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The Crimson Fort

DM Bob & Carla
Thursday January 20th, 2005 11:25:59 PM
After many hours of dreary trudging through the mud, following along the edge of the gully in the direction indicated by Harvest Moon the party can discern a vague dark shadow on the horizon. Looking at the looming shape gives those with an affinity for the divine an uneasy feeling.

There are but a few hours left to the day. Other than the dangerous gully, there are no discernable features to the dreary landscape, and no shelter visible.

Merryn
Thursday January 20th, 2005 11:48:13 PM
"Well, if that's the Fort, I'm for heading out to it. I've no taste for sleeping out in the rain and I'm still weary of orcs and goblins descending upon us. At least the Fort might have a roof," Merryn proclaims to the party.

"But then again, that's just one man's opinion. However, if the object of stopping for the night is rest, I know that no rest can be had under the pouring rain. And so we might as well go on."

Merryn shivers from the cold and the rain, emphasizing his point.

Lorth
Friday January 21st, 2005 7:35:12 AM
Lorth gets visibly uneasy when the fort comes into view, so this is where my father perished he thinks, "Gargul rest his soul.", he mutters aloud.

Harvest
Friday January 21st, 2005 10:50:36 AM
Harvest places a hand to her brow to shield her eyes from the falling rain. Blinking drops from her lashes, she takes in the distant bulk of the Crimson Fort.

"Do you remember the map, Andrath Silverhand?" she asks. "If my memory is correct, it will be necessary to approach the Raven's Gate from the opposite side. That is where the breach in the wall is. The smithy should be near the breach in the wall. Perhaps we can find shelter there. Or, perhaps in the stables across from the smithy."

More trudging through the lifeless muddy ground of the Dead Zone.

"Perhaps it might be best to show Arminas of Jahrlswolf the map given to us by the paladin Caerthon?" She looks at the tips of her fingers, puckered and wrinkled from the rainwater. "If we can find a dry spot."

Arminas
Friday January 21st, 2005 12:15:34 PM
Arminas looks at the map that Harvest mentions and then up at the fort.

"There is little detail to this map, none that I find of use anyway. Why is there no trail or road that leads to this place?"

Looking at the distant fort and the setting sun, Arminas frowns deeply.

"The orcs and hobgoblins came from this direction. Did they come from the fort or pass by it? If the fort has become overtaken I would hate to come upon it at nightfall. It would be ideal to scout out the fort from a distance. This wasteland makes that task seem impossible."

Arminas then looks again at the map and the distant fort.

"I too wish for a warm bed and good meal. If you believe we will find it at the fort we should hurry. However, if we are unsure of what we will find I would prefer to spend the night out here. I could make an adequate shelter with equipment we have. It would not be very comfortable though. What are your thoughts."

Ewan is settled on the ground as the party discusses the options.

"Too bad Ewan can not tell us the answer. I'm not sure if she can tell the difference between a friend or a foe."

Bralin
Friday January 21st, 2005 2:13:21 PM
"Yon fort will be occupied," Bralin states. "Do not take refuge in the enemies' lair."

Elerinn
Friday January 21st, 2005 2:21:35 PM
Elerinn's mood isn't getting any better as his clothes gets soaked and dirty with mud. He listens impatiently as his companions discuss going to the fortress for rest, or camping somewhere else.
The gnome's judgement is perhaps somewhat influenced by the bad weather and his bad mood when he says that he would like to continue to the fortress and sleep in the smithy or stables. "If we're going to meet any orcs or other foul creatures, I'd like to encounter them in a sheltered stable rather than this muddy fields."

Andrath d20+11=20
Saturday January 22nd, 2005 7:20:15 PM
Andrath says, "Harvest Moon and I will try to sneak as close as we can using these gullies, to try to get a sense of the fort: what is in it, if it is occupied, if the breach is repaired."

Assuming that is an acceptable approach, Adrath starts to move up the gully that looks the most promising. [OOC: Hide roll of 20.]

DM Bob & Carla
Sunday January 23rd, 2005 11:52:23 PM
The incessant rain gives way to a light drizzle, and the cooler night air results in a light fog that rolls across the terrain. The consensus is to continue towards the fort in hopes that in the midst of the enormous stronghold, a small party might be able to hide for the night. Harvest recalls the information provided by the paladin Caerthon, and shares the map with the newcomers. The party creeps forward, Andrath leading the way. They are able to make out the outer wall of the massive hexagonal structure. It is over 40 ft. high; however one side is in disrepair, the wall never rebuilt after it was breached so many years ago!

It is also obvious that the fort is no longer abandoned. A glow emanates from inside the fortress, and a campfire can be seen through the breached section, in the yard between the outer wall, and the inner defences. Every now and then the keen eyed see a shadow pass before the fire.

The religious amongst the group sense that there is an unwholesomeness about the place.

Merryn
Monday January 24th, 2005 12:21:46 AM
The campfire makes Merryn hesitant to enter the Fort too quickly. Perhaps stealth would be a better choice in this case. Walking silently over to Andrath, Merryn asks, "Should we come down on them in a surprise raid or find another shelter for the night? One thing I can do is entangle them with whatever plant life surrounds them so that we can rush in and secure our shelter for the night."

Waiting for one of the group members to formulate a plan, Merryn crouches near the fissure in the wall, observing the shadowy figures by the campfire.

Lorth
Monday January 24th, 2005 8:36:51 AM
Lorth says, "I am not one for sneaking and the whole fort makes me uneasy, I do not beleive I can rest in there. If we are to rest before exploring the fort, I suggest we do it outside as Bralin stated. Otherwise be ready to fight." Lorth does not move any closer to the fort, until the party responds with a plan.

Harvest
Monday January 24th, 2005 10:31:40 AM
Harvest Moon sits on a stone with her knees pulled up to her chin. She watches the Crimson Fort in silence. When she finally speaks, she does not address anyone in particular.

"Praxis often said to me that knowing is often more powerful than doing. And that, with knowing, one can make one's actions much more powerful once they are done."

"I cannot see far enough to tell what is at the Crimson Fort," she says. "It is difficult to count their numbers as well."

"Can you speak with your friend, Ewan?" she says, addressing the ranger Arminas rather suddenly. "Her sharp eyes, and the guise of nature may help us with the knowing."

"Perhaps, Merryn Blackbridge," she turns to the druid, "you can speak with Arminas of Jarlswolf's friend. Even if it must wait until tomorrow."

Harvest falls silent again, turning her attention, once again to the towering walls of the distant fort. This time she trains her eyes toward the tops of the walls.

"If there is no guard on the walls," she says from within her preoccupation, "it may be possible to approach from the rear and come around the wall. A circuit around the fort at some distance might be of use. It may be helpful to know what defenses they have prepared at all points around them."

Bralin
Monday January 24th, 2005 11:00:35 AM
Bralin moves uneasily as he watches the fort.
"Death still claims this place," he quietly remarks.

He nods at Harvest's suggestion.

"The time for rest has passed," he opines. "Now, we must scout."

The dwarf prepares to accompany Harvest on a circular inspection of the outer defenses of the fort.

Arminas
Monday January 24th, 2005 12:29:11 PM
Arminas listens to the plans being made. In answer to Harvest, he says:

"I cannot speak with Ewan, as I am not prepared for it. If Merryn can speak with her, she can fly over the fort and tell us something. I don't think her counting skills are high, but she may be able to tell if there are few or many inside. She may even be able to tell us where they are. Remember though, she is an eagle and thinks as such."

IF Merryn can speak with animals, he will calm Ewan and convey to her that Merryn is a friend while Merryn speaks with the bird.

Nodding at Bralins suggestions, he agrees:
"Yes, the time for rest is past. If Ewan can tell us something we should do that first. Otherwise, it seems plain that we must enter through the breach in the wall. Unless of course someone can climb the walls of this keep. If I could somehow obtain the top, then my bow will do us more good."

Elerinn
Monday January 24th, 2005 6:12:42 PM
When Harvest suggests Arminas to send Ewan over the fort to count the number of enemy troups. He realizes the wisdom of scouting the area before deciding to enter and says: "Miss Moon, I can send Qamaro to scout the fortress and count the number of creatures!"

This being said, he asks his raven familiar to fly over the fortress and count the number of creatures inside, and possibly the type of creatures.

DM Bob & Carla
Tuesday January 25th, 2005 12:22:29 AM
The party decides they can wait no longer. At Harvest Moon's request, Erwan and Qamaro take flight to survey inside the walls of the fort from above.

There is little cover in this barren landscape, far less an abundance of vegetation with which to entangle opponents. A survey of the outer walls of the fort will require the party to retreat to a distance and find suitable gullies in which to sneak close to the walls unnoticed.

Andrath and Harvest Moon lead the group on a reconnaisance which takes most of the evening. The walls of the fort are made of massive stone blocks and reach 40 feet in height. It would be possible to scale the walls with a rope and grappling hook, but sentries are posted on the walls themselves and they maintain a fairly regular patrol along each section of the wall. Climbing the wall would need to be accomplished quickly and quietly, one party member at a time, if you are to remain undiscovered.

The only breach in the outer wall is the one indicated on Caerthon's crude map. The party's examination of the breach from some distance reveals the same pattern of guard activity as elsewhere. A number of individual campfires can be made out through the breach, each with several figures around it.

As the Druid and Sorcerer commune with the returning animals, another squall sweeps across the area, further limiting the party's vision and dulling their hearing with the steady sound of rain on already soaking ground. The heavy clouds move in, blocking out the moon and stars.

[OOC if any further attempts are made to reconnoitre near the walls, or to slip into the fort, please accompany posts with move silently, hide, listen, and spot checks as appropriate]

Lorth
Tuesday January 25th, 2005 7:58:19 AM
Lorth waits in a sheltered area while the party does its scouting, he knows he would only be a liability if forced to sneak around. While waiting for his companions to return he readies himself mentally for the fight ahead.

Merryn
Tuesday January 25th, 2005 8:27:37 AM
"Well, now that we know a bit more about the odds we face, I say that we attack under cover of darkness. We could send two people up the wall to take out the sentries and then the rest of use could enter the fort through the fissure. As it seems to me, we will have to either do this tonight or tomorrow in the full light of day. Darkness is a friend to those who approach in the night."

Merryn waits for a consensus from the group members or follows an alternative plan generally agreed on.

Harvest
Tuesday January 25th, 2005 8:55:55 AM
Through the blowing rain, Harvest Moon remains intent upon the indistinct fires of the Fort beyond.

"Unless they are orc and hobgoblins," she adds quietly to Merryn Blackbridge. "Orcs and hobgoblins can see in darkness, can they not, Andrath Silverhand?" A small squall throws another spray of cold stinging rain into her face.

"But the storm may be our friend in this tonight. If it is difficult for us to see or hear them in the wind and rain. It will be difficult for them as well."

She draws a wand from her haversack. "Elerinn Brazael, this will grant protection to those who wear no armor. Please take its gift."

"I may also be able to charm a rope to the top of the wall, if Arminas wishes to climb."

"Though," she says, still reviewing more options, "it may be better to wait until our animal friends have returned to tell us what kind of beings walk the campfires within."

[[ If we decide to go next turn, Harvest casts Mage Armor from wand on herself, Elerinn and anybody else who wants. Remember it doesn't stack with Armor so if you have an existing armor bonus of +4 or more it would be a waste. And she casts Longstrider on herself. ]]

Bralin
Tuesday January 25th, 2005 10:51:46 AM
Bralin is not all sure they shouldn't turn around and report their discovery that the fort is occupied. However, he comrades seem bent on entering it.

"We cannot all climb sufficiently," he points out. "We must enter through the breach. Mayhap the storm will cover our entrance."

The dwarf gets out some potions for easy access, waiting for Andrath's decision.

Arminas
Tuesday January 25th, 2005 11:17:31 AM
Arminas contemplates the fort and sentries, now hidden by the weather. He awaits the return of Ewan from her overflight of the fort.

"It seems the fort is well guarded. The way I see it is we have two options.

One, we try and sneak into the fort and attack from within. The trouble is, Lorth here does not appear to be much for sneak attacks. Without him inside, our hopes would be dim. Plus, the sentries on the wall would have at us with bolts and arrows.

The other option, as I see it is to attack from without. Those of us who can attack from a distance can take out some of the sentries. We can set a trap for anyone who rushes out of the fort. Of course, if they all rush out at once we will be outnumbered. But who ever heard of abandoning a fort during battle? The main trouble is that they may retain their position for a long while, and we are stuck out here in this foul weather.

I can shoot my arrows over 200 feet with good accuracy, and possibly further. Who else can attack from a distance? Of course, we are limited by the distance we can see.

What spells do you have available to help us in combat?

I do not wish to climb with so many sentries on the wall Harvest, but thanks for the offer. Perhaps I could use the Mage Armor spell. I have only this leather armor for protection, and I hear the spell provides even better protection. I leave it to your knowledge of the arts as to the usefullness of this spell for me."

OOC: The leather armor provides +3 protection. Can the spell be added to leather armor?

Harvest (Illegal Addendum)
Tuesday January 25th, 2005 12:04:57 PM
The brown girl scrutinizes the ranger's armor and draws upon the knowledge of magic given her by The Eye.

"The spell would provide you a little more protection than you have now. I am sorry to say, not much more."

[[ OoC: No, sorry. The Armor Bonuses don't stack. That means that the spell, at +4 would only add one more to your +3 Leather. ]]

Bralin
Tuesday January 25th, 2005 12:48:14 PM
Agast, the dwarf moves to cut off Arminas' suggestion as fast as he possibly can.

"Sentries and outposts are everywhere. Yon fort holds hundreds. Should we announce our presence, the enemy will sally forth and crush us with but a quarter of their number.

Move with stealth, or retreat."

Arminas (Illegal 2nd post-first time ever)
Tuesday January 25th, 2005 1:27:37 PM
Arminas adds:
"Hundreds? Did I hear someone mention the walking undead may occupy this fort?"

Greg OOC
Tuesday January 25th, 2005 9:30:09 PM
Guys, I have a little problem. I was given this part of the module to run for us when I was ADMing, so I know what is going on. I will have to step to one side while you are doing the planning, and the entry of the fort.

Andrath
Tuesday January 25th, 2005 9:31:57 PM
Andrath waits for the animal scouts to return and tell them about the conditions inside the fort.

DM Bob & Carla
Tuesday January 25th, 2005 11:48:00 PM
Having made a reconnaissance of the fort and discerned that it is indeed occupied, the party discusses options while the animal companions check things out. Bralin wisely counsels against an overt attack, noting that the party is very likely outnumbered and stealth rather than force would be a better choice. As the adventurers weigh the best way to gather information about what is going on inside the place, and learn if Caerthon's companions Hugo and Langdon are within, Harvest notes that the elements, though unpleasant, might be in the party's favour should they wish to keep their actions covert.

A diffuse lightening of the grey sky signifies the start of a new day. Elerinn's raven familiar and Arminas' eagle friend return. The eagle's bright beady eyes fix the wood elf, then it cocks its head as if listening. Qamaro rasps, "Orcs! Big orcs! Little orcs! More orcs! Orcs!" then proceeds to repeat the call until quieted by the gnome.

Smudges of smoke denote the sites of the campfires, as the morning mists start to rise from the ground. The drumbeat of rain continues, as does the sad moaning lament of the wind over the barren ground.

(OOC: Please accompany next posts with move silently, hide, listen, and spot checks. BTW, does anyone try to talk with Erwen?)

Merryn
Wednesday January 26th, 2005 8:25:23 AM
His eyes flashing bright green for a moment, Merryn mutters and moves his hands throughout the air casting Speak with Animals. Moving slowly towards Erwen, Merryn offer first a greeting and then begins with his questions.

"How many people are on the inside? Many? Few?"

"What colour is their skin? Like ours? Green?"

"Do they have many weapons? Much metal?"

"Are there two people that look like Arminas? Pale skin? Where are they?"

Upon receipt of his answers, Merryn thanks the eagle and turns to his companions. "We must act now before the sun burns away the fog. Are we simply seeking to free your friends Hugo and Langdon? If there is no other reason for entering the fort, then we still have a chance to rescue them. Although it will not be easy, once we have knowledge of where they are, we need only get past the orcs in between they and us, thus reducing the number of our opponents. But we must make sure to be quick and deadly."

Merryn is impatient for action. He can be seen shifting restlessly in anticipation of the plan. At this point, he is exhausted and either wants to get this attack over with or flee the fort and rest somewhere.

Bralin d20-5=-1 d20-5=1 d20+5=7 d20+6=23
Wednesday January 26th, 2005 10:03:13 AM
The dour dwarf waits patiently for the report from Merryn and his ariel scout. Infiltrating the enemy requires as much information as possible.

In the meantime, he offers a plan.
"Approach from the east. Get as close to the wall as possible, and then slip south and west to the breach. Guards a top the wall are unlikely to look straight down. At the breach, Andrath takes up a position, and waves each of us, one by one through the opening and toward the stables. We reform there."

To Merryn - "Can your comrade carry thunderstones and drop them east of the gate? The diversion may prove useful."
Bralin has three thunderstones.

Move Silently: -1
Hide: 1
Listen: 7
Spot: 23

Arminas and Ewan (the eagle) d20+10=22 d20+10=26 d20+10=26 d20+8=21
Wednesday January 26th, 2005 10:58:35 AM
Arminas awaits the answers from Merryn as he questions the eagle.

"I'll have to start keeping a speak with animals spell handy. Entangle will not help us here."

Looking at Bralin, Arminas cocks his eye at his mention of Merryn's comrade.

"My dear Bralin, Merryn can speak with Ewan, but I will decide if she is to be put in danger. It seems to me that the thunderstones may be very dangerous for a bird with little knowledge of explosive devices to carry. If it is necessary for thunderstones to be dropped east of the gate, we will affix them to arrows. I will place them where necessary. Of course, that seems to ruin your plan of stealth. Otherwise, your plan seems good. I will wait until last. If a sentry on the wall spots someone, I will attempt to kill it with arrows."

move silently 22
hide 26
listen 26
spot 21

Harvest d20+9=11 d20+9=18 d20+7=17
Wednesday January 26th, 2005 11:22:11 AM
Orcs. Many and many.

Harvest remains upon the rock, unmoving. She casts her senses out into the surrounding terrain. In her oversized robe, she does not so much hide as seek to become one with the landscape.

"Perhaps in pairs," she says softy in tacit acceptance of Bralin Stoneminder's plan. "One who can move well with one who is not so skilled. "One can aide the other in stealth with a watchful eye and signals of the hand."

She glances to the clouds as the sky lightens to day. "With the new day, I may also be able to raise a mist that would hide our passage from the casual eye."

There is subtle movement within her robes as the brown girl takes the roughly carved eye of Gargul in preparation for her morning devotions.

Rolls
Spot 11
Listen 18
Hide 17

Day's Spells
Level Zero
Guidance: +1 on one attack roll, saving throw, or skill check.
Light: Object shines like a torch.
Resistance: Subject gains +1 on saving throws.

Level One
Domain: Longstrider +10 to Speed 1hr/Lvl. (Travel)
Bless: Allies gain +1 on attack rolls and saves against fear.
Obscuring Mist: Fog surrounds you.

Notes
Would it be possible to Aide Another in one of the components of stealth? Hide or Move Silently?

Lorth d20+1=5 d20+1=12
Wednesday January 26th, 2005 12:22:01 PM
Lorth listens to everyones ideas. "I will attempt to sneak in as asked, but I don't think I will have much luck. I also will not attack anyone from the shadows. Perhaps we should wait outside until they send out another patrol to find the one that isn't going to return. We could thin their numbers that way.", he pauses then shares another idea, "Or perhaps most of these orcs will be sleeping during the day and we should wait a few hours and carry out Bralin's plan at high noon."

(OOC: In case the party decides to move, I roled Hide: 5 and Move Silently: 12)

Harvest (Was Going To Do This. Really! Post) d20+5=25
Wednesday January 26th, 2005 1:00:57 PM
Harvest shields her eyes with a hand again, and scans the expanse of clouds. How long would the cover of storm be available? She scans the four points of the compass.

Rolls
Survival to predict weather 25 (Nat 20!)

Merryn - skill rolls d20+2=9 d20+2=5 d20+8=13 d20+6=25
Wednesday January 26th, 2005 5:35:41 PM
ooc: sorry I forgot to include these in my post.

Move Silently: 9
Hide: 5
listen: 13
spot: 25

Elerinn d20+1=10 d20+1=8 d20+1=7 d20+1=5
Wednesday January 26th, 2005 6:18:04 PM
Elerinn doesn't feel as sure about going into the fortress as he felt a few moments ago. Qamaro is obviously pretty shocked by the large number of orcs inside. But since he said he'd liked to go to the fortress before, he doesn't object verbally. If all of his companions decide to approach the fortress, he will silently follow.

Move silently: 10
Hide: 8
Listen: 7
Spot: 5

Andrath d20+11=30 d20+11=27 d20+12=28 d20+17=27
Wednesday January 26th, 2005 10:16:26 PM
Andrath says, "I agree, we could use a diversion. Qamaro may be smart enough to drop one or two of the thunderstones on the nothwest side of the keep, directly away from the breach, and outside the walls. Then, while the orcs are distracted, we try to sneak in, and get to the blacksmith's shop as quickly as possible. Hopefully, there is not a big gang inside the shop. I agree, that the quieter ones help the others. I can pair up with Bralin. Harvest, you pair up with Lorth. Arminas, you pair up with Elerinn. Merryn, you will have to move on your own. What do you think?"

[OOC: Move silent 30, Hide 27, Listen 28, Spot 27]

DM Bob & Carla secret DM roll d100=1, I don't believe it!
Wednesday January 26th, 2005 11:44:38 PM
Predisposed to view Merryn in a favorable light, Arminas' companion Erwen cocks its head as the human druid shoots out his questions. The eagle screams hoarsely, Merryn Highlight to display spoiler: { "many...two legs...much metal...many two legs."}. The eagle flies off, and perches in a crenel in the parapet of the fort. The guards seem to pay it no mind.

As they continue to scan the fort, solidifying their plan, Merryn, Arminus, Harvest, and Andrath note there is a pattern to the movement along the top of the outer wall. It takes the guards several minutes to complete their tour of the ramparts, leaving plenty of time to slip through the breach once the party figures out their routine.

The combined effects of the precipitation and wind reduce visibility. As the fog thickens, Harvest Moon can tell that if the party does not get to the base of the fort in the next few moments, they risk becoming lost. The fog will reduce visibility to 5ft.

With much trepidation on the part of Lorth and Elerinn, the party settles the final details of their strategy. Pairing up seems to be the way to go, with the dexterous folk helping out the less agile.

The Swords of Light make it to the breach, and despite some clumsiness on the part of the dwarf, there is no challenge issued from the guard.

When the paladin scrambles over the broken stone walls of the breach, he senses great anquish such as he has never known in all his life.

Andrath, and Bralin, the first through the breach are able to discern the walls of the inner compound across the yard. The left side of the yard is dotted with small encampments, each comprised of 4 or 5 tents, and a small campfire. A few of the early risers tend the fires and talk amongst themselves. A single encampment occupies a small portion of the yard to the right.

Merryn d20+2=4 d20+2=4 d20+8=14 d20+6=24
Thursday January 27th, 2005 8:45:19 AM
Merryn whispers to Arminas, "I will follow you to the blacksmith shop. Thank nature for the fog she has provided us. It might just be enough to get past these vile creatures unseen."

Once the party determines the direction of the smith's shop, Merryn will follow as silently as he can, placing his shortspear into his right hand in case any interference be encountered.

Rolls:
Move Silently: 4
Hide: 4
Listen: 14
Spot: 24

Harvest d20+7=8 d20+8=10 d20+9=10 d20+9=10 d20+10=17 d20+8=14
Thursday January 27th, 2005 8:48:42 AM
Fires glow on the western side, across the courtyard from their entry through the breach. Orcs. 15. 20. Or more.

Harvest Moon guides the paladin across through the breach and across the yard, pointing out the soft places in the earth onto which to place his feet, stopping him when his armor creaks or clangs too loudly. It is slow. With the threat of discovery all around them, maddeningly so. And, perhaps she is paying more heed to the paladin's stealth than to her own.

At the door of the smithy, she raises her hand.

"Andrath Silverhand, I have a scroll which will allow me to take the form of another in disguise. Before we open the door, it maybe best to take on the form of an orc in case the smithy is occupied and the opening of the door is noticed."

Rolls
Hide 8
Move Silently 10
Spot 10
Listen 10
Move Silently Aid Another 14
(Sorry, that 17 should be a 14)

Active Effects
Mage Armor (From Wand, 1 hour from the time the group decided to sneak into the Fort)

Notes
Elerinn and Arminas have Mage Armor as well if they wish.
Cast Disguise Self from scroll if plan is agreed to.

Lorth
Thursday January 27th, 2005 9:03:00 AM
Lorth attempts to follow Harvest at quietly as possible, as he crosses over the breach he stumbles as the anguish washes over him.
Pain etched into his face, he whispers, "Something is bad here... pain, suffering... I can sense it."
Gathering himself he presses on... Caerthon said this is the last time he saw my father, he thinks, I will have to come back and investigate.

Lorth d20+1=5 d20+1=14
Thursday January 27th, 2005 9:04:12 AM
(OOC: Forgot my hide: 5 and move silently: 14 checks.)

Bralin d20-5=3 d20-5=1 d20+7=12 d20+6=14
Thursday January 27th, 2005 9:32:48 AM
Bralin's footsteps and clanging armor sound loud in his ears. He grimaces, but it can't be helped. Dwarves were not built for sneaking.

Seeing the tent in the space to the right, he beckons the others to follow him into the stables. Once there, he uses the cover to move around to the Blacksmith's shop, and cuts across the open space to the door.

Bralin keeps his axe in hand during the journey.

Move Silently: 3
Hide: 1
Listen: 12
Spot: 14

Arminas d20+10=14 d20+10=25 d20+10=28 d20+8=18
Thursday January 27th, 2005 9:51:21 AM
Arminas helps Elerinn along, trying to comfort his fears. He winces each time he hears the rustle and clunk of the others. Why dwarves and humans have survived so long is beyond him.

As they enter the breach and make their way to the smithy, Arminas will hide in the shadows watching behind them. Paying particular attention to the tent set off from the rest. Someone or something of importance resides there, and Arminas does not plan to be caught unaware. Once everyone enters the smithy and it appears they are not seen, Arminas will slip inside.

Move Silently: 14
Hide: 25
Listen: 28
Spot: 18

Elerinn
Thursday January 27th, 2005 4:21:55 PM
Elerinn tries to be as silent as possible as he moves into the fortress alongside Arminas. To thank him for his help silently, he nods at his companion.

Elerinn d20+1=7 d20+1=11 d20+1=20 d20+1=4
Thursday January 27th, 2005 4:22:20 PM
Hide: 7
Move Silently: 11
Listen: 20
Spot: 4

Andrath d20+11=21 d20+11=25 d20+12=19 d20+17=23
Friday January 28th, 2005 12:21:34 AM
Andrath moves along with Bralin, wincing as the well armoured dwarf tries unsuccessfully to sneak along. He whispers to Elerinn, "With all this noise, get ready to have your raven drop the thunderstones." Then he whispers to Harvest, "If those orcs make any sudden moves, create your mist between the breach and the entrance to the smithy. We can try to make our way through it in pairs."

[OOC: Hide 21, Move silently 25, Listen 19, Spot 23]

DM Bob & Carla d20+3=23 d20+3=5
Friday January 28th, 2005 12:24:38 AM
The party members pick their way through the fog, skirting the small cluster of tents around the eastern campfire. A single figure tends the fire. Two more voices can be heard from inside the tent.

"Humans are weak" a voice snarls. Another equally rough voice responds, "not so weak they didn't knock you down." "I fixed him, that skinny runt won't use that arm for a while, and he squealed real good when I stuck him!"" The other one didn't look so good when we dragged him below either" another voice chuckles mercilessly. The three voices continue for a few minutes, sharing their success in demeaning their captives. "The mages 'll do em in good. I heard one screamin' till late in the night yesterday. Musta knowed we ate his horse...damn fine eatin' too." The fog distorts the voices, playing tricks on your ears and disguising the exact direction the voices come from.

Merryn, and Harvest successfully traverse the outer courtyard, first to the stables, and then across to the smithy. Andrath, Lorth and , Elerinn amd Arminus make it as far as the stables, but as Bralin reaches the stables across from the Smithy he brushes against the wall and his armour makes that tell-tale sound of steel on rock.

"Shhh!" the voice says and then more loudly "Who goes there?", this time in orcish. The sound of his feet scuffing in the dirt makes it clear he is turning through 360 degrees to locate the source of the sound.

Harvest d20+11=19
Friday January 28th, 2005 7:30:26 AM
Harvest Moon remains in place. She thinks. Picturing stillness. Rather imagining action and non-action.

If action prevails, there may still be a chance for a diversion.

Rolls
Disguise 19 (+10 for the Disguise Self spell that would be in effect)

Active Effects
Mage Armor (From Wand, 1 hour from the time the group decided to sneak into the Fort)

Notes
Ready Action: If any of the party is revealed to the orcs by either their own actions or the orcs'. But not in the case in which direct combat begins. Harvest draws scroll of Disguise Self. Then makes a loud dismissive growl waving her hand for whoever it is to go away, or possibly back to sleep.

Elerinn and Arminas have Mage Armor as well if they wish.
Cast Disguise Self from scroll if plan is agreed to.

Merryn d20+5=18 d20+6=17 d20+8=21 d20+2=5
Friday January 28th, 2005 8:48:34 AM
Well it's a wonder I didn't stir up a ruckus on the way over here as well, Merryn thinks to himself.

Although the dwarf may be a bit dour at times, Merryn has respect for his logical mind and fortitude in combat and so wishes to help him out. Taking a sling bullet out of his pouch, Merryn hurls it by hand in the opposite direction of the dwarf, intending to strike something solid withing his field of vision (Spot: 17; Missile Attack? DC: 18 OOC: just to clarify, I'm not trying to actually hit an orc, only to hit some object away from Bralin so as to confuse the orcs by the sound generated).

The speech of the orcs in the tent is disturbing, however, they seem to know the location of the companions of the Swords of Light, Hugo and Langdon. Merryn perks his ears and listens as well as he can so that he might know their general location by sound (Listen: 21).

Merryn waits patiently for the others to get to the blacksmith's workshop, trying to hide himself as much as possible (Hide: 5).

Arminas d20+10=17 d20+10=21 d20+10=30 d20+8=26 d20+9=22 d20+9=22 d8+3=8 d8+3=6
Friday January 28th, 2005 2:36:05 PM
Arminas freezes in the shadows of the stable. He is surprised that only one orc called out. With the racket the paladin and dwarf were making, he fully expected to be greeted by every orc anywhere near this fort.

Notching an arrow in place, he sits and waits. If the orc appears to be ready to raise an alarm, Arminas will attempt to silence it with two quick arrows.

Move Silently: 17
Hide: 21
Listen: 30 Nat 20
Spot: 26

Attacks if needed
1st arrow Hit AC 22 Damage 8
2nd arrow Hit AC 22 Damage 6

Bralin (ac19, power atk[3]) d20+6=13 d10+8=11
Friday January 28th, 2005 2:48:12 PM
Bralin freezes.

Mayhap the orc is poorly trained, or tired, and will quit its search.
The dwarf grips his axe. Tis more likely the orc will suddenly appear out of the fog. Bralin resolves to be ready when it does.

[Ready Action - If an orc appears and sees him, attack - hit ac14 (forgot orc bonus) for 11 hp damage]

Andrath (AC 20, 30/30 hp) d20-1=16
Monday January 31st, 2005 12:06:24 AM
"Uh oh," Andrath thinks to himself, as the orc calls out the challenge. He calls back, in orcish, and using his gruffest voice, "Keep your voice down, you fool! We are late getting back from patrol. Blast this cursed rain and fog! It's our turn to rest, so we need to report, and then get to our bedrolls!" [OOC: Bluff roll of 16.]

The elf pulls his cloak hood over his head, and tries to swell out his shoulders to make his slight elf frame look more bulkily orcish. He waves Bralin on to the smithy, and waits to see if the orc continues to challenge, or even approaches, thinking an elf in a cloak looks way more orcish than a dwarf in armour. He puts his hands on his swords, ready to draw and swing if required. He whispers to Bralin as the dwarf moves away, "Get the others out of sight. I will lead them on a merry chase, if they discover me."

DM Bob & Carla d20-1=3
Monday January 31st, 2005 12:49:02 AM
Merryn and Arminus are able to make out the shadowy form of the orc by the campfire. The orc appears to relax his guard and retakes his seat by the fire. "Be on your way then! You're late, and the Captain has no mercy for them that shirk their duties," the orc calls back to Andrath in his gutteral tongue. [Sense motive=3].

The fog closes back in around the party, further obscuring their forms as they successfully cross the courtyard to the Smithy.

The blacksmith's is an open building with a half-wall running around it's perimeter. Four heavy timber posts hold up a rough shingled roof. Racks of iron and half-finished items are arranged haphazardly around the work space. Several anvils form a semi-circle around the large stone forge at the back of the room. Heavy hammers, wrought iron tongs and other tools hang from hooks set into the rafters. A set of bellows goes untended and no fire burns in the firepit.

Lorth
Monday January 31st, 2005 7:50:38 AM
Lorth enters the smithy glad to be over the breach and inside. He says nothing waiting for everyone else to group up.

Harvest d20+2=15 d20+7=19 d20+8=17 d20+9=21 d20+9=22
Monday January 31st, 2005 7:50:59 AM
She had thought ... But then, an open air smithy makes much more sense. Especially when one takes into account horses. Harvest Moon's thoughts harken back to the paladin Caerthon's words. Now, with the Crimson Fort around her, the sight, the smell, the sound, misty in the fog, she can almost see the battle within her mind.

The dagger traces towards the east side of the inner wall to an area marked as the blacksmith shop. "There must be some way into the inner compound through here" he indicates. "I don't know how, but those we battled somehow escaped into the inner compound after retreating into the smithy. The inner tower is several stories high and it's dungeons have been excavated several stories below." he continues, "although getting in and out undetected will be a risky proposition."

"Andrath Silverhand," she whispers, "the paladin spoke of a way through here into the tower." She eyes the forge. But could it be possible?

"Andrath Silverhand," she whispers again, "I would aide you in a search." Placing herself into a hidden corner, Harvest Moon draws from her haversack an everburning torch. Shielding the light within her bulky robes, she lights the areas that he requests, ever careful to shield the light from exposure.

Rolls
Aide Another 15 (+2 to Andrath to Search for Way In)
Hide 19
Move Silently 17
Listen 21
Spot 22

Active Effects
Mage Armor (From Wand, 1 hour from the time the group decided to sneak into the Fort)

Merryn d20+2=18
Monday January 31st, 2005 9:07:39 AM
Merryn whispers to Andrath, "Well, if we are about to head into dungeons and whatnot, I ought to meditate and regain some strength. Nature's hold is weak here, but I should like to have my spells at hand if we go underground and I think the party could use an hour's rest now that we are relatively safe. Well, safer than out there with the orcs at any rate. I will begin my meditation while you and Harvest search for the entrance."

Merryn looks for a shadowy corner (Hide: 18) and sits down, fixing his gaze on what little grass growth there is inside this desolate place. He closes his eyes and meditates while the others search.

Spells:

0-lvl: Detect Magic; Guidance; Know Direction; Resistance; Virtue

1-lvl: Cure Light Wounds; Produce Flame; Jump; Charm Animal

2-lvl: Bulls Strength; Flame Blade; Spider Climb

Bralin d20-5=9 d20+4=18
Monday January 31st, 2005 10:05:40 AM
The dwarf looks at Merryn, raises his eyes slightly to take in the open air of the half wall of the smithy, then lowers his eyes to stare at the man in disbelief.

His mind races - An hour? Tis not possible.

Bralin ever so slowly moves around the smithy, gazing intently at the stone and metal.

Search - take 20 if I can for a 24, else 18
Move Silently: 9

Arminas
Monday January 31st, 2005 12:30:51 PM
Arminas makes his way into the shelter of the smithy and breathes a sigh of relief. It is difficult to silence a foe with an arrow, and the last gasp of breath will bring more orcs. Arminas puts his arrow in the quiver, and looks around.

As the diffuse lightening of the grey sky provides some light through the fog, Arminas motions for the others to remain still.

"I may be able to track those who have passed through here. Please, do not move around until I have checked the ground. It is likely that they did not move with caution through a fort they themselves occupy."

Arminas then carefully checks the ground, looking for scrapes or footsteps on the ground. The recent rain and fog may have provided a better surface for tracking.

Andrath d20+13=16
Monday January 31st, 2005 1:49:29 PM
Using the shielded light from Harvest, and with her help, Andrath tries to find some sort of entrance to the inner keep. "Merryn," he whispers, "hold off on your spell-memorizing for a little bit. This is not an enclosed room, and who knows how long we will have before someone comes by and glances in to see us." Then the elf starts to move along the inner wall, trying to find a hidden doorway. [OOC: rolled a 16 for the search, even with Harvest's help.]

Assuming his first quick search didn't turn up anything, he starts to take a more careful, measured look. [OOC: Take 20 on the next search, for a total of 31.]

Merryn - OOC (sorry, second post)
Monday January 31st, 2005 5:52:25 PM
OOC: sorry about him meditating, I was confused as to how long it would take to search for the entrance and forgot about the half-walls. Needless to say, Merryn heeds the virulent glare of Bralin and takes the advice of Andrath.

DM Bob & Carla
Monday January 31st, 2005 11:13:05 PM
The early morning fog envelops the forge providing cover for the party as they explore the building. Lorth stands guard as a desperately tired Merryn sinks to the floor to rest, and Elerinn finds a quiet corner. Arminus checks the ground, hoping there might be tracks that would tell him something. The ground is hard packed from regular use and routine traffic, but the ranger can tell the place hasn't been used for a couple of months.

Harvest recalls Caerthon's information, and carefully sheds a light on the situation as Andrath and Bralin search the solid looking hearth of the now cold forge. A cursory check reveals nothing but a more systematic search reveals an irregular fist sized stone, set amongst larger more regular shaped blocks. Whereas the larger stones are all set flush with one another, the fist sized stone is ever so slightly recessed.

While the others investigate, the druid tries to rest, even if just for a moment. In this barren place of rock and iron, the human spots a nondescript weed that has by some miracle of nature managed a toehold in whatever poor soil edges the stone wall and the smithy floor, the tenacity with which it to clings onto life containing a lesson on the divine force of nature.

Merryn d20+6=19 d20+8=28 d20+2=18 d20+2=21
Monday January 31st, 2005 11:31:25 PM
Contemplating the weed gives Merryn new strength of conviction, however depleted his physical strength may be. He will try to emulate the weed's tenacity and press on despite his weariness.

With a renewed mental vigour, Merryn walks over to Bralin Stoneminder and says, "I noticed your glare a moment ago. I apologize for my weakness, Stoneminder, my earthy bones are weak in such a desolate place as this. I will, however, try to emulate what little plantlife lives in this area and press on despite unfavourable conditions."

With that said, Merryn takes up a discrete position (Move Silently: 18; Hide: 21) near Lorth in order to help him keep a lookout for unwelcome intruders (Spot: 19; Listen: 28 (nat. 20!).

Lorth d20+1=15
Tuesday February 1st, 2005 7:44:50 AM
Lorth still doesn't speak, still uneasy from the anguish he felt crossing the wall. He peers out into the fog watching for movement...
(Spot: 15)

Bralin
Tuesday February 1st, 2005 10:44:13 AM
Bralin's eyes twinkle in satisfaction as he and Andrath discover the stone.

The twinkle dies when Merryn comes over and apologizes. The dwarf stares woodenly at the druid for many moments - while his mind races.

Why the apology? Why not simply rise and continue? Clearly the druid seeks some comment of comfort, but Bralin has no idea what that comment should be.

"Uh. Aye." is all he can manage in response, gratefully relaxing when Merryn returns to the wall.

The dwarf returns to the trigger stone. He places his hand upon it, and looks to Andrath for the go-ahead. Once he receives it, Bralin calls out a low "'Ware", pushes the stone, grabs his axe, and waits.

Arminas d20+10=14 d20+10=11 d20+8=21
Tuesday February 1st, 2005 11:59:32 AM
Arminas finishes looking about at the ground, and glances up as Bralin finds the trigger stone.

"This room and passage has been unused for a long while. Perhaps if we are quiet, we may sneak up on the enemy."

He looks at Lorth and Bralin and shakes his head.

"You do know how to keep from banging around as you walk, don't you?"

Arminas then steps back to give Bralin room to open the door. As he does so, he stumbles and makes some noise.

Listen 14
Move Silently 11 (nat. 1)
Spot 21

Harvest d20+7=16 d20+9=24 d20+9=29
Tuesday February 1st, 2005 12:12:55 PM
Harvest Moon holds the cold burning torch within the folds of her clothing and makes herself into as small a ball ball as possible. Sitting still upon the stone floor of the smithy, she is no more thana loose pile of clothing. She turns her focus toward the forge, as Bralin Stoneminder prepares to touch a stone that would seem the trigger to a portal of entry. Her senses are tuned to what will come. Her focus is on what will come. Should attack come from within, she stands poised to shed light upon whatever may come. (Ready Action: If attack comes from within the portal, and if it is dark within, throw the torch in to illumiate the attackers.)

Rolls
Hide 16
Listen 24 (For what may be inside the (?) door.)
Spot 29 (Nat 1) (For what may be inside the (?) door.)

Active Effects
Mage Armor (From Wand, 1 hour from the time the group decided to sneak into the Fort)

Andrath d20+12=30 d20+11=20
Tuesday February 1st, 2005 8:19:23 PM
"Hold a minute, Bralin," Andrath says, as the dwarf reaches for the recessed stone. "There may be a trap. Good find, by the way." He presses his ear against the stone, to try and detect any noises coming from the other side. [OOC: Listen roll of 30.] Then the rogue carefully searches the stone, and the area around it, to see if he can discover any traps that might be set off by working the stone. [OOC: Search for traps roll of 20.]

DM Bob & Carla
Wednesday February 2nd, 2005 12:01:30 AM
Andrath figures the mechanism for the hidden door is probably safe, and there are no sounds coming from the other side of the wall. Bralin, weapon at the ready, triggers the stone. There is a low grinding of stone on stone as a 5ft. x 2 ft. section of the wall sinks down into the hearth creating an opening through to the other side. Harvest Moon neither hears nor sees anything to cause her alarm on the other side of the opening. What she can see leads her to believe they will be out in the open air or some narrow passageway open to the sky if they pass through.

Lorth, Arminus, and Merryn do not see anything beyond the half-walls of the smithy due to the grey fog. The sound of heavy boots on stony ground is unmistakable though, as perhaps a dozen individuals near the building at a quick march. Merryn picks up snatches of a conversation about how the second night patrol is late, and the watch captain is furious, threatening to carve them up and dry their flesh for rations when they are found.

Lorth
Wednesday February 2nd, 2005 7:39:27 AM
Lorth looks at Arminas and says quietly, "No, I am not skilled in moving about silently, I haven't has cause to learn and wouldn't want to. I prefer a standup fight, to all this sneaking around."
When Bralin finds and opens the secret entrance, Lorth moves over to it and gets ready to go.

Merryn d20+2=13 d20+6=13 d20+8=25
Wednesday February 2nd, 2005 8:28:57 AM
Preparing to go into the passageway, Merryn pulls out his everburning torch in order to help illumine the passageway further. He is careful to follow Harvest's example and to keep it within his robes until they are actually in the tunnel.

"We ought to hurry and get down the passage. There are orcs about and they are in a sour mood. I suggest we leave no trace of our coming if possible. Is there any way to move the stones back into position once we are in the passageway?"

Once the marching order is decided, Merryn will fall into place and follow the others. He reminds the group that a passageway open to the air is a good candidate for having arrows rain down upon them and so the group should be cautious.

(Move silently: 13; Spot: 13; Listen: 25).

Harvest d20+7=14 d20+8=15 d20+9=20 d20+9=13
Wednesday February 2nd, 2005 11:26:20 AM
Narrow door. Passage of only one at a time.

With words unspoken, Harvest looks to Andrath Silverhand. If the area beyond is open to the sky it would be best to send Arminas of Jahrlswolf's Ewan or Elerinn Brazael's Qamaro up and over the wall to scout. But, from the sound nearby, there seems little time.

All of these thoughts follow one after another through the quiet girl's mind. Pushing these things aside, she prepares to follow Andrath Silverhand through the narrow door, and into what might lie beyond.

Rolls
Hide 14
Move Silently 15
Listen 20
Spot 13

Active Effects
Mage Armor (From Wand, 1 hour from the time the group decided to sneak into the Fort)

Arminas d20+10=26 d20+10=22 d20+10=12 d20+8=21
Wednesday February 2nd, 2005 12:38:12 PM
Arminas rolls his eyes as Lorth mentions a "stand up fight", and quietly replies:
"If it is a 'stand up fight' you want, go to courtyard and declare yourself. I prefer to live, and accomplish our goal."

With that, Arminas quietly slips into the passage as the sound of the orc patrol is heard.

Once inside the passage and the orc patrol has moved off, Arminas helps to close the secret door. If however, the patrol sounds like it is coming into the smithy, Arminas will notch an arrow and watch out the opening as others attempt to close it.

Rolls
Hide 26
Move Silently 22
Listen 12
Spot 21

Bralin d20+4=11
Wednesday February 2nd, 2005 4:50:36 PM
The dwarf motions for everyone else to enter the secret hallway. He will be last through, pushing the indented stone again before scooting through the hole.

If that doesn't close it, he try to find another switch in the tunnel itself.
[Search 11]

And if that doesn't work, he'll simply follow the rest of the party, assuming some mechanism resets the door automatically.

Andrath (AC20, 30/30 hp) d20+11=21 d20+12=21 d20+11=25 d20+17=23
Wednesday February 2nd, 2005 10:19:26 PM
Andrath suggests the marching order as the party moves through the secret door. "Arminas, you lead and keep your eyes and ears open. Lorth, you go next, and use your power to detect evil to feel ahead as well. Harvest, you an I will follow, then Merryn and Elerinn, and Bralin brings up the rear."

He takes his turn to move through the opening, keeping his eyes and ears open as he moves. [OOC: Hide 21, Listen 21, Move Silent 25, Spot 23]

DM Bob & Carla d20+3=11 d20+3=6
Wednesday February 2nd, 2005 11:46:31 PM
One by one the party members slip through the narrow opening at the back of the forge and fan out, hiding in the shadows along the wall on the other side. The party finds themselves in another workshop, almost the mirror image of the smithy backing it, save a little smaller. Bralin locates another fist sized stone, and triggers the closing mechanism. The stone door softly grinds back into place, sealing the portal.

The drizzle finally stops and the fog starts to lift as the pale morning sun tries to burn through. It is hard to believe that less than half an hour has passed since deciding to cross the breach. Across a narrow section of the inner courtyard lies the main tower of the Crimson Fort rising up three times higher than the outer walls. Peeping out from the partially enclosed forge area, Arminas on the right points out a small side door placed well back on the tower. Andrath on the left, catches sight of the large double front doors posted with a complement of sleepy guards.

Lorth
Thursday February 3rd, 2005 8:05:06 AM
"I wouldn't expect you to understand.", Lorth replies matter of factly.
Then he gets in line where Andrath suggested and follows along.

Harvest d20+7=16 d20+8=13 d20+9=11 d20+9=25
Thursday February 3rd, 2005 11:11:58 AM
The sky begins to light with the silvery rays of the sun.

"Andrath Silverhand," Harvest whispers, "do we require cover to conceal our movement? Before the morning fog lifts to an extent to appear unnatural, I can create more."

On Andrath Silverhand's orders, Harvest Moon prepares to creep out of the small blacksmith's shop and cast a spell to conjure an obscuring mist.

Rolls
Hide 16
Move Silently 13
Listen 11
Spot 25

Active Effects
Mage Armor (From Wand, 1 hour from the time the group decided to sneak into the Fort)

Arminas d20+10=27 d20+10=24 d20+10=23 d20+8=14
Thursday February 3rd, 2005 12:19:25 PM
Arminas shrugs off the comment of the paladin. Obviously his instinct for survival is greater than his desire to follow some outdated code.

After looking at the tower, Arminas quietly mentions to the group:
"There is a small door to the side of the tower. I suggest that we go there so as to avoid the guards. If for some reason we need to go through the guarded doors, we should attempt to kill the guards quickly and quietly before they can raise an alarm. I have an oil to make my arrows more deadly and accurate if needed. Still, it will be difficult to kill the enemy with one shot. They will probably be able to cry out. Does anyone else have a more sure way to kill or paralyze the guards?"

Upon overhearing Harvest's comments to Andrath, Arminas adds:
"I think Harvest has an excellent idea. If the fog can appear natural, we have a much better chance to cross the courtyard undetected. Of course, we still have the problem of our metal clad friends here. How can we avoid being heard as we cross?"

Rolls
Hide 27
Move Silently 24
Listen 23
Spot 14

Ewan remains on her own until Arminas whistles for her.

Bralin
Thursday February 3rd, 2005 12:28:11 PM
Bralin closes the door and marks the memory of the trigger stone in his mind.

As his comrades discuss the options, the dwarf nods in agreement of using the side door and the obscuring mist.

Sound is definitely a problem however. Bralin looks at the distances and the numbers.

How many guards? How far are they from us? How far are we from the side door? Is the side door within line of sight of the guards?

Merryn d20+6=13 d20+8=9 d20+2=13
Thursday February 3rd, 2005 4:35:11 PM
Merryn falls into the marching order along with the others.

Not being able to think of anything better, Merryn suggests to his well-armoured companions that they remove their armour and carry it in a bundle in order to make the crossing without causing a great deal of noise. However, he realizes that should they encounter a great deal of the enemy along the way or on the other side of the small doors.

Well, I suppose then one must do one's best and prepare for the worst.

Merryn readies for the crossing and will make it with the party once the details have been sorted out (Spot: 13; Listen: 9 (nat. 1 :( ); move silently: 13).

Andrath (AC20, 30/30 hp) d20+11=23 d20+11=16 d20+11=17 d20+13=29
Friday February 4th, 2005 1:04:43 AM
"Harvest, it doesn't look like there is much fog here in this courtyard, and I am worried that your fog will appear unnatural. Why don't you get ready to cast it if our armoured friends make too much noise, and the guards show signs of wakening?"

"Same marching order as before, but let me get across first and check to make sure that the door is not trapped, and will in fact open for us." (Lorth and Arminas, Merryn and Elerinn, Bralin and Harvest go in pairs.)

Andrath makes his quiet way across the courtyard to the small door [OOC: Hide 23, move silent 16], and proceeds to check for traps [OOC: Search 17]. Assuming that he doesn't find any traps, he will open the door quietly and have a peek inside. If the door is locked, he will pull his lockpicks out of his belt pouch, and try to open the door. [OOC: open lock 29]

Once the door is open, and he sees no obvious foes on the other side, he will wave to the party to move across, and then slip through the door.

DM Bob & Carla d100=7 d100=15 d100=24
Friday February 4th, 2005 8:01:15 AM
From their vantage in the confines of the forge in the inner courtyard the party now sees that the opening through which they came connects the blacksmith's shop in the outer courtyard with an unused weapons forge in the inner courtyard. The secret door leads right through the fire chambers of both.

Bralin counts 5 guards by the front of the tower. They appear to be less than vigilant and two are engaged in conversation but they are too far away to hear.

Andrath slips across the courtyard and up to the side entrance without attracting anyone's attention. The door appears perfectly safe and unlocked, and opens under Andraths hand. A quick inspection reveals no immediate threat inside the open door. The rogue waves his comrades across the courtyard in pairs without incident.

Harvest d20+9=23 d20+7=18 d20+8=25 d20+8=28
Friday February 4th, 2005 8:40:54 AM
As Andrath Silverhand steals quietly across the narrow stretch of courtyard towards the small door, Harvest Moon takes a moment to examine the small weapons forge in which the party now stands. Her eyes rove across the walls and the accoutrements of the weapon smith's trade. The forge itself is clearly cool and unused. How long could it have been so? If the group that had fled from the paladin's company had come this way, then the forge must have been cold even before the attack. (Spot 23)

When their time comes, Harvest moves slowly across the courtyard with Bralin Stoneminder. With patience, she coaches him through touch and hand signals. Stealth, is sometimes less a matter of remaining hidden, as it is maintaining a sense that one belongs in the first place.

Rolls
Spot 23 (Looking at things in the weapon smith's)
Hide 18
Move Silently 25
Aid Another Move Silently 28 (Nat 20)

Active Effects
Mage Armor (From Wand, 1 hour from the time the group decided to sneak into the Fort)

Merryn d20+2=9 d20+2=3 d20+6=25
Friday February 4th, 2005 8:49:23 AM
Preparing to make the crossing with Elerinn, Merryn re-wraps his everburning torch and stores it in his pack. Whispering to Elerinn, he says "Good luck and let us make it across safely."

Once Elerinn is prepared to cross, Merryn goes with him (Move Silently: 9; Hide: 3 (nat. 1)). If he reaches the other side unnoticed, Merryn will await the others inside the tower, scanning the room for anything of interest (Spot: 25).

Arminas
Friday February 4th, 2005 2:56:03 PM
Arminas is amazed that they have crossed undetected. Looking at his assigned companion, Lorth he nods his approval.

Perhaps there is more to this man than is immediately apparent.

Arminas then prepares to move down the hallway. In a whispered voice he adds:
"I am not trained at detecting traps, but I will go first if you request it Andrath."

Bralin d20-6=10
Friday February 4th, 2005 4:10:11 PM
Bralin does his best to follow Harvest's hand signals, and doesn't quite sound like a troop of advancing orcs as he steps across the courtyard.
Dwarves don't sneak.
[Move Silently: 10]

Once inside the door, he quickly looks around for threats, before glancing at Andrath.
"Those we passed revealed the prisoners were 'below'," he reminds the group's leader.

ooc - need someone to play Bralin next week - mdknotts2000@yahoo.com

DM Bob & Carla
Monday February 7th, 2005 8:08:55 AM
Will wait for a few more posts before continuing.

Lorth
Monday February 7th, 2005 2:30:12 PM
Lorth follows Arminas carefully. He takes pains to be quiet but does not slink around and use the shadows. Entering the door he looks around, trying to get his eyes to adjust to the twilight...

DM Bob & Carla
Monday February 7th, 2005 7:44:24 PM
Harvest Moon casts one last glance at the cold smithy. The little brown monk can tell that the forge has been used since the time of the Dread Wars, but that it is used infrequently, fired up perhaps every three or four months in order to repair weaponry or create some mundane items. The force within the fort is obviously getting the bulk of its weapons and amour from another source.

The party slips unnoticed into the large tower building finding themselves in a wide hallway where four could walk abreast. The thick inner walls feature regularly spaced arches. One third of these arches feature sculptures of some dark stone, worn and broken except for stone arms that hold lit torches. There is no debris on the floor, which itself is of the same dark polished stone as the sculptures. In the center of the main hall, glimpsed through one of the empty arches, is a large metal brazier, the lighted coals casting an eerie light along with the torch wielding statues.

Merryn does not detect the presence of any enemy, but does notice what appears to be a flight of stairs at the end of the hallway. Lorth tastes the bile rise in his throat as his stomach roils in response to a pervasive aura of evil that envelopes the place.

Please, all roll listen DC 15 Highlight to display spoiler: { to hear muffled screams coming from below.}

(OOC: Will post M, T, W, Th, F evening in order to get in 5 posts. My preference is to post Su, M, T, W, Th evenings. If most get their 5th post on S/Su, then will post Su evening. Regular posting is very important during combat.)

Andrath (AC20, 30/30 hp) d20+12=28
Monday February 7th, 2005 9:06:50 PM
Andrath stops as the party enters into the long hallway, and whispers, "Wait, did you hear that? Someone is screaming down below." [OOC: listen check of 28]

Then he starts to make his way into the hallway, glancing into the archways as he moves. He heads for the stairs at the far end of the hall. [OOC: Do the stairs go up, down, or both?]

Harvest (AC21, HP 28/28) d20+9=21 d20+9=18 d20+7=19 d20+8=12
Monday February 7th, 2005 9:37:24 PM
"I hear it, Andrath Sliverhand," Harvest Moon replies in a whispered voice. As he goes forward, she moves with him, keeping to the shadows and covering the views that he does not see.

Rolls
Listen 21
Spot 18
Hide 19
Move Silently 12

Active Effects
Mage Armor (From Wand, 1 hour from the time the group decided to sneak into the Fort)

Merryn d20+8=28 d20+6=19
Monday February 7th, 2005 10:27:46 PM
"Aye I heard them (Listen: 28 (nat. 20)) as well Andrath. Perhaps we ought to follow the stairs down below and investigate. Although, we should be in battle formation in case we should encounter the cause of all that screaming."

With that, Merryn prepares to descend the stairs with the party, spear in hand and his spells at the forefront of his mind.

His green irises glow slightly as he peers down (OOC: I'm assuming the stairs go down to the source of the screaming; if not, then he looks up the stairs) the stairs, anticipating danger (Spot: 19). Although nature's hold is weak here, natural beings are always at their strongest in adverse conditions. Merryn's eyes dull again as his ire settles and he waits for the go ahead to descend the stairs from the rest of the party members.

Lorth d20=13
Tuesday February 8th, 2005 7:28:08 AM
Lorth steadies himself, never before has he encountered so much evil and pain.
Not really listening for anything in particular Lorth hears nothing, but comments to his friends when they mention it. "If you hear screaming we should certainly investigate, it is probably someone being tortured."
Lorth makes ready to head down the stairs when the others indicate that is where the sound is coming from.

Bralin - Sub/Al (AC19, HP 45/45) d20+4=21
Tuesday February 8th, 2005 7:53:48 AM
Bralin's head turns toward the source of the screaming to see Andrath and Harvest moving away, down the hallway. (Listen 21)

Turning back to the small door through which they had entered, he ensures that it is closed once again before following at the rear.

Arminas (AC 18, 25/25 hp) d20+10=11 d20+10=14 d20+10=13 d20+8=23
Tuesday February 8th, 2005 10:22:40 AM
Arminas listens when Andrath mentions a sound. Slowly he spins in a circle, listening intently for any noise. He then whispers:
"I do not hear any screaming, and my ears are seldom wrong. Perhaps it is the wind blowing through the tower. These places always have their own sounds, almost as if they are haunted. Sound or no, this place is full of orcs. Best to be ready."

As the party moves towards the stairs, Arminas keeps his bow at the ready.

Rolls
Hide 11
Listen 14
Move Silently 13
Spot 23

DM Bob & Carla
Tuesday February 8th, 2005 6:22:02 PM
At the end of the hallway, the opening to the stairs is flanked by a statue of dark stone similar to the ones in the arches. Half of it's face and one arm are missing, but the arm holding the torch aloft is intact. The torch casts a flickering light and shows wide steps spiraling downwards.

A bloodcurdling scream echoes from somewhere below, bouncing off the walls of the circuitous stairway. There is the murmur of voices, then a distinct thud, as if some heavy door is thumped shut, and then quiet.

After the first few steps, the walls narrow so that only two can walk comfortably abreast, while the steps themselves remain wide and easy to tread. There is no way to discern the bottom.

(OOC: If going down, please post marching order.)

Andrath (AC20, 30/30 hp) d20+11=19 d20+12=14 d20+11=19 d20+17=31
Tuesday February 8th, 2005 9:07:26 PM
Andrath forms up the party to descend into the lower keep. "I suggest Lorth and I lead the way; I check for traps, and he scans ahead to detect for evil. Harvest, you and Arminas follow next, then Elerinn and Merryn, and Bralin brings up the rear. Merryn, can you take out your torch again, just in case the stairs aren't lit all the way down?"

Assuming that the party is OK with his suggestion, Andrath leads the way down the stairs, both swords drawn. [OOC: Move silently 19, Listen 14, Search 19, Spot 31]

Harvest (AC21, HP 28/28) d20+9=10 d20+9=24 d20+7=12 d20+8=26
Tuesday February 8th, 2005 9:27:05 PM
Harvest Moon nods and takes her place next to Arminas of Jarlswolf. The spiked chain comes out of the haversack, ready to strike past either of the two in front to any opponent beyond.

Rolls
Listen 10
Spot 24
Hide 12
Move Silently 26

Active Effects
Mage Armor (From Wand, 1 hour from the time the group decided to sneak into the Fort)

Bralin - Sub/Al (AC19, HP 45/45) d20+5=16 d20+4=14
Tuesday February 8th, 2005 9:32:18 PM
Bring up the rear.

The dwarf hefts his axe and takes one last look at the area before descending down the stairs with the rest. (Spot 16, Listen 14)

Merryn d20+6=23 d20+8=9
Tuesday February 8th, 2005 11:36:59 PM
Following Andrath's request, Merryn gets the torch out of his bag, unwraps it, and the stairwell comes into focus a bit better. He whispers to Andrath "I will carry the torch for now, but I may need to set it down if I should need to cast a spell."

Taking up his position in the rear, Merryn braces himself for the walk down, keeping his senses about him (Spot: 23; listen: 9, nat. 1).

Lorth
Wednesday February 9th, 2005 9:05:51 AM
Lorth follows Andrath's suggestion and attempts to detect concentrations of evil as best as he can while descending the stairs.

Arminas (AC 18, 25/25 hp) d20+10=12 d20+10=28 d20+10=26 d20+8=16
Wednesday February 9th, 2005 9:54:33 AM
Arminas takes his place behind Lorth. Looking at the small girl and the chain, he smiles and quietly adds:
"Perhaps your chain will be of more use behind Andrath than the tall Paladin."

Andrath walk with his bow in hand, an arrow notched.

Rolls
Hide 12
Listen 28
Move Silently 26
Spot 16

DM Bob & Carla
Wednesday February 9th, 2005 11:08:29 PM
Andrath and Lorth make their way down the stone staircase, the rest of the party in tow. Torches light the way at irregular intervals as the stairs wind gently down and to the left.

Lorth has an immediate and visceral reaction when he attempts to detect evil. He knows that something more evil than anything he has ever encountered in his young life has occupied these spaces recently. The lingering aura is pervasive and obscures any other auras that might otherwise be detected.

At the bottom of the stairs a large reinforced wooden door bars the way. A large iron ring serves as a handle, and scratches on the stone floor make it clear that the door must be pulled to open.

Merryn
Thursday February 10th, 2005 9:18:04 AM
Knowing his own strengths, Merryn stands aside as one of the stronger members of the party endeavours to open the door. He holds the torch so light up the doorway a bit more for the sake of the person opening it.

Harvest d20+7=27 d20+9=27 d20+9=21
Thursday February 10th, 2005 10:07:18 AM
Harvest Moon nods to the elven ranger, who, in truth, seems not much taller than she. Perhaps, she conjectures, it is the impressive eagle that makes his stature seem so much grander. It would be a blessing to have such a friend.

The little monk creeps down the stairway after Andrath Silverhand, down to the bottom, to the large wooden doors. At the bottom, she halts five paces back. Within the confines of the stairway, she considers, he may be required to pull back.

Moving close to the wall, she takes a pose of stillness, seeking a oneness with the wall. She listens intently for what sounds might come through the ironbound door. Her focus is upon the doorway, seeking to grasp the form and meaning of that which lies beyond, once the door is opened.

Rolls
Hide 27
Listen 27
Spot 21

Active Effects
Mage Armor (From Wand, 1 hour from the time the group decided to sneak into the Fort)

Note
Five foot gap between Harvest and Andrath.

Arminas (AC 18, 25/25 hp) d20+10=24 d20+10=29 d20+10=11 d20+8=22
Thursday February 10th, 2005 10:16:43 AM
Arminas keeps an arrow notched, and keeps to the shadows afforded by the flickering torch light. Against the wall, he keeps an eye out the way they came, waiting for someone to open the door.

Arminas motions for silence, as he backs towards the wall.

Arminas makes as scraping sound as he backs into the wall and grimaces. A look of humility that you have not seen before is starting to creep over him.

Rolls
Hide 24
Listen 29
Move Silently 11 (nat. 1)
Spot 22

Bralin - Sub/Al (AC19, HP 45/45) d20+4=14
Thursday February 10th, 2005 12:08:51 PM
A task, once taken, is executed to its end.

Bralin faces the rear, up the steps. He listens for the telltale footsteps of approaching enemies. (Listen 14)

Lorth
Thursday February 10th, 2005 12:36:03 PM
As they decend the stairs Lorth says, "Andrath I cannot sense anything in particular, an overwhelming evil lingers here and I cannot sense anything through it."

...after reaching the bottom of the stairs...

Lorth waits for the small monk to finish what she is doing, then when/if Andrath gives the ok he opens the door.

Andrath (AC20, 30/30 hp) d20+12=16 d20+11=29 d20+13=19 d20+11=17
Thursday February 10th, 2005 8:00:12 PM
Holding his hand up for quiet, Andrath moves carefully forward to the door, and puts his ear to the wood, trying to hear for any movement or other noise from the other side. [OOC: Listen 16] Then he carefully looks over the door, to see if it is trapped. [OOC: Search 29] Assuming the door is not trapped, he will try to open it, taking his tools out of his belt pouch if necessary. [OOC: open lock 19]

Once the door is open, Andrath will slowly pull it open, enough to see throught he crack, and again listen for any noise from the other side. [OOC: Listen 17]

DM Bob & Carla d20+5=9 d20+5=11
Thursday February 10th, 2005 8:57:07 PM
Andrath signals for silence from the group as he investigates the door. The rogue quickly determines that the door is unlocked and untrapped. Muffled sounds of conversation make their way through the door, and Arminus and Harvest make out the softer sounds of moaning.

Bralin and Arminus are sure that they have not been followed down the stairwell and that they are at no immediate risk from an attack from the rear.

The door opens easily enough and Andrath can see a portion of a long and presumably rectangular room. Approximately 25 feet inside the door, two figures appear to be seated at a rough wooden table, playing a card game. Only one of the pair is fully in view, a heavy set humanoid with a thickly furred hide and well worn chainmail sits with his back to the door. A morningstar leans against it's chair. A second pair of thick, hairy legs gives away the position of the second player.

Neither have noticed the opening of the door.

[OOC please post AC and HP if you decide to enter]

Merryn - AC: 15 HP: 25/25
Thursday February 10th, 2005 11:36:43 PM
In such close quarters, physical might will be the order of the day, not ballistic skill, Merryn thinks to himself.

Seeing as he is at the back of the party, Merryn takes the time in which the others are entering the room to cast Bull's Strength on himself (+4 str. (str.=11+4=15), lasts 4 min. = 40 combat rounds). His eyes glow green as he mumbles the words and makes the gestures, feeling new strength flow into his body. The enemy will feel the might of his spear arm!

Merryn awaits his turn to enter the fray, waiting for the go ahead from the team leader.

Lorth
Friday February 11th, 2005 7:50:40 AM
Lorth waits for Andraths signal.

Arminas (AC 18, 25/25 hp) d20+9=23 d20+9=22 d8+3=8 d8+3=6
Friday February 11th, 2005 11:10:29 AM
Arminas notches an arrow and aims at the seated humanoid. He glances at Andrath, and awaits his nod.

Arminas releases his arrows upon any of the following:
Nod from Andrath
Attack by anyone
Noise loud enough to attract attention

Attacks
1st arrow hit AC 23 Damage 8
2nd arrow hit AC 22 Damage 6

Harvest (AC21, HP 28/28) d20+9=25 d20+8=27
Friday February 11th, 2005 12:45:50 PM
The greatest danger lies in what you cannot see ...

Harvest Moon closes her eyes and reaches out with her sense of hearing. She searches, searches the areas outside the field of vision, seeking past the soft moans of what can only be prisoners, for the telltale squeak of leather that would indicate armor or the clink that would reveal weapons.

Quietly, she draws a scroll from her haversack. The morningstar sits, unattended at the side of the chair. Harvest prepares to move into the room and deny use of the weapon by casting upon it, a Grease spell.

Rolls
Listen 25
Move Silently 27

Active Effects
Mage Armor (From Wand, 1 hour from the time the group decided to sneak into the Fort)

Note
Five foot gap between Harvest and Andrath.
Grease spell in hand.
Ready Action: Upon onset of combat, cast Grease.

Bralin (AC 19, hp 45/45)
Friday February 11th, 2005 1:40:59 PM
Bralin stands ready at the back of the group. Once all have moved through the door, he will do the same.

Andrath (AC24, 30/30 hp)
Sunday February 13th, 2005 5:45:58 PM
Andrath quietly pulls the door shut, and steps back, saying, "There is a long rectangular room in there, and there appear to be at least two orc-types. I will pull open the door, and Lorth, you and Bralin charge in to engage them. Arminas, I realize that that will make it more difficult for your bowshot, but we don't want any of them escaping to give an alarm. You and I can follow on our fighters' heels, and you can engage them as well. I will run past them to get into a flanking position, and to be ready to chase one down if it tries to escape. Merryn, you and Harvest come through third, and attack how you see fit. Elerinn, you bring up the rear and be ready to magic missile any foe that looks like he is breaking away to give the alarm."

Assuming the party will follow his proposed course of action, Andrath takes a couple of seconds to cast shield on himself (AC +4, total AC24), then throws open the door, letting Bralin and Lorth charge through. He follows right on their heels, running past any foes to the other side of the room, chancing that surprise will let him get past any attacks of opportunity.

DM Bob & Carla d20+6=15
Sunday February 13th, 2005 6:51:13 PM
Andrath shuts the door and proposes a course of action for the group to follow. As he pulls the door open again, it scrapes along the stone floor. The two humanoids turn to look at the door. The one farthest from the door stands to see who it might be, the other turns in his chair and cranes his neck to see. "Who's that" demands the standing guard.

It is now clear that they are not orc's at all, but two well armoured and well muscled bugbears. The far one has a ripped ear and seems to be missing one of his teeth. Both guards grab their morningstars when they do not recognize familiar faces.

[OOC neither Bralin nor Lorth had prepared readied attack actions but both bugbears are within 30' and B1 is still seated at the table. Neither Harvest nor Arminus had been able to see the two guards through the small opening created by Andrath, hence readied actions of grease and ranged attacks were unlikely. However, your next post will constitute the surprise round. You are all standing at the door ready to enter. Please post AC, HP, and any activated spells.]

Bralin (AC 17, 45/45 hp, charging, power attack[3]) d20+9=27 d10+8=13
Sunday February 13th, 2005 7:54:49 PM
Bralin has the word "Hold" on his lips when Andrath throws open the door. The dwarf would have preferred a moment to cast his own spell, but what's done is done. Now is the time to react.

The dwarf tears through the door, axe high. In a glance he takes in the two bugbears. Without breaking stride, he keeps running for the seated one, adding the momentum of his run to the overhead arc of Solgar's blade.

[Atk B1, hitting ac27 for 13 hp damage

Bonus:
+1 atk - racial vs goblinoid
+2 atk/ -2ac - charge
+3 dam/ -3atk - power attack]

Merryn - AC: 15 HP: 25/25 d20+5=23 d6+3=6
Sunday February 13th, 2005 9:17:24 PM
Spell Effects: Bull's Strength +4 Str. (15) (39 Rounds Left)

Feeling the new strength in his arms, Merryn rushes into the room headed straight for the seated bugbear along with Bralin. With all his might, he attacks with his spear arm, thrusting it at the enemy (Attack 23 for Dmg. 6)

Harvest (AC21, HP 28/28) d20+8=23
Sunday February 13th, 2005 9:39:33 PM
The close of the door had been something of a surprise. The orders come quick, and the reopening of the door even more quickly.

Harvest is left to choose the mode of her attack. The scroll of Grease drops from the little monk's hands and she moves out of the stairwell with the rest. As she moves, the long chain rolls into her hands. Matching steps with Bralin Stoneminder, the small girl stops just behind him and whips the chain forward toward the hideous bugbear's weapon. Wrapping it, she pulls with all her might.

Rolls
Disarm 23 vs B1

Active Effects
Mage Armor (From Wand, 1 hour from the time the group decided to sneak into the Fort)

Lorth (AC 17, HP 45) d20+7=15 d8+3=7
Monday February 14th, 2005 8:28:40 AM
When the door opens, Lorth charges in, and attempts to attack the same bugbear that Bralin goes after.

(AC: 15 for Damage: 7)

Arminas (AC 18, 25/25 hp) d20+9=11 d20+9=10
Monday February 14th, 2005 9:31:53 AM
As the door flys open, and Lorth, Merryn, Bralin, Harvest and Andrath rush into the room, Arminas simply steps into the room. Quickly, he lets an arrow fly at the bugbear with ripped ear, followed closely by another arrow at the same bugbear. Both arrows miss the target.

Arminas steps into the corner of the room by the door, and prepares to shoot again.

Andrath (AC24, 30/30 hp, Shield 29 rounds remaining)
Monday February 14th, 2005 8:25:47 PM
Andrath waits until everyone else has charged into the room, and then moves by them to get past the bugbears and to the other side. He will take a double move (up to 60'), not worrying about an attack of opportunity. He will head towards any other door entering the room, and if it is open, prepare to slam it shut next action.

DM Bob & Carla d20+5=13[disarm check] d20=10[Bl atk] d20+5=13[B2 AoO] d20+5=22[B2 Atk]
Tuesday February 15th, 2005 12:26:38 AM
As soon as the door is swung open the the crusty dwarf charges forward and slams his axe into the seated bugbear, penetrating the armor. A spreading stain of crimson seeps through the creature's rough tunic and fur. Rocked back in his chair, he is unable to fend off the chain that ensnares his morningstar and he finds himself unarmed and at great peril. The bugbear rises from the chair just as Merryn's spear catches him in the leg, slicing through the muscle. He roars in pain and swings the wooden chair at the spear wielding druid to no avail.

The second guard watches as two arrows sail by and then swings at the Andrath as the rogue slips between the table and the wall. The morningstar slams against the table, sending the cards and two clay mugs to the ground. Enraged, the bugbear spins to face the rogue and lashes out again with the morningstar, narrowly missing Andrath with the vicious weapon.

[OOC need a new dice roller!! Arghh!! Bugbear AC=18 Please don't count on posts from Elerinn - seems to be AWOL]

Lorth (AC 17, HP 45) d20+7=11
Tuesday February 15th, 2005 7:44:35 AM
Lorth thinks Bralin and Harvest have the first bugbear under control so he moves on to help Andrath with the second. He attempts to position himself directly opposite of Andrath. (flanking, drawing an AOO if need be).
When he gets into position he swings at the bugbear and misses. (Hit AC: 11)

Merryn - AC: 15 HP: 25/25 d20+5=17
Tuesday February 15th, 2005 8:12:18 AM
Spell Effects: Bull's Strength +4 Str. (15) (38 Rounds Left)

His first attack a success, Merryn quickly whirls around the bugbear to move up alongside him [just to the left of B1, 5ft. move?], hoping that an attack from both sides will confuse the huge humanoid. He thrusts again with his spear; however this time, his attack fails (Attack: 17).

Arminas (AC 18, 25/25 hp) d20+9=25 d20+9=12 d8+3=10
Tuesday February 15th, 2005 9:29:07 AM
Arminas shakes his head to clear his thoughts and concentrate.

The creature is but 20 feet away, surely I can hit such a large target!

With a renewed look of concentration, Arminas lets the arrow fly at bugbear attacking Andrath. It strikes deep, sticking from out from his chest. Confidence now overwhelmes the elf as he lets a second arrow fly.

It misses.

Attacks
1st arrow hit AC 25 Damage 10
2nd arrow hit AC 12

Bralin (AC19, 45/45, power attack [2]) d20+8=25 d10+7=12
Tuesday February 15th, 2005 9:42:59 AM
Bralin notes his many allies, but says nothing. He remains concentrated upon the bugbear to his front.

The dwarf allows his axe to continue its momentum. At its far point, he alters the blades path, this time coming for his enemy's ribcage.

[atk B1 ac25 for 12 hp damage]

Harvest (AC21 -AC22 vs Bugbear1, HP 28/28) d20+10=18 d20+10=30 d20+10=24
Tuesday February 15th, 2005 9:48:43 AM
Harvest Moon abandons her position behind Bralin Stoneminder and scuttles around Merryn Blackbridge to the other side.

A quick diving roll from behind the spear wielding druid brings her up opposite Bralin Stoneminder. From this position, the chain can also reach the other bugbear just over the shoulder of the paladin Lorth. (Or ... perhaps under his arm.)

And, it is this second bugbear that is the focus of the brown girl's attention now. With an eye still to the opponent behind her, she shoots the chain in a wave that targets the bugbear's weapon with an accuracy that she herself finds surprising.

Rolls
Tumble 18 (To Avoid AoO)
Disarm 30 vs. B2 (Flanking +2: Opposite Andrath - Nat 20)
Prerolled AoO vs. B1: If it tries to pick up weapon Disarm 24 (Flanking +2: Opposite Bralin)

Active Effects
Mage Armor (From Wand, 1 hour from the time the group decided to sneak into the Fort)

Notes
Dodge vs. Bugbear1

Andrath (AC24, 30/30 hp, Shield 8 rounds remaining) d20+7=20 d8+5=12 2d6(6+4)=10 d20+7=18 d6+2=5 2d6(1+6)=7
Tuesday February 15th, 2005 9:29:38 PM
[OOC: Sorry, miscalculated the shield spell duration. It should only be based on the one level of wizard that Andrath has.]

The elf smiles in anticipation as he watches the paladin move to flank the bugbear. His longsword and shortsword dance and stab at the large humanoid, with both connecting and drawing blood. [OOC: Longsword hit AC20 for 12 damage plus 10 flanking damage, total of 22 hp. Shortsword hit AC18, for 5 hp plus 7 flanking damage, total 12 hp damage. Total damage for the round is 34 hp.]

DM Bob & Carla d20=12[B1 AoO] d20+5=14[secret DM roll]
Tuesday February 15th, 2005 10:10:41 PM
Lorth slides between the table and B1, narrowly missing being struck by the chair that the enraged guard continues to swing. The paladin fails to hit B2 who easily deflects the blow with his morningstar, but does manage to distract the ratty-eared guard's attention from Andrath.

Merryn ducks away from B1's frantic flailing about with the chair, but fails to poke the weaving bugbear with his spear. However, Bralin's axe connects solidly, dropping the hairy creature like a stone.

Arminus lets fly with two arrows, the first finds it's mark in the center of B2's chest while the second whistles by the bugbear and strikes the wall near Andrath. Harvest strips the morningstar from it's grip, just as Andrath strikes it down with a flurry of blades.

The two bugbears lie in quickly spreading pools of blood. A low, weak moan can be heard from behind a closed wooden cell door across the room from the guard's table.

Lorth (AC 17, HP 45)
Wednesday February 16th, 2005 8:15:07 AM
Seeing the bugbears colapse to the floor, Lorth immediatley moves to where the moan is coming from, to investigate.

Merryn - AC: 15 HP: 25/25 d20+2=5
Wednesday February 16th, 2005 8:33:19 AM
Having vanquished the foes, Merryn sets about searching them for anything of interest - perhaps a key for that cell (Search: 5).

Harvest (AC21, HP 28/28) d20+8=28 d20+7=9 d20+9=22 d20+9=19
Wednesday February 16th, 2005 8:36:58 AM
Quick. Decisive. Without injury. On their part, at least.

Only a minor clash of weapons. No outcry. Still ...

As the last bugbear falls, Harvest Moon steals very very quietly back to the door from which they had come. Darting forward, she emerges into full view to snatch up her previously discarded scroll. Then, with cat ears and cat eyes, she stares back up the stairway searching for signs of approach or detection.

Rolls
Move Silently 28 (Nat 20)
Hide 9
Listen 22
Spot 19

Active Effects
Mage Armor (From Wand, 1 hour from the time the group decided to sneak into the Fort)

Notes
Retrieve Scroll

Arminas (AC 18, 25/25 hp) d2=1
Wednesday February 16th, 2005 9:28:13 AM
Arminas is happy that the bugbears are dead, but no smile plays on his face. He takes his bow and looks at it carefully, then checks the fletching on his arrows.

"I usually don't miss."

Arminas walks over to the dead bugbear and notices that the arrow snapped when the creature fell.

Shrugging his shoulders, he then helps to check the location of the moaning.

Bralin
Wednesday February 16th, 2005 11:59:11 AM
The dwarf hauls the two bugbears into the open cell in the northwest corner and closes the door. He grabs a handy cloak to sop up most of the blood, and chucks it into the cell as well.

Mayhap it will buy the group a bit more time later on.

Bralin then looks to see what has become of the other prisoner.

Andrath (AC24, 30/30 hp, shield 7 rounds remaining) d20+12=26
Wednesday February 16th, 2005 9:22:22 PM
Pleased at the teamwork that the party displayed in taking down the bugbears, and also pleased that no serious noises were made, Andrath moves the rest of the way to the far side of the room, and to the other door. He puts his ear to the door and listens for any sound that might be coming from the other side. [OOC: Listen roll of 26.]

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