Bandaluthia Session 23

Bandaluthia Session 23

The Animals stood at the bottom of the stairs. Their cowardly adversary had retreated up, though remained a threat. Rätsel was torn. Vandrel had warned him, and accompanied the party, to investigate what transpired to be a threat to the tiefling. But, he had also shot Shaniqua and was likely to wreak vengeance on Qu, who had bravely shot the unhinged housemate. Höllenlord began charging up the stairs, the Gods of Probability deciding, in his mind, than Vandrel must die. ‘Wait Höllenlord; Vandrel, this is madness, let us talk’, the infernal progeny shouted.

A critical decision-point had been reached. Their companion, to the relief of Rätsel, acquiesced. The Animals left the house, followed by Vandrel, who transformed into a creature of the night, and flew off. The party returned home, via the Satyr and Sickle. On arriving at the Avenue the remainder of the Four – Vic Lem and Gardo – were waiting, with Vandrel on his leash. Discussion ensued, and agreement was reached. There would be no reprisals for the evening’s conflict, at least while Vandrel was in the employment of the Animals.

The party returned to the matter at hand. Rätsel retired with Affe to sleep and study. Meanwhile the rest of the Animals – Coelho, Qu, Jacob, Höllenlord, Shaniqua and Gus – returned to the Hartorian Consulate to find out what more they could. This time they sneaked up the side gate and so came to the rear entrance: a heavily fortified metal door. Coelho examined the symbol on the door – a scourge – but did not know its significance. Shaniqua studied the lock and realised it was far too complex. However, drawing her magic knife and instructing Gus to hold the door, she began to effect an entrance. The party climbed in the hole she had created and found themselves in a small lobby, which had a distinctive smell. Jacob recognised the familiar odour of dogs, and Qu pointed out that this was mixed with the smell of sulphur. Inexperienced as they were, and without the “Devil”, they did not realise the significance of this. Opening the door they were confronted by four large dogs, with glowing red eyes. The expected attack did not come, the dogs instead prowling at a safe distance. Gus and Höllenlord covered the door, Shaniqua clung magically to the ceiling and Coelho, invisible as he was, stole into the room with his crossbow ready. Impetuous halfling. While the hellhounds could not see Coelho they could smell the tasty morsel as it crept forward. Preferring their food cooked one of the dogs unleashed his fiery breath, but the cleric prevailed. Battle commenced. Jacob discarded his shortsword and struck one hellhound with his throwing knife. Coelho, Gus and Höllenlord battled yet more. Shaniqua climbed along the ceiling until above one of the dogs, but could not get a clear opportunity to attack. Qu entangled one beast with a well-aimed throw, and then sought to concuss the others. Alas, he deafened Höllenlord and Gus. Still, they didn’t need anyone to tell them what to do and in short time the beasts lay dead.

The party explored the rest of the pillared room. Qu found an object in amongst the hellhounds nest, and stuffed it in his backpack. The others explored a storeroom which seemed to have been long unused. A large door toward the northwest seemed to lead further into the cellar complex. Shaniqua crept up to the door and listened intently. She heard very quiet breathing to either side of the door and a faint ticking sound. She considered the significance of this realisation, drawing on her knowledge of subterfuge and the clandestine arts. While considering this portent Gus took matters into his own hands, dropped his shoulder and barged the door. After two mighty shoves the door flew open, revealing an angry and ugly human gently spinning a two-bladed sword, demanding ‘whah d’ya want?’

There the session ended. Subterfuge and stealth had been punctuated by moments of abandon. Another battle looks likely. Or, could the Animals talk their way out of this sticky situation. Perhaps if they talk fast, and the Gods, Probability and Nature wish it, they can.