Evan (ac 16 ff 14 hp 17/18) d20+8=16 d20+8=16 d20+6=9 Tuesday January 18th, 2005 5:37:00 AM
While the others heal and loot, Evan moves up to a position where he can keep an eye on the tunnel the large goblins came from, just in case there are more on the way. He tries his best to blend into his surroundings as he watches and listens.
(Spot-16, listen-16, hide-9 Hide? who needs to hide?)
Kadaz (AC 20/18 ff, HP 10/32) d20+1=7 d20+1=18 d20+1=9 Tuesday January 18th, 2005 5:53:15 AM
Kadaz nods gratefully at Wilfire. He whispers to those around him "I hope there's no more like these." He glances around at the battlefield and the mounds of dead goblins. "And don't forget to take their ears for the bounty" he adds. With that he moves 10' towards the 'T' intersection and takes up guard position, again alert for oncoming trouble. (listen 7, spot 18) (ignore the 9)
Uriel {AC:17 HP:12/33} Tuesday January 18th, 2005 6:33:58 AM
"Oh, yes. No more like these," Uriel says quietly.
Uriel will switch to longsword and shield and move up to the intersection with Kadaz and pick up his torch to fling further down the left passageway.
Mira Tuesday January 18th, 2005 7:25:19 AM
Creeping up to Uriel, Mira asks, "do you still have the healing wand? Use it upon yourself and the dwarf!" The sorcerer indicates Kadaz with a gesture, before continuing "otherwise I have 2 potions. Each of you can have one."
While the woman waits for a reponse from the paladin and the fighter, she leans against the wall of the tunnel breathing deeply, and trying to get her bearings. She does not join the looters at their bloody work, but neither does she dissuade them from their task.
(Mira has two potions of CLW remaining. Please post if you are taking one of them.
Arm Tuesday January 18th, 2005 7:26:58 AM
Arm reiterates his point to the group, "We need to get out of here for now to regroup, heal and the like. We can wedge the door above shut and return tomorrow when we are once again ready. We'd best act soon before more enemies arrive, though.".
He then turns his attention to harvesting more ears until the party is ready to leave, thinking that the ears of the leader should fetch extra money.
OOC: Sorry for the missed post yesterday..my gf's mom died on Sunday, so the past few days haven't been really good... :(
Uriel {Second Post} Tuesday January 18th, 2005 9:11:48 AM
"Yes I have it, I'll use it in a second," Uriel says.
Shadow d20+4=16 d20+7=10 Tuesday January 18th, 2005 10:50:22 AM
Shadow will search the bodies as the rest of the group heals and harvests ears. (Search=16)
"I have two potions that could heal some people that are in real bad shape up to almost full health. I say we explore the way that big goblin came from before we abondon this place. I can't believe there would be any more in this place." With that he will move towards Evan and see what is going on there. He sees that the ranger is trying to hide and he will do likewise (Hide=10) (OOC: Yeah, who really needs to hide?)
DM Kathy Tuesday January 18th, 2005 3:02:12 PM
While the others heal and search the bodies, Evan and Shadow move to make sure that no more goblins are coming. The eerie silence persists, and you can see no sign of any more of the bloodthirsty little creatures.
Meanwhile, the searchers find that the two short swords and the chain shirt belonging to the goblin leader are of exceptionally fine quality. You also find an odd amulet on a chain around his neck, and a potion in his belt pouch.
The four bodyguard goblins (the "X" goblins) each have a very nice-looking warhammer. Each of them has a potion as well.
The ordinary goblins have armor and weapons of common or poor quality, and none of the goblins has much coin.
Wilfire Ironhouse (23/24) Tuesday January 18th, 2005 5:12:44 PM
"I'm a thinkin we should be usin up those potions and wands, and when we're all feelin a bit better we should be explorin a bit more. We got momentum, but if we leave now we'd lose it."
"Kadaz, Uriel... drink up" Wilfire finishes as he points to Mira's potions.
Uriel {AC:17 HP:33/33} d8+3=5 d8+3=10 d8+3=6 d8+3=10 d8+3=9 d8+3=5 Tuesday January 18th, 2005 6:13:08 PM
Uriel taps Kadaz 3 times with the wand. {Heal:21}
He then taps himself 3 times also. {Heal:24}
"Anyone else need healing?" Uriel asks.
Mira (AC 13+4 Mage Armor, 19/22 HP) Tuesday January 18th, 2005 7:26:07 PM
Mira puts her potions away when Uriel uses the wand to heal himself and Kadaz. A worried look on her face, she moves over to stand closer to Arm. Checking out the scratches she received during the combat, the sorcerer makes a sour face, "my wounds will heal in short order, but my magics will not return to me until the coming of the new day. I have nought but cantrips left. I will be of little use to you, without some rest."
The woman moves over to examine the articles confiscated from the dead creatures. "With a little time, I might be able to identify those potions," she says.
DM Sanity Info: Spells: 0 level-(6 per day) Detect Magic, Read Magic, Light, Mage Hand, Ray of Frost(##) 1st level-(5 per day) Magic Missile(####), Burning Hands, Mage Armour (#)
Kadaz (AC 20/18 ff, HP 31/32) Tuesday January 18th, 2005 11:18:41 PM
As the waves of healing spread over Kadaz's body his wounds close and bruises disappear. He stands straighter and his color improves dramatically. So does his estimation of his chances. "That last group was probably the leader and his personal guards. I think Wilfire is right. Now is the time to push forward and clean out this foul nest."
Conner (AC 21; 32 HP) Tuesday January 18th, 2005 11:34:49 PM
Conner smiles, and his white teeth glow in the grey darkness of the cave. He had come through this fight unscathed!
Bending over the pile of bodies, in order to help the others salvage anything of value, he calls, "Uriel! Wilf! Any of these worth resucitating for questioning?" The fighter isn't sure. They all look like goners to him. But he is concerned about the missing children of Plateau City and wonders if the goblins were somehow involved.
Evan (ac 16 ff 14 hp 17/18) d20+8=26 d20+8=17 d20+8=17 d20+6=8 d20+6=20 Wednesday January 19th, 2005 5:44:54 AM
Evan listens to the whispered conversations, bein g of two minds as to their next move. He agrees with the others that they have momentum and if they leave now to return on the morrow, most likely the goblins will have traps set up for them. But he is also concerned about Mira, who has very little magic left. If she is reduced to fighting hand to hand, it will be very dangerous as she hasn't had much in the way of martial training.
The eerie silence of the area helps Evan make up his mind. He signals to Shadow that he is moving forward and then begins to creep down the tunnel the large goblins came from, listening and searching as he moves along, trying to determine if there is any more danger here.
Arm {AC 13, HP 8/13} d20+4=20 d20+4=14 Wednesday January 19th, 2005 5:56:43 AM
Shaking his head at the party's willingness to press on, he whispers to Mira "Stay close to me, my dear. If they insist on going forward, I'll do my best to protect you.". He then says to Wilf, "If you could spare some of your healing touch to me, my friend, I would appreciate it.". He then strains his senses to determine if anything is coming their way (listen=20, spot=14).
Shadow [AC 20/17 HP 12/12] d20+2=7 d20+7=26 d20+4=22 Wednesday January 19th, 2005 9:51:12 AM
Shadow agrees silently to himself that the group should move on right now. He will move up carefully with Evan as they search the corridor that the bigger goblins came from. (Listen=7, Move Silently=26, and Search=22)
DM Kathy Wednesday January 19th, 2005 5:18:54 PM
Looking carefully at the potions, Mira think's they're probably healing potions of some kind. Each is labeled with markings in some other language--presumably Goblin. Perhaps identifying them is simply a matter of having somebody translate the labels.
Evan and Shadow move cautiously down the corridor to see what they may see. The corridor ends in a rough "T" intersection, with passages going roughly right and left. The rogue and the ranger hear no sounds, and see no signs of any goblins.
Mira d20+8=20 d20+11=28 Wednesday January 19th, 2005 9:27:53 PM
Mira looks more closely at the potions, and notes the unusual script on the labels*. If she is unable to read the script, she will carefully unstopper them, take a sniff, then wet the tip of her finger with the liquid. Hopefully, she will recognize the smells or tastes. (Profession-alchemist=20)
She then turns to the pile of armor and weapons, focusing specifically on those worn by goblin Z. Her hands at her temples, she studies the items searching for any auras and/or schools of magic. (Detect Magic, Spellcraft=28)
Intent on her work, she is oblivious to what the others are doing.
DM Sanity Info: Spells: 0 level-(6 per day) Detect Magic#, Read Magic, Light, Mage Hand, Ray of Frost(##) 1st level-(5 per day) Magic Missile(####), Burning Hands, Mage Armour (#)
*Mira is fluent in Common, Draconic, Dwarven, Elven, and Sign, but alas, does not know Goblin.
Conner d20+3=16 d20+1=14 Thursday January 20th, 2005 12:32:42 AM
Conner watches as the sorcerer weaves her magics. He is interested in the items that belonged to the goblin leader. The fighter will look around (Spot=16, Search=14) for a safe place to squirrel away anything of value that the party can not easily carry. It can be recovered when the party returns to the spot on their way out.
The tatooed man will listen to what the scouts have to say, and will go along with whatever the party decides.
Uriel Thursday January 20th, 2005 2:30:25 AM
"Let's press on. We can keep an eye out for traps. I think we should check the direction the bulk of the goblins seemed to be going first," Uriel volunteers.
Wilfire Ironhouse d20+4=24 Thursday January 20th, 2005 4:45:11 AM
"I agree. Let us push on"
Wilfire takes up position near the front of the group. As the proceed he'll keep an extra special eye out for trouble. (24 spot check)
Evan (ac 16 ff 14 hp 17/18) d20+8=25 d20+8=20 d20+8=22 d20+8=20 d20+6=22 d20+6=8 Thursday January 20th, 2005 5:34:04 AM
Evan checks the ground for tracks, seeking the direction the large goblins came from. If they are lucky, they've taken out the men of the goblin tribe so that the women will move on, deciding that this place is too dangerous. Once he figures out the direction, he will slowly begin moving down that tunnel, listening and searching for anything dangerous or of importance.
Arm (ac 13, hp 8/13) d20+4=20 d20+4=16 Thursday January 20th, 2005 6:06:40 AM
Shrugging his shoulders at Wilf's missing of his request, Arm resolves to guard Mira until she finishes her analysis of the spoils of battle (spot=20, listen=16), then will move on to join the others.
Kadaz d20+1=11 Thursday January 20th, 2005 7:01:28 AM
With the other fighters taking a place at the front of the group Kadaz positions himself at the rear, looking back for anything trying to sneak up on them. "Let's be off. There may be human children down here somewhere. I don't want to leave without knowing." (spot 11)
Mira (second illegal post) Thursday January 20th, 2005 7:44:19 AM
Finished with her spells, the sorcerer once again becomes aware of her surroundings. As the others start to move off, she recognizes the Bard is still bleeding. Handing him 2 vials (Cure Light Wounds x 2), she pockets the ones taken from the goblins as well as the amulet, saying, "we're going to need these if we continue with this quest tonight. I believe the dwarf is out of magics, too."
The woman sighs, wondering why the paladin did not use the curing wand on Arm. This fued between these two will have to stop! she thinks to herself.
Shadow [AC 20/17 HP 12/12] d20+2=5 d20+4=24 d20+7=16 Thursday January 20th, 2005 10:32:03 AM
Shadow lets out a slow breath when they do not find anything yet up the tunnel. He is about to turn around to get the rest of the group when he notices Evan start to move away. He is torn, but quickly decides to follow the Ranger. He will continue to try and make sure nothing is coming or that there are no more traps. (Listen=5, Search=24 - natural 20, and Move Silently=16)
DM Kathy Thursday January 20th, 2005 7:43:35 PM
Mira looks at the labels, but cannot read the script. She uncorks one, sniffs it...yep. That's a healing potion, all right. The only question is how strong they are.
She casts Detect Magic and studies the captured weapons and armor. During the first round, she detects the presence of magic. During the second round, she detects seven auras (apart from the potions and the items her companions may have). None of the auras is stronger than Faint. During the third round, she successfully detects the Transmutation aura coming from one of the leader's short swords. [If you'd like to continue to concentrate and make Spellcraft checks, go ahead and roll up to six more].
Conner looks for an out-of-the way place to stash the loot. There are a couple of small nooks in the cave that might suit, or the items could be concealed under a pile of goblin bodies. Neither solution strikes the fighter as ideal.
Wilfire, Uriel, and Kadaz are all in favor of moving on. Arm lingers to keep an eye on Mira.
Evan and Shadow continue to explore the corridor. Evan has a hard time spotting the goblin leader's tracks at first, but Shadow is able to point them out. Evan can now see clearly that the larger goblins came from the left. He leads Shadow in that direction, and almost immediately the passage splits again, this time in kind of a Y.
Looking at the tracks, Evan can see that the right-hand passage was more heavily traveled by the goblins, but the large goblins came from the left-hand side. And he can't be sure, but he thinks he heard a faint sound from up the right-hand side.
Mira d20+11=18 d20+11=15 d20+11=25 d20+11=18 d20+11=27 d20+11=27 Thursday January 20th, 2005 10:32:58 PM
Mira has one last look at the pile of weapons and armour. (Spellcraft=18, 15, 25, 18, 27, 27). "These items are of no use to me, but I can surely carry something," she volunteers, looking at Conner. Lifting up the chain shirt, she holds it in front of the bard, adding, "try this on, Arm. If you are going to be my protector, you need something more substantial than what you've got now!" The woman smiles encouragingly at the man, hoping he will accept the armor.
Mira watches as the others start to disappear down the tunnel. "We better hurry or they very well may leave us behind."
Wilfire Ironhouse Friday January 21st, 2005 2:12:41 AM
"Perhaps we should send someone to scout the right tunnel to see what that sound was"" Wilfire suggests. "Otherwise I think we should see where those big goblins came from."
Kadaz Friday January 21st, 2005 6:17:31 AM
Kadaz picks up a good-looking short sword as well as hammer. He sticks them under his weapon belt. "If we each carry an item we don't need to leave anything behind" he comments.
(To an observer Kadaz now looks like a walking armory.)
Arm d20+4=9 d20+4=13 Friday January 21st, 2005 10:35:50 AM
Arm thanks Mira for both the potions (one of which he quaffs-he then pockets the other) and the chain shirt. He dons it, then asks, "Do you need me to carry anything else? I can easily drop it if the need arrises. I MUST agree with Kadaz, though...we'd best be off before we are left behind". He then does one more look-see for signs of trouble (spot=9, listen=13).
Shadow [AC 20/17 HP 12/12] d20+2=5 d20+4=22 d20+7=14 Friday January 21st, 2005 10:49:37 AM
Shadow shakes his head in agreement as the ranger moves off to the left following the leader's foot prints. He maintains his vigilance as they move down the corridor. (Listen=5, who needs to hear anything, Search=22, and Move Silently=14)
Conner d20+3=10 d20+2=3 Friday January 21st, 2005 7:32:07 PM
Conner picks up any of the remaining weaponry or armor and follows the others down the corridor. [Spot=10, listen=3]
Uriel Friday January 21st, 2005 8:01:34 PM
Uriel tries to stop Evan, first trying to get his attention and then signing.
If there are sounds to the right we shouldn't leave that at our backs. We should check out path to our right first.
Wilfire Ironhouse Saturday January 22nd, 2005 8:54:57 AM
"I'll carry whatever you need me to" Wilfire says. "Used to carrying lots of stuff. Shouldn't slow me down a bit."
DM Kathy Sunday January 23rd, 2005 5:20:46 PM
[I know I'm posting early, but I have a thing tonight and I didn't want to post late.]
Mira concentrantes for a few more rounds and is able to detect faint Transmutation auras from the leader's chain shirt and two short swords, and from the warhammers weilded by each of the four large "X" goblins.
Arm tries on the chain shirt, but although the goblin leader was large for a goblin, he was still a Small creature. The shirt doesn't fit (sorry about that).
The good news is that, since the goblins are Small, their gear weighs less. It isn't difficult at all to carry the magic gear away, especially with the help of Kadaz, Conner, and Wilfire.
The group begins to move up and join Shadow and Evan at the intersection. The sounds up the passage to the right, are very faint, but anyone who makes a Listen check of 20 can hear them.
Kadaz d20+1=7 d20+1=8 Sunday January 23rd, 2005 8:18:38 PM
Kadaz stays at the back of the party to keep watch on what is behind them. He tries to stays alert for trouble but does a remarkably poor job of it (spot 7, listen 8). His mind is on what else may be down here, like missing human children.
Arm d20+4=24 d20+4=16 Monday January 24th, 2005 5:54:23 AM
Having better luck than Kadaz at the moment, Arm trains his senses on the right-hand passage (listen=24-nat. 20, spot=16).
Evan (ac 16 ff 14 hp 17/18) d20+8=28 d20+8=11 d20+8=13 d20+8=19 d20+6=15 d20+6=18 Monday January 24th, 2005 5:58:30 AM
Evan signs to uriel for the others to stay and keep an eye on the left passage while he and Shadow scout the right. As he signs, he keeps an eye on Shadow to try and detrermine how much of the sign Shadow understands. Although he never said anything to his Uncle Saul, he always knew Saul had a fairly shady past and suspects that the sign he was taught was part of another language that Uncle Saul used when his friends came to visit.
Evan motions for Shadow to follow then starts moving down the right passage to investigate the sounds they hear.
Mira Monday January 24th, 2005 7:20:32 AM
Staying close to Arm, Mira follows the rest of the party down the tunnels. She holds her short spear in one hand, and the sunrod in the other.
Shadow [AC 20/17 HP 12/12] d20+7=18 d20+1=18 d20+2=3 d20+4=22 d20+7=14 Monday January 24th, 2005 10:23:14 AM
Shadow tries to follow what the Ranger is saying (OOC: Kathy not sure about this, but if it is the language of the thieves then he would have it, and if I need to remove one of the other languages to learn it I will. He would have that knowledge if it is the language used by the thieves guild.) and at the bare minimum would get that they both should move up the right tunnel.
Shadow will move along with Evan and try to make sure there are no surprises. (Move Silently=18, Spot=18, Listen=3, Search=22, Hide=14)
Uriel {AC:17 HP:33/33} d20+4=18 d20+4=23 Monday January 24th, 2005 12:40:43 PM
Uriel stops at the split in the passageway, peering and listening.
{Spot:18 Listen:23}
Wilfire Ironhouse Monday January 24th, 2005 8:05:16 PM
Wilfire hangs back with Uriel, knowing that he'd probably give away Shadow's position if he followed. Nonetheless he keeps his dwarven eyes trained for the first sign of trouble.
DM Kathy Monday January 24th, 2005 8:07:25 PM
Evan and Shadow move carefully down the right-hand passage. It's wider than the other passages you've been in down here, and the ceiling seems a bit higher. The light of the sunrod reveals rough rock walls that seem to be natural in origin.
The passage widens out into a room, which seems to be deserted. Judging from the piles of moldy straw strewn about, and the smell, this room was general living quarters until very recently. You see a couple of empty sacks and a few random bits of cloth, but few personal possessions.
You do definitely hear a faint sound, though, coming from the back of the chamber and toward your left.
Arm also hears the noise when he reaches the "Y" intersection, but the others do not. They remain alert for any signs of returning goblins, but the eerie silence continues.
Kadaz d20+1=15 Monday January 24th, 2005 9:13:48 PM
At the back of the group Kadaz stays alert, watching for anything sneaking up on them (spot 15)
Conner d20+1=10 Monday January 24th, 2005 9:28:57 PM
Conner enters the living chamber and picks through the debris, looking primarily for signs of human children.
Mira d20+3=10 d20+2=20 Tuesday January 25th, 2005 12:30:52 AM
Mira trails after the others, but remains close to Arm. She tries to remember the words of the song the bard sang, but can only remember snippets of the melody, which she hums quietly to bolster her courage. On entering the chamber, she holds up the sunrod and looks around. (Search=10, Spot=20)
Arm d20+4=18 d20+4=20 Tuesday January 25th, 2005 5:54:43 AM
Arm motions toward the source of the noise, hoping that he'll be seen in the sunrod's light. Gripping his sword tighter, he slowly makes his way toward whatever fate awaits them, scanning the area as he goes (listen=18, spot=20).
Shadow [AC 20/17 HP 12/12] d20+1=11 d20+4=13 d20+2=20 Tuesday January 25th, 2005 9:11:19 AM
Shadow will look around the chamber and do a quick search while Arm moves towards the sound at the rear of the chamber. (Spot=11, Search=13, and Listen=20)
Uriel Tuesday January 25th, 2005 11:19:30 AM
{OOC: I am confused about people's positions - are we all following Evan and Shadow or are we split up with people back at the split where Evan, Arm and Uriel (listen:23 check-think you missed this) heard a sound? I will wait to post til I hear...}
Kathy - Clarification Tuesday January 25th, 2005 4:30:33 PM
As far as I know, nobody is still at the "T" intersection; everbody has moved to the left after Shadow and Evan. Please let me know if that isn't the case.
So the intersection everyone is standing at is the "Y" intersection, where some can hear the sounds [Uriel did hear them too; sorry I missed that]. The sounds are coming from the right, and Shadow and Evan moved that way last turn and saw the chamber.
Evan (ac 16 ff 14 hp 17/18) d20+8=18 d20+6=11 d20+8=9 d20+8=24 Tuesday January 25th, 2005 5:51:44 PM
Tightening his grip on his weapons, Evan moves quietly towards the source of the noise, prepared to defend himself if something should attack.
(move silent-18, hide-11, spot-9, listen-24)
Uriel {AC:17 HP:33/33} d20+4=18 d20+4=18 Tuesday January 25th, 2005 11:07:53 PM
Uriel follows behind Arm, still looking and listening.{Spot:18 Listen:18}
DM Kathy Wednesday January 26th, 2005 12:07:16 AM
Evan and Shadow continue to advance cautiously. The sound is clearer now--it's a person whimpering in terror. They approach the rear of the chamber and can see where the sounds are coming from. To the left is an alcove branching off from the main chamber. In the alcove, a huddled figure rocks back and forth, staring at you with fear-crazed eyes.
Arm and Uriel, following, can see the others looking toward the alcove, but can't quite make out what's inside.
The others, remaining at the intersection, continue to hear no sounds of any goblins.
Wilfire Ironhouse Wednesday January 26th, 2005 12:41:38 AM
Wilfire steps forward to get a better look at the person crying (OOC- Darkvision). He checks for wounds and to see if the person is bound.
"There there now" Wilfire says "Nothin to fear from us."
Uriel {AC:16 HP:33/33} 1d20+4=21 d20+4=14 Wednesday January 26th, 2005 1:27:59 AM
Uriel lights another torch to help spread more light in this 'living' chamber of the goblins.
He will sheathe his longsword and shield switching to his quarterstaff to sift amongst the rags and other detritus of the goblins. {Spot:21 Listen:14}
Evan (ac 16 ff 14 hp 17/18) d20+8=23 d20+8=18 d20+8=9 d20+8=16 d20+6=22 d20+6=16 Wednesday January 26th, 2005 5:41:13 AM
Evan steps to the side and motions for Mira to come forward, thinking the person might respond better to a woman than a bunch of weapon carrying men. He stays alert, moving back towards the right hand branch of the Y intersection to make sure nothing sneaks up on them while those who can speak deal with the huddled figure.
Arm d20+4=8 d20+4=20 Wednesday January 26th, 2005 6:09:17 AM
Not wanting to intimidate them, Arm steps aside to make room for Mira, and continues to keep an eye out for trouble (spot=8, listen=20).
Kadaz d20+1=18 Wednesday January 26th, 2005 8:40:20 AM
Dealing with this frightened person will require some tact and sensitivity and understanding. Kadaz steps back mutters under his breath "Show some backbone." He turns his attention to the tunnels. (spot 18)
Shadow [AC 20/17 HP 12/12] d20+4=12 d20+1=3 d20+2=6 Wednesday January 26th, 2005 11:08:02 AM
Shadow will follow Evan's example and back off. He will however search the remainder of the room/cavern, while Mira tries to console the frightened person. (Search=12, Spot=3, and Listen=6)
Conner d20-2=0 Wednesday January 26th, 2005 5:50:08 PM
Conner sheathes his sword and shoulders his shield before approaching the terrified figure. "I'm Conner" he says as simply as possible. He flashes at smile before continuing. "My friends and I have come to help you. Don't worry, nobody here is going to hurt you." The fighter squats down to avoid standing over and intimidating the frightened creature. [Diplomacy=0 - oops]
Mira d20+5=22 Wednesday January 26th, 2005 5:53:32 PM
The woman elbows her way past the fighter and whispers "let someone who knows what they are doing through." She throws a smile in Conner's direction letting him know she's only kidding.
Holding the sunrod out to one side in order not to startle the whimpering creature, Mira hunkers down and says "are you okay?"
[Diplomacy=22]
DM Kathy Thursday January 27th, 2005 1:41:53 AM
The figure proves to be a human woman, no longer young, but perhaps not exactly old, either; it's difficult to tell. She is very thin, and there are bruises on her face and arms. There is a manacle around one ankle, chained to an iron spike driven deep into the chamber's floor. Looking around, you can see other such manacles and chains in the little alcove, but these are unoccupied.
Shivering with fear, the woman does not respond to Wilfire or Conner, but something of Mira's effort seems to get through to her. "Run!" she says in a low, urgent voice. "Run now, while you have a chance. They're coming back! They'll kill you just like the others." Tears begin to flow down her face. "So much blood...Oh, Wardd help us all!"
Evan, Kadaz, and Arm continue to stay alert for trouble, but don't see or hear anything alarming. Shadow and Uriel search the chamber, and find nothing of value. The few bits and scraps remaining seem to have been simply abandoned. Uriel's best guess is that the former occupants of the chamber packed and left in rather a hurry.
Evan (ac 16 ff 14 hp 17/18) Bless 17rds) d20+8=26 d20+8=12 d20+6=25 d20+6=21 Thursday January 27th, 2005 5:37:15 AM
Evan continues to remain diligent while the others free the woman from the manacles.
(listen-26, spot-12, search-25, hide-21)
Conner d20+3=14 Thursday January 27th, 2005 7:43:47 AM
Conner examines the manacle and calls for the rogue, "Shadow, can you do something about opening this." If Shadow cannot open the manacle, the fighter will attempt to free the other end from the wall [Str=14].
"Don't worry lass, we'll not be overrun by the likes of those goblins. Have you seen any child prisoners since you've been down here?"
Shadow [AC 20/17 HP 12/12] d20+9=27 Thursday January 27th, 2005 9:43:02 AM
Shadow hearing Conner call for him, stops his searching and moves over to Mira and the captive woman. He examines the manacle to see if the lock is something that can be picked or if it is a brute strength type of lock. (If it is a mechanical lock then he will attempt to pick it - Open Lock=27)
Arm d20+7=13 d20+4=19 d20+4=17 Thursday January 27th, 2005 11:27:07 AM
Wanting to console the woman, but fearing to traumatize her further, Arm says over his shoulder, "There's no need to worry miss...we're MORE than capable of taking care of ourselves, and we'll certainly keep you from further harm as well. By the way, my name is Armathen, but you can call me Arm." (diplomacy=13). He then returns to keeping an eye open for trouble (spot=19, listen=17).
Kadaz Thursday January 27th, 2005 12:23:59 PM
Kadaz stays alert while the others work on freeing the woman. As he does so his mind wanders. Goblin tunnels below the city? How far do they go? Who else knows about them? What other threats are down here? Better start mapping because we may be back.
Uriel d20+4=11 d20+4=7 Thursday January 27th, 2005 4:05:58 PM
Uriel moves back to the edge of the chamber with Kadaz to peer into the gloom.
Spot:11 Listen:7
Mira d20+5=14 d20+4=16 Thursday January 27th, 2005 5:24:04 PM
As Conner and Shadow work to free the captive. Mira murmurs words intended to calm and comfort the woman. She will gently enquire and check for wounds. If the woman relaxes, Mira will ask her how she ended up as a hostage, and who is responsible for her plight. (Diplomacy=14, Gather Info=16)
DM Kathy Friday January 28th, 2005 2:22:08 AM
Shadow goes to work on the manacle. The lock is crude, and he is able to get it open in short order. The woman starts a little when she is released.
"Children?" she replies to Conner. "Yes--" her voice breaks, and the tears flow more freely. "Children, and women, and men. Babies. An old man. All dead. All, all dead." She is sobbing now. "And...and eaten!"
Lost in the remembered horror, she doesn't seem to notice Arm's or Mira's attempts to speak with her further.
Evan, Uriel, and Kadaz continue to stay alert, but the only sounds in the goblin caves seem to be the ones happening right here.
Arm d20+4=20 d20+4=15 Friday January 28th, 2005 6:08:49 AM
Laying a hand on Mira's shoulder, Arm says "We'd best be going before more of them arrive. See if you can find out if she's able to walk...if not I can try carrying her.". He then scans the area again (spot=20, listen=15).
Mira Friday January 28th, 2005 7:24:26 AM
"Can you walk?" asks Mira, addressing the weeping woman. Mira stands next to Arm, "yes, we should leave," then clenching her teeth to conceal her rage, she adds "the city guards must be informed."
Conner Friday January 28th, 2005 7:35:23 AM
Conner helps the woman stand, his large hands provide considerable support. "Eaten?" he asks, "by the goblins?"
Kadaz Friday January 28th, 2005 8:40:23 AM
On hearing about the goblin's use of their captives Kadaz is even more sure of their proper action. "We have to kill them all," he says to the others on guard. "Let's escort this woman out and then return to finish the job."
Shadow [AC 20/17 HP 12/12] d20+7=13 d20+2=12 d20+4=6 Friday January 28th, 2005 9:52:59 AM
"I think we need to press the advantage right now." He does look at the woman and wonders what to do with her, but really feels like they need to move forward now. He will move back to the y intersection and start quietly moving down the right hand side. (Move Silently=13, Listen=12, Search=6) He does hope that Evan joins him down the passageway.
OOC: Kathy did you ever make a decision on how much Shadow can understand of Evan's sign language?
Uriel {AC:17 HP:33/33} Friday January 28th, 2005 11:55:28 AM
"Our good thief is correct," Uriel says.
"Let's continue to press our advantage."
Mira (second post) d20+2=21 Friday January 28th, 2005 5:04:31 PM
"Surely this is suicide!", exclaims the sorcerer looking pointedly at the paladin. "We have no advantage. This woman is weak, those we hoped to save are dead if she speaks the truth,(Sense Motive=21) and we have little by way of magic, or munitions," Mira's look takes in the rogue, and his nearly empty quiver.
"I am for leaving now. We can inform the guards. If they refuse to take action, then we can. Routing out a goblin hoarde will take planning and better equipment then we now possess."
Mira will take a few steps to return the way the party came, sunrod in one hand, and shortspear in the other. "Are we together?"
Uriel - second post Friday January 28th, 2005 6:17:59 PM
Uriel says gently to Mira, "We don't know there aren't others nearby. This poor woman had a limited view of the caves. I will not leave without looking a bit further and checking for more survivors. What if we left someone else down here at the verge of death that we could save?"
Wilfire Ironhouse (33/34) Friday January 28th, 2005 6:39:25 PM
"I agree with Uriel, I think we should push on. There may be others we can save, so I wouldn't feel right about leavin."
"However, perhaps someone should escourt this woman back to the surface, and warn the guards."
Shadow [AC 20/17 HP 12/12] Saturday January 29th, 2005 10:21:34 AM
"Mira, I understand your concern for the safety of this poor woman, but there really might be others down here. If we leave they surely will not have any chance of survival. We have them on the run and I don't think any of them are really organized for serious resistance. We have basically chopped off their head, in a matter of speaking." Shadow is talking about that their leader is dead and that should make it much easier.
With that Shadow will move down the corridor to the Y intersection and inspect it further. (not very good numbers but they are what I rolled in - the ones in my previous post that is)
DM Kathy Sunday January 30th, 2005 12:14:30 PM
Having rescued the woman, you debate what the next step should be. Continue to explore the caves, or escort the terrified former prisoner back to the surface? There are persuasive arguments either way.
Shadow returns to the Y intersection and takes a look around. He sees plenty of goblin tracks, but nothing else. There is still no sound, apart from what your party makes.
[Sorry to give you so little, but it's sounding as if the group hasn't reached a definite decision yet.]
Mira d20+2=19 d20-1=13 Sunday January 30th, 2005 1:30:47 PM
"I will not split the party, for that would surely lead to disaster," says Mira. "Armathen?" she asks, "her hand resting lightly on the bard's forearm, "if you will support the woman on one side, I will take the other. Let us stay near the back, and hope no one comes up on us from behind." Mira provides some basic first aid to learn if the woman is wounded. (Heal Check=19) She then tries to get the frightened woman to rise. She will drape one of the woman's arms over her shoulder and put her hand around her waist for support. (Strength Check=13, Aid Another?) As a result, Mira will no longer be able to carry her shortspear, but she will keep the sunrod in her free hand.
(OOC: DM Kathy, does Mira get the impression that the woman is telling the truth as she knows it? Sense Motive=21 rolled earlier)
Oops, sorry. Yes, she seems far too distraught to be saying anything but the complete truth.
Uriel d8+3=7 d20+3=18 Sunday January 30th, 2005 10:41:22 PM
{If Uriel thinks the wand would aid the woman he will use it on her, approaching her slowly and with kind words. Diplomacy:18 Heal:7
"I wouldn't have wanted to separate the party either Mira. Also, I think Kadaz should still keep up rear guard or else I will. There is no reason for you to be back there without weapons ready," Uriel suggests.
Conner d20+3=4 d20+2=20 Sunday January 30th, 2005 11:45:34 PM
Conner takes his place on the left flank, a little nearer the back than before. [Spot=4, Listen=20]
Kadaz Sunday January 30th, 2005 11:47:44 PM
"I will gladly be rear guard. Nothing will pass me, fear not." Kadaz is certain that he can handle the goblins that are left, especially since there is a healing wand nearby.
Wilfire Ironhouse d20+3=10 Monday January 31st, 2005 2:31:51 AM
Wilfire takes up position near the front of the line. Putting his dwarven eyes to good use, he scans the area for any sign of trouble (spot 10).
Taking up his two-handed flail he preapres to push on with the group.
Arm Monday January 31st, 2005 5:51:33 AM
Arm nods to Mira, "Certainly, my dear...I'll be glad to help, although I share in your estimate that to proceed further is suicide at the present, but of course we MUST listen to what the "mighty savior of orcs and goblins" has to say...". He then attempts to support the woman on the oppposite side of Mira and move on.
Evan (ac 16 ff 14 hp 17/18) d20+8=25 d20+8=27 d20+8=28 d20+8=10 d20+6=15 d20+6=17 Monday January 31st, 2005 5:54:37 AM
Evan waits for the others to make a decision then moves to join Shadow, sticking to the left side of the tunnel while Shadow is on the right. He moves forward swiftly and silently, an expression of grim determination on his face, senses alert for any sign of ambush as he moves down the tunnel.
Shadow [AC 20/17 HP 12/12] d20+4=16 d20+7=18 d20+2=4 d20+1=14 d20+7=23 Monday January 31st, 2005 9:38:39 AM
Shadow waits till he is joined by Evan and then moves in parallel to the Ranger as they move down the unexpolored corridor. (Search=26, Move Silently=18, Listen=4, Spot=14, Hide=23)
DM Kathy Monday January 31st, 2005 5:39:43 PM
You help the woman to her feet. She seems able to walk, but is terrified that the goblins are going to come back and "get her." Mira and Arm quickly realize that they don't need to support her as much as keep her from bolting.
You set off to explore the rest of the caves, with Shadow, Evan, and Wilfire in front. Mira and Arm follow with the terrified former prisoner, and with Conner close at hand. Kadaz and Uriel bring up the rear.
Returning to the "Y" intersection, you take the opposite tunnel. It leads to two interconnected chambers, which still have bedrolls and personal possessions strewn about. One wall of one of the chambers appears to have had a very recent cave-in.
Uriel {AC:17 HP:33/33} d20+4=14 d20+4=7 Monday January 31st, 2005 11:24:05 PM
Uriel keeps his eyes and ears alert for any more goblins as he walks at the rear of the group with Kadaz.
Spot:14 Listen:7
Conner d20+1=17 Monday January 31st, 2005 11:24:35 PM
Conner moves over to the abandoned bundles, and uses his sword to move the items about as he searches for clues to the owners (or any treasures or trinkets that might have been abandoned.)(Search=17) When he notices the cave-in, he calls to the dwarf, "Kadaz. You know stone. Does this look stable?" The fighter uses his sword to point at the ceiling and rock face and waits for the stout-one's response.
Mira d20+2=5 d20+2=15 Monday January 31st, 2005 11:29:47 PM
Noticing the cave-in, Mira tries to discern if the fallen rock might block the opening of another tunnel,(Spot=5) but the dancing shadows confuse her, so she listens (Listen=15) for noises from the other side in case someone is trapped.
Wilfire Ironhouse d20+4=14 Tuesday February 1st, 2005 2:12:22 AM
Although not called upon to do so, Wilfire still studies the stonework, looking for anything unusual (14).
Evan (ac 16 ff 14 hp 17/18) d20+8=12 d20+8=21 d20+8=19 d20+6=17 Tuesday February 1st, 2005 5:52:19 AM
Evan gives both chambers a quick search, stopping to study the cave-in for a moment before returning to the entrance to the tunnel to stand guard, figuring the dwarves would be better at descerning whether they can pass the cave-in or not.
(move silent-12, spot-21, listen-19, search-17)
Arm d20+4=23 d20+4=6 Tuesday February 1st, 2005 5:54:40 AM
Half-supporting, half keeping the woman still, Arm strains to determine if there is another tunnel behind the rockfall (spot=23, listen=6).
Kadaz d20+1=10 Tuesday February 1st, 2005 6:32:17 AM
Could the goblins have closed this tunnel to hide someting? Kadaz inspects the wall carefully but isn't sure of much. (spot 10)
Shadow d20+1=13 d20+2=13 Tuesday February 1st, 2005 2:24:49 PM
Shadow will remain in the intersection of the two rooms and try to determine what might or might not be behind the cave in. (Spot=13, Listen=13)
DM Kathy Tuesday February 1st, 2005 9:16:40 PM
You look around in this room, but it yeilds few clues. Conner finds some clothing and common equipment (waterskins, rope, empty sacks, etc.), but nothing that would indicate ownership.
Evan notes that the tracks of the goblins lead right up to the collapse. In fact, he's pretty sure the rocks fell on top of the tracks.
With his knowledge of stonework, Wilfire believes the cave-in does not look natural.
Nobody else spots anything of note, and nobody hears anything untoward.
Uriel Tuesday February 1st, 2005 11:05:10 PM
{OOC:Have we explored out this cave system of obvious tunnels excepting the first y intersection}
Mira Tuesday February 1st, 2005 11:10:39 PM
Mira leans against the rock wall, and closes her eyes. The weary sorcerer tries to get a moment of rest.
Conner Wednesday February 2nd, 2005 12:41:54 AM
The fighter grumbles as he pokes through the abandoned items with the edge of his sword.
Kathy-reply Wednesday February 2nd, 2005 2:23:54 AM
In response to Brent's OOC question, you have not yet explored the entire complex. There's still the right-hand passage off the "T" intersection.
Wilfire Ironhouse d20+4=5 Wednesday February 2nd, 2005 4:22:25 AM
"Looks like they dropped the ceiling" Wilfire explains. "Let's check out the right-hand passage and worry about this area later".
Wilfire begins moving towards the right-hand passage. Once they arrive he will pay carefull attention to the roof, looking for anything that might indicate its rigged to be dropped.
OOC- 5 search check... opps!
Arm d20+4=19 d20+4=9 Wednesday February 2nd, 2005 5:50:52 AM
Longing for a rest himself, Arm escorts the woman to Mira, where he says, "Come on, luv...hopefully it'll not be much longer, then we can ALL have a rest.". He then follows the rest down the new passage, scanning as he goes. (spot=19, listen=9).
Kadaz Wednesday February 2nd, 2005 8:16:20 AM
Kadaz adds his opinion to the discussion. "I agree with Wilfire. Let's take a quick look down the other corridor back there. If the goblins have fled down this filled passage we will need the proper tools in order to open it."
Shadow [AC 20/17 HP 12/12] d20+7=10 d20+4=10 d20+2=13 d20+1=5 Wednesday February 2nd, 2005 10:28:04 AM
Shadow listens to the group and has no idea about cave ins, so he will take their word for it. He will move back to the area they have not yet explored. (Move Silently=10, Search=10, Listen=13, Spot=5)
Uriel Wednesday February 2nd, 2005 3:20:09 PM
Uriel looks around the room half-heartly while the dwarves look at the collapse.
Afterwards he says, "I suppose that was their escape tunnel if they caved it in."
DM Kathy Thursday February 3rd, 2005 12:34:58 AM
Tentatively deciding that the goblins escaped through this tunnel and then collapsed it behind them, you retrace your steps to explore the rest of the goblin caves.
Backtracking to the T, you take the other passage and discover a smaller chamber that also appears to have been abandoned. Nearby is a tunnel that leads back to the dry river bed you entered when you first came down the well.
Although you listen intently, you hear no sounds other than the ones you make. It would appear that the goblins are all dead or fled.
Mira Thursday February 3rd, 2005 12:50:40 AM
Mira removes a small bag containing a mix of seeds, nuts, and dried fruit from her pack. She offers the trail rations first to the rescued woman, and then to Arm, before helping herself. Twisting the lid off the waterskin, she takes a swig, then offers it 'round to the party.
Stopping in front of the paladin, the sorcerer whispers, "can we go home now?" There are dark circles under her eyes.
Wilfire Ironhouse Thursday February 3rd, 2005 1:31:33 AM
Wilfire's shoulders slump slightly, as he lets himself relax for the first time. "I think we earned ourselves a good meal... and a bath... for a job well done. Let's go home, but I guess we should make a report to the town guard."
Wilfire takes a moment to wipe any goblin blood off himself, and then joins the group back to the surface.
Uriel Thursday February 3rd, 2005 2:48:52 AM
"I suppose the rest have fled. Let's grab the rest of the equipment we found and our ... reward tokens and get out of here," Uriel looks to the others.
After he whispers, "No one else alive. How many did they kill? The city didn't even notice." The harsh words echo down the dry riverbed.
Evan Thursday February 3rd, 2005 5:35:47 AM
Evan adds his agreement to go by leading the group up and out of the tunnels, helping Mira and the woman where needed.
Arm d20+4=16 d20+4=20 Thursday February 3rd, 2005 5:58:57 AM
Grateful to finally be out of this place, Arm aids the woman when necessary, and looks forward to be rid of the weight of all the goblin ears in his possession, "Not exactly a happy ending I suppose, but any ending you can walk away from is a GOOD ending." he thinks as he gives one last furtive look around (spot=16, listen=20).
Kadaz Thursday February 3rd, 2005 7:36:06 AM
Thanks to all of the healing Kadaz is in good condition. So he was looking forward to another fight. But with a rock wall sealing off the tunnel means that won't happen today. "I'll get some digging equipment so tomorrow we can open that tunnel" he adds eagerly.
Shadow Thursday February 3rd, 2005 8:34:23 AM
The thief sulks a little bit because they did not find any other captives. "I am not sure that we are the best suited to try and tunnel through that cave-in." He says as the group starts to head back to the way in.
Conner Thursday February 3rd, 2005 10:25:46 PM
With a sigh, Conner sheaths his sword, and attaches his shield to his back. He wonders if he has enough money left to afford the day's special at Samson's.
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