That's a pity. Fine, a club will do too if it comes in handy (maybe it'll break and then he could take just an eyeball?).

Good because I forgot to do my action due to midterms.

Mission 7, Turn 4 has now ENDED.

Kyp and Baldbeard may post before 9PM UTC, 5PM Eastern Time USA.

Kyp after getting to the top of the staircase sees the spiders and takes his rapier out of it's holder.

Saying quietly
"guys you all seem to notice the danger here and the suspicious little (if a leprechaun is shorter than me) man, but there are some spiders above us. I will keep watch to make sure no spiders drop on us, while you probe for traps. Remember spiders tend to react to quick movements and they can feel vibrations."

Kyp walks with crew mates who are walking in room probing for traps while Kyp is keeping watch above to make sure no spiders fall upon and get his friends.

Mission 7 - The Tunnels, Turn 5
*Turn Ends 8PM UTC, 25 March 2025.*

In order: Grog'tial, BenKii, Argy, Gilius, Bellandra, Count, Grog'tial, BenKii, Count, Kyp.

Grog'tial: [Wow, mention huge spiders and his half-brother and he aces his initiative!] (roll dice*6) Even with all your many years of training you barely keep your face carefully neutral at the mention of 'Ug'Rialt'. You don't trust the hag, she might have seen something in your mind after all, but THIS, this confirms your suspicions. Finally! A solid lead to your half-brother, the reason you joined the Crew. It's taken far longer than intended, and you've found things ... and some found you ... that you never went looking for - but from here you should be able to follow up on this lead and take care of that little problem permanently. But that's for later. As Captain BenKii begins to ask more questions of the small man, you softly inform the non-darkvisioned Crew of the two spiders above (why does it always have to be spiders?!) and the impaling spikes in the middle of the room, and strongly suggest probing the floor ahead with whatever is at hand before taking a step, so as to avoid becoming the next corpse to be impaled on any additional spikes. From your peripheral vision you see Argy sneak to the edge of the torchlight, then off into the darkness, weaving to the right before heading stealthily to the very small man, who you now see is only about 2/3rds her own size. But halflings don't have darkvision, so how is she navigating? You are so busy loading a stun bolt into your crossbow you almost don't hear Argy's quiet questions of the little man. Argy has knowledge about your half-brother??! You'll have to sit down with her later over a mug of grog once you're back on the ship! Just the lead of the name "Balderion" is gold once you can give it to your network - and who knows what else she might remember?! You reposition yourself slightly to keep a clear line of sight to shoot the spiders, the little man in green or anything threatening him or Argy. You have a lot of questions to ask the little man once everyone is safer.

Captain BenKii: (roll dice*3) You hear the lilting voice speak of an 'Ug'Rialt'. That sounds close to Og'rialt, a dwarf brigand you briefly met in the central chamber of this dungeon years ago, just before everything happened and people scattered into different tunnels. Then that means Og'rialt did make it out alright, you think to yourself. But if he stole something from this individual then it may have been deserved. You can't see him, but you can't help but wonder if this person is bait set by the spiders Grog'tial has informed you are waiting above. Something about the voice nags at you. The person says he knows a way out, but anyone in his position would say anything to be freed. Yet, it is also your duty to help those in need. "Fear not sir. We'll get you out in a jiffy. But would you mind answering a few questions first? Like how did you come to know this Ug'Rialt and why would he steal your gold?"

You suggest that those of the Crew who can see better in the dark try to free the person and those who can not should stay close to Karnstein's torch or perhaps grab another one from the stairway behind them. "Karnstein, lead the way. I shall follow and provide support with me weapons," you say, as you stand at the edge of the torchlight, drawing your rapier and musket and ready to provide backup. You didn't immediately see Argy sneaking off towards the voice, but as you barely hear her talking quietly and the voice responds you realize just where you've heard that particular lilt before ... Clíodhna speaks with a hint of that same accent!

Argy: (roll dice*6) To cheat your hunger, you open the tea bag and chew on some of your British Breakfast tea leaves. It's bitter, but also refreshing and you begin to feel more awake and alert, although you notice it doesn't work quite as well as when it is brewed. You offer some to other mateys, but nobody seems interested. Shrugging, you consume half of it, tying up the remainder in the bag and tucking it back in a pocket. Putting some pieces together in your mind, you are about to ask more questions but hearing Grog'tial's whispered warning of the spiders above, you decide to shut up until you are closer and carefully sneak towards the voice. As you arrive at the edge of the torchlit area a very faintly glowing rainbow path appears at your feet, winding towards the right away from the center before curving into the shadows. [GM Note: No one but Argy sees this path.] You pull out your Dust of Disappearance, then remember it only works on everyone in a 3m/10ft radius, but only while nobody moves. Instead you sneakily follow the path until you come upon a little man even smaller than you. The very faint rainbow glow lets you see his smile and the wink he gives you even as you see the predicament. He's entangled in part of a sticky spiderweb that will alert the spiders if he struggles or is pulled out.

"Howdy, was the mercenary call'd Balderion?" you ask quietly. Taking your very sharp kitchen knife from your pack, you professionally go to work, slicing through just the strands of the web needed like slicing all those fishheads. "Nice fellow, met 'im once time ago. 'e also mentioned the dwarf Ug'rialt, a landlubber that there couldn't avast chatterin' an' 'ad strange ideas... an' other mateys too, like a clever wizard, an impetuous elf an' a fellow halflin'... an' there been this here dark elf that there followed an' stalked them constantly... probably it been 'er the one who rob ye. From what I 'eard, Ug'rialt wasn't able to do such thing, but the dwarf been jolly at killin' filthy 'ags, an' any clue on him could also lead us to the floatin' skull that there gives away books. Because... ye 'adn't spied a floatin' skull o'er 'ere, by chance?"

(Roll dice) "Aye, Beldarion. That be 'im. Good with 'is fists, likes to punch people in the face," the small man says quietly to you while you continue to cut him free. "I dinna know about 'em hags or any flying skulls, but that Beldarion told tales of this Ug'Rialt stealing gold and riches from this very place and blatherin' on about an unending pot o' gold." You cut away the last strand of web which restrains him. "Tack this up where ye settle, lass, and the wee folk will favor ye," he says, pressing a shamrock into your hand. "The way ye want to go be behind the bad tempered stone giant's cubbyhole." With another wink the Leprechaun suddenly vanishes.

Gilius: (roll dice*4) You begin to follow Argy to the leprechaun while keeping an eye on the spiders above. Your attention is on the spiders as she veers to the right and your foot comes down on a section of floor that suddenly sinks slightly as you step on the edge of it. You barely manage to throw yourself backwards in time as a large spike springs up from the floor! You are shaken, but unharmed. The spiders shift at the sound and one of them begins to descend slowly. You immediately fall back to the group, but you cannot help but wonder how long the leprechaun has been here and how the spiders haven't eaten him already.

(Roll dice) As the spider begins to descend, Grog'tial shoots his stun bolt at it. *Success* The stun bolt hits and the large spiden drops to the floor, stunned. It triggers another trap, and a spike impales it through the abdomen. Captain BenKii raises his musket to shoot, but seeing the spider impaled, waits and readies himself to aim at any other spider descending from above instead.

Bellandra: (roll dice*5) You peer at what you can see of the dark room, seeing evidence of strong magic or potent alchemical fire. You've sensed fey magic within, could the voice belong to one of the fey? While you do not trust the voice, which spoke of being stuck and a welcoming committee which Grog'tial identifies as large spiders waiting above and spikes through the middle of the room, at least the owner of the voice warned the Crew instead of leading them into an ambush. "Methinks we should keep our voices low, if this committee be still asleep let us keep them so," you whisper to the crew. "I have not the eyes to see them in this darkness, but those who can spot them may whisper where they be to the rest of us, and direct our shots if need be." You stay within the torchlight, keeping your cutlass and hand crossbow ready. Keeping in mind Grog'tial's warning about traps in the floor, you are keeping a careful watch when suddenly Gilius trips a trap and comes hurrying back to the group, just as Grog'tial shoots and a large spider drops to the ground, triggering another trap which impales the spider. As Captain BenKii raises his musket and aims above, you see no other spider, but instead step swiftly forward and use your cutlass on the impaled spider. *Success* With the spider stunned and impaled you are able to use your cutlass to double strike, severing the head.

Count Karnstein: [+3 Strength ends with this turn] (roll dice*8) You scarcely register any words as your eyes and mind are transfixed by the petrified ball of unadulterated awe lying ahead. You must see it up close, it is the opportunity of a lifetime. Prompted by BenKii, you collect yourself. "Careful, I doubt this wretched bum ever saw a pot o' gold unless he'd pissed in one, let alone ownin' such," you say quietly so only those in close earshot can hear as you slowly start into the room, torch in hand. "What 'bout those traps ye mentioned? Where they be, eh?" you inquire aloud as you step with caution, seeing Argy already at the small figure and Gilius ahead of you heading her way. Your caution proves warranted as Gilius triggers a trap, disturbing the spiders above. The first spider is slain, but you see the second spider dropping down on a rope of web.

Grog'tial shoots a regular bolt, *Fail* but misses.

Captain BenKii shoots his musket as the shadow of the spider comes into view. *Success* He hits the abdomen and an oily substance bleeds out of it.

Count, using your enhanced strength, you tear one of the spikes from the floor and hurl it at great velocity. *Success* The spike tears through the abdomen again, bleeding more of the oily fluid. The spider drops to the floor and you swiftly strike it with the torch, catching it on fire. It scuttles backwards towards the middle of the room, triggering another trap. There it becomes like a burning brazier, providing light towards the center of the room, while the edges still remain in shadow. With the spiders taken care of your thoughts return to the beholder. Now that you are somewhat closer you can see that it is very large, 2.5m (~8ft) diameter, and the eye stalks are as big as a half-orc arms. You are so taken up with it you don't even notice the little man has vanished.

Kyp: (roll dice*2) Seeing the spiders, you draw your rapier and echo Grog'tial's warning to the others. "Guys you all seem to notice the danger here and the suspicious little man, but there are some spiders above us. I will keep watch to make sure no spiders drop on us, while you probe for traps. Remember spiders tend to react to quick movements and they can feel vibrations." You walk with the Crew while Bellandra and Count watch for traps, your own eyes watching the spiders. Suddenly a trap is sprung and first one spider, then another descends. Calling out a warning, you are about to attack the second spider when it is lit on fire and runs away. Count Karnstein seems more interested in the petrified beholder, but with the flickering light your eyes detect faint movement of shadowy creatures on the ceiling beyond it.

All Crew: From beyond the ajar door you hear the sounds of items being hastily sorted through, along with a grumbles of "Where's me pot?" and various threats involving the dwarf Ug'Rialt's beard, boots and nether regions.

-----

Dungeon, Beholder Room: Argy, Bellandra, BenKii, Count, Gilius, Grog'tial, Kyp
Baldbeard's Ship: Baldbeard
???: Aylar, Devin, Cliodhna, Aeshma, Refyx, Rummyfangs

Yes, the leprechaun showing up on Saint Patrick's was intentional, especially since we missed what could have been a funny Valentine's Day for some of you romantics.

Should Argy check her fairy tales book, she'd find that while leprechauns don't trust dwarves or humans (because they suspect them of only being after their gold), they get along very well with halflings, gnomes and elves. ;)

Count ogles the ominous boulder in all its still menacing, yet now safely distant, glory while circling around it, muttering something inaudible, knocking at it, and trying to nudge it as if to check whether it really is as heavy as it looks (who knows, could be hollow inside). He finds it quite impressive - like a work of an ancient master sculptor, once true to the minutest details, although now a bit fatigued by the relentless passage of time. Perhaps the only one of its kind in the whole world. At least Count, being a cultured man, was not aware of any noteworthy statues depicting beholders, nor complete fossils, for that matter. He could already picture it in his mind's eye, standing proudly in the grand foyer of his imaginary would-be mansion. Count genuinely considers making an arrangement with the warden of this dungeon, provided there is such, to have the extraordinary piece being taken by him. Otherwise he could come back here at a later time for a little scavenging, hoping that nobody preceded him in his intent in the meantime.

Hearing the sounds coming from the next room snaps him out of his musings, and he focuses his attention on the ajar door instead, now curious what's behind.

Count doesn't expect any danger at the moment, but still he subconsciously threads carefully on the way to the door, mindful of possible traps and gaps. Once by the door, he will open them and peer inside.

Captain's Log: Mission 7 - The Tunnels, Turn 5
We dispatched the spiders with ease and even lit up the room a bit from the burning carcass of one of them. Argy had snuck off to free this person stuck in a trap but once the room was lit, I could see that the person was now gone. Then we heard a commotion going on from beyond an ajar door which sounded just like our trapped friend.

BenKii walked carefully looking for traps as he approached the ajar door, signalling his other crew members to follow. With musket drawn, BenKii opened the door only to find what he could best describe was a leprechaun. A short one at that! Seeing no threat, BenKii withdrew his weapon. "Oh ain't you just a cute little thing. I just want to pick you up and put you in my pocket." said BenKii chuckling. Obviously the leprechaun may not take too kindly to words about his height so the Captain changed the subject. "I see you found your treasure." Noting the various shiny things within the room, "Or perhaps you didn't?" Realizing that, in fact, this leprechaun was shouting obscenities about Ug'Rialt again. 'Hmm,' thought BenKii, 'From what I know of ancient Earth mythology about leprechauns, they are overly obsessed with gold and will do anything to get it back. I may be able to use this to my advantage.'

"You say you want your gold? We say we want a way out of this dungeon? I say an even trade is in order since I happen to know this Og'Rialt you speak of and where he could be located." said BenKii. Yes, he had met Og'Rialt briefly before but did not know him very well. He only met him one other time in a Fight Club arena. Last he saw him, he was prancing around in a pink tutu. Why? Who knows! That dwarf always had a weird streak about him. The Captain was holding his cards close to his vest bluffing how much he actually knew about the dwarf. "Yes, yes, Og'Rialt the brigand dwarf. A mischievous fellow that one was. Always talking to himself about some Shadowy Figure out to get him. I dare say that dwarf was downright paranoid! Oh but don't let me prattle on about that Oggy boy! You want your gold! So, let's get out of this dungeon and I'll take ya right to him. Surely he hasn't spent all of your coin....yet." With an emphasis on the "yet" to show the urgency of getting out of the dungeon quickly before all his gold was spent.

If BenKii is able to detect and target the shadowy figures lurking in the darkness, he will shoot them with his musket while using his rapier to keep them at bay.

Extended Turn Deadline
*Turn Ends 8PM UTC, 25 March 2025.*

Due to RL commitments I am unable to stay up late tonight to roll and compose the Actions. As most of the Crew have not posted actions yet, I am moving the deadline to tomorrow. Please do not wait to post at the last minute, for your character's sake ... after all, this is the mysterious figure's dungeon. [Mwa-ha-ha!]

Bellandra was glad to be able to finish off the first spider - the Crew had had enough nasty encounters with poisons, no need for more. She did not see the other spider dropping down, but heard BenKii's and Grog'tial's shots and turned in time to see the Count's combination of spike-throw and torch-wielding set the other spider on fire. "Well done, ye all!" she cheered.

She was glad to get more light in the room, even if the light source was a burning giant spider, but she remained suspicious of the darkened edges of the room - where there were two spiders, might there be more? "Traps be all around us it seems", Bellandra stated to the others, "Be ye careful in yer movements".

She continued to move warily towards the ajar door, testing the ground for traps with her cutlass.

Dilly-dallying must be punished...

The air seems to suddenly turn freezing cold. "Dilly-dallying must be punished..." - whispers a bodyless voice in Argy's ear.

If there's a clear path towards the ajar door, Argy will carefully follow it and try to help the friendly leprechaun in his searching, pocketing any extra valuable she finds on the process, and paying attention in case she finds any clue that might lead the party to Og'rialt, the floating skull or the book. She will also stop any matey that might unease the leprechaun with their presence (like a human or dwarf) from showing up.

If there's no clear safe path, she'll help the crew find and disarm any traps on the path to the door.

"Guys, even with the spiders gone I do not think we are alone... I am seeing movement beyond the beholder in the ceiling"

Kyp keeps watch for more movements while staying near the rest of the crew (if they all go into any hallways or rooms he will follow behind keeping watch on the back of the group, if they stay in the room he will be aware looking for danger to warn the crew about)

Grog'tial startles from the reverie he had sunk into, contemplating the schemes he must execute in order to counter the ploys his half-brother had most certainly set in motion for this time.

He sees the crew starting to explore the hall - most not exercising nearly enough caution given the circumstances. His eyes dart around, ascertaining the most likely avenues for the further attacks which he is certain are to come. He's just about to start following in the footsteps of a crew member who's so far managed to not trigger any trap, when Kyp calls out, directing his eyes to the ceiling. When he spots the shadowy creatures, they uncomfortably remind him of earlier encounters with other shadowy creatures. Their red eyes make him believe these to be a different type of enemy, though. He loads a stun bolt and - cursing at the extra time it takes since it's not in his quiver - an explosive bolt into his crossbow, and will direct all his concentration to this new threat. If any of them come close enough to any crew member, he'll shoot (with the stun bolt if two or more are massed together, with the explosive bolt if not), hoping to again make them fall down within reach of a crew member who can finish off the threat, if the explosion and/or fall didn't do so yet.

After the fright he got from the ambushing spiders, Gilius sighs in relief to see that they were taken care of by the crew.
Once the room seems clear, he begins advancing towards the door cautiously while taking advantage of his vision to spot for possible traps on the ground and other threats from the ceiling, and to guide the rest of the crew. If he can, he will try to grab some spidersilk from where the leprechaun was being captive. Who knows ? Maybe Refyx can make something of it ?

If all goes well and the group reaches the room where the leprechaun is, Gilius will propose an offer to him. "'Aye, lad ! How 'bout ye 'elp us be gone out o' 'ere, ye filthy dog o' this here place ? If ye can lead us out o' 'ere, I'll offer ye this wonderful an' shiny an' sweeeet gold coin ! 'o about that ?" Then he takes out one gold coin out of his pocket to show him for a second before returning it.