Quentin shrugs again. "The teeth are harder to disable and the thing did grow real fast. Like, you know, they don't grow giant rats like you grow livestock. They grow them in minutes. That sort of changed my perception of the timescales involved. And if you get infected, you have 5 to 7 days, no exceptions. So please don't."

Outside you hear some noise of the sounds of foot steps moving in mass. You hear shouting but it does appear to be above giving normal commands to the soldiers outside guarding the castle walls.


[Private to Quentin Fox: Sorry completely screwed that wording up. See below:

Then upon researching further, you find details of the sewers and mentioning of the infection coming from the north location. Guards have caught most of the infected rats at this location.]

[Private to Olyx Mintarios: You research turns up nothing special apart from what you already know.]

Quentin remains at rest. "Can someone keep an eye on the events outside? These might be relevant."

[Private to GM: "Guards have caught most of the infected rats at this location."

Meaning that little infected rats remain at that location because most have been caught or meaning the better part of all the rats caught everywhere were caught at that location and there might still remain quite a lot?]

<<secret to Quentin>>

[Private to Quentin Fox: Meaning the north sewers are showing the highest signs of the giant rats infections (that were caught). There is also a south sewer and a castle sewer which have showed hardly any signs of the giant rats other than normal aggressive rats that do not cause infections.]

Lirian felt quite useless there, as she didn’t know enough about research as to help. When the shouting was heard outside she turned again to the guard. “Is this usual, or something bad is happening?” she asked him.

“If the latter, I beg you to be allowed to investigate, as I have a bad feeling about what may be happening. Maybe you want to come too, if allowed to by your orders, or any other one, as going alone may be too dangerous…”

Hunter put a hole in the boss and installed a bracket. He pushed the barrel and firing mechanism in, and twist locked it into place. With the pistol handle off its fitted quite well.

The buckler handle required some modification, but he made it work.

Hunter looked down at the shield gun, moderately pleased. He was sure that it would work, but the whole thing needed to be taken apart every  time it was reloaded, and he wondered how to do that better. He was sure it could be improved somehow, but for a first effort it wasn't too bad provided it didn't blow up the first time he pulled the trigger. Oh well, the joys and excitement of gun design!


Jenkins went outside to see what the commotion was about (and how she could contribute.)



 

07:04, Today: Hunter Gallagher rolled 9,3 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of (6+3)9,3.  hunter explosives skill. – 9,3

07:03, Today: Hunter Gallagher rolled 2,5 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2,5.  hunter repair.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:29, Thu 18 Jan.

Kai nods in agreement with Piper's theory.  "Sounds about right to me.  But what I don't get is how Teknos can overcome a plague.  I mean, fighting off an invading army with giant clockwork machines makes sense I guess, but are there machines that can cure plagues?"

"It says here the city sewers basically consist of three parts: north sewer, south sewer and castle sewer. And of these three only the north sewer is really infected, as far as guards' catch reports go, with giant rats, plague and stuff. The other two also have ample rats, but mostly of normal variety." Finally Quentin thinks he's done here for the moment. He stands up and visits the windows to observe the events outside.

00:38, Today: Secret Roll: Quentin Fox rolled 3,5 using 1d6,1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 3,5.  Notice.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:39, Thu 18 Jan.

Piper cracked an eye when the shouting started.  "Go look."  She called out to Mosii.

The cat responded to the command by getting to its feet and doing a big back arching stretch with a bit of a yowl, before curling back up again on the floor and closing its eyes.

Piper sighed and appeared to give up.

"If they made the plague, it stands to reason they can unmake the plague, or kill off the infected rats, or something like that to stop it from spreading.  All the people would care about is that it's gone, and giving thanks to whom they believe is responsible for that."  She mused, still resting her eyes but no longer able to nap with the cacophony going on outside.

Hunter is able to craft a device in his time you can see him tinkering with a device that is very rough in idea and concept. While the device itself looks like it will work it might be limited to the amount of usage this device has.

Outside Quentin sees a number of different groups of soldiers running around in every direction. They seem to be waiting for something.

Just as you are about get a chance to rest the door opens and Roland comes in with a rushed look on his face. He gathers all of you down in the main room.

"I won't lie to you, this situation has become more urgent. It seems giant rats have been spotted in many of the lower areas of the city and seen moving in our direction. Guards are posted at the gates and other areas to protect the capital. As the sun fades I fear tonight is going to turn into a potential blood bath. If Lord Varren has returned, it seems he is using these rats as his army. The Varren family are not known alchemist nor magic users so what peaks my interest is, how is he achieving all of this?"

Piper roused herself and got Mosii into action when Stonecroft burst in.

After listening she gave a nod.  "Perhaps someone is whispering words from Teknos in his ear after all, or at least someone who knows of such things has taken up his cause.  Though to what end is yet another question."

"Well, we're not an army, and the king and his generals are quite capable of fighting their own wars" Hunter stated.

"I propose we make out way to the north part of town, hole up somewhere, have a good nap, and then when the assault is underway we go down and explore the northern sewers, or Varrens old estate."

The more time passed, the more Olyx was itching for a good fight, rats or men- it mattered little. Being cooped up had agitated him, regardless of how he might have tried to hide it.

And the disappointment from finding nothing of importance in the shelves didn't help one bit.

"Oi, while I appreciate a good nap, if them rats be a-plaguin' the city, good people going to be pushing up daisies soon. And I'll do you one better- they'll be pushing up our daisies, by turning into giant rats swarming all over. I say we go now, the faster the better. If anything, during the whole commotion, sewers gonna have fewer rats in'em, so I reckon that be a good thing."

He turns to Roland. "You do know there's all kinds of people who sell their services to those rich enough, eh? Kind of like, I don't know, you?"

Aeress shook her head.  "I cannot leave so many innocent people to suffer, but meeting them head on is, as you point out, the duty of the rulers.  However, a strategic flanking maneuver to try to find the possible leader of this attack, I can appreciate.  If you all are going out beyond the battle line that is forming, I'd like to go with you.  You do not have to endeavor against the rat army at that point."

Quentin does not feel particularly heroic, and he also is not quite sure the rat attack was planned for today as of dawn. "Requesting a permission to remain in the castle, dissect the jester and assist your troops."

10:07, Today: Secret Roll: Quentin Fox rolled 4,8 using 1d6+1,1d6+1, rerolling max with rolls of 3,(6+1)7.  Persuasion.

Lirian had been listening to the talk with sober and thinking expression on her face.

“How many of you think it to be a coincidence that this attack comes just now, when we have the jester captured and are joining our efforts?” she asked.

“In my opinion this may mean two things: first one is they have this planned, and the Jester allowed himself to be captured to be inside when the attack begins. The second option is, and I won’t deny there may be a no small part of wishful thinking here, that we  have hit them harder than we realized, and they have been forced to change their plans and raise the stakes with an all-out attack.”

She made a pause to allow the shared thinking to sink on the others.

“Just In case it is the first one, I suggest you to be make sure the Jester in unable to act, even if this means…” she took a deep breath, not fully accepting what she was about to say, “outright killing him” she said to Lord Stonecraft.

“If it is the second one, that would mean they have their base undefended, or at least lightly so, right now, and it could be our chance to raid it. Off course we don’t know its exact location, but seeing all the hints, I guess smart money is in the northern part of the sewers...”

She stopped talking. The implications were clear about what she was suggesting “Or it may be a trap to lure us to their territory…” she thought to herself, understanding she would have to live with it if it was the case (and she survived, of course)

"Even if it is their emergency response, we do not want the jester freed. And I don't want to bet on the limits of their capabilities here, especially since... my lord, will the king's guard stay bolted in or move protecting the city?" Quentin seems to have absolutely no problem sealing the fate of the jester, if only displaying some doubt in his technical ability to promptly do that. While he would admit the king's guard question is sensitive, it won't be much time before the answer becomes apparent to anyone, so that's why he dares to ask it. The generally expected response to that might suggest where the attackers might direct their main effort.

Hunter nodded soberly to Liriam's words. "My first thoughts were that this was a rescue attempt. But you're making me wonder... at the library, I didn't see many bodies. What was that about? Was he seriously trying to kill us all and burn down the library, or was it an arson attack and you just happened to be there, or was it "Ha! Got you! Let's fight! Ok, you win, take me prisoner..."

He began loading his gun-shield, and quickly realized that this was a much more awkward procedure than loading a regular pistol, and would take much longer.

"If he wanted to get inside the castle, it would probably be quite difficult. What's he going to do, knock on the door and ask for an interview? He'd be turned away. You could well be right, maybe he wants to be here, on the inside."

"I agree with both your conclusions. Kill the Jester and attack. Either Varren's old quarters or the Northern sewers, they are close by and I suspect related.

"I think it would be better later, when they are attacking in force, but you all seem to think now, while they are preparing and staging, is the optimal time." He shrugged. "I think you're wrong, I think if we attack while they are readying they could just alter plans and come after us. But why don't we compromise, why don't we try to get into Varren's place unseen while its chaotic outside, and if it's deserted then we try the sewers." 
This message was last edited by the player at 10:15, Fri 19 Jan.

Olyx nods with his head at the direction of Aeress. "Now, the lady's got a point. Thar's somewhere I'd rather be, if the choice was mine. Thick in the fight and not a care in the world."

He tugged at a stray hair that escaped his ponytail- then undid it and started braiding it into a tight, functional braid. Yet he didn't stop talking, though at this point he had to make an effort ignoring Quentin. "How far away is this place you talk about? Varren's house or estate or whatever it be. How fast can we move to the sewers from there? And what if there's a secret passage there to the sewers...", Olyx mused.

Lirian listened to Hunter arguments.

“You have a point about going too soon might force them to change their plans again and send all his army of rats against us, but on the other hand this could save lives and property in the city…” she answered. “I’m not an strategist to decide if securing the success of the raid, if my former theory was right, or saving more people and property in the city would lead to more important goals. I mean, there’s no point on saving those lives now if the result on the long time is to allow them to keep going and taking moe lives…”

It was clear she was uncertain about this, and more thinking in loud voice than really giving suggestions.

“And I will not deny I could use some time of rest…” she added. “What do others say? Should we try to raid now or latter, if we are to try it?

Whatever it be, I guess we should leave the castle while we can if we intend to make such a raid, as we don’t know if we’ll be able to do it latter….”

Olyx shrugged, raising his shoulders nonchalantly. "I got me all the rest I can get. Time is of the essence, and less people be gettin' bitten, the better for everyone. I mean, you said they get bitten and then we 'ave more rats in our hands, no? Me math checks out in this case."

As soon as he finished his braid, he swivelled his head a bit around to test his braid, the hair swinging back and forth like a small whip. "Well I am ready. Let's get crackin'", he said, and got up. Clearly this man could not stand still for one single second; it's as if he was constantly electrified.

And then he slumped down, a wave of fatigue hitting him from all the exhaustion of being caged. He sat squarely on one of the chairs, giving a little creak, and continued musing. "Or maybe we do need to plan this better... no need boardin' a sinkin' ship on fire. Any maps we got, eh? Maybe I can put some of my lessons in the navy in use. I was payin' attenshun... with one ear."

Roland paced on the floor looking listening to the groups request. "Fine" he says to Quentin, "Do with him what you will. Make quick work of it, you might be needed."

He walks over to an area with some wine and drinks before listening to Olyx, "Bah. You were just a captive and now you seek coin. Fine. It will be done, once and only once this is complete. Bring me either Varren's head or evidence of his involvement in all this so I can show the king."

All the sudden there is a loud BOOOOM and the walls shake. You run to one of the windows and look out.

One of the main walls is breached and giant rats and rat ogres are swarming in and fighting the guards outside. At the same time you hear another boom that shakes the foundation you are standing on.

“What In the hell” Lirian shouted when hearing the explosions. For a moment, the vision she had been given by Ezekiel returned to her mind. Herself in the middle of the burning city, with lots of dead people around and rats, giant and normal, moving to the castle (OOC: see msg #14 in the thread “Temple”). She felt a shiver along her spine.

“We must do something, and must be now” she said. “Technology is not only about machines, but also about chemicals, as gunpowder or drugs” she said to Kai, answering to his doubts about how could Teknos could help in the plague “and it’s clear they are using them now, at least in the explosives. This is not just a rescue attempt”

She turned to Lord Stonecraft. “I guess and hope the Royal Guard can stand against them, and we would be more a hindrance than a help to them. Are you OK in us leaving to try to find their main base now?”. She took her belongings readying herself to leave.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:42, Fri 19 Jan.

Ahh, too late... Quentin wastes no more time. He whistles out of the window as loud as he can and then rushes to the door leading out of the tower, where he whistles again. He is not sure his dogs and the horse have survived thus far, but if they did, he would prefer them at his side for sure. Then he attempts to assess the situation, like where he is to put fire breath, what troops are supposed to hold and what are supposed to crumble. He'd like to be with those who would be able to hold, but also on his way to dungeon, if the last blast was not in there.

1. So, where's the dungeon relative to Quentin? Any chance to get there?
2. Did all that note-reading amount to another hour of resting?
3. Will we have battle map or is it too large a scale?

Roland looks a Lirian and the others, "Yes. Find the source of this. You must. The royal guard can handle what is happening here. Be swift."

Roland runs back to his table and grabs a number of potions. Guards rush to his side as he steps out the door. He grabs a bottle of his pouch of blue sparkling substance as he stands outside confronted by giant rats and one rat ogre. He throws the substance and the bottom breaks releasing a huge owl bear that grabs the rat ogre by the throat and tosses it to the side. Guards begin the attack on the giant rats clearing a way for you to make a run in the opposite direct towards the main gates.

Quentin is able to see his horses and dogs near the main entrance to the castle.

OOC: 1. North Sewer is not far from the Tavern where Orin is. It's due south west from that direction.
2. Yes, another hour passes so you can recover one hour worth of PP.
3. Right now everything is chaotic. You can choose to fight but there's no map as of yet.

So right now you have three direct choices: fight, run or just regroup.