[2024/08/11 14:14] Sonja Bikergrrl: Let's get this TPK on the road :)
[2024/08/11 14:15] Kylie: My Magic lucky Axe in hand prepared for whatever happens
[2024/08/11 14:16] Sonja Bikergrrl: I am now streaming music at: http://81.133.27.194:8000
[2024/08/11 14:16] Sonja Bikergrrl: It's either suitable mood music or my ipod library. Feel free to tune in!
[2024/08/11 14:16] Sonja Bikergrrl: =^..^= Music now on! =^..^=
[2024/08/11 14:17] Jassie: sweet
[2024/08/11 14:17] Sonja Bikergrrl: so... we all ready? Got snacks, beer, pizza... no? Me either.
[2024/08/11 14:18] Kylie: I just downed a Donair
[2024/08/11 14:18] Jassie: lol
[2024/08/11 14:18] Sonja Bikergrrl: And on that note... GGGGGGGGRRRRRRREEEEEEEETTTTINGS, Adventurers! Other players get mysteries to challange Sherlock Holmes, you get deceptions five year olds can see through.
[2024/08/11 14:19] Sonja Bikergrrl: so, tonight :)
[2024/08/11 14:19] Sonja Bikergrrl: Just to set the scene.... "Midnight at Blackheart Manor. Lightning flashes and storm clouds roll, an eerie wail chills the air! It is on a night like this, so legend says, that the foul Beast of Blackheart stalks his prey... and the screams of the dying echo through Blackheart Manors' cavernous halls!"
[2024/08/11 14:20] Jassie: ooo
[2024/08/11 14:20] Mecha: And I am sleeping in the inn down the road so I don't hear a thing.*Kidding*
[2024/08/11 14:20] Sonja Bikergrrl: Meanwhile, you're cozy in the capital city, enjoying a quite stein of ale at the Mended Drum tavern. You've all recovered hit points and spells, and, it's a quiet night.
[2024/08/11 14:21] Sonja Bikergrrl: /me throws a PHB at Mecha
[2024/08/11 14:21] Jassie: i'm just relaxing while polishing the shield up, gotta keep it nice and gleamy :)
[2024/08/11 14:22] Sonja Bikergrrl: While you're quietly minding your own business, a guy enters the tavern and makes a beeline for you all. "I'm instructed by his lordship the Earl of Blackheart to engage your services in the matter of the Beast of Blackheart Manor. You don't want the case? I quite understand. Thank you and good day!" He turns and starts to walk out again.
[2024/08/11 14:23] Jassie: looks up from polishing, "beast of blackheart manor? what is this beast you speak of'"
[2024/08/11 14:24] Mecha: Yeah seriously, give us more info before turning tail here
[2024/08/11 14:24] Sonja Bikergrrl: The guy pauses halfway to the door. "Yes, yes, that beast. It's understandable you wouldn't want to get involved. Very dangerous."
[2024/08/11 14:24] Jassie: "well sure we might not want to get involved if we knew what it is?"
[2024/08/11 14:26] Sonja Bikergrrl: Guy: "It's the legendary Beast of Blackheart. Many people have disappeared, you're quite right to not chance being next."
[2024/08/11 14:26] Jassie: looks to the rest, "any of you heard about this legnedary beast per chance?"
[2024/08/11 14:26] Mecha: You know, the thing is I know you're playing us.
[2024/08/11 14:27] Mecha: Never heard of it but I'm admittedly curious
[2024/08/11 14:27] Sonja Bikergrrl: Guy: "Playing you?? I'll have you know MANY people have vanished utterly!"
[2024/08/11 14:27] Mecha: And that's fine but if you really didn't want us to come you wouldn't have found us
[2024/08/11 14:28] Kylie: "Shrugs nope but hasn't stopped us from being victorious in past battles"
[2024/08/11 14:28] Sonja Bikergrrl: Guy: huffs... "I was SENT by the Earl, what kind of servant would I be if I didn't do as he said."
[2024/08/11 14:29] Jassie: "I mean he has a point."
[2024/08/11 14:29] Sonja Bikergrrl: (Mostly by accident, Kylie)
[2024/08/11 14:30] Mecha: I lower my head and look up at him."You could pull the I tried but didn't find them and been on your way. You're also tempting us with the oh I know you don't want it play and turning around. Not complaining here. You've laid out a tempting spread with that but we're not going to go because of some reverse psychology stuff."
[2024/08/11 14:30] Mecha: IF we go it's our choice
[2024/08/11 14:30] Sonja Bikergrrl: Guy mutters "Damnit!" and sighs. "Well, the carriage is outside."
[2024/08/11 14:31] Sonja Bikergrrl: And so you know who he is, a description is now in order: he is a tall and slender man in his late 40s, with neatly combed silver hair that gives him an air of sophistication. He wears a well-tailored black tailcoat complemented by a crisp white cravat and polished boots, each inch of his attire exuding meticulous care. His light blue eyes hold a glint of intelligence and worldly experience, while his demeanor is always composed, reflecting years of disciplined service.
[2024/08/11 14:31] Jassie: shakes her head while laughing to herself, "and yet everything was prepared well."
[2024/08/11 14:32] Mecha: I know right? So we going?
[2024/08/11 14:32] Sonja Bikergrrl: Guy: "The name is Talbot," he says grumpily. "It's only a few hours ride out to the hills."
[2024/08/11 14:33] Jassie: "well why not, we can at least see what the earl says first and whats this legendary beast."
[2024/08/11 14:34] Mecha: Sounds good to me
[2024/08/11 14:34] Sonja Bikergrrl: Outside, there is a fairly well-to-do carriage, but on a closer inspection it does look a bit elderly and tarnished. It clearly is old, and was once top of the range, but, it seems someone is struggling to maintain it now.
[2024/08/11 14:34] Sonja Bikergrrl: Talbot holds open the door for you.
[2024/08/11 14:35] Jassie: "Well thank you kindly Talbot."
[2024/08/11 14:35] Mecha: I wait for Kylie to climb in before I do
[2024/08/11 14:35] Kylie: "Talbot what a gentelman
[2024/08/11 14:35] Sonja Bikergrrl: Talbot gives a little bow, out of habit, as he waits.
[2024/08/11 14:36] Sonja Bikergrrl: All aboard?
[2024/08/11 14:36] Kylie: "steps into the carrige and tries out the seats to find the most comfy"
[2024/08/11 14:36] Jassie: yup
[2024/08/11 14:37] Mecha: /me nods as she climbs in a shuts the door
[2024/08/11 14:37] Sonja Bikergrrl: Talbot gets up and settles, flicks the reins and off we go. It's a few hours, indeed, as the countryside flashes past, and finally, before midday, the carriage draws into Blackheart Manor. It is one of those old stately homes that had fallen into a degree of disrepair. Talbot shouts down: "His lordship had no choice but to throw the manor open to the public. The upkeep of a stately home is simply staggering! As it is, we're barely breaking even."
[2024/08/11 14:39] Jassie: "what is the sounce of income for the Earl then if I may ask."
[2024/08/11 14:40] Sonja Bikergrrl: Talbot: "Old money has it's ways. Land rentals, business ventures, mining, exploring, agriculture."
[2024/08/11 14:40] Sonja Bikergrrl: Times must've become very hard, they were even running a hot pie stall to help the Earl make ends meet. Talbot: "How are the pie receipts today, Cook?" Cook: "Excellent, Mr Talbot, just excellent! They're proving to be very popular!"
[2024/08/11 14:41] Mecha: And I am guessing that removing the beastie will be a help
[2024/08/11 14:41] Jassie: "hmm, and my guess is this beast of sorts isnt helping for sure."
[2024/08/11 14:42] Jassie: "looks at Mecha, well we thinking the same."
[2024/08/11 14:43] Mecha: Agreed
[2024/08/11 14:43] Sonja Bikergrrl: Talbot: "Well... we've been very popular." He gestures about, there's quite a few people milling about the area, gawking and looking at things. "And that's driving our income from the pie stall. They're Cooks' own recipe, we make them ourselves."
[2024/08/11 14:43] Sonja Bikergrrl: Cook: "Here, take some pies for later." He holds up a tray of pies.
[2024/08/11 14:44] Jassie: I give a smile and a nod, "let us at least pay you for this." I look at the cook
[2024/08/11 14:44] Kylie: They look so much better than old rat
[2024/08/11 14:44] Sonja Bikergrrl: Talbot: "They're a silver piece each."
[2024/08/11 14:45] Sonja Bikergrrl: (Everyone gets two pies.)
[2024/08/11 14:45] Mecha: I pay for them."So is there a description of this beastie?
[2024/08/11 14:46] Sonja Bikergrrl: Talbot: "I'd better take you to the Earl."
[2024/08/11 14:46] Jassie: "thank you Mecha, maybe lets get a better description from the Earl. yes"
[2024/08/11 14:47] Sonja Bikergrrl: Through the great hall, up the stairs, third on the left, that's the Earls' study. The Earl is in his late forties, standing tall and regal with a strong physique that reflects years of riding and training in swordplay. He has a well-groomed beard, streaked with silver that hints at his wisdom and experience. His piercing green eyes are sharp and observant, often narrowing when he is deep in thought. He dons rich, dark green and gold attire that signifies his noble status, adorned with intricate embroidery of thorns and leaves - representative of his family crest. A flowing cloak of deep green velvet, lined with fur, drapes from his shoulders, and he carries an ornate sword at his hip, rumored to be enchanted. "Ah. You'd be the adventurers?"
[2024/08/11 14:48] Jassie: I give a bow, " you sent for us, Earl, its a pleasure to meet you."
[2024/08/11 14:49] Sonja Bikergrrl: Earl: "Indeed, I wish it were under more pleasant circumstances. Over the past few months there have been a number of mysterious disappearances amongst my house guests. Three hundred and ninty six, to be exact!"
[2024/08/11 14:50] Mecha: ... Did you say 396 people disappeared?
[2024/08/11 14:51] Sonja Bikergrrl: The Earl nods. "Disappeared from their rooms without trace, not even the local militia can find them."
[2024/08/11 14:51] Jassie: eyes widen, "Wow, and do you not know the source of these disappearances then?"
[2024/08/11 14:52] Sonja Bikergrrl: Earl: "Rumour has it a ghostly beast stalks Blackheart Manor. That beast is supposed to be the cause of this."
[2024/08/11 14:53] Mecha: Wouldn't the logical thing be to not have any more visitors after the first few... You know what, never mind. We were told about a beast. do you have a description?
[2024/08/11 14:53] Jassie: looks around to Kylie and Mecha, "any of you have an idea what it might be? A Death Leaper maybe?" (lol dont mind that 2nd questions hahaha, 40k thingy)
[2024/08/11 14:54] Sonja Bikergrrl: Talbot: "The possibility of being murdered by the Beast of Blackheart adds an element of excitement to an otherwise humdrum visit!"
[2024/08/11 14:54] Sonja Bikergrrl: Earl: "Frankly, we just can't keep people away."
[2024/08/11 14:54] Kylie: "Any chance this beast is a wise-mouthed dragon?"
[2024/08/11 14:55] Sonja Bikergrrl: the Earl and Talbot both look at you. "A.... dragon...?"
[2024/08/11 14:56] Mecha: I can't help but chuckle at that."Long story. So is there a localized area these disappearences happen or is it all over/
[2024/08/11 14:56] Jassie: "haha funny inside joke, dont worry about it."
[2024/08/11 14:57] Sonja Bikergrrl: Earl: "I'm sure the militia would've know if it was a dragon..."
[2024/08/11 14:57] Sonja Bikergrrl: Talbot: "The disappearances are always after midnight, always at night, always from inside locked rooms."
[2024/08/11 14:59] Jassie: "any other information you can give us about these disappearances or if anything is similar in the way they disappear or any kinds of possible connections?
[2024/08/11 15:00] Sonja Bikergrrl: Earl: "Take a look around, get familiar with the Estate... tonight, at the evening meal, Talbot will explain more."
[2024/08/11 15:00] Jassie: looks to the others
[2024/08/11 15:02] Mecha: I just shrug and take some time to take a look at my new sword and make sure my weapons are in good condition
[2024/08/11 15:02] Sonja Bikergrrl: You said you wanted character development, a manor house seems a good place for it ;)
[2024/08/11 15:03] Kylie: Is there a certain room they deapear from, we should stay in that one
[2024/08/11 15:03] Jassie: agreed
[2024/08/11 15:03] Sonja Bikergrrl: aaaaaaaaaannd because a good DM rewards great RP moments... Kylie mentioned dragons, she gets to roll a d20. However, you got to roll under 5. Then again... given the die... that might be very easy.
[2024/08/11 15:04] Sonja Bikergrrl: Talbot: "It's always a different room... or rooms."
[2024/08/11 15:04] D20: Kylie rolls 8
[2024/08/11 15:04] Sonja Bikergrrl: You see paintings... suits of armour... shelves of books... dust... nothing seems unusual.
[2024/08/11 15:05] Jassie: looks through the suits of armour for any kind of symbols or markings
[2024/08/11 15:06] Mecha: After the weapon check I'm gonna go explore. Maybe see about getting a snack before dinner and maybe a place to exercise
[2024/08/11 15:06] Sonja Bikergrrl: They're all battered and ancient. Most bear the markings of Blackheart Manor
[2024/08/11 15:07] Sonja Bikergrrl: There's a gym, and a court outside for various games, but it's a bit overgrown.
[2024/08/11 15:07] Jassie: so Talbot, do you have any ideas or information you can give us on this?"
[2024/08/11 15:07] Sonja Bikergrrl: Talbot: "None at all."
[2024/08/11 15:09] Sonja Bikergrrl: Oh, I forgot
[2024/08/11 15:09] Jassie: oh? the Earl said you might have more information.... hmm, this makes it harder for us."
[2024/08/11 15:09] Sonja Bikergrrl: Mecha, d20
[2024/08/11 15:09] Sonja Bikergrrl: Talbot: "Later, at the dinner."
[2024/08/11 15:10] D20: Mecha rolls 6
[2024/08/11 15:10] Sonja Bikergrrl: You notice something peculiar.
[2024/08/11 15:11] Mecha: I go to investigate, carefully
[2024/08/11 15:11] Sonja Bikergrrl: It's something you probably should've noticed before, but, you keep seeing a cat out of the corner of your eyes. It seems to have been following you for a few days.
[2024/08/11 15:12] Jassie: Gollum? lol
[2024/08/11 15:14] Sonja Bikergrrl: so... what's the plan for the next few hours before dinnertime?
[2024/08/11 15:14] Jassie: well I definitely wanna try one of the pies, and not sure if Mecha says anything.
[2024/08/11 15:15] Mecha: I kneel down to look at the cat and hold out a hand. Her mind not exactly on pie at the moment
[2024/08/11 15:15] Sonja Bikergrrl: You bite into the pie. No wonder it's seeling so well... it's delicious! And the meat is thoroughly and well cooked.
[2024/08/11 15:16] Sonja Bikergrrl: The cat looks at Mecha, then with typical feline disdain, it rises and walks away
[2024/08/11 15:16] Jassie: whats happening over there Mecha?
[2024/08/11 15:19] Mecha: I shrug and smile before beginning my exercises. Honestly already forgetting about the pie.
[2024/08/11 15:19] Sonja Bikergrrl: Kylie?
[2024/08/11 15:21] Kylie: Takes a piece of the pie
[2024/08/11 15:21] Kylie: and eats it as well
[2024/08/11 15:22] Sonja Bikergrrl: It's a very tasty pie. The Cook clearly is well trained. Tasty, succulent, everything a meat pie should be.
[2024/08/11 15:23] Sonja Bikergrrl: The Manor is a fairly big building, with a large grounds outside. At least fifty people are wandering throughout, looking at armour, trees, and the various oddities in all old places. Time passes, and it's soon dinner time.
[2024/08/11 15:23] Jassie: interesting that noone seems to be too bothered about these disappearences honestly
[2024/08/11 15:24] Sonja Bikergrrl: It adds to the mystery and excitement.
[2024/08/11 15:24] Sonja Bikergrrl: The Earl takes in many paying guests, either travellers or curious visitors or even those who want to dine with a titled peer and get a nights' rest in a noblemans' house. The dinner is a lavish affair, with several courses and fine wine.
[2024/08/11 15:24] Sonja Bikergrrl: There's a few middle class guests, and the captain of the local militia, in charge of investigations. "I don't hold with calling in amateur adventurers. My men will get to the bottom of this, sooner or later!"
[2024/08/11 15:24] Mecha: I am back after exercising and getting cleaned up ready for dinner
[2024/08/11 15:25] Sonja Bikergrrl: In the corner of the room, the cat sits preening itself, licking her paws and rubbing over her ears industriously.
[2024/08/11 15:26] Mecha: I raise an eye brow looking at the cat before eating
[2024/08/11 15:27] Jassie: "well, someone is clearly not a fan of us there." gestures at the gaptain of the militia
[2024/08/11 15:27] Sonja Bikergrrl: The Earl looks dubious. "So far, twelve militia men have themselves vanished!"
[2024/08/11 15:28] Sonja Bikergrrl: The highlight of the meal was when Talbot did his party piece. He stands up at the end of the table dramatically, behind him a huge painting of a golden, serpentine form with wings, titled "Sonja y Ddraig Aur."
[2024/08/11 15:29] Jassie: "erm.... Mecha.... " I point at the painting.
[2024/08/11 15:29] Mecha: I just look at the painting for a moment and mutter."Bestest buddy."
[2024/08/11 15:29] Sonja Bikergrrl: (No longer charmed, Mecha)
[2024/08/11 15:30] Mecha: *Starting to think using Bestest buddy as a bit of sarcasm if a nice touch*
[2024/08/11 15:30] Mecha: *This one knows.*
[2024/08/11 15:30] Sonja Bikergrrl: Talbot guestures dramatically, and looks round the table before starting to speak. "Ladies and gentlemen! The history of Blackheart Manor is long and dark, but never so dark as the long ago days of the thirteenth Earl of Blackheart! He who became known as... The Beast of Blackheart Manor! Deformed in mind as well as body, the thirteenth Earl turned the manor into a place to be feared! Black were his deeds, and red was the blood on his murderous hands! Nightly, the great hall would ring with the shrieks of his victims!"
[2024/08/11 15:31] Sonja Bikergrrl: The cat gives Mecha a disdainful look from the corner, and starts licking her side.
[2024/08/11 15:31] Kylie: Shreeks dont sound like vanishing, but more like been unwillingly taken.
[2024/08/11 15:31] Sonja Bikergrrl: Talbot: "He was caught and tried, and his body was hung until death from the old oak tree which still stands today out in the garden. And with his dying breath, the evil Earl swore to haunt Blackheart Manor forever - and it is true! The Beast still stalks the night, his skin black and withered, his fangs long and deadly, his eyes like pools of hate!"
[2024/08/11 15:32] Jassie: hmm... can i quietly go have a look at the tree
[2024/08/11 15:32] Sonja Bikergrrl: At night, while at dinner?
[2024/08/11 15:33] Sonja Bikergrrl: Talbot pauses dramatically, then says loudly, pointing down the table... "And tonight, the Beast will stalk again! Tonight, some of you will DIE!"
[2024/08/11 15:34] Jassie: i mean if no one notices
[2024/08/11 15:34] Jassie: where is the tree at anyways
[2024/08/11 15:34] Sonja Bikergrrl: Desert is served, while people mumble, mutter, and look at each other.
[2024/08/11 15:34] Sonja Bikergrrl: Probably outside, in the grounds.
[2024/08/11 15:35] Mecha: I look around at the people who are not us or the town guard and ask them."I would ask why your here but I am unsure I want an answer."
[2024/08/11 15:35] Sonja Bikergrrl: A middle aged lady leans closer to you. "Isn't it exciting? A real, actual haunted manor!"
[2024/08/11 15:35] Kylie: /me looks at cat and teases it offering it desser then eating it and laughing at the cat
[2024/08/11 15:36] Jassie: ahh ok, then not if its otuside
[2024/08/11 15:36] Sonja Bikergrrl: The cat just ignores Kylie, as cats do.
[2024/08/11 15:36] Mecha: I see what Kylie does and takes a small piece of meat and offers it under the table to the cat.
[2024/08/11 15:36] Jassie: "well exciting until something actually happens..."
[2024/08/11 15:37] Jassie: but ah well
[2024/08/11 15:37] Sonja Bikergrrl: The meal comes to an end, various guests start to wander to their rooms, servants start clearing the table.
[2024/08/11 15:39] Jassie: so what do you two reckon we should do tonight?
[2024/08/11 15:39] Sonja Bikergrrl: I was just going to ask :)
[2024/08/11 15:40] Mecha: We can turn in for the night and see what happens or interact with people there's bound to be a common room to talk in
[2024/08/11 15:41] Jassie: that might be a good idea!
[2024/08/11 15:41] Sonja Bikergrrl: There is, but, it being late, most are heading to their bedrooms. You got room 12A.
[2024/08/11 15:41] Kylie: Tries to intoxicate a guest to bring back to the room as bait for the deamon.
[2024/08/11 15:42] Sonja Bikergrrl: lol.... you .... sure about that?
[2024/08/11 15:42] Kylie: Yes
[2024/08/11 15:42] Mecha: I just shake my head and go to the room.
[2024/08/11 15:42] Sonja Bikergrrl: em..... d20, roll under 11. Charisma check
[2024/08/11 15:42] D12: Kylie rolls 11
[2024/08/11 15:42] Jassie: oh boy
[2024/08/11 15:43] Sonja Bikergrrl: wait, I was looking at Mechas' sheet
[2024/08/11 15:43] Sonja Bikergrrl: 6.
[2024/08/11 15:43] Sonja Bikergrrl: The guest just looks at Kylie. "I think you had enough, you ghastly littlr fellow!"
[2024/08/11 15:44] Sonja Bikergrrl: (All dwarves have beards and wear 12 layers of clothing, so gender is more or less optional)
[2024/08/11 15:45] Jassie: (ah we going by that lore.)
[2024/08/11 15:45] Kylie: and i thought rompers were bad to try and pee in
[2024/08/11 15:45] Sonja Bikergrrl: (Yep. In loving memory of Terry Pratchett. He's summoning dragons in heaven now.)
[2024/08/11 15:46] Sonja Bikergrrl: Moving on quickly from the subject of urinary challanges... off to the bedroom?
[2024/08/11 15:46] Mecha: /me nods
[2024/08/11 15:47] Kylie: goes to the bedroom since my charm didnt work for pertection
[2024/08/11 15:47] Sonja Bikergrrl: A big room, lots of wood panelling, bookshelves, a huge window and a great big bed.
[2024/08/11 15:47] Sonja Bikergrrl: It's getting close to midnight, and there is a loud rumbling outside... seems another storm is coming
[2024/08/11 15:48] Jassie: maybe we should try to seem less like we're waiting for whatever it is
[2024/08/11 15:48] Mecha: I find a chair to sit in and rest. there is no way there are enough beds for all of us
[2024/08/11 15:49] Sonja Bikergrrl: That night, another lightning storm lights up the sky; caused by some freak distortion of climate, geography and the usual background thaumic radiations. I don't know... it's always usually stormy here, okay? And then a loud "OOOAAOOAAAOOAAAOOOOAAAA!" coming from downstairs! Annnnnnd.... that's this weeks' cliffhanger! If you want to know what happens next... be here next week! ;D
[2024/08/11 15:50] Mecha: Now that is a cliffhanger looking forward to next week :)
[2024/08/11 15:51] Sonja Bikergrrl: Mmhmm :)
[2024/08/11 15:51] Sonja Bikergrrl: Purrfectly timed!
[2024/08/11 15:51] Jassie: lolol
[2024/08/11 15:53] Sonja Bikergrrl: night y'all :)