"Grugga," Raqisat says with emotion in the morning while looking over what the Half-Orc had on display.  "My friend...  I don't know what to say..."

     Raqisat's eyes linger on what remains of Zip.  Raq did not feel any particular attachment to the mechanized... pet?  He doesn't even really know the proper word.  Still, he recognizes that the accomplishment meant quite a deal to Grugga and he understood the sacrifice.  "I will try to be worthy of this in your service."  With care and reverence Raqisat then picks up his improved whip and cautiously experiments with it.  After stepping a bit away from everyone else.

Grugga smiles in pride as he attaches the web-like array of crystal nodes to Raqisat's whip and Leelan's bow. He goes over the top explaining how the different crystals interact with each other and how the magic will improve both the damage and accuracy of the weapon, as well as allowing them to cut through whatever protections many of these aberrations have to mundane weapons. The take-away is this: the crystals help stabilize and accelerate both the whip and the arrows - additionally, if no arrow is loaded into Leelan's bow, it will fire off a small zap of energy that deals exactly the same amount and type of damage as a regular arrow. Raqisat will now also be able to light up the crystals on his whip so he can see in the dark, and can even supercharge them a few times a day to blind attackers.

Once the display is over, Grugga sweeps Zip's remains into a pouch to be used as scrap in future experiments. He doesn't seem too chewed up over losing the little machine.

"So... to the Dwarven District? I'm not keen on seeing the Ratfolk again quite yet, unless you all think it would be good to keep in contact with them unless we know they can be trusted a bit better. We could also head into the Mastieri gardens and see about clearing out these 'Vrocks.' I wouldn't mind not worrying about them any more. Since they don't leave a body behind we'll have to try to gather some data mid-fight."

Leelan pulls on the bow string to test it out. He inspects Grugga’s handiwork and is genuinely impressed. Though it’s been upgraded, it still feels like the same bow he’s been using for years. Even better, now he doesn’t have to worry about running out of ammunition.

‘’Marvelous work, my inventive friend. Many thanks. I promise to take the utmost care of your invention.’’

With that said, the gnome joins in on the conversation to determine the plan for the day.

’’I agree with Grugga about not wanting to meddle with the sewerfolk. Yesterday’s events have left a rather sour taste in my mouth that I’ve yet to wash off. I believe the Mastieri Gardens should be prioritize. Getting rid of those fiendish birds could help in making the nights ‘safer’ should we find ourselves stranded in the city past dusk again. Of course, if the group feels differently, I will not oppose the decision.’’

While waiting for breakfast to be served, Aubrey watches as Grugga introduces Leelan and Raqisat to their artificially improved weaponry, seeming both pleased and impressed with the artificer's demonstration. Grugga's invention would make them that much stronger when next they would encounter adversaries resistant to non-enhanced weapons. "Exploring the Mastieri Gardens will be a good next step for our expedition." The young noble agrees, nodding at Grugga's and Leelan's reasoning. "We should get ready to be set ashore, making use of the daylight so we can be safely away before nightfall." 

(Aubrey is ready to start another day of exploring :-)

Mr. Howie serves up hot plates of bacon and grits, a hearty meal to put a long night behind you and to gird the loins for another long day to come.  Upon hearing your destination, Captain Neck departs for the bridge while Mr. Faerondaerl weighs anchor.  The Golden Empress powers up and begins the trek south to Amnifortis again while you finish your meals.

You're all feeling the aches and pains from your battles yesterday, but also newly confident, having slain a powerful aberration, killed one demon and driven another off, and bent an entire colony of wererats to your will.  Not bad for just your second day in the ruined city.  What might the third day bring?

Rohuzar is late to come down for breakfast and when he does, he is not his usual commanding presence.  His skin is pale and clammy and his apparent nausea is confirmed when he makes a slow run for the port side at the first smell of bacon.  Alarmed at his state, the best Grugga and Leelan can guess is that it is some sickness or poisoning related to the battle with the foul Vrocks, or from your extended time in the old sewers yesterday.  Though Rohuzar has fastened his armor, it is clear he is in no condition to go exploring today.

The young noble would enjoy his breakfast together with the others in the team. Making sure everyone is ready for another day of exploration into the ruins of Amnifortis. As he realizes Rohuzar has taken ill he convinces the loyal orc mercenary to stay on the Empress for now, explaining he would be greatly missed but that he would still have an important task with protecting the Empress.

"Anything we need to discuss or prepare before we go ashore at the Mastieri Gardens?" Aubrey asks the others as they near their destination.

     Raqisat seemingly checks his weapons again and again through breakfast, special attention being paid to his modified whip.  It's tested well in practice and a part of him is eager to put it to some actual use...  But he's not quite sure he wants to see a Vrock again any time soon.  Still, life is life and one must take it as it comes...

     "Is there anything to discuss?" Raqisat asks, putting the question back to Aubrey.  "Do we have a particular goal in this area or anything you are particularly eager to find?  I am, of course, interested in every artifact we may uncover - It is all a grand adventure for me.  But you with your emperor and such...  If there is anything we must know, now would be the time."

     Otherwise Raqisat gives his condolences to Rohuzar and wishes him a speedy recovery.  "Be careful of the dog...  They do like to steal your spot the moment you get up for any reason and pushing them out...  Can be trying."

"The objective is as with the rest of the ruins of Amnifortis. We are primarily here to determine and catalogue threats and weaknesses with the abundance of aberrations that resides within the ruins. We will also of course do what we can to retrieve artefacts and other valuables that will likely still be found, particularly in the wealthier areas such as the Mastieri Gardens where mansions belonging to such prominent families as the Cammarotta's, the Falcone's, and the Bunetti's will be found. I would like to point out that if we find reason to believe these artifacts will hold a special value to these families, bringing them back to their rightful owners will most likely be most rewarding." The young noble calmly explains with a polite smile.

     "So no special goal but it was a wealthier neighborhood," Raqisat sums up.  "Noted."

"The Vrock we killed didn't leave a corpse... that means any data we collect will need to be done mid-fight. I think we're safe to say non-magical damage, including silvered weapons, are possible but ineffective against the Vrocks. Leelan, is there anything we should be prepared to try in mid-combat? A different weapon or magic? Or a different tactic?"

The Orc scratches the back of his neck - a telltale sign he's grappling with how to phrase something. "Perhaps we - and I'm not poking fun here - should tether you to one of us with a rope. I really don't want to see one carry you off again, my friend."

After all considerations are made, Grugga wishes Rohuzar a speedy recovery of whatever he's caught and then prepares for a third day in the ruins of Amnifortis. "Hopefully we'll find these Vrocks asleep and we can make short work of them. They sound nocturnal."

Cosette wouldn't search through any additional belongings, simply just the laundry she had been tending. Naturally she'd pocket all the coins, and Raq's shiny stone. Leelan would have found his hankerchief cleaned and folded amongst the pile of his clothes, topped with his small pocket knife. While Raqisat would find his candle stub and note, should he look close enough, the candle was lit and the note almost too neatly folded, as if it were read against the candle light and then returned amongst his belongings.

Since Grugga was able to augment and optimize the groups weapons at the sacrifice of his loyal Zip, Cosette returned her silvered rapier to her side. She strides in fashionably late, helping herself to what's left of Mr. Howie's hot breakfast. She finds a spot to lean and pick at her meal as if she's been there the whole time. She occasionally feeds some to Bruno who had been lapping up any crumbs at Raqisat's feet.

Leelan has a quiet chuckle at Grugga’s suggestion of tying him to one of the less diminutive party members. 

"I appreciate the concern, friend. My experience from last night has taught me a valuable lesson: Gnomes aren’t meant to fly. As for particular strategies, I would consider finding a way to hinder these creatures’ ability to fly. While our group doesn’t lack range capabilities, having a our more melee focused members contribute might be more efficient in dispatching these horrors."

Aubrey chuckles at Leelan's insightful lesson but nods and agrees with his analysis. "We should make use of what we have and can find to limit winged adversaries advantage on us. We don't know how many, if any, more Vrocks we will encounter though, only that there will be many more aberrations for us to slay and catalogue." He says with a confident smile, then looking out through the lounge windows to determine if the Empress was close to their landing point near the Mastieri Gardens. 

The Golden Empress is indeed drawing near to the outskirts of the city.  So far there has been no sign of any rat-folk, burned knights, or really anyone at all along the riverside.  It is still early morning, just an hour after dawn.  It feels like it might be a little cooler today... still warm, especially compared to what you are used to (coming from so much further north) but not quite as hot as the last couple of mornings.

[Some clarification - Mastieri Gardens is indeed a neighborhood of expensive homes belonging to old Imperial families.  The neighborhood lines the Ponampli, the main street that runs past Castle Mastieri and over the lower (now collapsed) bridge over the Breitvasser.

But... the neighborhood takes its name from the literal Mastieri Gardens - actual gardens and old growth forest that were the private retreats of the old Princes of the city.  This area of trees, gardens and fountains lies between the river and the walls of the castle, on the southern side of the Ponampli.  It is within this area - the actual gardens - that the Vrocks were said to hide during the day.

So you could explore the wealthy ruins, or hunt Vrocks, and both would technically be inside 'Mastieri Gardens', but practically you couldn't do both at the same time.

Does that make sense?]

As the Golden Empress nears the Mastieri Gardens, Grugga has the idea to quickly craft a handful of earplugs from wax - a common recipe learned from long hours in foundries filled with mechanical hammers in Tucker Hills. After shaping enough earplugs for everyone, he quickly cools them, permanently hardening them to a semi-soft state. He hands these out to the adventuring group as well as the boat crew with instructions to use them if the Vrocks return. "It should significantly dampen their screech... and everything else. Don't expect to hear anything wearing these."

As the boat pulls up to a good docking point, Grugga hops out, bringing Zap with him. "I would rather clear out some Vrocks today and make the city a little safer for ourselves, but they won't be a problem as long as we leave the ruins by evening. If the rest of the group wants to explore the wealthy neighborhood, I'm right behind you."

Before heading out into day three of the ruins, Grugga calls back to the ship, "Oh, Mr. Howie, I almost forgot. I left a present for you in front of your room." He then waves his farewells to the crew and Rohuzar. Grugga has left Mr. Howie 1 handaxe, 1 scale mail armor, 1 light crossbow, and 20 bolts. ((I've deleted these from my inventory))

Seeing the Empress coming up on the Mastieri Gardens, the young noble stands up and gets his gear, readying himself for debarkation and another day of intrepid exploring. He gratefully accepts Grugga's latest invention with an appreciative nod, pocketing it for quick use. As the team goes ashore, Aubrey gives Captain Neck final instructions to pick the team up at the same place at dusk, promising with a quick smile to be there on time this day, then wishing the crew and Rohuzar a pleasant day on the Empress. When ashore Aubrey would look to Raqisat to take point, leading the exploration team in the direction he decides, although mentally instructing Furvus to continously scout ahead of the team.

Furvus perception: 11

     Raqisat takes the earplus with a relucatant grin of appreciation.  They seemed... waxy and weird.  Usually he wanted the wax out of his ears.  Also seemed likely they'd know to put them in too late to actually put them in.  Still, one could be lucky and it definitely wouldn't hurt to have them just in case.

     "The neighborhoods would seem to hold more interest, anthropologically," Raqisat admits, tempted.  There would likely be a plethora of small but valuable items to collect while the others were looking elsewhere.  Still, one must exit safely if one is to profit...  "Still, the wise course may be to take the attack to the beasts.  If we catch them as they slumber it could make our time here much safer."

     "Have your Fruvus search for the slumbering monsters," Raqisat suggests to Aubrey.  "I'll follow their path and we'll see what we find..."

Aubrey nods and smiles at the anthropologist. "I will let you know about any threats or slumbering demons that Furvus' scouting reveals. And I can assure you the mansions will be explored as soon as we have removed the threat of the Vrocks." The young noble says with a reassuring smile, then ready to follow Raqisat in the morning's demon hunt.

Leelan takes the earplug gladly. He can sometime still hear his ears ringing like during the first encounter with the Vrocks.

As the group makes its way, Leelan keeps an eye in the sky for any sudden movement or high-perched assailants.

Perception: 17

Cosette would accept the earplugs with some intrigue. She could appreciate the advantages it could provide in certain situations, tucking them away for later. While she was interested in both dispatching Vrocks, and exploring wealthy ruins, she was indifferent to which they decided to do first, since it didn’t appear they could do both at the same time. Regardless of which, the prep work was the same, nimble hands at the ready, and loading and cocking her crossbow.

After confirming her maps were as accurate to their knowledge as they could be, Cos follows the boys off the ship. Bruno happily remained behind. Hopefully he doesn’t leave any gifts for Mr. Howie.