The Dwarven Halls campaign continues. After fighting off the Slykk, the four young heroes make their way to the Black Lobster Inn. Here they encounter further travails as drunken locals and some unexpected strangers show up.

At the top of the switchbacks, the four and their two pets pass a sign in the wet grass. Originally meant to alert travelers leaving the inn and heading down into the valley, it has broken over and lays covered in wet grass and dirt. Only Jortimer stops to look at it.

Jortimer (kicking the broken sign with his toe): "Bewar...f..." well, whatever the hell a...I think that's an ess...a "sLYKK" might be."
Leonidas: Maybe they are saying the bridge gets slippery in the rain.
Marryck: There was a lot of moss.
Tabintha: Less now that Jort's ass ate most of it.
Jortimer (indignant, and covering Fool's Gold's ears): I told you, she is not an ass, she is a...can you smell that roast!?

The mood switch happens immediately as the smoke from The Black Lobster's kitchen. A two floor inn, of good size, is before them. The gray roof looks comfortably worn, like a hearty grandfather welcoming you home. A couple of travelers leave and head further down the road, singing a merry, drunken song. A few other people lounge about outside. Probably locals, not bothered by the dimming of the day, though where in the trees their houses might sit is not immediately obvious.

For people like our four heroes, such a spot is welcome.

[Does Marryck know about Blacksand and the Black Lobster there? (Even) >> {GMAF19} Yes. Are they from Blacksand originally? (Bad) >> {GMAF55} No. They have traveled through there but are not from there.]

Marryck (pointing to the sign): I see someone has been to Blacksand.
Tabintha: What do you mean?
Marryck: Just mayhaps keep those beautiful brown eyes on your purse¹.
Jortimer: What purse? We are broke! Or at least will be after I buy every pork pie in the place!
Leonidas: And Fool's Gold some hay!
Jortimer: You hear that, Fool's, hay!

The donkey continues to breath heavy after the exertion but otherwise has no care for hay. She has been feasting on rain-soaked grass for hours.

Chatting with a quite thin young woman of about their age outside², they get Fool's moved to the stables and are told to square it up with someone called "Jogi." Tabintha worries after the small woman, tries hard to not think of the term "girl" despite the similarities of age, and ends up doing most of the work herself while Jortimer lounges on a bench. Marryck picks at their teeth with a blade of grass after...

[Do any of the passersby have pipes and tobacco Marryck might purchase? (Even) >> {GMAF83} No]

...trying and failing to get to get anyone to sell them a clay pipe and some tobacco.

While this is going on, Leonidas spots a gray cat asleep on the inn sign clicks his tongue. The cat leaps down and comes over purring. Leonidas spends a moment petting the creature. He has a way with animals. Sometimes not always the best. Cats, though, cats like him. Soon enough, the setting sun and the settling of Fool's Gold and Daffodil free the party up to head inside.

Inside the other Black Lobster

True to their word, Marryck holds their pouch upon entering the Black Lobster, blue eyes darting back and forth. It is all for naught, for the interior is warm and cozy and pleasantly dark. The smell of smoke and cooking entangled in the wood and dust of the road. A group of people sit around various tables, eating early supper and drinking first- — and second-, third-, and maybe fourth- — pints. Rather than the rowdy ruckus of Blacksand's dockside bar, they find themselves in a cozy little place full of potential friends and fellow travelers.

A large, fat, and balding man welcomes and tells them someone named Hamund will have food ready soon enough and that Rythe can take their orders. Tabintha glances over at a couple of larger guys at one table: one tall as her, one more middle height. Both look like the rough and tumble heroes that she wants to emulate. She nods to one

[Does Tholan nod back? (Good) >> {GMA64} YES!]

and he looks at her with a big smile and raises his pint. She tries to stifle a giggle as she joins her friends.

After a glance at the menu board, the group orders food. Leonidas takes on a bean soup. Jortimer orders two rabbit pies. For Marryck and Tabintha, they settle for the stew. All enjoy their food, especially the latter two. They also take on a round of ale. Rythe explains it is local. Whether or not this is true is something they do not bother to worry about. For sore joints and cold hands, ale is ale.

[{DH19} Bean Soup = 8sp. 2xRabbit Pie = 20sp. 2xStew = 30sp. 4xAle = 12sp. Total = 7osp. -7gp for the group. I'll divide it equally. Leonidas will recover his additional 2HP and be back up to full. For the rest, it is just (literally) flavor.]

While sipping the ale, Marryck slaps their hand down and runs out to stables to gather the cask. They walk up to the bar and ask the innkeep if he would like to purchase it.

[Would Jogi be up for purchasing it? (Even) >> {GMAF54} No. Does this come from The Black Lobster? (Even) >> {GMAF20} No.]

Jogi: We have plenty of spirits, here.
Marryck: But this one was won after a spirited fight versus foul creatures from the pit. (proceeds to explain the fight down at the bridge)
Jogi: Ah, the damnable Slykk are back. I thought we had chased them away. Well, I am impressed by the tale, but as I said, I am full up on ale. If this is ale. What is it?

Marryck admits they do not know but says that the innkeeper can open it. It is brandy and of fair quality {DH17}.

Jogi: OH! Dwarfish brandy. This is good quality. You have won a good loot.
Marryck: So you will buy it?
Jogi: No, I am also full up on brandy.

Marryck reseals the cask and sits down in a bit of a huff.

[Were any of the other patrons obviously watching the exchange? (Even) >> {GMAF63} No.]

At least no one seemed to note their failure at bargaining. Tabintha slaps the rogue not ungently on the back. Now is not the time for failures. It is the time to enjoy what they have.

The Bar "Brawl," Barely Avoided

Tabintha joins Tholan and Sige, with the only the latter taller than herself, and makes a big deal about the couple of relatively minor scrapes she has fought. She discusses her brother in loud terms, making him out as some great wizard-in-training. Marryck ends up chatting with Rygthe and Wenna, drinking helping them to slip into a flirty mindset. Jortimer takes a stroll out to hang out with Fool's Gold and then comes back in sit around the fire and chat with the other travelers on their way to Arion. Though he chats very little and mostly just half-snoozes.

Leonidas remains a bit alone. Not aloof, just looking sad and unsure of himself. No one crosses the room to join him.

As the night progresses and people sit back and enjoy their talk, the folks in the dining area are joined by a pair of rough looking fellows. The two have been drinking before showing up and immediately loudly cast about the room, taking a few potshots at strangers.

[Which of the youths will they target? 1-3: Leonidas, 4: Tabintha, 5: Jortimer, 6: Marryck >> 2, Leonidas. Buckle up!]

Idwulf (sitting down at the table by a lone Leonidas): Tell me, brother, have you ever seen such a sad fish as this? We should toss him back.
Dolpher: What are you having, small child? We look to drink and smoke and you could use some fattening up!
Leonidas: I'm...I'm good. Thank you.
Idwulf: Ohhh, our food and drink not good enough for him.
Leonidas: I just mean...my friend (cuts a thumb towards Marryck) has plenty of dwarven brandy. Enough to make a dwarf regret it.

[Starting off "neutral" despite the temptation, let's draw a card to get a vibe check >> {GMAF105} 9. +1 Positive, 1 total card.]

Dolpher: Oh, the one making eyes as Rythe? Tell 'em to come here and share some.

Leonidas waves Marryck who walks over and he explains. They see his point but are also worried about insulting their host.

[Attempts a Sneak Roll to see if they can open the cask without it being obvious, you know... while two wildmen talk loudly about everything they do >> 6 vs 6 >> Success. Positive. Two cards >> {GMAF120} 4 + {GMAF17} 5 >> both negative. 1 Negative. 1 Positive. 2 Cards.]

Idwulf: Tell me, brother, why do two little pipsqueaks get such good brandy?
Dolpher: Sounds like they are trying to pass off stolen goods on us!

Marryck bristles a bit at their loud voices and asks them to hush.

[Negative, Two Cards >> {GMAF41} 8 + {GMAF36} 4 >> 2N, 1P, 3C.]

Dolpher: I've cut the tongue out of dogs for saying such things to me before.
Idwulf: He has!
Tabintha (joining, at last): I see my brother has picked the best company in the place (and she manages to keep most of the sarcasm at bay).
Jortimer (also joining in): He hasn't challenged you to an arm-wrestling contest has he? He's shit at arm-wrestling.

[Going for a Leadership roll >> +2 for Jortimer playing wingman >> 8 vs (6+2) >> Pass. Two Cards, Positive >> {GMAF17} + {GMAF29}. 2N, 2p, 4C.]

Idwulf (increasingly drunk, now, off the snuck brandy): Arm-wrestlin...tell mah, fat priest. You wan' to challenge me?
Tabintha: Oh, please. Let me! (slams her arm down so her hand is in the way)

[Just a compared Skill test of 5 vs 5, so winner wins...note: her winning will actually be negative but I don't think she will lose a fight on purpose >> 11 vs 5. She trounces him. Two negative cards >> {GMAF54} 6...well, don't need to draw another since that one lost...however, that also hits 5 so let's pull a single card >> Do they pass out before getting irate? (Even) >> {GMAF102} Yes. Skill rolls of 9 and 12 [crit fail!] mean they pass out. Idwulf is going to be out especially hard.]

As the wildman's arm slams down, he has a moment of looking shocked and then a smile spreads on his face before his face slumps down and he starts snoring. His brother sees this and chuckles and himself starts to snooze.

Across the room, the two men that Tabintha has been chatting with start to clap. Rythe and Wenna join in. They have witnessed the two brothers do this act multiple times and hate having to stay up late.

After a few minutes of dragging the unconscious men outside into the stables and getting a couple of horse blankets on them, the party returns inside and chats with the host about a room.

It is eventually decided that Tabintha and Marryck will share a room while Leonidas and Jortimer will take separate ones.

[-2GP for each of them, effectively]

It does not take long for the exhausted youth to fall asleep.

Goblins Attack!

Back inside the Lobster

{DH20} Tabintha is woken up by a knocking. Not just any knocking. Loud. Insistent. Like someone in a panic. She leaps out of bed and grabs her sword [Doug's Note: not her cuirass] and gets to the door. Marryck wipes sleep from their eyes and gets their bow aimed at the door.

Throwing the door open, a heavily-injured dwarf is on the other side.

[Do the party have any experience with goblins? (Even) >> {GMAF33} Yes.]

A goblin is sneaking up on the dwarf, holding a knife. Tabintha knows that goblins and dwarves are not on the best of terms and sometimes the fights that break out are just as much the dwarves' fault, but seeing someone take some delight in hurting another is all she needs to see. She pulls the dwarf inside

[Contest: Skill of 5 (Tabintha) vs Skill of 5 (Goblin). Dwarf will be helping to escape so +4. A miss will be treated as a hit on the dwarf. 7+5+4 vs 8+5. Dwarf is inside.]

and backs up like she is fleeing but in reality is giving Marryck a clean shot. As the goblin steps through, Marryck fires!

[Will give them a +3 for holding the door and +1 for Tabintha's distraction. 9+6+4 vs 9+5. Marryck does 3+1 (3hp) - 1(0) = 3HP damage.]

The arrow strikes the goblin who hisses loudly and shouts. Soon other goblins are starting to focus on the room.

[One more round with the 1 vs 2. Tabintha wants to make a choke point and the room has a chest for storage in it. Tabintha tests Skill: 5 vs 5. She gets the chest shoved against the door to make a natural block so the goblins will have to clamor over it to get inside. Marryck shoots the goblin trying to stab Tabintha: ooo, fumbles! {CC19} arrow hits Marryck. 1+1(2hp) - 4(0). 2HP damage. The goblin gets a "free strike" on Tabintha. 2(2) - 4+1(1). 1HP.]

Down the hall, Jortimer and Leonidas are waking up looking outside, see 3 goblins trying to get into Tabintha and Marryck's room. Leonidas starts chanting a spell while Jortimer runs forward to take on one of the goblins waiting to get through Tabintha's slight block.

[Leonidas will get +2 to cast because he will spend a turn concentrating. Jortimer will show up and bleed off one goblin from behind. For the other three goblins (including the one Jortimer is aiming for), Skill test to get cleanly into the room. #2 = 8 vs 5. No. #3 = 11 vs 5. No. #4 = 6 vs 5. No. All three are caught by the block but those free will get inside next round.]

Cursing at their mistake, Marryck aims again at the goblin as Tabintha runs forward to try and chop at those attempting to get over the chest.

[Will give Tabintha +2 for the distraction. Tabintha vs Goblin #2: 6+6+2 vs 7+5. She does 3(2) - 5(1) 1HP damage (4hp remain). Marryck vs Goblin #1: 10+6 vs 6+5. They do 2+1(2) - 6(1) = 1hp more. Gob1 has 1hp left.]

Outside, Jortimer slams into one of the goblins and brings his mace down hard

[Jortimer will get +4 for the side attack. 9+6+4 vs 6+5. He does 6(3hp) - 6(1hp) = 2hp (3 remain).]

as Leonidas lets out a ZAP with a shout!

[+2 for "charging up." 7 vs 7! CLOSE! Goblin #4 takes 11hp damage and turns into a puddle. Leonidas loses 4HP and is also mostly out of the fight.]

The goblins realize they are being attacked from both sides and readjust to meet their many attackers head on.

[Marryck vs Gob1: 9+6 vs 2+5. Gob1 fumbles and is dead. For story purposes, the fumble is the goblin stabs himself getting into the bed.]

[Tabintha vs Gob2: 3+6 vs 7+5. She takes 4(3) - 3+1(0) = 3HP.]

[Jortimer vs Gob3: 5+6 vs 6+5. Another tie. The man is good at this.]

[Leonidas is going to help Jortimer.]

[Does Tholan and the others help? (Good) >> {GMAF12} Yes.]

The room down the hall opens and three people run out to help catch the two remaining goblins out.

Marryck leaps out of bed and grabs up a chair to join the fray.

[Tabintha gets an additional +1 for the multiple attackers. Her and Marryck vs Gob2 = 8+1+6 and 8+1+5 vs 8+5. Tabintha does 5(3hp) - 4(1) = 2hp. Marryck does 3(1hp) - 4(1hp) = 0hp. 2hp remain on Gob2.]

[Jortimer vs Gob3 with Assist from Leonidas: 6+2+6 vs 4+5. He does 1+1(2hp) - 1(0hp) = 2hp damage. Tholan comes up for a surprise attack. 8+6+4 which also beats the Goblin. 6(3) - 0hp. Another 3hp. Gob3 is also killed].

[Tabintha + Marryck vs Gob2 = 8+1+6 and 9+1+5 vs 4+4+5. Wait, math. T = 15. M = 15. G = 13. Ok, Tabintha does 3(2) - 5(1). Marryck again gets no damage in. Except now Jortimer and Tholan and Leonidas are hitting Gob2 from behind. All three get a hit and Gob2 only has 1hp left so I won't even count it. He gets thoroughly flanked and killed.]

Tabintha is breathing hard and nursing wounds. Leonidas leans against the wall to steady his nerves. Marryck starts gathering up armor for themselves and Tabintha while Jortimer says a prayer to Throff and starts healing both Tabintha and Marryck in turn.

[+3HP on each. Marryck is fully healed. Tabintha is lacking 2hp.]

Tholan and the others go to help the innskeeper and his workers who have been getting up the ladder. Tholan returns along with Pholex, a cartographer, and Munder (a priest). All three are willing to help.

Jortimer runs to the dwarf and trying to heal him, but the wounds are severe.

[Storyline-wise, this is pointless, but let's do a Healing test: 10 vs 6. He feels like he is messing it up.]

Jortimer: Dammit, I can't get the bleeding stopped.
Tabintha: Keep at it, you have this, Jort. You hear the sounds down below?
Marryck (gathering back up their bow): I do, there are more.
Tabintha: Leo, you stay with Jort, see if you can help.
Tholan: We are with you, miss, lead on.

Leonidas scoffs at feeling a bit discounted, but knows his spell has drained him a good bit. He tries talking to the dwarf while Jortimer continues to try healing.

As the motley group make their way downstairs, Marryck goes ahead to scout it out.

[Sneaking vs the Goblin Mage: 11+6 vs 5+5. The mage does not notice them. They takes up position and starts aiming at him while the others gather up behind. Firing: 8+4+6 vs 6+5. Does 5+1(3hp) - 2(0) = 3hp damage. 2hp remain.]

As soon as the goblin with strange beads and feathers is struck by the arrow, Tabintha, Thalon, and the others rush into the fight. Thalon runs to face the struck goblin while the other three go for the ones at the bar.

[Thalon vs Goblin Mage: 6+6 vs 6+5. Thalon does 1(1) - 3(0) = 1hp damage. 1hp remains].

[Tabintha vs Goblin #5: 3+6 vs 10+5. She takes 1(1hp) - 6+1(2) = 0hp.]

[Pholex and Munder vs Goblin #6: 5+4 and 5+4 vs 5+5. Gob6 strikes Pholex for 2(2) - 1(0) = 2hp.]

[Thalon and Marryck vs GobM: 7+6+1 and 7+6+1-5 vs 4+5. Tie with Marryck firing into melee but Thalon hits for 3(2) = 2hp. The mage is killed.]

[Tabintha vs Gob5: 3+6 vs 8+5. She takes another 1(1) - 3+1(0) = 1hp. 7HP remain.]

[P and M vs Gob6: 3+4+1 and 8+4+1 vs 7+5. Pholex takes 2(2) - 4(0) = 2hp. 6hp remain. But Munder does 4(3hp) - 2(0hp) = 3hp. 2hp remain on Gob6.]

[Thalon goes over to join Tabintha against Gob5. Gob5 and Gob6 are realizing how bad it is but are not able to escape. Tabintha and Thalon vs Gob5 = 11+1+6 and 6+6+6 (CRIT) vs 9+5. Thalon gets double damage +2. Since that's a 6(3) *2 = 6+2 = 8. And Tabintha got a 5(3), I won't worry about checking armor. Gob5 is also dead.]

[P and M vs Gob6: 8+1+4 and 4+1+4 vs 7+5. Munder doesn't get a hit in but Pholex does 2(1hp) - 1(0) with his dagger. Gob6 has 1hp left.]

Tabintha sees the last of the goblins fighting and so charges across the bar along with Thalon to join in.

[ALL IN vs Gob5. We'll start with Tabintha. 11+3+6 vs 6+5 doing 2hp and killing it.]

Thalon: Is that the last of them?
Marryck: I'll check the door! (runs outside and looks but sees no further attackers)
Tabintha: Is anyone else hurt?
Mundy: Let me start tending to the wounds!

Mundy begins casting healing and taking care of Tabintha and Pholex while Marryck searches the bodies. A shout from upstairs causes them to run up to find Jortimer holding a dead dwarf. Leonidas has a small pouch.

Tabintha: DAMN! The goblins were clearly after him.
Leonidas: He said he was from Stonehaven. The goblins attacked his people and then collapsed the way out, trapping them. Drang, that was his name, came up because this inn has an entrance to old caves. He was looking for help. {DH21}
Jortimer: And he damned well found it. Let's go help!
Tabintha: Jort, I do not think I have heard you so worked up.
Jortimer: I mean it, Tab, I couldn't help him. I might be able to help his family.
Marryck: Looks like our adventure has shown up.

Thalon has started helping Jogi and his family and workers down and they organize a search party to make sure the inn is otherwise fine. Damage has been luckily minimized. Glassware and booze was spilled down below. Marryck will part with the dwarven brandy to make up for lost stock. They do find the fight in the stables and see that the wildmen have left. All told, there is eleven goblin bodies to bury.

Tabintha and Thalon set out to bury the goblins and the dwarf. The former in a mass grave some distance into the woods. Drang with honors near the inn. Sige says he will craft an iron marker. Jortimer and Mundy both say blessings over the grave.

After that, the adventurers take a couple of day of rest. Jogi refuses any additional payment.

Leonidas confirms there is more to the cellar than expected, but says the party should hold off. So they wait for a few days to recoup.

While doing so, Pholex mentions having some maps which might help and some plans are made. Tholan and Pholex are willing to postpone their travel to Arion to stay with the young heroes. For pay, of course, and a price is agreed upon.

1. I have a tendency to play at intra-party romances despite my best efforts. In this case, I picture the party more like siblings and cousins in their behavior. Sometimes supportive, sometimes spiteful. Future people might change this. ↩︎
2. There's no mention, unless I missed it, of a "stable boy" type so I am just going with one of the other mentioned characters. This will be "Wenna" {DH22}. She has no stats nor much of a description besides being sickly, but I see her as brown haired and brown eyed. A bit slight but a hard worker. ↩︎