[Let's Play] Dragonsword of Lankhmar: Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser

[deaddmwalking]

Option 2 - Let's talk to the hag.

[Beroli]

"Krownis has strong powers, Mouser," you tell your friend as you cross Grain Street to Festival Street.

"Sure, Fafhrd--the power to take all your money! Let's just get this over with. Hold onto your purse."

Walking into the crowded inn, you are spotted instantly by Krownis, who motions you over. "I know what you are here for, Fafhrd. I can help, but it will cost you five hundred gold rilks!"

"Five hundred gold rilks!" Mouser roars. "We could buy ten swords for that, Fafhrd. Let's get out of here!"

"Pay her, Mouser," you say. There's a strange gleam in her eyes, and you know she can deliver what you need.

"Sure," Mouser grumbles, handing over the money. "Give her enough gold to buy and sell this whole street. All for a Dragonsword that probably doesn't even exist!"

Krownis takes you both upstairs to her chambers.

"You will finish your quest much wiser than you started," Krownis chants.

"That information's worth five hundred gold rilks right there," the Mouser says solemnly.

"The weapon you seek is much more and much less than you would wish. The help you need will come from two old friends. The last clue will be found in a hot place. The Gods of Trouble and Death all watch your quest and wait for a misstep." Suddenly, her hair turns white! Gasping in pain, she collapses on the table.

1) "'Old friends,' that must mean Ningauble," you say. "Let's go see him."

2) "'Old friends,'--that must mean Sheelba," the Gray Mouser says.

[deaddmwalking]

It must mean both. But Fafhrd just made Mouser pay money that he didn't want to so he'll give Mouser the win here and see his mentor first. Option 2.

Incidentally, the name Ningauble makes me think of the Wagner Ring Cycle and the name Sheelba makes me think of Giant Spiders from Tolkien. Since we have to see both (at least I think we do) that probably doesn't matter, but if I thought I had to see one and not the other it'd probably factor in to my decision.

[Beroli]

Staring into the black hood that has no face inside, you hear Sheelba's harsh voice echoing weirdly.

"So it's you two idiots who have stirred up all of Lankhmar! I might have known. Blundering about in temples, angering the gods. Now, you come to me, expecting me to get you out of trouble. Well, I will--but it will cost you!"

You sigh. Somehow, you knew that's what she* was going to say.

"Very well. I will deal with the assassins from the Thieves' Guild. I'll heal your wounds. (You and Gray Mouser have all Hit Points restored.) And I'll help you find not only a clue to the Dragonsword, but a few more magical items that might come in handy." She tosses the Mouser a small statue of a gruesome-looking creature. "Throw this down in the park of Lankhmar tonight when the moon is full. Whatever comes as a result, you must fight and destroy as a little favor to me. Then, if you win, examine the smashed statue. There you'll find the clue you need."

"What kind of mess has Sheelba gotten us into?" you ask your friend as you both return to Lankhmar.

"Shellba got us into? If it wasn't for you wanting that stupid sword, we wouldn't have to fight whatever it is we're fighting tonight! Still," the Mouser adds, his beady eyes gleaming, "it might be worth it after all, if there is more magical treasure to be had!"

The moon rises. Gulping a little, the Mouser hurls the statue to the ground.

"Oh, no!" you cry. "Night Gaunts!"

Because the Night Gaunts count as a single monster, you can use the Sacrificial Dagger to insta-kill them. Do so, or fight them?

*This word might have come as a surprise to people familiar with most of Fritz Leiber's Lankhmar novels. The person who came up with Sheelba originally meant her to be female and was confused when Leiber used male pronouns for...them? in the first six novels. Muddying the waters even further, in the seventh and final novel, Leiber switched to using female pronouns for Sheelba, no explanation given. Some speculation suggests that Sheelba's voice sounds inhuman to the point of it being impossible to tell any identifying information from it which, combined with the literal lack of a face and the shapeless robe, means there is no real way for anyone who has ever interacted with Sheelba to identify a sex or gender. Either way, these books refer to Sheelba with consistent she/her pronouns.

[deaddmwalking]

Since the dagger can't be used on human opponents, I'm happy to use it here and now. I'm feeling better about being at full strength since the assassins get stronger each time and I don’t want to weaken myself unnecessarily.

[Beroli]

The dagger shattered and the Night Gaunts are destroyed.

The statue Sheelba gave you changes into a multifaceted mirror. You can see the vague image of a dark statue in its reflection, but this means nothing to you at the present time.

1) Go to the next temple on your checklist, the Temple of the Rat God?

2) Visit Ningauble?

[deaddmwalking]

I think it's awesome that I got healed. I wonder if I go to Ningauble if that'll happen again (being a waste). On the other hand, now that I've seen Sheelba I might lose the opportunity to see Ningauble EVER - most of the options up to this point have been to see either Ningauble or Sheelba, and that would be more complicated later. Since I think I have to see both mentors to find the sword and I'm not sure I'll get another chance, voting for 2) visit Ningauble.

[Beroli]

The trip to Ningauble's caves is a long one, longer because Mouser grumbles constantly the entire way. Once there, it is no easy matter to find the nine-foot-tall sorcerer in his maze of caverns. And, as usually happens, he finds you first.

"Oh My Gentle Son, I know all about your quest after this sword," Ningauble says in his pious voice.

"So the sword really exists?" the Mouser asks with a gloomy sigh.

"Why, of course, the sword exists," Ningauble answers. His hooded head turns and you can see seven glowing lights seeming to watch the caverns. "I'd show you a description of it, if I could find my book....Where did I put that? But, I suppose it isn't important. Let's just say that the sword might not be all you wish, but there is a chance you'll find other interesting magical items as you search for it. You will bring them to me, of course, won't you, My Gentle Son?"

You mumble something that sounds like "yes" and Ningauble nods in satisfaction.

"Now, I'm going to restore your health, for you'll need all the strength you can get. (You and Gray Mouser have all Hit Points restored.) And I'll give you what help I can to locate the sword. You remember Countess Kronia? The key to the sword's location is somewhere on her estate--try the library. She's giving a party on her island estate. You should have no trouble getting an invitation. She likes unusual types. Oh, and while you're there, I'd appreciate it if you could pick up one small thing I need--the Dragon Hide Book. It's sitting on the Winged Demon Pedestal. You can't miss it."

"I knew it!" the Mouser grumbles, but you shush him quickly, because Ningauble suddenly raises his hooded head.

"You better go. The assassins from the Thieves' Guild saw you enter. They'll be here looking for you, any moment. And I don't want to miss the fun."

With that statement, Ningauble starts to glow. His body begins to spin around, faster and faster. You and the Mouser beat a hasty retreat, riding back to Lankhmar as fast as you can.

"I'm thankful I'm not a member of the Thieves' Guild right now!" you remark.

You have no trouble getting an invitation to the Countess Kronia's party. Neither do the members of the Thieves' Guild who are hunting you.


"She's called the Countess of 77 Secret Pockets," the Mouser whispers as you walk up to the entrance of the island mansion. "She's a thief, and crazier than I am for following you here!"

"Oh, she can't be that bad, Mouser," you scoff. "After all, she is a real Countess and has more money than we could ever dream of."

"Yeah? Her mansion is on eight islands. She changes the buildings to coincide with the changes in the stars! Now, if that isn't crazy, I don't know what is. From all the noise, I'd say the party's on the island to our right. But the library could be anywhere! Let's just hurry up and find it and get out of here!"

"But I wanted to go to the party!" you protest. The Mouser gives you a stern look. "All right," you tell him with a sigh, not adding that you've heard stories of your own about the insane Countess. If he heard what you've heard--he never would have come at all!

A picture of Countess Kronia's Estate has been added to the main thread. Where will you look first: the northwest building, the northeast building, the southwest building, or the southeast building?

[deaddmwalking]

I'd like to go to the Southeast building. Is that 60? Or is that the one that looks like Cheese Wedge?

SEC: It just means more.

[Beroli]

"Oh, no!" cries the Gray Mouser in alarm as he stealthily opens a locked door. "This is the Countess's bedroom! Let's get out--"

Too late.

"Scum!" growls the deepest voice you ever heard in your life. "How dare you enter the Countess's private quarters?"

Turning around, you see the biggest guards you ever saw in your life!

Fafhrd hits with Heartseeker for 8 damage and with Graywand once for 12 damage.
Gray Mouser hits with Scalpel for 11 damage and gets a double damage result with Cat's Claw, for 18 damage.
Each Guard hits, for 6 damage to each of you.

Fafhrd hits with Graywand once, finishing the guards off.

There is nothing useful in the bedroom. Where will you look next? Northwest, northeast, or southwest?

[deaddmwalking]

Let's head to the opposite end: Northwest.

[deaddmwalking]

Incidentally, when the assassins catch me next, I'll use the spider egg. I'd like to have someone on my side to take a blow or two.

[Beroli]

The northwest building turns out to be the library.

"Well, if that isn't the clue to the Dragonsword, I don't know what is," you say, pointing to the Dragon Statue.

"That's right, Fafhrd, you don't know what is," the Mouser remarks, shaking his head. "There could be a thousand other things in this chamber that are supposed to lead you to your sword. We've just started to look."

"This is it," you say stubbornly.

"All right, let's take it and run," the Mouser replies.

"I'm very sorry, old friends, but that isn't going to be possible," remarks a voice behind you.

Spinning around, you see Ren, Weapons Master of the Thieves' Guild!

"I gave up the companionship of several very charming ladies to follow you two. You should feel flattered! How much money are your heads worth now? 40,000 golden rilks? Since we're such old friends, I feel certain you'd want me to do the collecting, not some total stranger." Grinning, Ren draws his sword.

Fafhrd hits with Heartseeker and both times with Graywand.

The Gray Mouser misses twice.

Ren, whose weapons are remarkably similar to the Mouser's, also misses twice.

Fafhrd strikes twice more with Graywand.

The Mouser misses twice.

Ren misses twice.

Fafhrd hits once.

The Mouser hits with Scalpel, killing Ren.

You have the Dragon Statue, but not Ningauble's book, so you must check another building. Northeast or southwest?

[deaddmwalking]

Northeast.

[Beroli]

Northeast is the Entertainment Arena of the Countess Kronia.

"And now, for your entertainment please," shouts a man in the center of the arena. "These two thieving dogs we captured will fight our two most renowned gladiators!"

"Fafhrd, this is not my idea of a great party," the Mouser says gloomily, gripping his weapons.

Fafhrd hits with Heartseeker and twice with Graywand.

The Mouser misses twice, one of which would have been a Special result for Fafhrd.

The gladiators miss twice.

Gladiators: 26/58

Fafhrd hits once.

The Mouser hits once with Scalpel (again the miss would have been a Special result).

The gladiators miss twice (one of which would have been a Special result).

Gladiators: 3/58

Fafhrd gets a Special result. A great apprehension fills his mind. He would flee the combat and immediately go to Ningauble...but he's already seen Ningauble and in fact Ningauble sent him here, so this counts as a miss. Fafhrd's other attack is a miss.

Gray Mouser misses twice.

The gladiators hit once for 8 damage to Fafhrd.

Fafhrd gets two Special results. The Mouser slaps some healing salve on both of your wounds. You are each healed for 8 damage. Then Ningauble and Sheelba put their differences aside in their eagerness to obtain the magical items you have found for them. They blast your opponents for 20 damage, and if that wasn't enough to kill the gladiators (it is), you would also both hit with all weapons this round.

Fafhrd is at 44/50 Hit Points. Gray Mouser is at 45/45 Hit Points.

You are the hit of the party. Reluctantly turning down the Countess' invitation to spend a few days, you continue your search.

There is only one place left for you to look for Ningauble's book.

[deaddmwalking]

Let's go there. Southwest it is.

[Beroli]

This is Countess Kronia's museum.

"Look, Mouser, there's the book Ningauble wants!" you say excitedly, reaching for it.

The Gray Mouser stops you. "Fafhrd, you numbskull! Who would leave a thing like that unguarded? I don't like this."

You're really getting irritated. "You said the Countess was crazy," you snap, grabbing the book.

But, as you lift the book from the pedestal, an iron gate slams down over the front entrance! Bars slide down over the windows.

"Crazy like a fox," says the Mouser grimly, grabbing his weapons.

You are being attacked by a Winged Demon.

Fafhrd hits with Heartseeker and misses twice with Graywand. The Mouser hits twice. The demon hits for 12 damage to the Gray Mouser.

Fafhrd hits once and the Gray Mouser hits twice, killing the demon.

Gray Mouser: 33/45

You are done here. (And waiting for the Assassins' turn.)

[deaddmwalking]

Okay. Sounds good.

[Beroli]

At the Temple of the Rat God, you are not looking forward to entering this place--you never did have much use for rats. As you stare at the entrance gloomily, the Gray Mouser comes up with a plan.

"I've been here before, Fafhrd. Here's the layout. There's a maze the worshipers have to go through before they get to the main chamber. But we can avoid that by sneaking in over there, beneath the wall, through a hole I found."

That sounds like the best way, but is it worth it? Would the Dragonsword likely be in a Temple of a Rat God. Perhaps you should go to a different temple.

1) "That's a good plan, Gray Mouser."

2) "Let's forget this and go to the Temple of the Red God."

You would also consider going to Ningauble or Sheelba, but you've already visited both of them.

[deaddmwalking]

It's unfortunate that I didn't realize that I would still have the option to visit the other mentor - it would have been smart to save that extra healing. And since it doesn't look like I can go back, I'm stuck.

Even though I don't think the temple of the Rat god has the sword, it's possible it has something else worthwhile. So let's go with Option #1 and go through the hole. Let's take a look around.

[Beroli]

Sneaking into the hole beneath the wall, you feel very much like a rat yourself! But the RatterMouser was right. This is definitely the best way to come. Hurriedly, you go to the altar, lift is up, and you see--

"Mouser, there's a sword under here!" you cry in excitement. "I'll bet it's the Dragonsword!"

There's no answer except some odd squeaking sounds. Turning around, you see Gray Mouser fighting for his life against three rats at least as big as him!

Fafhrd gets a Special result with Heartseeker, which becomes double damage, and hits twice with Graywand. Total damage: 40.
Gray Mouser hits with Scalpel for 11 damage, finishing off the rats.

1) "Grab the sword. I'll look at a few of these jewels," the Gray Mouser says.

2) "There's supposed to be more wealth here. Let's find a priest and ask him a few questions," you say.

[deaddmwalking]

A sword in the hand is worth two hidden in the temple. Let's take the sword (option 1)

[Beroli]

"Mouser, this weapon is obviously magical," you say, examining the sword. "There are runes on it that glow when I touch them. I think you better take a look at it."

"These gems are worthless," the Mouser says in disgust, pushing them away. He comes over to take a look at the sword, then gasps, "Fafhrd, you thick-skulled barbarian! This is a Sword of Rat Summoning!"

It works, too.

The room is suddenly flooded with rats. Each of you takes 5 points of damage while you drop the sword and you both flee the temple.

Fafhrd: 39/50
Gray Mouser: 28/45

Having spoken to both Ningauble and Sheelba, you head for the Temple of the Red God.

[deaddmwalking]

C'est la vie.

[Beroli]

"Do you know anything about this temple?" you ask the Gray Mouser.

"Only that they don't welcome outsiders," the Mouser answers. "Try to look like we belong!"

The Mouser saunters inside and you follow. Several Eastern Fire Wizards look at you curiously as you enter. Ignoring them, your attention is captivated by a huge, flaming sword suspended in the air over the altar.

"Gray Mouser, look!" you whisper. "The hilt is carved in the form of a dragon! That must be the sword we seek!"

Suddenly, you hear a shout behind you. "Stop them! They plan to steal the Red God's Sword!"

Turning around, you see the Fire Wizards pointing at you. They must have read your mind! Now they're casting spells at you!

They score a "miss" result, so you resist their initial spell and run to Punishment Square as they follow you...

...and wait for the Assassins' players' turn.