Way Down in the Hole — IC

Post by **ratwizard** » Sat Sep 16, 2017 7:08 pm

"Keeping secrets? No," Ramis says, turning to the woman. "I'm just being cautious, is all."

"What? Now you have some sense of self-preservation?" Brelnia asks, looking incredulously at the human.

Scarpel24 · Post by **Scarpel24** » Sat Sep 16, 2017 8:13 pm

Korgul just found out he was not dealing with a rat in Yldaren, and he was not gonna have any of that shit on anyone else.

"I understand fear of death mate, but we are all in the same boat here. As we do in the Lower Elements of Razak: if your mate has not food give him half of yours, because he'll distract the soldiers tomorrow for you to get more" Korgul then remembered his hard days in the streets, and his companions as children, but thefact that one of them put him in here bittered the memory, and he started speaking more menacing "So the moment to NOT keep secrets is now, because I don't like secrets when I'm trying to escape a prison. Spit it out mate" He then starts flexing his muscles and walk towards Ramis "Or you think those shitty batons are the only thing that can cause pain?"

[SHOW]: 4(1d20) +14 = 18 Intimidate check to make Ramis tell the truth

Post by **ratwizard** » Sat Sep 16, 2017 9:21 pm

Ramis backs against the wall, holding his pickaxe with an anxious grip. "Nothing, I said! You are all too paranoid. I don't trust you, same as you don't trust me." He takes a deep breath, calming himself. "Look, If you are able to start some way for us all to get out of here, I will follow behind in the chaos. It is easy for one like myself to get lost amidst distractions. But don't expect me to put my faith in you until I see a way out. You just threatened me, you know."

"Back off him, Korgul. He's gonna piss himself," Yldaren says. "He's just trying to say the same of what I said. I'm not gonna go start shit with the Watchers or dig around looking for some perfect escape. Been here too long to think any shit like that will really work."

AndItsAllGone · Post by **AndItsAllGone** » Sun Sep 17, 2017 12:46 pm

Shakumon gestures to the ore veins in the walls. "We'd better stop jawing and get to work." Swinging his pick, he says, "The Watchers backed off once. If you keep testing their patience, you can be sure they won't again."

Post by **Fialova** » Mon Sep 18, 2017 7:14 pm

[SHOW]: History to see if Zhou Si knows anything about 'Wolden': 21 nat 20, aww yiss
Streetwise to see what unique things Zhou Si has noticed about the prison complex in her months living in it, or names she might know of other prisoners trying to escape: 5

Post by **ratwizard** » Mon Sep 18, 2017 8:47 pm

[SHOW]

Zhou Si

You recognize the name the Watchers spoke as being Watcher Wolden, the right-hand-man of Commandant Hauzen. Wolden is rumored to have a very intimidating and ruthless front that prisoners speak in whispers about. It's been said he was a raider, an ex-slaver, a murderer, a mercenary, or simply psychotic, depending on which version.

You've seen him once before -- he appeared to be a middle-aged human man, clean-shaven, with long, straight hair to his shoulders and a large scar on his chin that spanned a few inches. It was only in passing.

During your months living in the Hole, however, the only prisoners you've heard directly reference escaping are the group are have found yourself in now. Perhaps Yldaren or somebody else more connected might have roots?

Post by **Fialova** » Mon Sep 18, 2017 9:04 pm

Josie rolls her eyes at Korgul's continued displays of muscle and aggression. This man really does not understand subtlety. It's no wonder he's found himself in here. "Yes, I'd be more concerned about what Wolden has in mind for you right now," she says to the orc. "He is not a man I'd want to cross, and you seem to have done so. You've now been marked by the Watchers as a potential for escape, I doubt that will just be ignored by the overseers."

Following Shakumon's example, she grabs her pick and gets back to work, hoping to not add to her lashes. If we are going to get out of here alive it is not going to be under Korgul's leadership, she thinks, as she continues her meager attempts at mining. Much too hot-headed, that man.

Post by **Scratcherclaw** » Mon Sep 18, 2017 9:51 pm

"A potential for death is more like it," Alerio responds to Josie, grabbing his pickaxe and returning to work. "He'll sooner end up like our decaying friend, half-buried in some other mineshaft." Gods know that'll happen with the way he smart-mouthed that Watcher. I'm sure they'll get some sick joy out of it too.

"And I doubt they expect someone to actually escape. They're cocky like that, but for the right reasons," Alerio adds, chiseling away at the stone, thoughts of escape now seeming to fade away as more and more doubts come into play.

Post by **Pashalik** » Mon Sep 18, 2017 9:54 pm

"What if we had something they weren't expecting? Rajan says. "Our options might open up a bit."

Post by **Fialova** » Mon Sep 18, 2017 9:56 pm

"Like what?" Josie asks, as she chips away at the wall. Apart from the Hound, I am not sure what else would work to our advantage in here. And I don't intend to impose unless absolutely necessary.

Post by **ratwizard** » Tue Sep 19, 2017 9:40 am

"Chaos," Yldaren says to Rajanikant and Zhou Si, not yet back to his own mining. "Something like the Mess Hall Riots a few years back."

Ramis nods. "That's the kind of thing I meant."

"'Cept most of you weren't here to see how bloody it got. Plenty of deaths. Worse than that poor bastard back there." The foreman hooks a thumb behind him.

"What kind of a rebellion doesn't get bloody?" Brelnia asks in a chastising tone. "Think we're getting out of here without beating down a few of these fucking Watchers? Hah."

Bazros turns away from his mining to face the others again. "Some might find that therapeutic."

Post by **Scratcherclaw** » Tue Sep 19, 2017 3:42 pm

"The Mess Hall Riots?" Alerio asks the elven foreman, looking up from his mining. "How did they start?" It must have been pretty gruesome for them to have closed the mess hall afterwards. "And how could there be something similar if they haven't reopened the mess hall since then?" he adds, unsure of where they could create chaos large enough to slip away, given that prisoners spend so little time together.

Post by **ratwizard** » Tue Sep 19, 2017 7:49 pm

"People getting really sick from the food, Watchers cracking down... plenty of reasons. All it took was a reason and a place," the elf explains. "In retrospect it was probably stupid of them to expect order in a hall with hundreds of prisoners. Doesn't matter how many Watchers you had in there."

"The mining plaza," Brelnia says, pausing from her mining for a moment. "When they escort us down to the plaza and assign us picks and waterskins. They try and stagger us a bit, but there are still a lot of prisoners waiting to head out on their branches."

AndItsAllGone · Post by **AndItsAllGone** » Tue Sep 19, 2017 8:22 pm

Shakumon continues his labor, surreptitiously listening to Yldaren. Though he's tried to bury it beneath his gruff exterior, he remembers a time when the yearning for freedom burned hot in his heart. He tries to recall everything he can about the Mess Hall Riots, and to think about what he knows of the mining plaza security.

[SHOW]: History to remember the riots: 14(1d20) +1 = 15
Streetwise to recall mining plaza security: 6(1d20) = 6

Post by **ratwizard** » Wed Sep 20, 2017 10:09 am

[SHOW]

Shakumon

You were there for the Riots, and you are able to recall some important details -- though it is up to you if you had participated.

While life in the Hole had always been miserable, there was a period of a few months where quality-of-life dipped even further. A string of food poisonings from the mess hall had made faith in the meals at an all time low. There were hunger strikes, which brought more beatings from the Watchers. In addition, there was an influx of elvish prisoners that made capacity tight -- the reason for their entry was inconclusive -- and tensions were heightened.

The Riots themselves were a bloodbath, starting in the Mess Wing and spilling partially out into the halls that led to the other Wings. Only a subset of the supping prisoners took to violence, but the number was still over a hundred -- maybe two. Almost a hundred Watchers swarmed the mess hall, breaking the riot, but not before several of the prisoners were killed. You recall two of the Watchers died: one strangled to death, and the other beaten down after being overwhelmed.

Security was increased at that, but you never got a good feeling of why or how. It seemed that more Watchers were on the force as you began to notice many new faces in their corps, though that may have been because of turnover. The Mess Wing was largely abandoned except for food preparation and prisoners were fed in their cells, day and night.

Scarpel24 · Post by **Scarpel24** » Wed Sep 20, 2017 12:10 pm

"So we just have to make a spark in the plaza, and the other inmates will join us in the chaos. If chaos is what we need, chaos we will make"

Korgul's eyes start to ignite in the old lust for blood common to his father's race, already playing the battle in his mind. He did not like the bad fate he had suffered, but fighting was his thing. No words, just cleaves and punches.

"We can open a path to escape in the middle of the riot, we just need to find something to turn the final tide to our favor.... Maybe set a trap in the mines or find some armor. I'm pretty confident to be able to hold 2 or 3 guards at a time, they are no different from the soldiers on the mercantile alliance. I have no magic but I trust my grip. We just need to set the whole thing up"

They treat us like garbage here, I must not be the only one willing to give his life to escape. There must be others in here...

[SHOW]: Checking on the prisoners likehood to join a riot
11(1d20) +1 = 12 Insight check
12(1d20) +3 = 15 Streetwise check

Post by **ratwizard** » Wed Sep 20, 2017 12:25 pm

[SHOW]

Korgul

In hindsight of the past few weeks, you haven't paid much attention to the general sentiment of the other prisoners you've encountered -- though you do know there is some resentment toward their treatment. It's hard to really tell if those you've encountered hate their fate enough to risk death in an escape attempt, though.

You do know, however, that the general population in the Hole is a particularly gruff bunch. It doesn't take much of a reason to get people fighting sometimes here, and you figure that a showing of violence might incite others. If not for their own escape, then some might fight the guards just to fight the guards.

Post by **Fialova** » Wed Sep 20, 2017 5:48 pm

"I doubt chaos is on this list of things the Watcher's aren't expecting. You said it has happened before, so I am sure they are watching intently for any signs it is going to happen again. What makes you think they don't have procedures already in place in the event of another riot?" Josie asks, baffled that the others think causing one is such a novel idea. They spend their day-to-day lives constantly prepared for trouble, this will not be an easy task.

"We'd need more than just a riot to escape. I'm sure they know and guard every escape route from the plaza, and they'd be the first areas to be locked down. If a riot does occur, we need to already be elsewhere in the mines, lest we be surrounded and killed in the inevitable massacre."

Post by **Scratcherclaw** » Wed Sep 20, 2017 6:27 pm

"If they were really confident in their ability to stop riots, we wouldn't still be eating in our cells," Alerio responds to the Ghian woman, thinking back to the mess hall. "It's clear they're scared and unprepared. Just look at Tolka earlier." Unless fear is a new way to show confidence.

Despite this, he agrees that he'd rather not be in the plaza while the riots occur, with some hesitation however. "We'd definitely have a better chance if we're out of the plaza, but how do you figure we can get away before then?"

Post by **Fialova** » Fri Sep 22, 2017 12:51 pm

"That I don't know," Josie admits, her skills at planning far outweighed by her skills at executing the plans of others. "Perhaps we find a way to sneak away? I'm not sure, which is why I think this needs more thought put into it. I'd rather not risk my life on escape without at least coming up with the best possible idea first." If I die here I don't get to see this place shut down and the owners strung up. That won't do.

Post by **ratwizard** » Sat Sep 23, 2017 7:20 pm

"The good thing is you've got plenty of time to think a plan over," Brelnia says with a smirk. "Not goin' anywhere." She slams her pick into the wall of the cave, breaking free a chunk of ore.

Yldaren shrugs. "If you're serious about this thing, it's probably in your interest to keep it under wraps. Should the Watchers sniff out your little rebellion, they'll have us all whipped -- or worse."

The rest of the mining shift passes with little discussion, the tension having died down. Between the group of you, the wheelbarrows get filled on time for the remaining few passes. You feel fatigued, but it isn't anything new. Weeks, months, or even years of the repetitive tasks have left you mostly ready for such a thing.

As Yldaren leads you back the way you came in the morning, you notice the body of the deceased orc is gone. The stains of blood still mar the walls, however.

Within time you reach the central chamber -- a massive chasm that descends from the upper levels in a wide, cylindrical shape with carved switchbacks traversing the sides upwards. This is the mining plaza, where gear is doled out and mining duties are assigned in staggered shifts. At this time, there are dozens of other prisoners suiting down, as well as a healthy number of Watchers supervising the process. From off in one corner, you can see several wheelbarrows getting pushed to a wide-mouthed tunnel that feeds towards the forge and workshop area.

Yldaren leads you to a station where a number of Watchers stand, ready to process you. One of them, an orcish man, looks up at Yldaren and the rest of you with bored eyes. "Picks, waterskins, torch-holders. Let's go." With a nod, the foreman of your mining crew hands begins handing his equipment over.

[SHOW]: From the station parallel to yours, you notice several other prisoners looking your way. They quiet down at your shared glance, but what piqued your attention was something spoken about a "body."

AndItsAllGone · Post by **AndItsAllGone** » Sat Sep 23, 2017 7:38 pm

Shakumon gives his gear to a Watcher, thinking intently about the discussion from earlier. The talk of an escape plan has him agitated, but he's starting to wonder if perhaps this group of prisoners is serious. Certainly the half-orc Korgul seems intent on undertaking an attempt, but there's no way to know how competent he might be beneath his brashness and swagger. For now he'll take his cues from the more trustworthy inmates, like Yldaren and the dwarf Brelnia.

He looks around, trying to get a feel for security in the mining plaza. He attempts to quietly discern how many Watchers there are and how they're armed.

[SHOW]: Perception to observe the guards in the mining plaza: 11(1d20) +8 = 19

Scarpel24 · Post by **Scarpel24** » Sat Sep 23, 2017 8:10 pm

Korgul walks after Shakumon, he is almost unseen behind the Orc's massive body, something that is unusual to him. So the riot is possible, at least this bunch seem realiable and can think for themselves.... The thing is I don't see the way to make a distraction, other than ourselves... we need to start a bloodbath here in the plaza and just break through the mess... I don't see other way

He then mindlessly delivers the gear to the Orc Watcher in front of him, trapped in his conspiracy thoughts. Today he made progress, but it wasn't enough. Next shift in the mines he will look for the distraction, to put the plan to work. If the Watchers made that fuss about a dead inmate, they'll probably go crazy with a dead guard

Post by **Fialova** » Sun Sep 24, 2017 5:54 am

Josie follows the others in turning in her gear, same as she'd done many times before. She wears no emotions as she does so, a policy she adopted early on to hide her hate and discontent from the Watchers. As she does so she notices the other groups looking their way, catching a small bit of their conversation. So they are talking about us. Hopefully they did not pin the body on someone in our group. That could go south very fast.

Post by **ratwizard** » Sun Sep 24, 2017 7:38 am

Bazros, Ramis, and Brelnia follow suit, handing over their equipment with rote boredom. The orcish Watcher turns to Rajanikant and Alerio expectantly.

[SHOW]

Shakumon

The Watchers are typically armed in the same manner of padded and thick leather armor, as well as the thick metal truncheons. A few of them carry whips at their back -- which you know to be the ones that carry out punishments.

All in all, there are around three dozen Watchers here versus the hundred-or-more prisoners getting processed.

Post by **Scratcherclaw** » Sun Sep 24, 2017 4:54 pm

Alerio trails behind his mining companions as they enter the plaza once more, as he'd done so many times before. With the day's discussion and his increasing yearn for freedom, the room seems so much smaller than it has in the past. El-unod's wings, carry me from this place. As he returns his gear, he overhears mention of the corpse they had found. Word sure travels fast for a place where few can talk to one another.

Post by **Pashalik** » Sun Sep 24, 2017 5:59 pm

As the group nears other prisoners, Rajan starts spreading the word about the dead orc, embellishing the story as he goes.

"We saw another murdered prisoner today."

"He didn't deserve it."

"That Tolka's been out of control lately, she doesn't care if you've done anything or not, so long as she gets to see some blood."

[SHOW]: 16(1d20) +13 = 29 for bluff 3(1d20) +11 = 14 for streetwise

Post by **ratwizard** » Sun Sep 24, 2017 9:06 pm

[SHOW]: Your whispers, while less selective in recipient, seem to be eaten up with great interest. You don't stay and chat, however, as the Watchers are keeping eyes out. The prisoners you speak to seem to cluster together, making whispers of their own.

The group of you hand over all your gear and get ready to make the trek up the heavy, carved switchbacks to the upper levels where the various Wings are. There are more miners coming up from the tunnels to get processed, and soon you are ushered forward. As you merge into a larger group of prisoners heading for the slopes, you notice Rajanikant split off from the cluster. He slips through the loose spread of prisoners, speaking with a few, but eventually makes it back after some time.

The path up the switchbacks isn't very steep, but it is time-consuming. You walk about four wide -- the lack of railings don't allow for much room. Every twenty-or-so prisoners, several Watchers walk in a buffer layer to split up the numbers.

About ten minutes later, you have made decent progress and you can see the torches from the mining plaza below, at a dizzying height. The flowing foot-traffic has stopped, however, and you crane your neck to see why. Up ahead, a pair of Watchers appear to be wrestling something away from a prisoner. Another handful of Watchers look on, ready to act. A waterskin slips from the orcish prisoner's hands, and he makes a grab at it again.

With a shove, the Watchers force the orc back. "Fuck you!" you hear him shout, standing tall in the face of the two guards in front of him. Without hesitation, one of the Watchers slips out the heavy truncheon and makes a swing. The prisoner throws his hands up to block, but the metal club catches him in the ribs and he falls to a knee. A second blow to his exposed hip and the prisoner cries out, falling backwards from the onslaught, toward the ledge.

A collective groan is uttered as the orcish prisoner manages to catch himself on the rocky ledge, holding on with both hands while his legs dangle below him.

Scarpel24 · Post by **Scarpel24** » Mon Sep 25, 2017 5:45 pm

Korgul is used to the Watcher's abuse by now, but it still irritates him. He probably hates all the people that take advantage of the helpless. And today these events were particulary infuriating because of the previous clash he had with that Orc woman Watcher.

So he clenches his fist in anger, he wants to punch the Watchers but shouldn't bring more attention to himself today.

"Es tan solo una cantimplora, que tanto les importa? Malditos guardias" Says Korgul softly, pressing his teeth together. Apparently Serran has a will of its own in his tongue.

[SHOW]: "It's just a waterskin, how much do they care? fucking Watchers"

Post by **Fialova** » Mon Sep 25, 2017 9:03 pm

Josie watches the events unfold with a mixture of annoyance and indifference. She is torn between her usual distaste for the strong preying on the week, and her knowledge that most of her fellow prisoners very likely deserve to be imprisoned for whatever crimes she commits. But you don't, and others could be like you, she has to remind herself constantly. The prison is full of people from all walks of life, and there is no way for the woman to know who is truly guilty and who just, like herself, a victim of fate.

She glances over to Korgul as he speaks, unaware of the meaning behind his words, but hoping they are not as venomous as his previous Serran utterances. This man has a death wish.

Post by **Scratcherclaw** » Tue Sep 26, 2017 7:34 pm

Alerio sighs as he witnesses another example of the harsh realities of life in hell. As the troublesome prisoner is beaten down, the El-unod devotee cannot help but wince, fully aware that the man could very likely be any of them. El-unod, you care so much for justice and yet you allow such a place to exist. Why?

Shaking his head in disapproval and anguish as the beaten man dangled from the ledge, he mumbles to himself, "Justitia et judicium mundi est mendacium plerumque seorsum."

[SHOW]: Justice and judgment lie often a world apart.

Post by **Pashalik** » Tue Sep 26, 2017 10:15 pm

Stuck behind other prisoners, Rajan urges them forward. "Come on, grab him! You want them to get away with another killing?"

Post by **ratwizard** » Wed Sep 27, 2017 12:22 pm

At Rajanikant's urging, a throng of prisoners in front of him move forward cautiously to help the dangling orc. The Watcher nods, sheathing his truncheon and stepping back out of there way. They pull the man up and help him to his feet. He looks disoriented, but still very conscious.

The Watcher that had punished him holds up the waterskin, brandishing it for onlookers. "Smuggling and theft of Kelbis property will not go unpunished," he calls out, shaking his head. The orc limps along, held up by a few other prisoners.

The rest of the walk up is uneventful, and soon you've made your way up to the main halls of the facility. This is where the various Wings are -- the mess hall and kitchens, the cells, the infirmary, the Watcher barracks, and the high-security Board Wing. You reconvene at the mouth of the mineshaft, where Watcher Tolka waits alongside a dejected-looking Yldaren. He sends a caustic glance at Korgul.

"Hey -- Mouth and gang. Don't think I forgot," the orcish Watcher says with a sneer. "You're due a whipping, remember?" With her are the two Watchers from earlier -- the human and the dwarf -- as well as two more. They surround you with Tolka at point and escort you to the center of the halls, where the whippings are handled. One by one, you are each given the ten lashes allotted to you earlier in the day. For Korgul, he is given twenty, as promised by Tolka.

[SHOW]: Probably one of the more bizarre 'skill encounters' I've ran. Everyone needs to roll Endurance to see how affected you are by the punishment!

Scarpel24 · Post by **Scarpel24** » Wed Sep 27, 2017 1:05 pm

This time Korgul doesn't say anything, he had this coming. But today was a day of improvement for him. A day of possibility. A day he finally was sure he will get out of that place.

So he takes the punishment silently, watching Tolka during the lashes. He will have her, and will take the smirk out of her face before killing her. She was just another pawn in this stupid game of powers in Serranak, but it was nice to picture a face to hate. Imagine when I find the Orc that murdered my father...He shivers with the idea.

To other it sure as hell look weird, a quiet Korgul taking punishment in a happy expression. It hurted, but it was a weird feeling of realization.

I'm coming for you Tolka, and I'm not leaving without your earpieces

[SHOW]: Endurance check: 3(1d20) +11 = 14

Post by **Pashalik** » Wed Sep 27, 2017 1:14 pm

Rajanikant took his punishment sullenly, each lash making him loathe his captors a bit more. But, he reflected, The others seem at least somewhat open to suggestion, somewhat willing to work together. We could make a break work.

[SHOW]: 15(1d20) -2 = 13

Post by **Scratcherclaw** » Wed Sep 27, 2017 7:15 pm

Alerio grits his teeth as the Watchers dole out his lashings. Though he's grown used to the stings of pain they inflict upon him, it nevertheless stings deep. Through the pain, he manages to sputter, "Vos potest esse vitiosus est de me ut placere. Tu modo mihi iustitia." El-unod carry these Watchers to their judgment in the sea.

[SHOW]: "You may be as vicious about me as you please. You will only do me justice."

[SHOW]: Endurance: 6(1d20) +11 = 17

Post by **Fialova** » Wed Sep 27, 2017 7:28 pm

Josie glowers and winces each time the whip strikes her back. Though she'd grown used to the pain and had grown thicker skin over time in the place, she could not help the feelings of anger each time she was subjected to such cruelty. This must be what they experience every day, with no hope of escape. All the more reason these monsters need to be put down.

She glances at Korgul midway through her lashes, some of her anger directed at the man still. She is not glad for his lashes per se, but given that the man is directly responsible for her own misfortune she does find solace in knowing his punishment is greater than her own.

[SHOW]: Endurance: 19

AndItsAllGone · Post by **AndItsAllGone** » Thu Sep 28, 2017 1:41 pm

Like the others, Shakumon endures his punishment with stoicism. He's been at the business end of the whip more times than he can count, and his thick skin isn't readily broken by the Watchers' lashes. They know this and give more effort with his whippings, but they rarely phase him. Still, he looks forward to the day when he can repay the Watchers in kind.

[SHOW]: Endurance: 14(1d20) +10 = 24

Post by **ratwizard** » Thu Sep 28, 2017 9:03 pm

The lash bites into each of your backs, but those of you toughened by the time spent in the Hole feel only its dull sting. The Watchers go through the handful of you, including Brelnia, Bazros, and Ramis. "You too, elf," Tolka says to Yldaren. "Can't keep your crew in line, can you?" He stays silent with a disappointed look on his face and takes his lashes as well as any of you.

Korgul's first ten don't seem to phase him much. Around fourteen or fifteen however, the stinging pain overwhelms you and envelops your mind. Each successive crack of the whip seem like they take a full lifetime. Finally, the last lash is delivered and you are shoved away from the post by one of the Watchers. "Clear out. Back to your cells. There are more fuck-ups to preach reality to," the dwarven Watcher says, beckoning in another set of Watchers who had several prisoners of their own to punish. The arriving prisoners look at your condition and display a motley of groans and shaking heads.

"You heard 'em," Yldaren says curtly, already walking back toward the Cell Wing. The human Watcher from earlier tails him, expecting the rest of you to follow.

"Not you," Tolka shouts to Korgul. "I've got express orders for your plans tonight from Wolden," she says. The two other Watchers who had followed you there seize both of your arms, trying to pull you away from the group. "Have a good night, Mouth." The orcish woman gives a devilish grin to Korgul as the men begin to drag him away.

[SHOW]: To clarify, the majority of you can follow Yldaren back to the Cell Wings -- and Korgul can submit to being arrested. Unless otherwise clarified, this will be my assumptions.

As for the skill challenge, everyone but Korgul passed. There are no overt, mechanical consequences for Korgul's failure.[/sblock]

Scarpel24 · Post by **Scarpel24** » Fri Sep 29, 2017 2:22 pm

Korgul feels the pain in his back, as he is carried away by the Watchers. But he still has the feeling of bloodlust, and can't control himself. He tries to escape watching Tolka as prey.

[SHOW]: 6(1d20) +10 = 16 athletics attempt to escape

Post by **Fialova** » Fri Sep 29, 2017 6:05 pm

What is this fool doing? Josie thinks, seeing Korgul's clear attempt to escape the Watcher's grasp. This is neither the time nor the place. Does this man have a death wish?

AndItsAllGone · Post by **AndItsAllGone** » Fri Sep 29, 2017 9:26 pm

Shakumon watches with alarm as Korgul struggles. He has little affection for the impetuous half-orc, but for some reason he finds himself admiring the drive Korgul has for freedom and rebellion. Shakumon steps forward, attempting to defuse the situation. "Take me too," he says. "Whatever this fool is good for, I'll serve twice as well." His hope is that he can come along to at least keep an eye on his fellow prisoner.

[SHOW]: Bluff roll to convince the Watchers to take him too: 18(1d20) = 18

Post by **ratwizard** » Sat Sep 30, 2017 5:13 pm

Korgul's errant elbow catches one of the Watchers in the ribs and the man lets go with a grunt. The other Watcher still holds on tight, however, and you are unable to fully break free. A couple of nearby Watchers readying the other prisoners step closer, ready to assist.

Tolka chuckles at Shakumon's proposition. "Strange thing to volunteer for. I take it this idiot is kin to you?" She shares a look with the dwarven Watcher, who shrugs. "Fine. The more, the merrier. Any of you other fuck-ups eager to get your nose in the dirt?" The orcish woman smirks, and you take her words to be half in jest.

Scarpel24 · Post by **Scarpel24** » Sat Sep 30, 2017 6:06 pm

Korgul fights, but he soon realizes it's pointless. He breathes, and accepts facing the guy he is been sent to. He looks at Shakumon, a wise man offering to go with him, even if the guy has only been a quiet companion for no more than a week. Having allies as equals, not underlings, feels different, a comrad was something he never considered, there was only people to bring down or people he already stomped. Lost in this new feeling, Korgul clenches his fists and lets himself be carried away. I will get out of here... WE will get out.

Post by **Scratcherclaw** » Sun Oct 01, 2017 6:51 pm

Alerio watches carefully as the Watchers handle Korgul, frowning at his feeble attempt at escaping their grasps. Gods protect this man, since he'll no doubt need it. He is astonished as Shakumon volunteers his skin as well, unsure of what compelled the man to do so. He has noble intentions, but not intelligent ones.

With the watcher Tolka snide question, the Talon remains silent, not one to implicate himself for the benefit of no one. Shaking his head at the Watchers, all too eager to punish Korgul, Alerio mentally recites a passage to himself. Poena est iustitia ad illicitum.

[SHOW]: Punishment is justice for the unjust.

Post by **ratwizard** » Tue Oct 03, 2017 12:51 pm

(Read spoiler blocks first)

[SHOW]: With no other 'volunteers,' the two of you are escorted away from the crossroads, a half-dozen of Watchers stepping alongside you. Behind you, the rest of your crew begins to leave, likely to their rooms.

You pass the far end of the Cell Wing, and the Watchers move toward a side entrance of what you know to be the Mess Wing. Inside the heavy double-doors, you pass through a bleakly decorated antechamber to the old mess hall itself. It looks like it it has fallen into disuse after the years of being closed off to prisoners. It is lit, however, and seems to be dusted and cleaned regularly like the rest of the Wings.

As you are escorted through the mess hall and into hallways behind it, you pass by a number of workers. Some of them you recognize as the ones that handle the feeding of prisoners. They appear to be hauling goods between a storage room and some of the kitchens down the corridor.

The Watchers haul you toward the other end of the long corridor, however, and knock twice on an unlabeled door. A grunted response is heard through the door, and a moment passes before it opens. In front of you stands an older dwarf -- he is a shorter height than most of his kind, and he has a stout face, a bald head, with a well-trimmed graying beard on his jaw. Dressed in a simple outfit with a clean apron, he is holding a thick logbook of some sorts,
fervently writing in it with a quill. "You'll do," he says with a smirk before turning to the Watchers. "Tell Wolden he has my thanks." His voice is low and labored, and with an unfamiliar accent.

You are led into the room, which appears to have once been a kitchen. A few stoves have clearly been removed to make room for a row of five beds, which are equipped with a number of heavy, leather belts across them. Lining the walls are shelves of vials, flasks, and jars filled with strange substances. The contents are organized and labeled with great care, but in a language you don't recognize. The man's desk rests in the corner of the room, immaculate except for a pair of books and a page of notes set atop it.

The Watchers order you onto two of the beds, using force if need be. The heavy straps are fastened one-by-one, and you slowly feel more and more restrained as they work. First, your torso and arms. Then your legs. Your feet. Your waist. Lastly, a smaller belt is set across your forehead and you feel entirely restricted in movement. From your vantage, you can see the strange man at his desk, reviewing the notes atop it. He pulls down a few vials from a shelf, deftly combining the contents and pouring them atop what appears to be a clean cloth. Turning to look at you, the man steps closer. "Trust me, it is better this way," he says, before he firmly presses the soaked rag atop your nose and mouth. A sluggishness washes over your entire body, and your eyelids quiver. You fight to stay awake and your whole body seizes against the tightly-bound straps, but to no avail. Your eyelids shut, and your muscles relax. The make-shift laboratory fades from view.

[SHOW]: You see a handful of Watchers escort Korgul and Shakumon away, toward the Mess Wing. Taking your leave,
you follow Yldaren toward your cells. The human Watcher tails you for some time, his eyes fleeting and cautious.

Once you are inside the main cell block, the man disappears and you are left to the whims of the Watchers inside. They escort each of you to your proper cell and lock you in, as any standard day goes.

The night is relatively uneventful. You hear the usual shouts, banter, and boasting between prisoners. At some point, one prisoner mouths off to
a passing Watcher and is delivered a solid truncheon-hit to the side. You sleep soundly in your cell.

The following morning, you awake in your cell. Your breakfast appears as usual from the passing workers, slipped through your cell bars. It is time to start another day of mining -- the routine has become so regimented in your mind that it takes little mental effort to follow.

Your same crew from the last two weeks meets you down in the mining plaza, where Yldaren is assigned a new branch. You follow him as you walk. There is a shared silence for a time while others pass. Soon, as you are nearing the area the foreman leads you to, he breaks the silence. "What happened to you two?" the elf asks, stopping and turning around. "You don't look beat around anymore than we saw." It was true -- they seemed fine other than signs of flagellation.

Post by **Fialova** » Tue Oct 03, 2017 7:49 pm

Josie looks skeptically towards her orc colleagues, as they return from their night of 'punishment'. Seeing no signs of extra beatings, she is not sure what to think about it. I expected many more bruises.

Scarpel24 · Post by **Scarpel24** » Wed Oct 04, 2017 2:27 pm

"They did something to us.... but I can't remember...." Korgul tries to fight the blurs but it's impossible. Only the hallways, a kitchen, a strange human, and the restrains come to his mind in recall. The flashbacks don't make sense and seem to have no order.

"I guess I had it coming, whatever it was... but my mind is still made up from yesterday" This flashbacks won't detter Korgul from his eagerness to escape, time was running out and each day probably meant another of his underlings falling from his control. "We only need a distraction and an advantage to break havok in the plaza"

Post by **Fialova** » Wed Oct 04, 2017 4:53 pm

Torture? Experiments? What could they have done to him that he cannot even remember the events? Josie remains skeptical of the man, but her desire to escape means she will likely have to continue working with him. "Yes, that is true. The difficult part is knowing when, where, and how to cause such a distraction. I take it wherever you went did not glean any more information on that?"

Post by **Pashalik** » Thu Oct 05, 2017 4:45 pm

Rajan raises an eyebrow at Korgul's lack of memory. Whatever. So long as I get out. "The inmates have been on edge. A few carefully placed words might provide the distraction."