DM Kathy Tuesday November 8th, 2005 1:13:19 AM
With the ranger once again at the head of the party, you return down the sloping corridor to investigate the branches and turnings you passed by before. As you move, shadows loom and dance on the walls around you and your own footsteps echo back to you, oddly distorted. At times, it seems as if you hear whispering again, but every time you stop to try to make it out, it goes away. You hear nothing but your own breathing and the occasional drip of water.
With the help of the chalk, you examine several corridors to dead ends, or loops back to paths you've already traveled. It's getting to be fairly late in the day when you find yourselves moving cautiously down the final corridor. The passage is long and straight, with a decided downward slope. It seems cooler than the rest of the caves, and there's a decidedly damp smell.
The corridor ends, somewhat to your surprise, at a rocky beach. Above you, a vaulted ceiling soars 50 feet high. Ahead of you is a large underground lake, its waters stretching beyond the range of your torches (and your darkvision). The narrow strip of beach in front of you is the only one you can see; everywhere else, the water goes right up to the walls of the cave. There's no telling how far back it reaches--or what's on the other side.
Arm d20+4=7 d20+4=12 Tuesday November 8th, 2005 5:59:28 AM
Arm looks around apprehensively and says, "Well, unless someone has a collapsible boat, it looks like this is as far as we go in this direction for now. Even if we DID have one, I wouldn't advise crossing the lake, as we'd be much more vulnerable to attack...from above AND below. It'd be far too easy to tip the boat over, and we'd probably not survive an attack underwater.".
He then looks around for any signs of trouble (listen=7, spot=12).
Evan d20+9=21 d20+9=12 d20+8=13 d20+7=15 Tuesday November 8th, 2005 6:06:26 AM
Evan creeps dwn towards the shore, scouting, while the others debate on what to do. He studies the ground, looking for tracks of any kind. (track-21, spot-12, listen-13, search-15)
Kadaz d20+1=8 Tuesday November 8th, 2005 6:54:47 AM
Kadaz looks at the lake, then glances at the armor and weapons he carries, then shudders. He edges away from the water a bit and watches back up the corridor. (spot 8)
Conner Tuesday November 8th, 2005 7:59:21 AM
The fighter squints into the darkness, trying to make out whether there is a far shore. "I can't see the other side" he states the obvious. "Perhaps now is the time to call on the others and ask for their assistance. Perhaps they can help us cross this expanse."
Shadow d20+2=15 d20+2=22 Tuesday November 8th, 2005 10:33:25 AM
Shadow sees the lake and while the group is discussing the options before them, Shadow moves up to join Evan in his tracking. He will look around and try and listen for anything. (Spot=15 Listen=22 nat. 20)
Mira d20+3=22 d20+2=10 Tuesday November 8th, 2005 7:07:31 PM
Mira frowns, and announces "the Quall Feather Token-Swan Boat was the only trick I had for water encounters, and I'm no swimmer." The sorcerer looks around, checking the cieling as well as the beach, "maybe someone left a boat or a raft?" She asks as she makes her way down to the water's edge, her sunrod held aloft.
Search=22 Spot=10
DM Kathy Wednesday November 9th, 2005 12:18:56 AM
Evan examines the shore, but the unyeilding rock shows no footprints, or traces of any passage. The others look around, but without more light, there is little to see. You hear the occasional drip of water, but nothing more.
Mira Wednesday November 9th, 2005 12:39:58 AM
"Backtrack?" Mira questions, unhelpfully.
Arm d20+4=9 d20+4=15 Wednesday November 9th, 2005 6:04:40 AM
Arm nods in agreement at Mira's suggestion, "Unless you want to use one of your scrolls, I think that would be the best choice. My fear is that we may REALLY need those scrolls at a later time, and be lacking in them. Nevertheless, whatever the rest of you decide I'll go along with.".
Again, he looks around furtively (listen=9, spot=15).
Shadow Wednesday November 9th, 2005 10:17:11 AM
"Someone mentioned a folding boat or something like that we might be able to use. I suggest that we backtrack and after talking with the group that hired us (sorry forgot their name) maybewe can return to check this out." Shadow says to the group.
Kadaz Wednesday November 9th, 2005 4:23:11 PM
"The tunnels may be wide enough for us to get a boat or two down here. But it seems unlikely that any city folk could have gotten past that lake. So all we need to do is make sure there is no threat to the city from it. Right?"
Conner d20+3=19 Wednesday November 9th, 2005 5:31:56 PM
"Who knows," says the fighter shrugging his shoulders, "maybe the other tunnel leads 'round the lake or to something else more," his eyes sweep around the area before he continues, "interesting?"
Spot=19
DM Kathy Thursday November 10th, 2005 3:31:53 AM
You discuss the situation for a while, and it comes to this: you'll need to go back--whether to explore the other tunnels or to get more equipment. It also comes to this: you're tired and hungry. It's hard to tell time with any certainty down here, but you're guessing that this day is pretty well over.
So, do you return to the surface and spend the night at home? Or do you camp down here so as to be ready for more explorations first thing? And, if you camp, do you stay here by the water or move back into the caves a ways?
Arm d20+4=12 d20+4=23 Thursday November 10th, 2005 6:01:29 AM
Giving one more look around (listen=12, spot=23), Arm says, "For now I think it best we eat and get some sleep. I don't think it's wise to camp down here, at least until we explore more of these tunnels...there's far too many places for an attack to come from. I say we retire to the flat and get a fresh start in the morning.".
Evan ac 22, hp 24 d20+9=20 d20+8=11 Thursday November 10th, 2005 6:01:47 AM
Evan keeps an eye on the water while the others discuss whether they will stay down here for the night or return to the surface to sleep. (spot-20, listen-11)
Kadaz Thursday November 10th, 2005 6:59:57 AM
Kadaz adds his opinion to the discussion. "I agree we don't want to camp down here. But we should make camp at the top of the cave to make sure nothing comes out of it at night."
Shadow Thursday November 10th, 2005 9:50:30 AM
"Was that part of our contract?" Shadow asks about Kadaz's comment. He is not sure that they are the ones that have to keep the city safe from everything down there.
Mira Friday November 11th, 2005 12:12:17 AM
"You want me to cast a Web across the opening to keep what is in...in, and what is out...out?" Mira looks around, "maybe someone can make a sign that says KEEP OUT ?"
DM Kathy Friday November 11th, 2005 2:01:33 AM
Whatever your final decision, you know you are not camping here by the lake shore, so you gradually begin to drift back up the tunnels. You continue to discuss the situation as you move back toward the entrance: camp somewhere down here, or return to your lodgings for the night?
[Feel free to multi-post over the weekend if you like in order to make a decision.]
Conner Friday November 11th, 2005 7:27:59 AM
The fighter keeps his position near the front of the group and helps lead them back through the tunnels to the surface using the chalk marks left by Mira. "The flat or the mouth of the caves, makes no difference to me" he grumbles.
Arm Friday November 11th, 2005 8:06:42 AM
Looking somewhat askance at Mira, Arm wonders what has aggravated her so much...he doesn't believe that his comments would have done so, as he only wanted to assure the safety of the group. Hesitantly, he approaches her and asks, "Is something troubling you?".
Kadaz Friday November 11th, 2005 8:57:14 AM
Kadaz's background as a guard in Plateau City comes out strongly. "The people we rescued said some monsters were preying on them. If we leave the tunnel unguarded and these monsters come to the surface we will be responsbile for what happens. I am staying here tonight to prevent that. This duty may not be written in our contract but it is the right thing to do."
When Kadaz makes it back to the surface he meets up with Birdie, who has been keeping watch at the top of the slope. "Good dog, miss me?" he asks as he briefly tussels with the dog.
Shadow Friday November 11th, 2005 10:41:14 AM
Shadow shrugs as he hears Kadaz's reasons for guarding the entrance to the tunnels.
Conner [Illegal 2nd Post] Friday November 11th, 2005 10:41:36 AM
"Like I said, makes no difference to me. If Kadaz is staying I will too." The fighter scans the area for a comfortable spot that will give him a view of the entrance to the caves as well as some cover should it be needed.
Mira Friday November 11th, 2005 5:30:44 PM
"Hunh?" The sorcerer looks at the bard when he enquires into her mood.
"Well, a web would only last half an hour give or take, so maybe taking turns at watch is best."
Kadaz Sunday November 13th, 2005 7:22:30 PM
Kadaz looks at Conner and nods gratefully. "We'll be fine here. For a long night watch nothing beats a strong arm and a shart blade."
DM Kathy Sunday November 13th, 2005 10:21:12 PM
You make your way back to the surface, where night has already fallen. You camp that night in the shattered ruins of the square, keeping a watchful eye on the hole.
Birdie, who was very glad to see Kadaz return, helps you keep watch.
Fortunately, nothing crawls out of the hole during the dead of night. The next morning, you get of to a bit of a late start since you made camp rather late the night before. You are able to grab a quick breakfast at a nearby inn, and then it is time to start the day.
As you camp, and over breakfast, you discuss strategy. Do you try to acquire a boat (or another feather token)? Or do you explore the remaining tunnels to see if one of them curves around to the underground lake?
Evan Monday November 14th, 2005 6:01:30 AM
Evan awakens early to relieve the last watch so the others can discuss their next plans.
Arm Monday November 14th, 2005 6:03:33 AM
Arm says, "I think we should explore the rest of the tunnels before tackling the lake. There may be another access to it on the other side, and it would prevent us from spending gold on a boat, magical or otherwise. Not only that, I STILL think it would be safer for us if we didn't cross it.".
Kadaz Monday November 14th, 2005 6:45:50 AM
"Good point Arm. We have other tunnels so pick one and start down it."
Conner Monday November 14th, 2005 7:36:55 AM
The fighter packs up his gear and readies for the day. "The other tunnels sounds fine to me!"
Shadow Monday November 14th, 2005 10:07:00 AM
Shadow is relieved to be above ground, even though he would never comment on it, he is a little worried when they are underground. He rests lightly, but is refreshed in the morning.
Getting his things together, he hears the conversation turn to what they are going to do today. "I agree we should look for other ways around the lake, but which tunnel should we proceed with?" He looks to Evan to see what the ranger thinks.
Wilfire Ironhouse Monday November 14th, 2005 1:35:31 PM
OOC- All moved in, but still no internet connection. Should have it by later today.
IC: Wilfire gathered his things and started strapping on his plate armor.
"Somebody mine' lendin ol'Wilfie a hand" he asked has he struggled with the heavy armor.
With that done Wilfire said his morning prayers, and was ready to go.
Mira Tuesday November 15th, 2005 1:31:12 AM
"Good to go when you are," responds the sorcerer as she hefts her pack. "The other tunnel it is then?" she adds raising an eyebrow.
DM Kathy Tuesday November 15th, 2005 2:27:02 AM
Rested and breakfasted, you make your way back to the caves and soon you are once again in "your" familiar cavern. There are a total of three tunnels branching off from here. One you have explored already; it leads to the underground cathedral, and the underground lake. Two tunnels remain unexplored. One slopes downward, and Evan saw some tracks there. The other tunnel is the one that narrows sharply some ways down. The Griffon Road group said that you'd need to squeeze through. They also said that it should open up further down. Evan saw a few tracks here, too.
So, which "other" tunnel do you explore?
Evan d20=8 d20+9=12 d20+9=14 d20+8=15 d20+6=25 Tuesday November 15th, 2005 5:00:37 AM
Evan moves forward into the sloping tunnel, following the tracks,leaving the narrow tunnel for later. He moves forward cautiously, scanning the ground and cieling for any danger. (Ignore first roll, track-12, spot-14, listen-15, search-25)
Arm d20+4=22 d20+4=19 Tuesday November 15th, 2005 6:05:00 AM
Sword drawn, Arm follows Evan closely, hoping that his vision and hearing will assist him in early detection of trouble (listen=22, spot=19).
Kadaz Tuesday November 15th, 2005 6:53:01 AM
Kadaz brings up the rear of the party, watching the rear and also the ceiling. Those falling creatures were an unpleasant surprise.
Shadow d20+2=19 d20+2=3 Tuesday November 15th, 2005 9:00:46 AM
Shadow moves down the tunnel with Evan. He will keep a watch out for any trouble. (Listen=19 Spot=3)
Wilfire Ironhouse d20+4=22 Tuesday November 15th, 2005 2:58:49 PM
Wilfire sticks close to the back of the line as he studies the roof of the caves for any sign of trouble (OOC- spot- 22)
DM Kathy Wednesday November 16th, 2005 1:21:02 AM
Moving cautiously, you make your way down the unexplored corridor. The sights and sounds of the cave's interior are becoming familiar to you, yet somehow, this tunnel is subtly different from the ones that led to the cathedral and the lake. The air is dryer, for one thing. There is a faint smell of dust. And somehow, you can't seem to shake the feeling that you're being watched.
At the front of the group, Evan notes that the tracks belonging to the Griffin Road group soon turn back. There do not appear to be any additional tracks, as from survivors from above. And yet, every once in a while, he sees something--a fragment of a footstep, a slightly worn spot on the wall--that makes him think that someone, or something has passed this way.
After a few hours, you come to a spot where two side tunnels branch off from the main tunnel. Anybody who can make a DC 20 Spot check, or a DC 15 Knowledge (Dungeoneering) check, Highlight to display spoiler: { you notice three parallel gouges in one of the walls. They appear at a casual glance to be naturally occuring and random, but closer examination reveals that they were cut or carved into the wall.}
Arm d20+4=11 d20+4=20 Wednesday November 16th, 2005 6:03:18 AM
While the party decides which direction to take, Arm looks around for trouble (listen=11, spot=20).
Evan d20+5=22 Wednesday November 16th, 2005 6:26:55 AM
Evan kneels down to study the entrance to both side tunnels, listening carefully at the entrance to each. (dungeoneering-22,
Kadaz d20+1=16 Wednesday November 16th, 2005 7:16:03 AM
Kadaz looks around at the tunnel junction but sees nothing special or unusual.
Shadow d20+2=7 d20+2=17 Wednesday November 16th, 2005 10:34:09 AM
Shadow looks down the two side tunnels. (listen=7 spot=17) He waits patiently for the group to decide which way to go.
Wilfire Ironhouse d20+4=18 Wednesday November 16th, 2005 3:50:24 PM
Wilfire scans the area, but doesn't notice anything out of the ordinary.
Conner d20+3=18 Wednesday November 16th, 2005 7:35:26 PM
Conner maintains his position near the front of the group and keeps an eye out for danger as they proceed through the tunnels [Spot=18]
Mira d20+2=4 Wednesday November 16th, 2005 10:14:49 PM
Mira remains near the back, holding the sunrod aloft, and marking the wall with her chalk at regular intervals. The tunnels are a foreign environment to her. Every now and then she looks overhead, hoping there aren't any more of those black things that drop down hanging around. The brightness of the light she carries casts wild frightening shadows that make the sorcerer jump and she doesn't see much of anything. (Spot=4)
DM Kathy Wednesday November 16th, 2005 11:31:19 PM
As you pause for a moment at the side passages, both Arm and Evan note three parallel gouges in one of the walls. They appear at a casual glance to be naturally occuring and random, but closer examination reveals that they were cut or carved into the wall.
There is still little sound down here but the echo of your own footsteps, and nobody else sees anything unusual.
Evan Thursday November 17th, 2005 4:58:06 AM
Evan continues down the tunnel. cautiously, looking for any sign of life or the passage of creaures. He also keeps an eye out for any more of the gouges. (Are the gouges parallel with the floor, stacked on top of each other, or vertical?)
Arm d20+4=15 d20+4=16 Thursday November 17th, 2005 5:53:37 AM
As they begin to move, Arm points out the gouges in the wall to the rest of the group, then follows Evan cautiously (listen=15, spot=16).
Kadaz d20+1=3 Thursday November 17th, 2005 7:11:57 AM
When Kadaz makes it to the gouges in the wall he carefully reaches out and gently touches them. (spot 3)
Shadow d20+8=18 Thursday November 17th, 2005 10:43:00 AM
Once Evan and Arm point out the gouges Shadow says quickly, "Wait! Let me check these out closely to make sure that we can continue safely." Shadow thinks back and tries to remember any of his former associates tactics for trapping tunnels. (Disable Device=18) Trying to disarm anything that might trigger a trap.
Conner Thursday November 17th, 2005 9:25:35 PM
Once pointed out by Arm, the gouges seem quite obvious although their meaning is lost on Conner.
Mira Thursday November 17th, 2005 10:22:31 PM
Mira looks at the gouges and hopes they weren't made by the claws of anything that might live in the tunnel.
DM Kathy Friday November 18th, 2005 12:40:13 AM
You pause for a moment to look at the gouges. They are parallel to each other, but not parallel to the floor. They are at a slight upward angle. They do not appear to be claw marks, nor can Shadow discern the makings of a trap anywhere near them.
Kadaz touches the marks, and can easily feel their shape through his fingertips.
Continuing down the corridor, Evan scans for more such markings on the wall. He goes for some distance before encountering more. At another side tunnel, he finds more scratches, this time two diagonal lines that form a V shape. Their ends overlap slightly.
Arm d20+4=5 d20+4=14 Friday November 18th, 2005 5:55:18 AM
Arm looks questioningly at Evan as he tries to listen for any sounds of trouble (listen=5, spot=15).
Conner d20+1=15 Friday November 18th, 2005 7:42:53 AM
Conner examines the next set of marks and tries to match the pattern to what he has seen of the caves and tunnels. "Could me navigation aids" he offers hopefully, "So you could make your way in the dark." [Int=15]
Shadow d20+2=11 d20+2=4 Friday November 18th, 2005 9:13:49 PM
Shadow continues listening and looking for anything out of place, but since he has spent most of his time on the surface he is not sure of anything down here. (Listen=11 Spot=4)
Scott (aka Shadow) Sunday November 20th, 2005 8:42:12 AM
OOC: Kathy, I will be out of town next Monday-Wednesday, and I am unsure of internet availabiity. I will try, but not sure about posting and putting in ADM report (posting report).
Kadaz d20+1=14 Monday November 21st, 2005 6:10:50 PM
Kadaz looks back at the way they came just to be sure of the way out. He then takes up his place at the end of the line, on guard. (spot 14)
Mira Monday November 21st, 2005 6:53:43 PM
The mage looks at the marks on the wall and tries to recall if she has ever seen a foreign script or rune of similar shape and form.
Mira is familiar with Common, Draconic, Dwarven, Elven, and Sign.
(OOC: I'll take care of attendance this week-Carla)
DM Kathy Monday November 21st, 2005 10:09:02 PM
You take a closer look at the markings, and realize a few things.
Conner compares the markings to the shape of the tunnels, and doesn't really see a correlation. Putting some thought into it, though, he does realize that the markings are much easier to feel than they are to see. It's likely they were intended to be "read" by touch.
Mira cannot match the markings to any of the languages she knows.
Shadow, Arm, and Kadaz have their senses on alert, but don't see or hear anything unusual.
Meanwhile, Evan is still seeing the occasional signs that this passage has been used by somebody other than your party.
Kadaz Tuesday November 22nd, 2005 5:38:30 AM
Kadaz looks around again. "If Evan says that there are others down here let's find them to make sure they aren't more lost folks. Let's follow the tracks."
Arm d20+4=13 d20+4=17 Tuesday November 22nd, 2005 6:00:13 AM
Arm agrees with Kadaz, and grips his sword tightly while preparing to move forward (listen=13, spot=17).
OOC: Sorry for the missed post yesterday, but I couldn't get on in the morning, and I wasn't able to check in last night. :)
Evan ac 18 hp 24 d20+9=18 d20+8=9 d20+9=20 Tuesday November 22nd, 2005 7:00:29 AM
Evan continues moving down the tunnel, his eyes searching for any possible danger. (track-18, listen-9, spot-20)
Conner d20+3=10 Tuesday November 22nd, 2005 9:27:44 PM
The fighter follows the party down the corridor, keeping a watch for any more of the symbols in the walls. [Spot=10]
Mira Tuesday November 22nd, 2005 9:32:16 PM
Mira follows the lead of the others.
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