Clíodhna stands at the forecastle rail. Soon they will attempt to ... no, they will cross through the Lighthouse gate into the Weirding Sea. She considers the past, the ebb and flow, even as they now face the future, threading the warp and weft of what will become their fate.

Captain Faelan had left in the late afternoon, taking with him Durik and the vampirate ship. Captain Aylar and members of the Crew had wished them fair winds.

Captain Aylar had also made arrangements with Captain Baldbeard to be able to safely rendezvous with Crew in the Weirding Sea once Captain Baldbeard felt his duties to his loyal old crew were complete. A time and place was settled upon, based on the charts Aylar had been so minutely going over.

Aylar had pondered and plotted, memorized those charts and prepared ... and listened. He listened, and not only to her, he listened to the Crew; to Devin's and Grog'tial's findings, Bellandra's sensing of her kin, Gilius's awareness of natural forces, Kyp's affinity with the marine world, Argy's watchful grumbling over the drink, the food and the lasses, even Captain BenKii's unusual perspective and Count's rather dramatic (and sometimes questionable) suggested escapades. He went over the reports, asked what questions he needed, plotted and schemed and laid his plans against anything the two of them could think to come up with or the Crew might propose. He had been as wickedly thorough and creative with his tactics as he had been the wards ... and his insights.

Took ye by surprise, did he? she hears the whisper of a memory in her mind. Aye, he had indeed, in more ways than she could have known. "Penguins," she mutters under her breath. "Ye did it intentionally."

It was deepening twilight now, the last rays of the sun fading. Clíodhna sighs. There's not much actual tactical planning going on for this mission. Besides the map Devin provided rendered from his memory and his previous experience, there's no way to know what they are truly facing. Baldbeard's crew had their theories based on things they'd heard, but nobody actually knew. So it be good for Crew to prepare for what they do suspect; moonflower vines, the Sea Hag, these new Gorcs, a magical fiery forge ... and perhaps banshees or sirens or howling wolves. Preparing for various things and having various healing remedies among the Crew had been the smart choice. With the coming day they'll sail to the Lighthouse and into the not fully known. At least they will no longer need the thermals or be fighting hypothermia in the icy cold. For tonight she had told the Crew to have their gear ready as the Ship would reach the Lighthouse just after dawn.

She descends the forecastle and walks to the bow once more. She knows the penguin is silent now, but she is not one to give up possibilities. She feels the silence, but senses also that he is not among the Lost, and Bellandra had mentioned sensing something. She trusts Bellandra's senses in such ways, even as Aylar does and the penguin knew to. As the first star shows itself she fixes her gaze on the horizon and sends out a Call, and waits. More stars appear as she sends another and again, waits. Her eyes finally turn to the Lighthouse as she sends out one more Call. There is no answer.

Her eyes raise to another star, and notes the shift ...

What? Nay, Fair One! It nay be me!
[OOC: I get the uneasy feeling Devin's being framed, Fair One. lol]

Into the Light
*Turn Ends ?*

GM ANNOUNCEMENT: Upcoming hiatus.
Over the past few weeks almost half the Crew (and myself) have been struggling with RL obligations and need a slight break. So with this turn there will be a 4-6 week hiatus period in the game. After that time we can hopefully continue with our RL decks cleared a bit.
If during the break you find out you cannot continue or need a longer hiatus, tell me and we'll see what can be arranged. After all, the Lighthouse has a way of disappearing people. :P

=======================
Warning: Cliffhanger incoming.

It started with only one. A subtle thing, ever so slight. A star glows and shifts. Far below a sorceress stands watching, waiting, wondering. Soon, however, as nothing more happens she commits it to memory and turns to go inside where it is warm and someone waits.

As with many things, the subtlest shift prompts another. Slowly, in small increments only, the stars realign. Deep within an underwater temple in the Weirding Sea another being feels the shift, and with one last little nudge, is satisfied.

It is a time of sleep for most, a time of dreams. Deep into the night the light from the Lighthouse pulses brighter and brighter, reaching out in the dark night like a heartbeat, probing, seeking. Finally, the pulse grows bright enough to encompass the Ship. There comes two blinding flashes in time with the pulses.

Captain Baldbeard, discussing things with his old ghostly crew, sees the bright flashes through curtained porthole and comes out on the deck of his old ship, his cudgel and crew ready for battle. From the direction of the Lighthouse comes a eerie wailing howl that splits into several and resonates, running chilling fingers up and down his spine before it changes into an unearthly cackling.

"I told ye," his bosun whispers. "Banshee!"

"Nay, them be cursed sirens," says another.

Captain Baldbeard ignores them both as he stares out over an empty sea. The Ship, and the rest of the Crew, have vanished.

-----
GM Note: See you all hopefully in 4-6 weeks. Fear not ... 'tis not yet Davey Jones' Locker fer our Cursed Crew.

> The Ship, and the rest of the Crew, have vanished.

Devin, ye scoundrel, what have ye done?! :P

Captain's Log: Stardate Unknown
My time aboard The Ship has been one met with danger and adventure. I've seen giant beings made entirely out of ice, wooden carvings of mythical beasts come alive, and even several non-corporeal beings better known as ghosts. But none of these magical wonders comes close to that of the Aasimir White Witch known as Aeshma. I came to this planet in the hopes of finding dilithium crystals needed to repair my ship but found something far more beautiful than any known crystal. I was unprepared for this development and now face a dilemma.... Do I stay here and forsake my duties to Starfleet for a life here on this magical planet with Aeshma, or would she give up her life of everything she's ever known for a man she's barely met to explore the galaxy? There was always the third option... we go our separate ways never to see each other again. I can't even bare the thought of that, yet there was also the Prime Directive to consider which clearly forbids--..... what the devil is going on?

Suddenly, the Captain's log was cut short when the Lighthouse in the distance started to pulse brighter and brighter. Captain BenKii ran out of his cabin and onto the deck to see what was going on. Then came the eerie wailing howl that split into several and resonated through the night. "I know that damn sound!" said BenKii, "Unmistakable, it's one of those ugly Hags from the caverns I've been to before!" The howl then turned into the familiar cackle sending chills down BenKii's spine as the light from the Lighthouse has all but engulfed the Ship. "Oh we are so fu----"

But the Captain never got the chance to finish his sentence. The Ship disappeared, its crew gone, replaced with nothing but the waves of the ocean.

To Be Continued....

(Thanks for this great distraction from RL bjgamer. It's been a lot of fun so far. Can't wait for the continuation in 4-6 weeks time.)

"What ? Nobody to play chess with ? What's with all o' ye all landlubbers ? Aye ! What's with that sound ? An' that light ? Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaat ??!!!"

-----

Thank you J for all of it so far. See you all in a few weeks !

Chapter Seven - Abandon Ship

Somewhere between the mortal planes and the stars ...
The Weaver observes the tapestry of Fate, noting the fraying along certain threads. They are the very threads she had rewoven after they had been terminated before their appointed time by a foul creature seeking to play with Fate. It appears they are once more under threat. An eyebrow arches as a certain thread subtly shifts. Someone is playing with her Weave.

She feels him as he arrives, unbidden, and raises her eyes from the loom. He is changed, yet his intent is not. She waits patiently as he pulls something from an inner pocket then steps forward to place another thread before her. "Ah," the Weaver says. "So it comes to this at last. What bargain will you make?"

-----

Mission 7 - The Tunnels, Turn 1
*Turn Ends 11:59PM UTC, 10 March 2025.*

Your luck cards have been redrawn. Rolling dice ...

Grog'tial is the first to awake. You come aware with a sudden twitch, finding yourself lying on a cold dirty floor with something prodding at your mind. It is your dirk, you realize, warning you that something unnatural is attempting to infiltrate your mind ... more specifically your memories. But the black pearl Aeshma magically enhanced for you seems to be working to keep whatever it is out ... for now.

Bellandra is next. Your mind is slightly muddled, but then you become instantly aware that something is not right. You are lying on a cold stone floor. There is no motion beneath you, no sway or slight creak of the Ship nor scent of the sea. Furthermore, you realize, there is a slight emptiness again, one you have felt before. It takes a moment, then it registers ... you cannot feel nor reach that presence that is Cliodhna.

Argy, your head is pounding with a headache and your stomach is growling like a beast. That must have been some party. Maybe you made the last batch of grog a little strong, or had a little too much after Grog'tial turned and ran away rather than dance with you? Your eyes slit open slowly and you sit up a bit too quickly when you figure out you're not on the Ship. Wait, the party was the night before last! Dizzy, you look around and see several of the others still unconscious around you. Your stomach gives another deep growl and you realize that you've missed breakfast, meaning you've been out for a while. There's no galley here, no food, no drink. Luckily you are a halfling cook and always carry a few snacks and utensils on you, and Captain BenKii should still have his extra large potato you gave him. Looking through your pack on the floor beside you, you find 2 apples, a large carrot you were going to use to replace Frosty's nose before the Ship left him on the frozen island, 4 cookies, and your remaining 4 Cursed Weapon magdelenas.

Captain BenKii, your own head is spinning and pounding like you drank three bottles of Klingon Bloodwine. The hard cold stone you find yourself lying upon would not be considered unusual after a Klingon ritual or celebration. Did you pass out in the holodeck? You try to recall the last thing you remember and Aeshma's smile while dancing comes to mind. As you smile to yourself another memory rudely intrudes ... a bright flash of light and the horrifying sound of an all-too-familiar wailing howl and cackling resounding in the night. Your eyes confirm what your senses are already telling you. The feel, the smell, the look ... you are positive you are back in the dungeon caverns and tunnels you and Gilius met in years ago. You look around to see some of the Crew already awake, while others are slowly coming to. Aeshma isn't among them.

Gilius, you wake up groggily and open your eyes to find your pet rock by your side. In your hand you are still holding a white rook from the chessboard. As you sit up your dwarven druid senses tell you that you are underground, and you recognize that you are back in the dungeon where you first met Origi, Captain BenKii and the admiral formerly known as Polly. Glancing at Captain BenKii, you can see that he realizes it too, but the rest of the Crew won't know the terrible dangers here, except for the admiral. Looking around again, you realize you don't see her. Cliodhna isn't here.

Kyp, you wake up with dust in your nose on a hard cold floor instead of your comfortable hammock. There is no lulling rocking motion or salty scent of the sea. Instead there is the disgusting smell of dust and something old, dried up and nauseating coming from a huge black cauldron near you. You get up to move away from the horrid odor, checking your net and weapons, relieved to find everything there, including the Music Box in your pocket. You look to check on Durik, who usually sleeps near you, before remembering he left with that other Captain. Wondering what the plan is now, you are about to ask when you notice Captain Aylar is missing.

Count Karnstein, you wake to the smell of blood. Unmistakably it is days old dried blood layered over the older musty and dead blood spilled from many creatures. Your bleary eyes snap open to find yourself eyeball to page of a book lying atop your face. What the heck? Did you fall asleep while reading the Book of Plots, Intrigue, and Politics? Must have been more boring than you thought. The bed has become incredibly uncomfortable also. Removing the book from your face, you sit up to see you are on a stone floor. A dim flickering light from a torch meets your eyes. At first you wonder if this is another dream and turn to look for Aeshma beside you. She isn't there. Looking over the others you don't see Aeshma anywhere ... then you realize that rake, Devin, is also nowhere to be found.

You all awaken to find yourselves in a large 10 by 23 meter (~33 x 75.5 ft) room dimly lit by a single sputtering torch at each end. Those with night or dark vision can barely make out a few scorch marks on the shadowy high ceilings ~10m above. There is the dark form of a large empty cage standing off to one side near the back side of the longer wall, and what looks like a large black cauldron over a long cold fire near the middle of the room. Everything is covered in a layer of dust, with a few cobwebs in the corners, as if the room hasn't been used in a while. Well, except for some scattered bones, smears of dried blood and many large dirty finger-like tracks with claw marks making their way throughout the room and out a semi-raised portcullis to the 'north' end, indicating something, or several somethings, has been here more recently.

Luckily you had all prepared as requested and most of your items are safely stashed in your armor's pockets. So far you all seem unhurt, except for headaches and a few bruises, possibly from falling to the stone floor.

Suddenly a slat is slid noisily open to reveal a small barred window in a large heavy wood door to the 'east' that now glows with an evident magical shield.

"Wakey, wakey," rasps a cackling voice as a hideous face of a tall thin old woman with fearsome pupilless black eyes peers in at you. "Lazy beings, but I suppose you'll do. Yesss. I have brought you here. Only I can release you, or else leave you to the entertainments of the shadowy one." She cackles, and the sense of looming malevolence, either from herself or the mere mention of the shadowy figure, sends shivers up your spines. Then she sniffs the air with her warty crooked nose and bares sharp yellowed teeth. "I smell a certain magic on one of you. I seek something, a book stolen by a crazed flying skull. Ah, yesss, I see some of you know the fiend I speak of." Her eyes fix on Grog'tial with avarice. "It sees you, half-dwarf. It mistakes you for another it has a bargain with. A bargain of our own we shall make then, hm? I will send you all where you need to go, but first you must bring me the book. A way to the lair of this flying skull lies within these tunnels. Seize the book and bring it back here, to me. Bring the skull what he prizes, slay it if you can, or convince him you are the one he serves. I don't care how you do it. Bring me that book or never leave this place!"

The slat slides shut over the small barred window again. "Better hurry, dearies. The other occupants grow restless." There is another cackle, then a flash of light briefly shines from the thin threshold space beneath the door and the magical shield vanishes. In the sudden quiet you hear the scrabbling of many feet coming your way from the tunnel beyond the portcullis.

-----

Captain Baldbeard, you pace the deck, cursing the icy wind and the cold as one gloved hand brushes the forming ice from your beard over your fur coat and thermals. With the dawning light of day nothing has changed. The Ship and Crew are still gone.

"Captain!" your bosun hails you, dashing up from below deck with two handfuls of reddish tubes in his hand. They are all about 2.75cm (little over an inch) around and 30.5cm (a foot) long. "We found these exploding sticks stashed in a small box with the treasure. Maybe we can be using 'em to blow up the ice and any ice elemental to free the ship. Now that we be resupplied from the vampirates' stores of black powder, the men can have cannons prepped and ready on your orders."

As you look over the dozen sticks of dynamite in your loyal bosun's hands, your other gloved hand happens to brush the gnome lamp and lighter clipped to your belt. Now that Refyx has repaired it, it could be perfect to light those fuses ... and once your ship is free, will your crew of ghosts consider putting off their rest just long enough to sail with you once more to search out and find the disappeared Ship and Crew? Your eyes gaze across the sea to the lighthouse, and the light now pulsing rhythmically and seemingly innocently.

-----
Dungeon Tunnels: Argy, Bellandra, BenKii, Count, Gilius, Grog'tial, Kyp
Baldbeard's Ship: Baldbeard
???: Aylar, Devin, Cliodhna, Aeshma, Refyx, Rummyfangs

-----
Welcome back to the Crew! :)

ooc:
Yay, good to be back!

Quick recap for those who weren't there / don't remember:
Back in the southern tunnels of Doc's dungeon game, Og'rialt (no-good do-gooder) entered a swirling vortex to end up (off-screen, via PM) with Morte (from Planescape Torment), who gave him a mirror and a book from which he could glean strategic information and sometimes summon Morte at crucial moments, enabling the defeat of one of the hags as well as a beholder.

Grog'tial doesn't know any of this, though he'd recognize the portal for what it was when encountering it. BenKii and Gilius weren't there either. Argy once encountered Beldarion, though, so might've heard some tall tales about all of this?

===

Grog'tial becomes aware of his new location, and is instantly annoyed at the number of ...beings attempting to take such liberties with his mind and memories. He worries some of the other crew members might not be so well protected as he himself is now, so when he sees Kyp stirring, he swiftly moves over to ask him to turn on the music box.

The tall woman's offered bargain, and the implications of her words, leave him unsettled. She makes it sound as if she's the enemy of this "crazed flying skull", who's apparently in league with his half-brother? That'd make her a useful asset - but isn't that exactly how his half-brother would try to slip one of his assets into his inner circle?
Best to play along for now...

Captain's Log: Mission 7 - Turn 1
My worst fears have come to light. I have found myself awakened in the very dungeon that I encountered almost 5 years ago. I know the many dangers that lurk in these corners including the creature that has instructed us to find a special book for her -- The Hag. The one I found in the Western Tunnel many years ago was a mighty foe that did not go down easily. Even the explosion of an overloaded phaser merely momentarily disabled her. It was only from a special dagger wielded by the halfling Tanea that managed to fell the witch. I somehow doubt the same trick will work twice but I must convince the crew that we simply can not go along with what she wants. I am most certainly convinced that this Hag is extremely deceptive and will not honor any bargain. The quest to kill the Hag begins...

"Gentlemen," said Captain BenKii as he quickly did a headcount of all the crew that were here. "And ladies," after noticing Argy and Bellandra were here too. "I can say beyond a reason of a doubt, we are severely screwed. But fear not! For me and Gilius are familiar with this place we are in. This dungeon is a dangerous place with many traps and beasts that will kill you in a second. Including that foul creature with the crooked nose and bad teeth. That there was a Hag. A being of supernatural strength and unparalleled magical abilities. They are also known to be highly deceptive. She does not plan to honor any agreement to free us from this place. However, given that we have little options, we need to play along for now and attempt to find this book and possibly recruit the person in possession of the book to aid us in destroying the Hag. I highly suggest we do not split up and have those skilled in trap detection scout ahead. And, please, I need to stress this firmly to all... DO NOT TOUCH ANYTHING! It is most likely cursed or a trap. Now, with that said, let us proceed toward the portcullis to the north and be vigilant."

Captain BenKii looks around the room trying to get a bearing of where they are in the dungeon but he does not recognize this particular area. "Gilius, I have not been in this part of the dungeon before. Do you recognize this room?"

(OOC: I'm pretty sure this is the room the Southern Tunnel party had the fight with their Hag but my character went down the Western Tunnel and never encountered this room. I thought it would be better for Gilius to answer any questions about this Southern Tunnel room. I have the ability to use my Strange Box (tricorder) that detects Hidden/Magical stuff up to 20ft/6m radius. However, I believe the humming noise may alert those on the other side of the portcullis. Also, It's only a "one time use thing" so maybe should save it for a different area? And, BTW, glad to be back in the game.)

Argy checks her gear and slowly stands up, looking around. "Blimey, a hag? Could thar be...?"
There is something vaguely familiar about this dungeon, even if she had never been here.

(Argy may be able to recall some helpful info from Beldarion's tales. However, it is very unlikely that she might have heard anything useful about Og'rialt's book or Morte - At the moment Og'rialt summoned Morte to kill the hag, Beldarion was temporarily blinded. Thus he believed Og'rialt had killed the hag by his own means, although he had no idea how did he exactly manage to do it...)

For the moment, BenKii seems to know a little bit about the place, so she'll follow his advice. Or maybe he is just bluffing again?
But the situation probably demands some quick course of action, anyway. She'll cautiously head to the north postcullis, seeking some help from her companions to lower and secure it. If it can't be closed, depending of the size and number of the menace coming that way, she'll prepare to fight or throw a magdalena in the path of the incoming horde.

Grog'tial eyes the rest of the crew still lollygagging around on the ground, and grumbles. They're a good crew in a fight, but so slow to rouse to action, and simply not up to the standards of his usual agents. "Avast, ye lazybones! There's loot to be plundered!"

Upon BenKii's identification of the tall woman as a hag, he also grumbles at not having had his crossbow ready. After his last encounter with one of those, he's itching for payback. He could've shot her straight in the eyes through that slat! He checks that his quiver is still loaded with regular and armor piercing bolts, and then after a moment's consideration loads his stun bolts in the third slot, figuring that exploding bolts would be even less likely to be useful in the narrow tunnels on this dungeon. He slots a regular bolt into his crossbow, leaving the other slot empty to swiftly be filled at need.

While the rest of the crew is still rousing, Grog'tial makes his way to the portcullis - not at all trying to stay close to Argy, but simply because it makes tactical sense to do so - observing the rest of the room for any features which might offer tactical advantages or be of interest otherwise - and peeks around the corner to see if he can identify what sort of creature is making the scrabbling noise. If it looks animal, he'll play his grandmother's lullaby on his flute. If he has a good shot and the source of the sound looks at all like a danger, he'll take the shot with whatever bolt is most appropriate. If it's still too far, he'll lie in wait here until the rest of the crew is ready to move out. Given the many feet, he also makes certain his bag of caltrops is readily accessible, to potentially be thrown in the path of a charge.

Captain Baldbeard doesn't hide the glee in his eyes or his grin when he sees the dynamite. He takes 2 and tucks them into his pack. "We find the spots where the ice is thickest, set them up, and blast our way out of here!"

The Captain helps his crew set up the dynamite, and will then light it up. If necessary after, they will use the cannons for any further ice or elemental dismemberment.

The Captain feels strange at how easy it was to slip into the role of Captain again, but realises that his crew's obligation to him long since tilted the other way. These men gave their life, and even their death to him. Hopefully they'll help him back on his (now re-alived?) feet so he can help the new crew he found as well. If he can't help them find proper peace, at least he can help set things right with both his crews.

He'll sniff the air for inspiration once ready to figure out where to go next.

Being annoyed with the lack for comfy bedding but kinda happy it isn't as cold Kyp gets up and looks around.
Interesting place... why would anyone want to bring me here...

"Music? at a time like this? If you say so I guess but this doesn't seem like a good place to lighten the mood or have a party"

Correct. BenKii was in the Western tunnel and Gilius was with him until Gilius joined those portalling to the Northern tunnel and the pirate Ship. Argy did mention Hags and referred to a story told by a traveller (Beldarion) previously here, but nothing too specific.

I'll leave that up to you. Og'rialt used the book and Morte again at the end, but Beldarion was taken up with carrying Kip (mad with fear) and exited through the final portal before that in the indicated turn order here. However it was posted Og'rialt heard and was going to catch up with Beldarion once out of the dungeon, so there may have been tales shared over ales later.

Good guess. ;) You're right, BenKii wouldn't know where Gilius went when he portalled away from the Western tunnel so it's logical why he's asking if Gilius might know this room. Sadly, Gilius won't know anything about this area. :P

Also correct that your Cursed Weapons are "one time use" until returning to the Ship ... or recharged somehow.

LOL! But he is correct, if anyone wants to be able to discuss plans or prepare before things arrive, now is the time to do it!

... Not through the magical shield on the door, which has now disappeared BTW. ;)

(ramblings ahead, skip to the end for relevant part)

Count Klaus Karnstein was right in his element. Wind stroking gently his dark hair, hoofbeat muffled by grass pulsing in his ears, narrow forest path before his eyes and a mesmerizing swirl of green all around. What better way to spend an early morning? A fox appeared in a distance, holding a partridge in its bloodied muzzle, and fled, as fast as appeared, seeing danger incoming at alarming speed. Count wasn't on a prowl this day, but fox couldn't know that, and a glimpse was enough to inspire awe in any woodland beast. Millarca - Count's favorite mare, his pride and joy - was truly a magnificent animal, an equine aristocrat worthy of any royal stable - yet, due to her notorious temper, not every monarch would be worthy of her. Klaus Karnstein was about the only person allowed to ride on Millarca's back, and the respect was mutual.

Count was about to ride back home when he heard a loud noise and agitated voices somewhere nearby. Curious, he decided to investigate and soon found the source of commotion. On a dirt road a coach was standing in a pitiful state, one of its wheels and axis smashed to smithereens, seemingly on account of a sizeable tree branch lying on a road few paces back (now attempting to look innocent). Count swiftly made it to the coach's door to check if nobody was hurt in the accident, ignoring the coachman who was making a damage assessment on the side. Coachman looked slightly elvish, which Count thought was weird for some reason. Opening the door, his eyes set upon two beautiful women inside. Seemed like they weren't hurt, albeit a little distressed.

"Klaus Karnstein, at your service, dear ladies. Are you all right?"
"We're fine, fortunately, but your concern is most appreciated. Thank you," said the woman closer to the door with a heartfelt smile. "My name is Oclindha, and this is my niece, Maesha," she said pointing with her eyes at the angelic creature hidden deeper in the couch.
"I'm delighted to make your acquaintance. And don't you worry about this little misfortune, it happens I live nearby, and I'll gladly help in any way I can."
"Oh, you're too kind, sir," Oclindha said and laughed in amusement. "I would love to be your guest, but unfortunately I'm expected elsewhere today and the matter is really urgent. I shall ride on horseback, but I have a request. I know it's a lot, and I feel awkward asking, but could you maybe take Maesha under your roof, just for a few days until I return?"
"I'd be honored, ma'am."

During the conversation, half-elf coachman already prepared horses and soon was riding away side to side with Oclindha, both seemingly in a buoyant mood, while the other two went back home. Went indeed: it was quite a stroll on account of Millarca who suddenly got the jitters and wouldn't allow the woman to mount her even along the master, snorting at her distrustfully. Count was embarrassed at first, but Maesha didn't seem to mind, and they could have a pleasant talk on the way.

Back at home the guest's arrival was announced, and Countess Karnstein welcomed her personally. The two women looked like a polar opposites, Countess being dark and imposing, but got acquainted quickly and, surprisingly, became quite inseparable in the following days, scarcely acknowledging his presence. Count, in fact, was beginning to worry due to that turn of events, knowing his lady's taste for wickedness. One evening he decided to follow the two women going out to see what they're up to. To his surprise, they went to the secluded outbuilding. Going in stealthily, he was quite thrilled thinking what depravities could he witness, until he heard a loud laughter of clearly more than two people. Countess Karnstein was speaking:

"Wait 'til I tell you how this imbecile was trying to get me a new clothes as a gift. I cringe just thinking about it."
"You wouldn't believe what she was telling me these past days. I can't believe losers like him exist," Maesha sounded genuinely shocked.
"Soon won't," interjected a male voice.
"Chin up, sweetheart, you won't have to endure it for much longer now when we are all finally here," Maesha sounded genuinely affectionate.
"Thank you, dear," Countess Karnstein replied with similar affection. "Thanks to all of you."
Some other woman was laughing maniacally all the time, almost hyperventilating. "When I saw the clown I could barely keep a straight face. Thankfully our encounter was so brief, or I could've botched the whole ruse. As soon as we were far enough, we giggled like a pair of lunatics all the way, didn't we, darling?"
Male voice: "We sure did, though frankly I don't find this nearly as amusing. I just want to crush that louse."
The laughing woman again: "I feel almost bad for dispatching him. Maybe we should build him some museum and keep him there as a caution for young boys?"
"Mausoleum, more like it," male voice concluded in a deadpan manner, winning a wild roar of laughter from all participants.

"What's the meaning of this?" Count enquired emerging from the dark hallway, and for half a second there was silence in the room while the eyes of Countess Karnstein, Maesha, Oclindha and her half-elf coachman focused on him, before the jolly quartet burst with a fresh bout of ferocious laughter. Count turned around and saw a translucent fellinoid, grinning from ear to ear, and before he was able to do anything, got hit in a head with translucent rum bottle. Count staggered into the room, then somebody kicked him in the back, sending him down the stairs leading to pitch black cellar.

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Count Karnstein woke up on a stone floor, surrounded by darkness and smell of childhood. He recognized that smell right away, unmistakable smell of days old dried blood layered over the older musty and dead blood spilled from many creatures. As a boy, he had lived in a small house next to the abattoir where his father was working and the air reeked of it. He sat down and scanned the scene in front of him. It looked like a dungeon and there were familiar faces. Were they captured by High Council, perhaps? The prospect suddenly didn't look too unattractive if it was to save him further humiliations on the ship.

Then the Hag appeared and clarified it was most likely not your run-of-the-mill dungeon. Hard to tell whether it's for the better or worse. Count had no idea why he was there and what all this had to do with him, but didn't look like he had many options to choose. At first he was tempted to tell Grog'tial to go fetch that stupid book alone while he'd wait here, but instantaneously realized that sitting in this place may not be the brightest of ideas, for soon all that would left of him could be that morbid smell. That was a weird thought. As the party was getting ready to move on, Count went to pick up the book from the floor. "Mayhaps that skull would be willin' to trade, eh?", he said offhandedly while waving the Book of Plots, Intrigue, and Politics to his comrades. He won't be reading it anymore, certainly not before sleep. All these intrigues were getting into his head.

Upon hearing incoming creatures, Count will drink a Potion of Frost Giant Strength, make a dash for the portcullis, and will attempt to shut it forcefully.
If too late / no luck, he will move away to the side of portcullis and ready the weapon to welcome whatever comes in.