Alden thinks the matter over for a minute. "Thank you Stanley." Alden says.
Alden will return to the party, assuming they are still with Gas.
He will approach Gas and say "Sorry Gas old boy but, I don't have the influence right now to do anything about your predicament. I will tell you that Mr. Yualkid does like you and wants you to be protected. Other than that, It will be a bit longer till things change."
Turning to the rest of the party he will say. "Shall we go bird hunting then?"
As the three of you start to approach the infected section of the hospital, you see a gnome in a very familiar set of armor approach -- wearing a mask as well, but it is unmistakably your companion Nevlav. Grin is not with him, but seeing him is luck enough.
Nevlav, from your end, you see the three of them coming towards you with masks, that, seem a bit less effective than your own mask you were able to build out of medical supplies. Otherwise, though, they seem intact and well, other than a little bruising that Alden and Thalion seem to have endured.
(To make this reunion a little happier -- EVERYONE LEVEL UP -- Level 3! Let me know in the OOC what sub-classes you're picking for those of you eligible.)
Thalion watches Alden walk off to do his work with a grin and a shake of his head.
"That half-elf knows his way around words better than I do a bow. And I've been shooting a bow for hundreds of years," he says with a chuckle just as Alden comes back to the bar.
"Trust me, even in this hellish place I can hunt down a bird - especially one as big as I am."
“Nevlav, what are you doing here? Where’s Grin?” Yoric whispers a bit forcibly. “You were out! Nevermind. Come with us. If anyone asks... well, just let me do the talking.” yoric cracks his knuckles.
Seeing the gnome paladin return Alden is torn between relief and concern.
"Yes, where is Grin?" he will ask.
Alden will squint a bit as a wave of pain washes over him. He wavers on his feet for a moment then goes to 1 knee while clutching his head. His breathing seems a bit rapid for the shortest moment and he clinches his eyes shut. Through the pain Alden hears an audible "click" come from the dark recesses of his mind. An unusual wave comes over his body as the pain subsides. His breathing calms and he opens his eyes. His vision is clearer now and he rises to his feet. He looks on the world around him with a new awareness.
The party, if they look will see a small spark of energy spark across his eyes for a moment then disappear.
"Um, sorry about that. Don't know what came over me there. Must have taken too many punches to the head from Stairclimber." he says to them.
"Let's be about this. We can find out what has happened to Grin on the way." Alden says as he starts heading to find the bird.
"I am so glad to see you boyos. As to Grin, well we both deduced that if we made it to my family home we wouldn't be freed for far too long to aid you all so we slipped out captors and headed back here," Nevlav says as he moves and helps Alden stand once again.
"If you are alright we can walk and talk. As for Grin," he begins walking beside Alden, "She crazily created a distraction for me to get in here. I am not sure if we will see her again but she saw what had to be done for the good of the people and went ahead."
As the four of you traipse back into the infected ward, Yoric, Alden, and Thalion, this is your first exposure to the infected ward, so, like Nevlav before you, the teeming mass of sickness -- the shrieks and screams of the hallucinating infected ring in your ears (this would definitely be a sanity check if we were doing those rules :) )
Thalion and Yoric are the first to see the big aarakocra reclining in a bed with a burly gnome in a guard uniform standing beside the bed. Errk looks okay, but has definitely suffered the brunt of a beating. One eye looks swollen shut, and his yellow beak has purple splotches from where he had been smacked by the guards. "The oppressors have brainwashed you my friend. Prison guards are surely not paid much more than airship mechanics. Why, I believe you probably get even less! And for such a pittance, are you even able to labor in safe conditions!"
"Godsdamn it, give it a rest, prisoner. You ain't preaching to your buddies anymore, bird." The human grunts swears at Errk, not turning around to face him.
He sees you all coming and grins, addressing you all. "Are you here to relieve me? This bloody aarakocra won't shut up. You would have thought he would have learned his lesson by now. Third time this month he's been over here. How in the Nine Hells he hasn't caught this feckin' disease yet is beyond me."
Alden snaps to, standing at attention and saluting. "Here to give relief sir." he states a bit too loud. His stance relaxes and he says "Sorry, first time here and its a bit unnerving."
Alden waits for the guards response before saying anything.
Thalion stares in bewilderment at Nevlav with his tall tale about Grin and it only deepens as they enter the infected ward. It was a good thing he was wearing a mask and only his wide-eyed stare could be seen or perhaps the guard would realize he had never so much as set foot in this place.
Looking past the guard while his more loquacious fellows did the talking he exchanges a significant glance with the aarakocra, hoping he recognizes him from earlier.
Nevlav looks on in a concerned manner. We are relieving a guard? He made a mental note to ask Yoric what the situation was after this guard left the area, presuming he does.
The guard shrugs. "Ya never get used to it, ya know? Bloody Warden can't even spring for decent masks for you lot. Not surprised you're nervous. I'd be brickin' meself if I didn't happen to have this." He taps his own plague mask. "I'm going to go have a drink. That little kobold mixes a mean glass of hooch. Probably the only thing that's keeping me alive."
He turns to the aarakocra. "Oi, bird. You keep yer beak shut and you might get out of this ward once the doctor has a look at you." In a low aside to you Alden, he says "The aarakocra's a troublemaker. They don't last long in here. Guess that's why the Warden keeps sending them down."
As he leaves, you all see Errk watching closely, and as soon as the gnome leaves, he addresses Thalion. "You are certainly full of surprises, young elf. I take it these gentlemen are your confederates?" He sits up in his bed, or at least as far as the restraints he is wearing allow.He looks you in the eyes evenly Thalion. "I managed to hear from the guards that a representative from the cursed Committee of Public Safety is on the way to interview the newcomers, which I can only assume is you." He chuckles. "I believe you may be more dangerous to the system than even this old bird. I hope I get to see what damage you lot wreck."
"I believe you came to find me for something, hmm?" He begins hacking and after a few coughs regurgitates a large brass key. "HRGH. Whew, reminds me of my early days of fatherhood. One advantage of being here is the sounds of disease are all too common. I would....wipe that off before you pick it up, though." He chuckles.
Thalion had been holding his breath until the guard spoke and walked away, letting it out in a huge, relieved sigh. He gives Alden a pat on the shoulder for a job well done and approaches Errk.
"These are my comrades in arms and I daresay my friends," he says with a grin and a nod at his fellows, though a flicker of sadness crosses his face as he realizes Grin isn't among them. He had learned to trust in her strange brand of wisdom in these troubled times.
He continues on after the aarakocra had finished, saying, "I've pledged my life to bringing down this system and that pledge is wasted in here. We need a way ou-"
He finds himself interrupted by the bird's dry heaving and coughing and takes a half-step back, thinking him plagued. The words "wipe that off" hadn't even left Errk's beak before the incautious elf picked it up. He shrugs, seemingly unbothered by the bile and... whatever else that was on the key, placing it in a pouch on his belt after wiping it off on his pilfered uniform.
"You've done us and the people of Languedoc and beyond a great service, Errk," he says. "I know you have unfinished business in this place, but you'll be needed in the fight to come. I can feel it."
After the guard leaves and Errk speaks, Alden will shake his head for a moment, tilting his head down a bit "So many sick, so much riding on this." he thinks to himself.
"Thank you" Alden will say and he pauses: "I fear we may have put you in more danger than you know. If an inquisitor from the CPS is coming then you best lay low as much as possible. Maybe head to the bar and have the kobold Gas give you a drink." he finishes.
Alden turns to the group. "I agree with Yoric, we need to move and fast. Nevlav, you came in here through the main door, then you can guide us out. If stopped we are escorting you to your mother's home, or some such. We will need your gift of gab Yoric to get us through, I am about as subtle as a brick most days. I am Thalion will remain silent and if pressed its batons and rush.'
"Sound like a plan?" Alden asks, "If not speak now and fast so we can form something of an escape." he says.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Errk smiles wearily. "Let us hope you are right, Thalion, and I get one more opportunity to stretch these old wings out. There is much that is good in Languedoc, but whatever corruption you are facing, always remember that it would not have been possible without the greed that warps the hearts of humans, gnomes, dwarves, halflings and elves to take advantage of the wonders of this remarkable age. You have far more to fear from those who make their homes in the Park District than you do anyone behind these four walls."
He nods one last time at the group. "I've had my share of run-ins with the Committee. I'll be fine, youngster. The key should get you through any door on this level. The front door seems at like to be your biggest obstacle. Just watch for that Warden. She's got the heart of a devil last one."He reaches out and tries to grab Thalion's wrist.
DM SCREEN
20
He easily snaps one of the leather restraints that pinned his wing down and he grabs your wrist. "Trust yourself more, lad. You've got a good heart. More important that a good head. A good heart will never steer you wrong. And tell your half-elf friend to lighten up. Things are never that bad." He releases Thalion's wrist. "Good luck, friends."
Alden
Alden thinks the matter over for a minute. "Thank you Stanley." Alden says.
Alden will return to the party, assuming they are still with Gas.
He will approach Gas and say "Sorry Gas old boy but, I don't have the influence right now to do anything about your predicament. I will tell you that Mr. Yualkid does like you and wants you to be protected. Other than that, It will be a bit longer till things change."
Turning to the rest of the party he will say. "Shall we go bird hunting then?"
As the three of you start to approach the infected section of the hospital, you see a gnome in a very familiar set of armor approach -- wearing a mask as well, but it is unmistakably your companion Nevlav. Grin is not with him, but seeing him is luck enough.
Nevlav, from your end, you see the three of them coming towards you with masks, that, seem a bit less effective than your own mask you were able to build out of medical supplies. Otherwise, though, they seem intact and well, other than a little bruising that Alden and Thalion seem to have endured.
(To make this reunion a little happier -- EVERYONE LEVEL UP -- Level 3! Let me know in the OOC what sub-classes you're picking for those of you eligible.)
Thalion watches Alden walk off to do his work with a grin and a shake of his head.
"That half-elf knows his way around words better than I do a bow. And I've been shooting a bow for hundreds of years," he says with a chuckle just as Alden comes back to the bar.
"Trust me, even in this hellish place I can hunt down a bird - especially one as big as I am."
“Nevlav, what are you doing here? Where’s Grin?” Yoric whispers a bit forcibly. “You were out! Nevermind. Come with us. If anyone asks... well, just let me do the talking.” yoric cracks his knuckles.
Paladin - warforged - orange
Alden
Seeing the gnome paladin return Alden is torn between relief and concern.
"Yes, where is Grin?" he will ask.
Alden will squint a bit as a wave of pain washes over him. He wavers on his feet for a moment then goes to 1 knee while clutching his head. His breathing seems a bit rapid for the shortest moment and he clinches his eyes shut. Through the pain Alden hears an audible "click" come from the dark recesses of his mind. An unusual wave comes over his body as the pain subsides. His breathing calms and he opens his eyes. His vision is clearer now and he rises to his feet. He looks on the world around him with a new awareness.
The party, if they look will see a small spark of energy spark across his eyes for a moment then disappear.
"Um, sorry about that. Don't know what came over me there. Must have taken too many punches to the head from Stairclimber." he says to them.
"Let's be about this. We can find out what has happened to Grin on the way." Alden says as he starts heading to find the bird.
"I am so glad to see you boyos. As to Grin, well we both deduced that if we made it to my family home we wouldn't be freed for far too long to aid you all so we slipped out captors and headed back here," Nevlav says as he moves and helps Alden stand once again.
"If you are alright we can walk and talk. As for Grin," he begins walking beside Alden, "She crazily created a distraction for me to get in here. I am not sure if we will see her again but she saw what had to be done for the good of the people and went ahead."
Yoric strokes his chin. “She’s an odd one, for sure... anyway, let’s go find birdo.”
Paladin - warforged - orange
As the four of you traipse back into the infected ward, Yoric, Alden, and Thalion, this is your first exposure to the infected ward, so, like Nevlav before you, the teeming mass of sickness -- the shrieks and screams of the hallucinating infected ring in your ears (this would definitely be a sanity check if we were doing those rules :) )
Thalion and Yoric are the first to see the big aarakocra reclining in a bed with a burly gnome in a guard uniform standing beside the bed. Errk looks okay, but has definitely suffered the brunt of a beating. One eye looks swollen shut, and his yellow beak has purple splotches from where he had been smacked by the guards. "The oppressors have brainwashed you my friend. Prison guards are surely not paid much more than airship mechanics. Why, I believe you probably get even less! And for such a pittance, are you even able to labor in safe conditions!"
"Godsdamn it, give it a rest, prisoner. You ain't preaching to your buddies anymore, bird." The human grunts swears at Errk, not turning around to face him.
He sees you all coming and grins, addressing you all. "Are you here to relieve me? This bloody aarakocra won't shut up. You would have thought he would have learned his lesson by now. Third time this month he's been over here. How in the Nine Hells he hasn't caught this feckin' disease yet is beyond me."
Alden
Alden snaps to, standing at attention and saluting. "Here to give relief sir." he states a bit too loud. His stance relaxes and he says "Sorry, first time here and its a bit unnerving."
Alden waits for the guards response before saying anything.
Yoric punches his hands together, showing a readiness to beat up the bird.
Paladin - warforged - orange
Thalion stares in bewilderment at Nevlav with his tall tale about Grin and it only deepens as they enter the infected ward. It was a good thing he was wearing a mask and only his wide-eyed stare could be seen or perhaps the guard would realize he had never so much as set foot in this place.
Looking past the guard while his more loquacious fellows did the talking he exchanges a significant glance with the aarakocra, hoping he recognizes him from earlier.
Errk meets your eyes Thalion and the bird smiles slightly and gives you the barest nod of acknowledgement.
Alden, give me a Deception roll with advantage, as Yoric is helping you.
Alden
Deception: 14
(these are not the droids you are looking for :P)
Nevlav looks on in a concerned manner. We are relieving a guard? He made a mental note to ask Yoric what the situation was after this guard left the area, presuming he does.
The guard shrugs. "Ya never get used to it, ya know? Bloody Warden can't even spring for decent masks for you lot. Not surprised you're nervous. I'd be brickin' meself if I didn't happen to have this." He taps his own plague mask. "I'm going to go have a drink. That little kobold mixes a mean glass of hooch. Probably the only thing that's keeping me alive."
He turns to the aarakocra. "Oi, bird. You keep yer beak shut and you might get out of this ward once the doctor has a look at you." In a low aside to you Alden, he says "The aarakocra's a troublemaker. They don't last long in here. Guess that's why the Warden keeps sending them down."
As he leaves, you all see Errk watching closely, and as soon as the gnome leaves, he addresses Thalion. "You are certainly full of surprises, young elf. I take it these gentlemen are your confederates?" He sits up in his bed, or at least as far as the restraints he is wearing allow. He looks you in the eyes evenly Thalion. "I managed to hear from the guards that a representative from the cursed Committee of Public Safety is on the way to interview the newcomers, which I can only assume is you." He chuckles. "I believe you may be more dangerous to the system than even this old bird. I hope I get to see what damage you lot wreck."
"I believe you came to find me for something, hmm?" He begins hacking and after a few coughs regurgitates a large brass key. "HRGH. Whew, reminds me of my early days of fatherhood. One advantage of being here is the sounds of disease are all too common. I would....wipe that off before you pick it up, though." He chuckles.
Thalion had been holding his breath until the guard spoke and walked away, letting it out in a huge, relieved sigh. He gives Alden a pat on the shoulder for a job well done and approaches Errk.
"These are my comrades in arms and I daresay my friends," he says with a grin and a nod at his fellows, though a flicker of sadness crosses his face as he realizes Grin isn't among them. He had learned to trust in her strange brand of wisdom in these troubled times.
He continues on after the aarakocra had finished, saying, "I've pledged my life to bringing down this system and that pledge is wasted in here. We need a way ou-"
He finds himself interrupted by the bird's dry heaving and coughing and takes a half-step back, thinking him plagued. The words "wipe that off" hadn't even left Errk's beak before the incautious elf picked it up. He shrugs, seemingly unbothered by the bile and... whatever else that was on the key, placing it in a pouch on his belt after wiping it off on his pilfered uniform.
"You've done us and the people of Languedoc and beyond a great service, Errk," he says. "I know you have unfinished business in this place, but you'll be needed in the fight to come. I can feel it."
Yoric starts fidgeting and looking around a bit erratically.
”Um. We should really hurry. We are running out of time. Let’s get our things and get out.”
Nevlav, we’re wearing guard uniforms btw.
Paladin - warforged - orange
Alden
After the guard leaves and Errk speaks, Alden will shake his head for a moment, tilting his head down a bit "So many sick, so much riding on this." he thinks to himself.
"Thank you" Alden will say and he pauses: "I fear we may have put you in more danger than you know. If an inquisitor from the CPS is coming then you best lay low as much as possible. Maybe head to the bar and have the kobold Gas give you a drink." he finishes.
Alden turns to the group. "I agree with Yoric, we need to move and fast. Nevlav, you came in here through the main door, then you can guide us out. If stopped we are escorting you to your mother's home, or some such. We will need your gift of gab Yoric to get us through, I am about as subtle as a brick most days. I am Thalion will remain silent and if pressed its batons and rush.'
"Sound like a plan?" Alden asks, "If not speak now and fast so we can form something of an escape." he says.
Errk smiles wearily. "Let us hope you are right, Thalion, and I get one more opportunity to stretch these old wings out. There is much that is good in Languedoc, but whatever corruption you are facing, always remember that it would not have been possible without the greed that warps the hearts of humans, gnomes, dwarves, halflings and elves to take advantage of the wonders of this remarkable age. You have far more to fear from those who make their homes in the Park District than you do anyone behind these four walls."
He nods one last time at the group. "I've had my share of run-ins with the Committee. I'll be fine, youngster. The key should get you through any door on this level. The front door seems at like to be your biggest obstacle. Just watch for that Warden. She's got the heart of a devil last one." He reaches out and tries to grab Thalion's wrist.
DM SCREEN
20
He easily snaps one of the leather restraints that pinned his wing down and he grabs your wrist. "Trust yourself more, lad. You've got a good heart. More important that a good head. A good heart will never steer you wrong. And tell your half-elf friend to lighten up. Things are never that bad." He releases Thalion's wrist. "Good luck, friends."
Alden
Alden nods to Errk's words. "And to you friend." he states.
Alden looks to the party. "Shall we go?" he asks. "I'd rather be gone before any inquisitor arrives." he says.
"Any other ideas on a plan?" he asks the group?