[Completed] - Rhodri/Second Finger - 18 April, 1 VC

[Keehnelf]

Sorry I completely flaked on this thread, guys.

The signs of pursuit die down--the goblins seem to realize that the terrain does not work to their advantage once you're further into the complex than they are.

Kennit notes that the first couple of doors open on to cells in which animals have clearly been held. The doors further along the passage appear to still be closed. There is no sign of Mammon in the gloom of the torchlight.

[KingOfCowards]

Kennit waves his torch side to side, scanning the first two rooms to make sure they are empty. Assuming nothing jumps out at him, he will move on to the next door on the left.

[Spartakos]

Rhodri keeps pace with Kennit, wary in this area of silence.

[Mister-Kent]

Numen walks behind the others, watching the group's rear with his bow ready.

[Keehnelf]

Kennit finds the next cells beyond the first pair occupied. On either side, lean and hungry looking wolves are crouched down, their lips curling in unnaturally silent growls and snarls. At the approach of the torchlight, they retreat slightly, turning their heads to one side as though afraid of being burned. Indeed, both wolves show signs of this kind of mistreatment in the past, evidence of burns and other scars on their flanks.

[KingOfCowards]

The halfling pulls the torch back, hoping it will put the wolves more at ease. Remembering his previous conversations with wolves, Kennit tests the intelligence of this lot.
in chaotic

"We have no intention of hurting you. We just want the goblin's treasure. Would you consider assisting us in exchange for your freedom?"

[Keehnelf]

Kennit is unsure whether the wolves can even hear him in the unnatural silence that hangs over this hallway. Certainly these wolves aren't smart enough to be lip-readers? Either way, only his moving the torch away seems to evoke a noticeable reaction--causing the wolves to relax slightly and move to the far wall of their respective cells.

[KingOfCowards]

Awww...crap. Forgot about the silence. Kennit's not the smartest. Do they appear to be regular sized wolves, or larger than normal?

The words catch in his throat, as Kennit remembers the eerie silence that surrounds him. He looks back to the elves for guidance.

[Spartakos]

Crap, how can I not have a piece of chalk, or any kind of writing materials?
DM, would you consider it metagaming or otherwise 'dirty pool' for us to discuss our options as players, when our characters can't talk?
Also, if we wanted to free these wolves, could we do so? Are the cells locked, or just barred/bolted from this side?

[Keehnelf]

Somehow this post never showed up as new for me--sorry for the delay on responding.

You're fine to discuss OOC if you'd like. The lines get blurred so easily IC/OOC planning-wise, and you could just do it via PM anyway, that there's no reason for an artificial limitation. The silence is a potential liability already without impacting the ability to plan.

[Spartakos]

Gotcha, DM.

Ok then fellas...I say we turn these wolves loose. They seem afraid of the fire, so I think we can keep them from attacking us...and if goblins have mistreated them, maybe they will take out some aggression on them? At the least, it could provide a useful diversion for us...goblins busy killing wolves aren't killing us.

Your thoughts?

[Keehnelf]

Oh right--missed the question about locks. Since these are just wolves, the cell doors just have relatively simple sliding latches keeping them in place. Strong against impact, but not against intelligence.

[KingOfCowards]

With a skeptical look in his eye, Kennit mimes to Rhodri, mimicking opening the lock on the door with his hand and then brandishing his torch with the other hand.

Worth a try anyways. It's only two for now. Best case scenario is that the goblins and wolves kill each other. Then we don't have to worry about what to do with them when the dirty business is all finished.

[Spartakos]

Unless Numen objects, Rhodri will release the wolves, backing away quickly to give them room to go.

[Mister-Kent]

Numen gives a thumbs up and a nod, approving the move to release the wolves.

[Keehnelf]

Rhodri pulls the latch to the side and releases the locking mechanism, allowing the door to fall open, then steps back from it to allow the wolf space to move. After a long moment, the wolf darts out through the narrow opening and down the hall. The elf repeats the process on the other side of the hall, releasing the other wolf, that follows the first. The pair disappear into the darkness ahead.

[KingOfCowards]

Kennit backs away uneasily as the wolves are let loose. But after they disappear down the hall, he waves to the elves to follow behind him.

[Spartakos]

Rhodri nods tightly and follows after Kennit, his bow still readied.

[Keehnelf]

The group follows behind the wolves, and finds another set of cells beyond, similarly occupied. Heartened by the success of their previous attempt, the group also releases these two, and they slip off after the others.

Approximately thirty feet down the hall, as it turns a sharp left, a cell on the right opens on to an obviously pregnant and laboriously-breathing wolf-mother. It pants as it looks up at Kennit, lip curling, but not making any other moves.

[KingOfCowards]

Kennit gives the she-wolf a curt nod to let her know that he poses her no danger, and then continues on to the bend in the corridor. With torch raised high, he takes a peak beyond the corner.