Iren's PbP - Prologue

[DemoGraph]

Felix: I suggest to barricade the hole with one of the larger crates for now. We need to rest and think what to do next.

► OOC

We probably could ask locals whether they've already met these rats before and where they might nest. And how much are we going to get paid for getting rid of them. I suggest a lump sum + payment per rat tail.

But now, food and sleep.

[logincrash]

After helping to put the fire out, Norman speaks "I suggest we regroup and take stock of the situation upstairs. We need to inform the innkeeper that there's no immediate danger. However, somebody should be on the look out in case more rats or perhaps something fouler decides to crawl out of this hole."
He then approaches Gunthard and says "Good man, let's get you upstairs and tend to your wounds." He and Wolfgang help Gunthard get upstairs.
Norman sees Tillomar nursing his hand and says "I can dress that as well."

[Humbaba]

Zollo heeds @the large man's words and notices that the hole definitely is too small for someone of the Manhunter's tall stature to fit through. Wordlessly, he quickly walks upstairs to find the innkeeper, her husband and the others.

"We killed the Rats but there doth be a hole in the Wall whence they came. It needeth be bigger for us to pass. Woman! Hand me a Hammer!"

[ERYFKRAD]

With potential forays into ratholes indefinitely set at abeyance, Hrod trudges out to find a watering trough to drop on the fire; there was likely little point in putting the fire out bucket by bucket when a trough could do the job a mite quicker.

[Lord of Riva]

Felix: I suggest to barricade the hole with one of the larger crates for now. We need to rest and think what to do next.

► OOC

We probably could ask locals whether they've already met these rats before and where they might nest. And how much are we going to get paid for getting rid of them. I suggest a lump sum + payment per rat tail.

But now, food and sleep.

► OOC

Since I don't think there has been no reaction by @Val the Moofia Boss regarding my question I am just going to assume I am still in the cellar

Shruggin after not getting a reaction from Gunthard, Wolfgang answers Felix "That sounds like a good idea" he pulls back the hem of his robes and starts pushing one of the crates that is big enough in front of the hole.

[maidenhaver]

Seeing that the fire is well under control, George leaves the innsfolk in Olwin's gray hands, to examine the combat scene a bit closer. This can't be a rat. He'd never seen a true monster.

[SpellSword]

With the news of the giant rat's death Stein Von Steiner breathes a sigh of relief and begins gathering his scattered and slightly bloody possessions. The sight of so much of his own blood on the floor brings with it the realization that his own clothing is an equally bloody mess.

Snatching up his bronze sword he lets out a quiet chuckle. His fine clothes had been worth more than five coppers, a total loss. He lingered on that thought as another of the inn's patrons ran past him to help with the fire brigade... fire brigade... fire!

Stein's eyes widened as the similarity to his present situation and the fiery events that robbed him of his fortune horrifyingly overlapped in his mind. If the inn burned liability would no doubt be placed on those who had ventured into the cellar. Even worse, if the fire spread to adjacent buildings the entire town would be after his blood.

Spurred by the threat of additional financial ruin, he charges back into the cellar to take in the state of the fire with his own eyes.

► Adjusted Equipment list for Stein Von Steiner

• Rusty Bronze Sword
• Medium Bow
• (x10) Arrows
• Leather Armor
• Gloves
• Flint & Steel
• (x5) Rations
• ****
• Sack
• (x4) Bottle of Booze
• (x1) Bloodstained Bottle of Booze
• (x5) Bandages
• (x1) Used bloody Bandage
• Medicine
• (x4) Herbs
• (20) Ingredients
• Rocks
• Money: 2 Silver left.

[Oyster Sauce]

Not wanting a soggy pair of boots, Ostgar waits for a break in the line of people shuffling buckets downstairs to head up into the common room. He makes a point of walking next to the innkeeper with his bloody spear, to alleviate any possible doubt about his participation in the battle below.

[Val the Moofia Boss]

Gunthard accepted Norman's aid to get upstairs for treatment.

[Stack of Turtles]

Actually, Alfwine isn't paying attention to the debate about the hole at all. Holes aren't his problem, rats are his problem. Technically the fire isn't his problem either, but it may cut into the whole receiving a reward thing. His attention, therefore, is entirely on going up the stairs to make sure the innkeeper is apprised of the situation, vis-a-vis both rats and flame, and then to help handle the second with probably not much more usefulness than he did with the first.

[TKVNC]

Tillomar climbs to his feet and nods briefly at Norman.

"I'd be well pleased to see it done."

He follows the other men up the stairs, with Fergal following behind, his muzzle stained with blood.

"Some rats... Never seen anything like it... Better get this key back, anyway."

He swings the old iron key around with the fingers on his left hand.

[Irenaeus]

Securing the Cellar, Going Upstairs

With the monstrous rats defeated, the adventurers in the cellar turn to the immediate tasks of managing the remaining hazards, dealing with the wounded, and addressing the ominous hole in the back wall.

Resolving the Hole Conflict (For Now):

The disagreement over the hole is quickly mediated by Hrod. Stepping between Zollo, Kal, Felix and Ostgar, he acknowledges Kal's detection of evil but points out the practical difficulty: "if you are so minded to seek quarry in holes, I would counsel you to make the holes fit our own sizes". Zollo, conceding the point about the hole's current small size, wordlessly abandons the argument and heads upstairs with a new purpose: to acquire tools. Felix promptly suggests barricading the opening for the time being ["Barricade the hole... We need to rest and think"]. Wolfgang agrees ["That sounds like a good idea"] and begins pushing a large crate towards the hole to block it. Kal Arion watches nearby, the barricade offering small comfort against the evil he still senses faintly beyond it. Seeing the immediate exploration attempt stalled, Ostgar, wanting to ensure Brenna sees proof of his involvement, waits for a gap in the anticipated bucket brigade traffic before also heading upstairs.

Dealing with Fire and Wounded:

Having defused the argument, Hrod decides the fire needs a more definitive solution than buckets. He strides off, heading outside the cellar, immediately finding the water trough in front of the inn to douse the flames thoroughly. He proceeds to lift and fill it with water from the nearest fountain and carry it back full to the cellar, using his mighty strength. Meanwhile, Norman suggests regrouping upstairs. He approaches the wounded Gunthard (who had accepted help), saying, "Good man, let's get you upstairs and tend to your wounds." He begins assisting Gunthard towards the stairs, joined by Wolfgang before Wolfgang started moving the crate. Norman also sees Tillomar nursing his injured hand and offers his aid ["I can dress that as well"]. Tillomar accepts ["I'd be well pleased to see it done"] and follows the others upstairs, intending to return Brenna's key. Alfwine, seemingly uninterested in the hole debate and concerned about reporting the situation and seeing about the reward, also decides to head upstairs.

Upstairs: Arrivals, Demands, and Sudden Panic:

The common room becomes increasingly active. Zollo arrives from the cellar and makes a blunt demand of Brenna: "Woman! Hand me a Hammer!", intending to enlarge the hole later. Soon after, Ostgar emerges, making sure his bloody spear is visible. Then Norman and Wolfgang arrive, supporting the injured Gunthard, followed by Tillomar and his dog Fergal, and Alfwine. Meanwhile, George is finishing the work with the water bucket team ("fire brigade") and goes down the packed cellar to examine in awe the remains of the giant rats from the combat scene a bit closer. ["This can't be a rat..."].

While this is happening, Stein, recovering near the table George cleared, begins gathering his dropped, blood-stained possessions. He ruefully notes his ruined clothes, but as he sees Olwin's fire brigade mustering, the word "fire" triggers a traumatic flashback to the blaze that destroyed his past life. Consumed by a sudden fear of liability if the inn burns, he grabs his sword and, completely reversing his earlier flight, charges back down the cellar stairs to assess the fire himself.

Current Situation:

Cellar: Wolfgang and Felix finished barricading the hole. Kal Arion is near. Stein is just arriving back down in a panic, and he will likely be relieved. The fire is basically contained, just smoldering embers and a flame here and there. Part of the wooded furniture, crates and barrels burned somewhat, but the total damage must be assessed by the innkeeper. George arrived to examine the combat scene.

Upstairs: Becoming crowded and tense. Zollo demands tools. Gunthard and Tillomar are being treated by Norman and are stable. Ostgar has just made his presence known. Alfwine seeks Brenna. Olwin coordinated the fire brigade (Green Prophet, Ryre, Alfred, locals) bringing water and are now putting back the buckets away. Hrod is bringing an incredibly heavy water trough across the room and he’s heading downstairs.

The next steps involve resolving the following:

1. The party needs to fully regroup and make a final decision about the barricaded hole and the evil source detected.
2. Brenna and Olwin react to the influx of wounded/reporting adventurers. (Everyone who talks to them rolls reactions for Brenna and Olwin. A single roll will suffice.).

[logincrash]

Norman brings Gunthard and Tillomar to a free table and begins working on cleaning and bandaging wounds. First Gunthard's neck and foot, then Tillomar's hand, then his own leg (-5 bandages total (Stein 1, Gunthard 2, Tillomar 1, Norman 1)).
"You there," Norman nods at @Ostgar, "Great job taking care of those rats. Help the big guy with the water trough, will you?"
He then turns to the innkeeper Brenna. "As you see, everything is under control. There's no immediate danger and everyone did their part to help. Bring the men drinks and we'll discuss what to do next."

[Oyster Sauce]

With a forced eager smile after being directly called out, Ostgar sets his spear down and gets up to assist with moving the trough, taking the front end. "****'s sake"

[Lord of Riva]

Wolfgang turns towards the other men "Let us join the others above and talk about what we do now" then goes upstairs.

He then will proceed to help out any specific tasks that help stabilizing the situation, after he joins Norman who seems to have organized a table with drinks to hold council on how to proceed.

[DemoGraph]

Felix goes upstairs. He tries to discuss the following, when opportunity presents itself.
To Brenna: I believe we've deserved our food and longing. Would you be so kind as to bring them here?
To George (I assume I can see that he's her husband): There's a burrow in the wall of your basement. It seems that the rats came from there. We've barricaded it, for the time being. We can't be sure how far it goes or how many rats could be in the nest. Somebody should watch over that hole at night. Maybe you can ask some of the lads to sit by the basement stairs? They should be able to hear if rats begin to chew through it again.
To all + locals + George (maybe not ask directly, but join the discussion): Have you met these rats previously? Can you tell us something about them? What's going on in the town in general, any rumours?

Also: eat and sleep.

edit: dem rerolls

[SpellSword]

Back in the carnage filled cellar, Stein Von Steiner surveys the battle's aftermath. It is immediately clear that although there may have been damage from it, the fire itself is under control and well on the way to being extinguished.

Confident that the makeshift barricade that is now covering the hole in the cellar wall will bar any surprise attack from lurking vermin, he approaches the body of the massive rat that recently sought his life.

There is no time for hesitation. The attention of the townsfolk and innkeeper must be redirected from any thought of the blaze and back onto these basement dwelling monstrosities. Steeling himself, Stein prods the creature's corpse with his boot before setting to his task.

Years of hauling large barrels and other freight around the brewery had granted Stein an impressive amount of muscle. Every ounce of which he now sets to forcibly hoisting the deceased massive rodent onto his back and trudging up the cellar stairway.

The moment he emerges from the cellar, Stein plants the Big One's carcass on the nearest empty table and yells to attract the attention of the innkeeper and her patrons, "Behold! The king rat!"

[Humbaba]

Rolling for reaction for the hammer request

Gonna go ahead there and say I'm not getting a hammer

[maidenhaver]

George takes a seat upstairs, standing by for his room.

[Val the Moofia Boss]

Gunthard leans on a table, resting his eyes while being banadaged. He is startled by a loud "thump" followed by Steiner's declaration.

[Kalarion]

Kal, having looked in the hole and seen as much as he could without crawling in, is satisfied with the efforts to seal it. He heads upstairs to check on Gunthard and Stein.

[Irenaeus]

Conclusion of the Rat Quest

With the danger passed and the cellar secured, the focus shifts decisively to the common room of The Mountain's Last Light, which becomes a hub of activity, demands, and bizarre displays.

Tending the Wounded & Taking Charge:

Norman efficiently takes charge of the wounded. He brings Gunthard and Tillomar to a free table, carefully cleaning and bandaging their neck and hand wounds respectively, using several of his bandages. Seeing Ostgar nearby (who had just come upstairs to ensure his presence was noted), Norman directs him with newfound authority, "You there! Great job taking care of those rats. Help the big guy with the water trough, will you?" Ostgar, perhaps annoyed at being ordered but seeing the sense in it (and Norman's generally helpful demeanor), complies with a muttered curse, heading back down to assist Hrod. Norman then turns to the anxious Brenna. His high reaction roll (12) means his calm confidence works wonders. "As you see, everything is under control," he reassures her smoothly. "There's no immediate danger and everyone did their part to help. Bring the men drinks and we'll discuss what to do next". Brenna, immensely relieved by his capable manner and the confirmation of safety, responds. "Oh, thank the saints! Yes, yes, drinks for everyone, on the house! Whatever you need, just ask!" She starts bustling about immediately to fetch ale or water, her previous anxiety replaced by deep gratitude towards Norman and the adventurers.

Requests and Rebuffs:

Felix, having followed the others upstairs after helping contain the fire, approaches Brenna more directly about their reward: "I believe we've deserved our food and lodging. Would you be so kind as to bring them here?". Nevertheless, his timing or perhaps just Brenna's lingering stress results in an unfriendly reaction (Roll 3). She snaps back curtly, "Food and beds when I know my cellar is truly safe! There's talk of tunnels!" before turning away to fetch the drinks Norman requested. Felix then turns to Olwin, explaining the hole and the barricade, suggesting a guard be posted, and asking about the rats and local rumors. Olwin listens patiently but gives a neutral response (Roll 8). "Aye, we blocked holes before. Rats are worse this year, true, but that size... unnatural. Rumors? Always rumors." He offers little concrete information, remaining noncommittal. Felix, perhaps sensing the poor reception, decides to stick to communal food/drink later.

Zollo, having decided he needs tools, had confronted Brenna bluntly demanding a hammer. However, his timing, aggressive tone, and outlandish appearance yield a disastrously hostile reaction (Roll 1). Brenna gasps and shrinks back, while Olwin steps firmly in front of her, resting a hand near an old knife at his belt, and declares flatly: "We'll give you nothing, savage!" The elder ranger then stares him down, his voice now dangerously quiet. "You'll get no tools for smashing holes in this inn. Moderate your tone, or leave." Zollo does not get his hammer.

A Grisly Trophy:

While these interactions unfold, Stein, having charged back down into the cellar in a panic about the fire, finds it extinguished (thanks to Hrod and Ostgar, now returning after dumping the trough) and the hole barricaded. Nearby, Kal Arion, satisfied with the efforts to seal the barricade, heads upstairs as well. Stein's relief quickly turns into a new, grim resolve. Believing the innkeeper and townsfolk need a visceral reminder of the danger they faced (and perhaps wanting to distract from any fire damage liability), he approaches the corpse of the Big One. Using strength honed by years at his family brewery, he manages to hoist the enormous, bloody carcass onto his back. Staggering under the weight, he trudges back up the stairs. He emerges into the already crowded common room, makes his way to the nearest empty table, and slams the pig-sized rat corpse down, yelling to the startled occupants: "Behold! The king rat!".

Current Status:

• Wounded: Gunthard and Tillomar are stable and being treated by Norman. Stein was healed by magic.
• NPCs: Brenna and Olwin are grateful to Norman and the rest of the adventurers but hostile to Zollo. is neutral to Felix but hostile/protective against Zollo. The fire brigade (Prophet, Ryre, Alfred, locals) with their work finished, are watching events unfold.
• The Party: Regrouped upstairs.
• Unresolved: The true nature of the hole/source of evil. The party needs to fully debrief and decide if their job is done or if further investigation is warranted.

[maidenhaver]

George takes to his room, washes, and sleeps. Good night, George.

[ERYFKRAD]

Having doused the flames with Ostgar's aid, Hrod lumbers up to see Olwin deny the shirtless mountainman a hammer. He intercedes-
"We have cleansed your cellar of rats, but if they keep coming back, chances are they are nested nearby and and tunneling hither. If you wish to deal with this once and for all, you will have to work like a hunter and trace them back to the nest.
If you are content waiting for the next lot of wanderers to deliver your cellar of vermin again, that too is yours to decide."

Rolling reaction as well.

EDIT: D'oh, rolled wrong the first time, if that's the result, that's the result though.

[Irenaeus]

Having doused the flames with Ostgar's aid, Hrod lumbers up to see Olwin deny the shirtless mountainman a hammer. He intercedes-
"We have cleansed your cellar of rats, but if they keep coming back, chances are they are nested nearby and and tunneling hither. If you wish to deal with this once and for all, you will have to work like a hunter and trace them back to the nest.
If you are content waiting for the next lot of wanderers to deliver your cellar of vermin again, that too is yours to decide."

Rolling reaction as well.

EDIT: D'oh, rolled wrong the first time, if that's the result, that's the result though.

Brenna looks pale and anxious nearby, while Olwin stands firm, his good eye fixed warily on the shirtless mountain man.

Hrod takes in the scene – the hostile tension, Zollo's clear frustration, the innkeepers' defensiveness. He steps forward, his imposing presence drawing attention. He addresses Olwin and Brenna directly, his voice a deep rumble that cuts through the awkward silence:

"We have cleansed your cellar of rats," he begins, stating the fact plainly, "but if they keep coming back, chances are they are nested nearby and tunneling hither." He gestures vaguely back towards the cellar stairs. "If you wish to deal with this once and for all, you will have to work like a hunter and trace them back to the nest."

He pauses, letting the logic sink in, his gaze steady on the innkeepers. "If you are content waiting for the next lot of wanderers to deliver your cellar of vermin again, that too is yours to decide."

His words are direct, practical, and devoid of Zollo's aggression or talk of unseen evil. He frames it as a simple choice: solve the root cause now, or face the same problem later.

The effect is noticeable. Hrod's pragmatic, hunter's assessment resonates with Olwin, the old ranger (Reaction Roll 11: Cordial and Helpful). The hostility in Olwin's stance softens, replaced by thoughtful consideration. He strokes his chin, his stare shifting from Zollo to Hrod.

"Aye... you speak sense, Hillman," Olwin concedes, his tone becoming cordial. "Another infestation like this... it would be ruinous." He glances towards Brenna, who nods quickly, her face showing agreement mixed with lingering fear. "Trace them back, you say?" Olwin continues, engaging helpfully with Hrod's point. "That passage the others blocked... you think that's the route? Dangerous work, tracking things underground." He still doesn't offer Zollo any hammer, but the conversation has shifted. He's no longer just refusing; he's considering the problem Hrod laid out.

Brenna, too, seems swayed by Hrod's logic. The idea of this horror repeating is clearly unthinkable. "He's right, Olwin," she urges, her voice still shaky but firmer now. "We can't go through that again. If there's a nest..." She looks towards Hrod, offering him a weak smile of gratitude for his intervention. "If... if tracking them down would stop this for good..."

Hrod's intervention hasn't solved everything – Zollo has no hammer, and the hole remains there – but it has successfully shifted the innkeepers' stance from outright refusal (towards Zollo) to a more cooperative, problem-solving mindset. They are now willing to discuss dealing with the source of the infestation, thanks to Hrod framing it in practical terms they understand.

[Irenaeus]

The Evening Ahead

Stein threw the carcass of the Big One on a table in the middle of the Inn's common room.

Shock silences the room for a moment, followed by gasps, shouts of disgust revulsion, a few cheers that erupt from the patrons, and morbid curiosity spreads through the room. Even the adventurers stare at the sheer audacity, processing the unnatural size of the beast now gruesomely displayed. Brenna looks faint, Olwin raises a skeptical eyebrow and grips his knife.

This final, undeniable proof of the monstrous threat they faced convinces Brenna the job is done, acknowledging the completed task. Despite her shock at the carcass centerpiece, she fulfills her promise: "You've saved us! Food, ale, the lodging... it's yours. Thank you... thank all of you." She distributes the 5 copper pieces reward to each adventurer present and ensuring everyone gets a bowl of hot stew and mugs of ale or water – the promised "just meal extra". She confirms lodging will be provided for the night: "Yes, yes, brave cleric! Thank the saints you were here! Drinks for all of you, on the house! Whatever accommodation you need!" Her gratitude towards Norman is palpable.

Visitors Abound

The initial shock of the giant rat corpse gives way to murmured conversations among the patrons and the dispersing fire brigade members. The Green Prophet back to begging, his dim-sighted eyes staring at the rafters, as if looking at something beyond the material world. Ryre finding a corner to clean his gear, Alfred the Bard trying out verses on reluctant listeners. Olwin moves stiffly to find help in houses nearby to clear the mess in the cellar, watchful but clearly relieved the immediate violence is over. Brenna, seeing the adventurers rewarded, begins directing her husband and hired hands to clean up the cellar, pointedly avoiding Stein's macabre centerpiece for now.

As the weary adventurers accept their meager payment and tuck into the hot stew and ale Brenna provides – a welcome respite despite the gruesome centerpiece Stein provided – the common room of The Mountain’s Last Light remains abuzz. The open doors begin to bring numerous locals, figures drawn not by the earlier panic, but by the subsequent news spreading through Vertidor's Rest – news of a large band of adventurers, a cellar full of monstrous rats, fire, and blood.

The leader of the town with a few guards introduces himself: Bailiff Gerwin Voseric, the commander of the town's small, perpetually overworked garrison. An aging veteran that speaks to the party of too many years policing a region always full of trouble-making transients, not to mention the many raids and invasions both past and present. His tired eyes sweep the room, lingering on the heavily armed group, the wounded being tended by Norman, and finally, the pig-sized rat carcass. He doesn't approach the adventurers directly but catches Olwin's eye, exchanging a few words. Receiving assurance that the situation is contained, he mutters something to him about "more trouble," before turning and leaving as swiftly as he arrived. His presence is less about help, more about noting potential future problems.

Shortly after, Father Altanis, the local priest of the One True God, enters, his expression twisted with concern. After all, as he says when introducing himself, he carries the weight of maintaining faith on this fringes of the kingdom. He makes his way towards Brenna, offering quiet words of support, then nods towards Norman, acknowledging the cleric's healing work with a measure of professional respect. His eyes briefly narrow at the sight of Zollo and the other less conventional members of the party. He offers a grateful prayer for the inn's safety and mentions that the doors of the church are always open for those seeking solace and guidance, before departing back to his sanctuary, his duty done.

A different energy enters with Greenwald the Tallyman, who arrives prominently followed by a bodyguard. Dressed better than all, with sharp eyes and a smile, he announces he represents the nascent merchant guild (or perhaps just his own moneylending interests). He doesn't focus on the gore or the danger, but on the opportunity. He surveys the large group of capable-looking adventurers, notes their varied gear, and sees potential profit. He approaches Norman and Wolfgang, offering smooth condolences for their trouble. "Quite the welcome to Vertidor's Rest," he says keeping his smile. "Should you find yourselves in need of further supplies for ventures into the valley – or perhaps loans to fund such enterprises – do call upon my office near the market square. Griswold's the name. Always interested in... unique opportunities." He gives a curt bow and departs, leaving behind his fancy card with the party.

Lingering in the doorway before entering, an old lady arrives and locals greet her mockingly as Mad Orla. Wrapped in dark shawls, with unsettlingly bright eyes, she is muttering to herself and tracing symbols in the air. She catches the party's attention, offering a toothless grin, before going outside into the streets, leaving an air of mystery. Not wanting to intrude directly on the large, armed group during their meal but keen to assess these newcomers, more locals introduce themselves briefly: Torvin the Smith (commenting about his forge, mentioning needs for scrap and offers for repairs), Mistress Elba the Provisioner (she mentiones supplies available for trade in the market), more representative of the local authorities and economy, and even individuals hinting at and claiming 'opportunities' in the town or region. Most extend polite invitations for the adventurers to visit their businesses or homes "when convenient" before melting back into the town, leaving the party to their food and drink.

The Falling Night

As the last of these visitors departs, the final rays of the sun dip below the mountain peaks around the Wolf's Maw Pass. As the sun finally sets, casting long shadows through the inn's windows, a weary quiet begins to settle. The fire is out. The hole is blocked. The wounded are tended. Patrons murmur amongst themselves, eyeing the adventurers and the grotesque trophy dominating the table. The light streaming through the inn's windows fades, leaving the common room lit only by the warm glow of the hearth fire and the numerous candles the adventurers brought down earlier.

The atmosphere shifts. The adrenaline fades, replaced by aching muscles, stinging wounds, and the satisfaction of survival. Mugs are refilled. Pipes are lit. Alfred the bard finally performs his 'Bucket Brigade' rhyme and song. The large group settles around the tables, some tending to gear, others quietly eating or gulping down ale, the wounded resting. Will camaraderie be born of shared danger? The night deepens outside. Now, finally, is the time for stories – the bard is tuning his lute, some might recount their trauma, others might brood in a corner. George retires to his room.And now, a crucial discussion could happen: What exactly was that creature? What was the source of the evil Kal detected? What lies beyond the barricaded hole? Is the barricaded hole truly safe for the innkeeper? What will they do about it come morning?

The night promises needed rest, the chance to wake up alive the next day and be grateful - and eager to pursue their goals.

[Val the Moofia Boss]

At a table, Gunthard rests at a table near his benefactors, Norman and Stein, and his fellow casualty Tilloman. Gunthard pets his dog Badeux sitting on his lap, and then speaks in a tired voice. "Thanks, fellas. You have my gratitude.". He quietly prays, thanking God that he had been saved today.

Gunthard considers getting up to go to the Church to talk to Altanis and ask him some questions, but it is late and he decides to do it tomorrow morning.

((OOC: @Lord of Riva my apologies about missing your post earlier. I didn't ignore on purpose!))

[Humbaba]

Zollo is sitting in a corner, alone and slurping stew from the bowl he was given. The Night Spirit had cast his blanket over the sky and were things different, he'd be out gutting a Flatlander. Unfortunately for the Manhunter, the settlement was currently too busy.

Zollo's bored and far from home. If he can't kill a man, then he'll might as well kill some time. He gets up and decides to sit next to @that weird priest from earlier. Studying a target can't hurt.

"Hello, Heretic", Zollo greets the man, having no intention of really fraternizing with him."Wouldst thou a Game play? No Bets, mere Jest.", he suggests.

Zollo pulls out his knife and starts playing five finger filet, looking at Kal, expecting him to try it as well and cut off one or two of his own fingers in the process.

[SpellSword]

As @Gunthard addresses his fellow vermin slayers, Stein Von Steiner's mercantile training kicks in. He removes the glove from his right hand to offer a handshake to each man in turn (@Gunthard, @Norman, @Tilloman and anyone else who want's to be part of the conversation) while introducing himself, "Name's Stein. Glad to see everyone made it out of that cellar." He knew that with debt collectors potentially chasing him, it may have been better to withhold his name, but what was left of his pride refused to allow the use of an alias.

Walking to the nearby table that still displayed the Big One's remains, Stein takes in the full sight of the beast before saying to @Norman, "Your quick intervention may have saved my neck, in a quite literal sense. I owe you a great deal."

Looking over the rat again, he adds, "A terrifying beast, but perhaps the wind's of fortune have brought with it opportunities... if I may ask gentleman, what are your plans in regards to this?"

[Oyster Sauce]

Looking over the rat again, he adds, "A terrifying beast, but perhaps the wind's of fortune have brought with it opportunities... if I may ask gentleman, what are your plans in regards to this?"

"No sense crawling through a narrow tunnel to hunt down a few bleeding rats with no room to defend yourself and no promise of coin for the effort. We've got a rough idea of which way the hole leads, so in the morning I'll check out any buildings in that direction which've got cellars of their own. There might just be a more accommodating passage, and if we can prove the infestation is more widespread than a single inn, the bailiff'll have to pay someone to deal with it, won't he? Could use the hounds to help with the search if they're any good at picking up a scent."