(021) Vegetable Soup

[waysoftheearth]

waysoftheearth wrote:
...there's only an open door arch separating the stair landing from the dark ante-chamber, but Desmond soon has the red-yellow torch light flickering along the walls.

The place is perhaps 30ft by 20ft and is thick with dust and old cobwebs. The major feature of the room is a great timber rack which holds a massive winch of thick chains. Two lengths of chain extend up through holes in the stone ceiling.

[waysoftheearth]

ehiker133 wrote:
Desmond examines the timber rack more closely to see if he can figure out how the mechanism works... and to see if he can tell why it isn't working (if it is indeed broken).

[waysoftheearth]

tombowings wrote:
Pelenwin continues to consume himself in meditation.

[waysoftheearth]

waysoftheearth wrote:

Desmond examines the timber rack more closely to see if he can figure out how the mechanism works... and to see if he can tell why it isn't working (if it is indeed broken).

It isn't too complicated. Essentially it is a large spool for belaying out chain. There is a four pronged handle on each side which turns against a ratchet, preventing it from unwinding.

There is another lever, positioned at foot level which can be kicked to dislodge the ratchet (presumably) allow the portcullis to run down.

There's no sign that it is broken... merely disused.

[waysoftheearth]

ehiker133 wrote:
Desmond looks over at Wibert.

"What do you think, my fine brethren? Should we (and by "we" I of course mean you, as I can barely hold this torch aloft for much longer) see if the thing works?"

[waysoftheearth]

heartless wrote:

Desmond looks over at Wibert.

"What do you think, my fine brethren? Should we (and by "we" I of course mean you, as I can barely hold this torch aloft for much longer) see if the thing works?"

"I say testing it would be fun ;D, but let us first wait for the others to get back with the cart loaded with our food and goods then we can let it fly and close the gate for the night!", suggests Wibert.

Wibert will have a good look around the room for any thing interesting, 'maybe there is a treasure behind a hidden panel somewhere', he thinks to himself. But he will be mindful of traps of any type that may be around in this fort.

[waysoftheearth]

Professor P wrote:
KOCH

Disappointed that no one volunteered to help him check the cellar for Nidhogg, KOCH opens the hatch to the cellar, grabs a brand from the fire and descends the ladder to his former prison.
Before descending, he says to everyone remaining in the vicinity, "I'm going to check the cellar quickly for Nidhogg. Please leave the hatch unlocked/unblocked."

((He carries his normal equipment and pack.))

[waysoftheearth]

waysoftheearth wrote:
Koch looks around.

Everyone Else amounts to Gustave, who is asleep in the corner, and Pelenwin, who is deep in meditation. Ulric and Highbough are off attending to the doors, and the two Halflings are examining the winch.

Koch says his words anyway, then shoves aside the heavy crate of firewood which blocks the cellar trap door, grabs a brand from the hearth, and descends once more into his former prison...

[waysoftheearth]

waysoftheearth wrote:
...down below is as ghastly as Koch remembers from his all too recent captivity.

It is dark, cramped, and damp. There is a musty smell of half rotted food and waste, and the ever present stink of rats. There is a clutter of crates and boxes about the place, and there are the chain upon the right hand side wall which until recently bound him.

Koch shivers.

Of Nidhogg there is no sign, however...

[waysoftheearth]

tombowings wrote:
Realizing that his companion's life could be in grave danger, Pelenwin jumps to feet and offers his services to Koch.