Way Down in the Hole — IC

[ratwizard]

Samiira

The flint strikes, and the long pistol rumbles in your hand — smoke billowing from the barrel.

The lieutenant stumbles against the doorway, one hand scrambling futilely for the handle for support. His legs buckle and he falls upon his rear, staring up at you in pain and bewilderment. "Ma déesse," the Powder Keg manages, clutching his chest. He glances down, where a plume of red is spilling down his rain-mottled shirt.

"You bitch! You... you kill me. You fucking..."

He coughs forcefully, against his will. His rapid breathing is labored as he sits there, against the open door, unable to take his bulging eyes away from yours.

[Namelessjake]

Samiira calmly tucks the pistol into her belt as the Powder Keg falls to the floor. Her face morphs back into her own, as she slowly draws her sword, gently placing its tip to the man's chest, over his heart.

"You deserve worse than a quick death," she says, ignoring his dying words as she applies pressure to her blade, sinking it deep into his chest.

Combat Block

Samiira Ka’Grappan

Female Changeling Executioner 3
Languages: Grystok , Kurnish
Age: 36
Height: 5' 7"
Weight: 140 lbs.

Speed: 6
Initiative: +6
Passive Perception: 16
Passive Insight: 13
Senses: Normal Vision

AC: 18 (19 when dual wielding)
Fort: 15
Reflex: 16 (17 when dual wielding)
Will: 14
HP: 17/32
Bloodied: 16
Surge Value: 8
Surges left: 6/7
Action Points: 0

MBA (Rapier):+10 vs AC, 1d8+5 damage
MBA (Dagger):+10 vs AC, 1d4+5 damage
MBA (Garrote):+9 vs AC, 1d4+5 damage
RBA (Dagger): +10 vs AC, 1d4+5 damage

Resistances: None.

Vulnerabilities: None.

Saves: None.

Active Effects: None.

Powers:

Changeling Disguise
Garrote Strangle
Poisoned Dagger
Quick Lunge
__________________________________

Second Wind [X]
Sohei Flurry [X]
Changeling Trick [X]
Assassin’s Strike [X]
Cloak of Shades [X]
__________________________________


Consumables:

-MUST BE PREPARED ON LONG REST-
Bloodroot Poison (heroic tier) [X]
-OR-
Carrion Crawler Brain Juice (heroic tier) [_]

Important Features:

Shapechanger: I have the shapechanger quality.

Attack Finesse (Executioner): Once per turn I can deal 1d8 extra damage with a weapon attack using a one-handed weapon, garrote, blowgun or shortbow.

Quick Swap: Once per turn I can draw or stow a weapon as a free action and then draw another weapon.

Death Attack: When I hit an enemy with a melee or a ranged attack that deals damage, I can choose to reduce the enemy to 0 hit points automatically if it has 10 hit points or fewer after the damage is dealt.

Poison Use: I know the recipes for two 1st-level assassin poisons. During an extended rest I can prepare 1 vial. I must know the recipe and have a poisoner’s kit. The vial contains a single use of the poison, which expires if it isn’t used before the start of my next extended rest. An item can benefit from the effects of only one assassin poison at a time. Only I can use my assassin poisons, and I am immune to the effects of the ones I create.

Two-Weapon Defense: +1 AC and Reflex while wielding a weapon in each hand.

Nimble Blade: +1 to attacks with light blades when I have CA.

Cunning Stalker: Gain CA against enemies with no other adjacent creatures.

Light Blade Expertise: +1 to damage rolls with light blade weapon attacks with CA.

Unarmored Agility: +2 feat bonus to AC when wearing cloth armor or no armor.

Known Assassin Poison Recipes

Bloodroot Poison (heroic tier)
Power (Poison) ✦ Consumable (Minor Action)
You apply the poison to your melee weapon or one piece of your ammunition. During this encounter, the next creature you hit with a weapon attack using the poisoned item takes 6 extra poison damage, and it is dazed (save ends).
Power (Poison) ✦ Consumable (Minor Action)
You pour the poison into a drink or onto a plate of food. The first creature to consume the food or drink within the next hour is dazed until the end of its next extended rest.

Carrion Crawler Brain Juice (heroic tier)
Power (Poison) ✦ Consumable (Minor Action)
You apply the poison to your melee weapon or five pieces of your ammunition. Until the end of the encounter, whenever you hit a creature with a weapon attack using the poisoned item, the target takes 4 extra poison damage, and it is slowed until the end of your next turn.
Power (Poison) ✦ Consumable (Minor Action)
You apply the poison to a single handheld object. Within the next hour, the first creature other than you to hold or wear the object for more than 1 minute is immobilized until the end of its next extended rest.

[ratwizard]

Samiira

Your blade slips between the man's ribs, and he groans weakly — a vein in his temple bulging with exertion. He coughs once, and then wheezes, blood bubbling through his airway. His lips move with strained effort but the sounds he is trying to make never reach air.

He writhes for a moment. Then, the man finally lays still.

[Scratcherclaw]

"The fight has ceased, but the storm still rages," Alerio says, eyeing the freed attempting to dry and warm themselves. "I believe it would be wise to rest and see to our own wounds as we wait the storm's own passing. If the fort is secure, we have been afforded some safety." It is not a night to lead these people to true safety.

[Fialova]

OOC

Josie will look for a way up to the top of the building that was housing the prisoners.

[Namelessjake]

With the man dead Samiira begins to check his pockets, and then the surrounding room aboard the ship, for anything useful or anything that might provide the Unfettered with actionable information for combating the remaining Powder Kegs in the future.

[Chanchabruhh]

Pohaku is looking around at the prisoners, double checking if they have any wounds that need tending to and he will ask “if there is anything else we can do let us know.” He says with his usual stoic, but compassionate tone

he then Looks towards Alerio “I do agree, resting, and tending to our own. Sounds like the best course I will go and check on Josie and Samiira. And filled them in on the The status of the prisoners and What not.”

[ratwizard]

Samiira

Aside from the rifle the lieutenant had, you find a coarse key on a strand of twine wrapped around his neck. Strapped to his waist is a belt with spare ammunition and a firing kit for reloading the firearms.

Like many of the Powder Kegs, he wears rather well-made armor — a tightly-woven jack of plate beneath a long, brown coat treated with oil to be somewhat waterproof.

Make a Perception check for searching the rest of the caravel.

Josie

You look for a way to the top of the building housing the prisoners. Inside the enclosure is a wooden staircase that leads up toward the western battlements, which can easily get you there should you wish to continue.

As you enter the enclosure however, you come across the remnants of a bloody scene of broken Powder Kegs and several prisoners, dead and scattered in the mud. Inside the reclaimed gaol, you sight of a throng of survivors as well as Pohaku, Alerio, Brandys, and Hadrurus inside.

Pohaku

As you glance outside, you see the familiar form of Josie enter the enclosure. She peers inside the building, catching sight of you, Alerio, Hadrurus, and the rest of the survivors.

[Namelessjake]

This should prove useful, Samiira thinks, pocketing the firing kit and extra ammunition for her newly acquired pistol and the man's long gun, which she slings over her shoulder. This perhaps not, but I should hang on to it in case all the same, she thinks as she examines the key, before pulling it from the man's neck, breaking its string.

Ignoring the man's armour, although noting it for later should it prove to be of use, she sets about searching the ship.

Mechanics

Perception: [1d20+6]=11+6=17

[Chanchabruhh]

Pohaku will nod towards Josie and continue to help the prisoners before and fill her in on the status of the prisoners 

"Josie good to see you, i assume the leader of this fort was taken care of? and how are you holding up injury wise?."

he asks with a tone of concern and curiosity

[Fialova]

"He fled," Josie says, frowning at her own words and her failure to capture the man. "There is a ship he went to. I am searching for anything that might help us sink it. A cannon, something flammable. Have you seen anything like that here?" she asks, as she gazes around at the bloody mess and the corpses. All these prisoners could have been freed if we had done better. They wouldn't be dead. Velasco wouldn't be dead. The anger she feels towards the remaining powder keg leader prevents what might otherwise be a breakdown in the moment, but the sight before her eats at her psyche all the same.

OOC

Does she see any way up from here? If not, she will continue her search until/unless someone announces the leader's demise.

[greysigil]

Brandys sets about clearing space and setting up the space, laying out any still intact and clean bedding for the injured and weary, preparing and serving food for the hungry, and providing dry clothes.

He eyes the newcomer who speaks, Serran by his estimation, and nods along. We should find out exactly who they are first. he muses. "A sound idea. A question though, if you'll permit: your friend, the quiet one, good with blades, seemed to recognize me. Have you been by the--?"

He cuts off, his weary face brightening slightly upon catching sight of his friend in the doorway, standing to greet her. "Zhou Si! I have not seen such, perhaps they have something mounted on the walls? Or stockpiles of powder for their weapons?" He takes a step closer, asking: "Are these friends of yours?"

[Scratcherclaw]

"What of Samiira?" Alerio asks, eyebrow raised, upon Josie's return. "She was with you, was she not?" She couldn't have... No, she is skilled and careful, from what little I have learned of her. Perhaps scouting for munitions as well.

 

[ratwizard]

Samiira

You perform a careful but hasty sweep of the caravel, looking for anything of use in the moment or for the journey back.

The small chamber the lieutenant had retreated to appears to be the captain's quarters. Other than the pistol he had stowed here, there is little else of note save for a surprisingly comfortable-looking bed. In fact, you find that the majority of the vessel's rooms to be quite bare — most supplies or other items of value presumably taken to higher ground due to the thrashing seas. What remains are scant supplies in the hold, a closet full of tools for woodworking and mending, and a desk full of maps of various quality.

You notice that the lower hold has been segmented off to form a large, communal living space for what you assume to be prisoners. The Powder Kegs must have been hauling about a dozen of them here based on the arrangement of cots and chains. As you move through, something catches your eye — a carved message in the planks next to one of the cots. It is in scrawled in Serran, and while your understanding of the language has largely left you, you do remember some of the words, especially those of the Pantheon. Lis-beht eat these evil ones, it appears to read.

Josie

In the enclosure you stand in, there is a wooden staircase along one of the walls that leads up to the battlements. These appear to wrap around to the south and north, and you believe much of the walls should be accessible from here.

[Namelessjake]

Samiira sighs, seeing the words carved into the hull of the ship, wondering how many people the vessel has carried into bondage.

At least there will be no more, she thinks, heading back up onto the deck, satisfied there is nothing else of use nor any remaining powder kegs aboard the caravel. She then begins making her way back up the stairs to rejoin the others.

[Fialova]

"Ah, Brandys," Josie responds, allowing the slightest hint of a smile to show on her face as her companion makes his presence known. It is good he is safe. "We just saw your better half not long ago, was surprised you weren't at the inn." At his question, she nods. "These are my companions with the Unfettered, yes. A mix of new recruits and older members." The last words remind her of Velasco and her eyes begin to moisten against her will. "Though one fewer veteran, now," she continues, wiping at her face with her sleeves. His body will have to wait a little while longer. We should bury him separately from the others.

Turning to Alerio, she says, "she ran after him onto the ship. If we can get high up, we might have a good vantage and can signal her from up here. If they've any cannons, we can sink it once she is back on shore. If not, well, then we need to regroup and pursue him before he tries to sail away."

[Scratcherclaw]

"I see," Alerio replies with a shallow nod. "I pray that she is whole and hale." This night has seen enough loss. The scout who promised low numbers is either a fool or a traitor. We shall find out which. "Let us make haste then, yes?" he asks Josie.

[ratwizard]

Samiira

With the lieutenant dead and the ship secured for now, you make your way back up the treacherous steps toward the seafort. The rush of battle begins to fade, and you are soon reminded of your injuries and the exhaustion of the late hour.

You reach the top, taking the first right toward the enclosure. You find Josie returned, speaking to many others inside the reclaimed gaol. You count the faces of Pohaku, Alerio, Brandys, and Hadrurus, but not Velasco. There is a throng of other prisoners who look to be in various states of shock, having been treated with warm blankets and new clothing. Stew and bread has been doled out, likely from the Powder Keg's own stores.

As you approach, you hear Josie say: "If they've any cannons, we can sink it once she is back on shore. If not, well, then we need to regroup and pursue him before he tries to sail away."
 

Everyone Else

As Josie speaks, you catch the face of Samiira entering the enclosure and heading toward you.

[Scratcherclaw]

"You are safe," Alerio says as he spots Samiira's form approaching, relief washing over him. "What of the lieutenant?"

 

[Namelessjake]

"Dead," Samiira states.

"If there's no cannons, we should be able to burn it," she says joining the previous conversation. "There's little of use on the ship, but if anyone knows how to sail, I'm sure the cause could put it to use," she adds.

"Has anyone seen Velasco?" She asks, realising his absence. "Last I saw him, he was up on the roof above us."

[Chanchabruhh]

Pohaku will nod to Josie and take a deep breath

“Well it’s good to know that the Lieutenant is dead, good work I do feel saddened that we couldn’t save more people but our efforts will make sure that they’re deaths were not in vain or for nothing.”

He then has a look of shame for a moment as he looks to samiira

“I have sailed all my life my people are wayfarers of the sea and my ancestors before me have helped me so to speak navigate the open seas, as for your friend I have no idea but I’m sure he would have come to us by now I certainly would hope so.”

[Scratcherclaw]

Alerio frowns at Samiira, wordlessly pointing toward the still form of Velasco, still slumped on the roof above. Let us hope the lieutenant's death shall sate her vengeance. There is little more justice to dispense, and it will not numb the pain.

 

[ratwizard]

Should anyone peer atop the stone gaol's rooftop, they would notice the sprawled-out form of Velasco laying supine — tattered bandages soaked through by the rain, wet eyes unmoving toward the great black sky. The translucent crow Raine, once desperately pecking at Velasco's cheek and cawing sharply in a strange cant, instead now perches quietly beside. She peers down at you in the enclosure, her dark eyes flitting between each face.

[Fialova]

"I am glad you're alive," Josie responds, as Samiira steps into view. Relief washes over her, momentarily, until mention is made of Velasco. "If only I could say the same for him," she continues, a tear beginning to form in her eye as her adrenaline begins to subside. "I watched him fall, helpless to reach him or help him. At least we made sure that none of the ones who did this to him lived..." she trails off, beginning to make her way towards the rooftop to retrieve his lifeless body. We may have succeeded in our mission to rescue the prisoners, but we all failed Velasco. Hadrurus and I most of all.

[ratwizard]

Josie is able to climb to staircase and loop around the battlements, reaching the rooftop where Velasco's body lays. As Josie approaches, however, Raine hops atop her slain human's chest, her talons digging into his bandages as she holds tightly onto him. The raven points her wings outward, cawing sharply at Josie, snapping her beak at the Amkharan should the woman grow too close.

In Velasco's rigid grasp rests his intricate blade. It seems to pulse a weak, violet color, a soft hum emanating from it.

[Namelessjake]

"A shame," Samiira says solemnly. "He may have been young and untested, but he clearly possessed the most important quality of our ranks. He was willing to lay down his life for the cause. There are many who will not spend their lives clapped in irons thanks to him and his sacrafice."

[BartNL]

I failed Velasco. Hadrurus thinks as he looks upon the lifeless body of Velasco. He sheds a single tear.

"Aye. He fought well, and for the right cause. I will go retrieve him, we will mourn him later." Hadrurus says, his voice broken. It's good that it never get's easier. Hadrurus then proceeds up the battlements to help retrieve the body.

[Scratcherclaw]

Alerio frowns wordlessly. He should have taken more care. It is a great tragedy, greater still if it were avoidable. He shakes his head, watching as the pair depart to retrieve the body from the battlements.

 

[ratwizard]

Hadrurus, and any who follow

You climb to staircase and loop around the battlements, reaching the rooftop where Velasco's body lays. Josie stands closeby. As you approach, however, Raine stands atop her slain human's chest, her talons digging into his bandages as she holds tightly onto him. The raven points her wings outward, cawing sharply your way, snapping her beak should you approach.

In Velasco's rigid grasp rests his intricate blade. It seems to pulse a weak, violet color, a soft hum emanating from it.

[Chanchabruhh]

Boulder will stand there looking at Velasco's body he closes his eyes for a moment

"I did not know him personally but.. his spirit was full of vigor and i am pained that it go to this point.."

he will then close his eyes and say some words in his peoples native speak

"Na ke kupuna e lawe iā ʻoe i ka ʻāina maluhia o ka Hoʻomaha"

OOC

 Translation-May the ancestors carry you to the peaceful land of the Rested

[Fialova]

Josie's sadness only grows as Raine comes into view, doing its best to 'protect' its late master. It is too late, little one, she thinks, as she tries her best to reach forward in a way that is not intimidating to the creature.

Mechanics

Nature to try to calm Raine/Animal Handling: [1d20+12]=13+12=25

[ratwizard]

Raine goes silent as Josie reaches out. Instead, the raven now watches her with pitch black eyes — blinking, conceiving — as the Amkharan approaches Velasco's body, Hadrurus alongside her.

[Fialova]

Seeing that the bird has calmed, Josie inches forward and attempts to retrieve Velasco's body with Hadrurus' help, offering Raine to perch on her shoulder should it react again. We are all saddened by his passing, but you can still come with us, she thinks, feeling more grief now for his lonesome companion.

[BartNL]

Hadrurus lifts the body over his shoulder, the weight of loss now both mentally and physically takings it's toll.

[ratwizard]

Velasco's remains are brought down from the roof of the gaol by Josie and Hadrurus, the latter slinging the slain Serranborn's pack and sword over a thick shoulder.

The rain continues to patter across the stone and mud around you, with scattered peals of thunder sounding from far out at sea. You have regrouped in the gaol, taking shelter from the elements for the time being.

"So," comes the soft voice of one of the surviving prisoners, a young elvish man who had taken up arms in the battle, earning a few scrapes along with his life. Brandys knows him as Garvelli. "Who are you fellows? You mentioned ranks, but you don't look like any army I've seen."

OOC

A few logistical questions I recommend resolving in-character:

1. Will you bury the fallen? A mass grave onsite or closeby the fort?
2. Will you include Velasco, or bring his body back to Vyridis?
3. Are you staying / resting at the seafort?
4. Are you combing through the rest of the seafort?

[Fialova]

"We are a group sent to free all of you. The Unfettered, if you have heard the name," Josie admits, feeling no reason to lie about their identity to those they came here to save. Best to be honest than risk losing their trust over a white lie. "Not usually a group that acts in force like this, but we saw an opportunity to stick it to the Powder Kegs' operation and free anyone in captivity, so we took it." 

Now finally able to rest for a moment, she sits on the ground and uses the rain water in her hair and clothes to start wiping the blood and mud off of herself as best she can, while she processes everything that just happened. Their operation here is in shambles, but the rest of them will come back eventually. We should do our best to make sure that they return to an unsafe, uninhabitable, or well-defended fortresses. Would not be good for them to simply reclaim this perch and begin again as soon as the storm subsides.

OOC

1&2) We can discuss IC, but OOC imo it is best to do a mass grave of everyone, including Velasco, rather than risking trying to haul a corpse back to the city. His sword can serve as a gravestone.
3&4) I feel like it makes sense to short rest so everyone is healed up and energized (IC taking a short breather and aiding the wounded prisoners) before sweeping the entire fort for hidden powder kegs, useful supplies, etc. Then either do as much damage to the fort and its buildings as possible, or send word to Vyridis that the fort is taken and await reinforcements to help defend it against the Powder Kegs when they return.

[Namelessjake]

"We should not linger here too long," Samiira says glad to be out of the elements for the time being, but aware they cannot yet rest easy. "We have no way of knowing when the other ships may return," she explains.

"Do any among you know how to sail?" She asks the freed prisoners. "If enough do, we might be able to use the ship to get back to Vyridis and prevent the Powder Kegs from making use of it."

OOC

Mass grave works for me.

I think we should short rest, clear the rest of the fort to be safe, damage the fort if possible and leave.

[ratwizard]

"Aye, I have heard," the young elvish man replies, a proud smile growing on his gaunt and dirty face. "So we're free, then, and by the Unfettered no less. I suppose I owe you motely folk my life then. You can call me Garvelli."

At Samiira's question, a handful of the prisoners murmur in tentative assent. "A few of us do," comes the voice of a human woman. She is older, with grey wisps of hair drowning the few black strands left, but her tattered garments cling to her muscular form — corded shoulders and thick, calloused hands. She makes a sharp gesture toward two other men seated behind her.  "We are the last of eight taken from the Amaranthine. How fare the seas, though? I could hear the waves pounding the cliffside even from up here."

[BartNL]

OOC

Mass grave works for me. I also propose trying to set the buildings on fire before leaving.

Hadrurus also wonder's how the weather is for sailing, and if it'd be possible for powder Kegs to dock in this weather.

[Scratcherclaw]

"It is a great risk to sail when the seas are tumultuous, and the people weary," Alerio says as Samiira makes mention of sailing to safety. "Yet for as long as it is, the returning Kegs may too be delayed." After such hardships, rest must be our priority. I would not risk further lives to the sea.

OOC

Ditto on the mass graves
Short rest is good but leaving is dependent on weather conditions

[Chanchabruhh]

OOC

Agreed im up for any option but the weather can prove a problem
 

[Namelessjake]

"Let us rest and search what remains of the fort then," Samiira says as those more familiar with the ocean voice their concerns.

"Perhaps the weather will have begun to let up some by the time we are done," she says.

[Fialova]

"Agreed," Josie says, not wanting to draw the discussion of what to do next out longer than necessary. Turning to the rescued captives, she asks, "anyone who is still able, please aid us in searching this place. We should decide on where is best to hold up during this weather, and gather anything we'll need there. Food, medicine, bandages - whatever the Powder Kegs had at hand, it's ours now to tend to the sick and wounded. Let's work to make them as comfortable as possible before we need to leave this place." If we can avoid anymore casualties before this storm subsides, that would be enough.

Turning to the rest of the Unfettered, she says, "as for us, we should begin digging the grave. Outside the walls, but not too far. The further we must venture from the safety of these walls, the better."

[ratwizard]

Garvelli and the sailor woman along with her remaining crew begin helping the other survivors across the way, into the largest building that the Powder Kegs had been using as their barracks and dining hall. Warm from a fire still burning, the hall proves useful as some of the food supplies from the shack to the south are hauled over. If supplemented by the cots from the gaol, this place should have more than enough beds for all.

The Unfettered, Brandys included, begin the miserable task of hauling the dead to be buried. A number of shovels and picks are sourced from one of the towers, and you pierce the earth where it is soft — a small outcropping outside the walls, atop the cliffline that overlooks the Borstid Sea. It takes an entire hour, bottlenecked by the lack of tools, but eventually the bodies are neatly placed and packed into the tomb.

Weary and wet, you return to the barracks. Garvelli stands at attention, dustier than before, but otherwise just as alert. "There's locked quarters that way," he says, pointing toward the base of the south-eastern tower that you had initially ascended. "And we found some barrels in storage. The sailors said it was black powder. We left it there for now."

The sailor woman lumbers closer, back from a trek to the docks below. "The seas are far too rough to move that caravel tonight. At least, I'm not going to risk my men's lives, but I can't stop you. With any luck, the new day might see the storm let up — though you said there were more of these bastards?"

[Namelessjake]

It is a shame there are this many to bury, Samiira thinks as the group works to dig the grave. Though we have saved many from a life in chains.

"Fair enough," the serranborn says in response to the sailor's assessment of the conditions, once they are back in the barracks. "It doesn't take a sailor to know that's a storm to be reckoned with - and yes they have other ships."

"We should still wait and see what the conditions look like in the morning," she says, turning to Josie and Hadrurus. "The weather might turn for the better, and most people here will need a night's rest regardless - if we're to trek back to Vyridis."

"We should rig the powder ready to destroy the walls and the ship, and have a couple of people keeping watch through the night, to raise the alarm in case the other Powder Kegs are sighted. If they are, or the weather doesn't get any better, we'll have to destroy both."

[Chanchabruhh]

"Agreed Samiira im all for it and i can take a spot in a watch rotation, Also is there anything else anyone needs just let us know."
 As Pohaku helps getting graves dug he will say a few words for each one 

He then thinks to himself
i wish i could have been more help here..no i am here for a reason and i will make sure this stops, i need to take my time and don't allow my emotions to make dumb decisions.. the guard i keep up is wearing down this mask of stone i wear soon will crumble.. Ancestors help me..

[Scratcherclaw]

May you all find warmth and safety in the embrace of the divine. A pity the mortal world could not provide such simple things. Alerio shakes his head solemnly as they work to prepare the grave, entombing the many that were lost.

As they return to the barrack, the Talon stands near the fire, the dancing flames flickering off his follow gaze. Yet the gentle warmth gives him some comfort as his rain-drenched skin dries. To mourn is to remember. But to continue onward is to never forget.

"It would be wise to let those experienced with black powder handle it, lest we bring about more misfortune. But I agree, removing their stronghold would deal the Powder Kegs a stinging blow and perhaps entice them to relocate."

[Fialova]

With the rest of her companions, Josie solemnly works at burying the deceased, paying special care to Velasco's body when it comes time to lower him into the grave. You were a good one, she thinks, as he is covered by dirt and left to permanently rest within the ground. You didn't deserve to go this way.

Once back within the fortress' walls, Josie listens as the survivors relay what they'd found, nodding along as she mentally notes what they have access to. Black powder is good. These walls are likely to crumble when subjected to a blast, especially given how derelict this place already is. "Good idea," she says, as Samiira suggests making emergency preparations to use it. Hopefully it does not come to that, but good to have a plan in place.

Feeling that the black powder situation is well in hand, she instead turns most of her attention towards Garvelli's other discovery. "Any of you good at picking locks? If not, we should chop the door down and see what is to be had within," she says, eager to complete their assessment of the fortress' contents and, more importantly, to rid of anything that would be of use to the powder kegs should they return. "If it's locked it must be important. And if it's important to them, we should either take or destroy it."

[Namelessjake]

"Agreed Talon," Samiira says to Alerio with his suggestion of leaving the explosives to those with experience handling them.

"I found a key on their leader. It might be for the quarters. If not I should be able to get in anyway," she says as Josie brings up the locked portion of the stronghold. "Can you show me the door?" She asks Garvelli.

[greysigil]

"He seemed a good man, and the world is darker for his absence. Brandys comments quietly, as the young man he understands was named Velasco is laid in the grave.

The old man listens to the deliberation in silence, weighing the options. "Denial of these assets will certainly hinder the brigands, but we should be careful to not send someone to their doom." He cautions.

"As for the door, let us try that key, and if it does not fit, then your expertise would be appreciated." He says, with a long look at Samiira. Not judgemental, merely appraising.