiltiarna]

With a sharp intake of breath, Denther quickly taps Alyx on the shoulder and points out the rats. "Watch your step, we're not alone down here. I recommend that we get Faoil, Rajero and Hrothgar up front since they're our muscle.
"Alyx, is that Rapier the only weapon you've got?"
He quickly places the torch in a holder (if there is not one readily available, he'll just hold onto it) and draws a throwing dagger, ready to throw at the first beastie that moves toward the group.

Faoil grips the greatsword with both hands, prepared for the rats attacks. Her grey eyes are calm and unreadable as she studies the animals movements.

OOC: Faoil will use Power Attack if one of the giant rats attacks. Also, will be away from any computer on Monday due to a Doctor's appointment in Portland.

 

[rangerjohn]

If allowed to pass, Hrothgar follows Faoils example and power attacks any that come near.

 

[wysiwyg]

If Rajero can get through, he'll do what he's paid for - extermination of pests.