DM Robert Wednesday September 23rd, 2009 3:57:33 AM Searching and Looting Thar (and others?) have a good look through the Barracks and the Lair, and strip the beerbugs of their belongings. Just to repeat from a previous post: Arm begins to gather up the booty from the 15 beerbugs. Each one has a Masterwork chain shirt, MW buckler, MW morningstar, MW composite longbow with (on average) 20 arrows. Each item is finely crafted (obviously) and has a makers mark, each shirt has the same, each morningstar, each bow and each arrow too, though each type of item was made by a different craftsman. Knowledge (something appropriate) DC 10 to Highlight to display spoiler: { recognise them as artisan's from within the Kingdom of New Elenna.} The beerbugs pallets and their scraps of belongings yields some clothing, and a total of two dozen copper coins. There are, interestingly, 3 dozen empty small beer barrels here as well. Thar spots a few shiny things in the webs above, in a few different places across the roof of the Barracks. What they are though, cannot be gathered, as the webs on the roof are 20' above the ground... You could climb the walls (DC 20) to get at the webs, then use them like sticky netting to move about (one-half of your climb speed). As you can see on the map, zig-zaging across the roof will take quite some time.
...come to think of it, this is all being done retroactively. It happened during the 9 hour wait. Thar points out where the shiny things are to the others, and some one, or some of them, bravely volunteer to climb up to check them out. It takes just over an hour to crawl around the webs to the different spots, and to find others. In all, thirty gems are found, with a total value of 600 gp.
Going Down In order to reach the edge of the chasm you must descend a very steep, very slippery section, as illustrated on the map. Up till now this has not been a problem for the mighty (flying) Mithril Order, but this time most of you have to walk. Standing at the top of the slippery-dip is very daunting. Not only is the slope steep and slippery with loose stones, it ends at the Chasm - you cannot see where you would land. Climb DC 20 or fall to the bottom of the Chasm.
Ruby and Wynum remind everyone of what they saw of the platform - it includes a 'drawbridge' that swings around horizontally to connect to the near side. The upper section is solid, and provides good ranged cover against the tunnel as it opens to the chasm. It houses a pulley for raising and lowering goods. There are some empty or broken crates on the platform, and a series of ladders will give you access to the bottom. Julian and Revi say that they saw a stack of crates and barrels at the bottom of the Chasm. Ruby adds that she saw two tunnels at the bottom, though one was covered completely with webs. Edmund is ready to organise everyone to cross
Anyone can Spot DC 10, to Highlight to display spoiler: {There is a gentle breeze now, coming from the direction of the Chasm. Just strong enough so that when someone points it out you'd notice it. It has the feel of a cold, damp night sky.}
Arm[HP 44/44 AC 24] d20+9=22 ; Wednesday September 23rd, 2009 6:01:33 AM
As Arm approaches the edge of the chasm, he notices the breeze coming from below, and relates it to the others (spot=22). He then says to the party, "I think we should descend first, then check out the other side later. With the barrels and such being down there, we could find the rest of the supplies from the caravan, though I'd have no idea how we'd get them back up....unless there's an exit to the outside, which seems apparent from the breeze I'm feeling.".
DM Robert Wednesday September 23rd, 2009 6:15:20 AM
Please note - if you are going to the edge of the Chasm by yourself you need a Climb Check DC 20 or slip, slide down the steep section and fall to the bottom of the Chasm.
Thar AC 25/26, 70/70 hps, Mag Circle vs. Evil Wednesday September 23rd, 2009 10:16:46 AM
Thar agrees with Arm's suggestion, but adds, "Since we're climbing down, I think we need to tie ourselves off somehow to prevent anyone from grevious injury. Most of my rope was used up to hogtie our enemies, so does anyone have any other rope we can use to set up safety lines? That way, if you slip, the person above you can slow your fall..." He's especially concerned about his beloved Ruby, as he fears seeing her exquisite figure broken and bloodied by a fall...
"On the othe rhand, why don't we use the platform to raise and lower ourselves? It obviously can hold significant weight (e.g. crates) and should be a safer way to travel..."
(OOC = Who is our official "treasurer/keeper of goods? We've had various people do it in the past, and if we need someone, I'll volunteer. But we haven't really assigned someone in this module to track what we take from the bad guys...)
Revi AC21/13T/21FF HP 86 Wednesday September 23rd, 2009 10:50:25 AM
"Those flying can ferry those who are not, to the edge of the chasm, cause it's damn slippery here." Revi states matter of factly.
Edmund (HP: 48/48, AC: 12) Wednesday September 23rd, 2009 1:02:11 PM
((OOC: As far as treasurer goes, it's all you, Ken.))
Edmund listens to the others describe the Chasm, and decides he wants to stay as far away from it as possible.
"There's a steep, slippery slope?" he asks querulously. "I wasn't aware of that! No one told me! Ugh!"
The wizard ponders what to do about this latest development.
"Thar is right. Best to tie everyone together for the present, with the heaviest and doughtiest in the rear. I'll be honest--I don't know that my climbing abilities are up to the task of going down ledges with abysses at the bottom. Better safe that sorry. That plunge is liable to be fatal."
Ruby [HP: 72/74 - AC: 24(25dodge)(cover)][] Wednesday September 23rd, 2009 6:42:57 PM
Ruby glances up and nods her head. "I have fifty feet of rope but no more." She figures that if anyone has more rope they can tie a number of them off together. Smiling she chuckles. "I have a climbers kit and it has pitons in it so that should solve our holding rope needs." She does not really want to fall the whole way down to the bottom.
Revi AC21/13T/21FF HP 86 Wednesday September 23rd, 2009 6:55:11 PM
"Why don't we just tie off a rope on someone and let one person go at a time to the edge of the chasm and then pull back the rope and repeat. No spells lost, no loss of life."
Julian Wednesday September 23rd, 2009 10:00:03 PM
"Revi's idea is sound, right? So, who's got some more rope. I gave mine to Thar to make sure the beerbugs don't run off. Perhaps two of us can go down the ropes, then up the ladders to use the platform. That way we check out the ladders as well for everyone."
Edmund (HP: 48/48, AC: 12) Thursday September 24th, 2009 12:29:33 AM
Edmund smiles with a rather sinister gleam in his eye.
"Why not push all of Julian's beerbugs into the abyss? Then we can jump down and land on them. Should break the fall considerably."
DM Robert Thursday September 24th, 2009 3:29:41 AM
Going Down?
Assessing the situation carefully, there's 30' of very slippery slope, then a 60' vertical drop. At least half of the party think it is a good idea to traverse ropes to descend the Chasm. Ruby offers her rope and her Climbing Kit from her Stylish Pants o' Plenty. The trouble is though, that no one seems to have any more rope. Thar and Julian used up their supply on the beerbugs, and Ruby's 50' is clearly not enough. Another 50' will make it to the bottom, but only just. It would leave only enough for one person to hold the top, if that is how the party will descend. Perhaps the platform's drawbridge is the better option...
How will the Mithril Order explore the Chasm? Will they perhaps, just go home for tea and a bath?
Revi AC21/13T/21FF HP 86 Thursday September 24th, 2009 4:36:45 AM
"We can use a rope to get to the chasm, use a slipknot to free it, then use both rope to get down, okay?"
Thar AC 25/26, 70/70 hps, Mag Circle vs. Evil Thursday September 24th, 2009 7:21:49 PM
Thar listens to Revi's suggestion, but waits to hear what the others say also. He offers to help (along with Ruby) climb down while the others use the drawbridge mechanism that can lower crates...
DM Robert - Clarification Thursday September 24th, 2009 7:53:10 PM
The drawbridge is a long wooden panel that swings around for people to walk from this side to the platform. It is a bridge that spans the Chasm. It was designed to be moved to prevent intruders from accessing the bottom of the Chasm easily. You could then use the ladders to get to the bottom.
The pulley and ropes are there to raise and lower goods, and have nothing to do with the drawbridge itself.
Ruby [HP: 72/74 - AC: 24(25dodge)(cover)][] Thursday September 24th, 2009 8:34:30 PM
Ruby is not sure but the plan seems sound and she is ready to move with the others. Glancing to the others she looks to the slope and then thinks it over some. "So, is that the best we have?" Still she is more than happy to work with what they have as she does not want anyone to lay at the bottom of the chasm, broken and dead. The idea of finding Thar that was hurts and she brushes the thought away as fast as it comes, not wanting to even give it too much form.
[Too bad they don't put rope in that climber's kit.]
Edmund (HP: 48/48, AC: 12) Thursday September 24th, 2009 8:52:58 PM
"So," Edmund says. "We have to climb down on ropes and then climb up the other side to swing the drawbridge around. Sounds delightful. Do we really all have to go? Is anyone here particularly skilled in climbing? If so, two such people could climb down and climb up the other side, swinging the drawbridge around."
"Also," Edmund continues, "With some invisibility and the use of the Message spell, they could scout the bottom and see if there is any good reason to investigate it. To my mind, the drawbridge and the upper level are the best chance of progress. After all, someone had to be up there on the other side to swing the drawbridge in and close off the passage to us. They are likely still there, unless the cave has an exit. Either would be useful to find, methinks."
The mage pauses, and then adds, "after all, we have no idea how large this cave system is. We can't search out every nook and cranny to its bitter end. I think we should try to prioritise what we're going to do. Logic seems to dictate that the upper level is a more likely place to begin searching, as it has evidence of interaction with some sentient creature. Unless the chasm below can provide similar encouragement, we should look across the bridge first."
"So," he concludes, "What is it to be? A pair of invisible scouts? Or a pair of drawbridge-working engineers?" Let me know what you would prefer. If Fly is needed, I'll use it now, but I'd prefer to save it for combat or necessity if we can do this with some ropes and two pair of deft hands and feet."
Julian Ronald Ruel Thursday September 24th, 2009 11:34:47 PM
The brave halfling strides forward, "I will take the Ring. "Err, I mean, I will climb down. We do have more rope, don't we? "Too bad Kadaz isn't here. We could have tossed him across. "Perhaps we could untie the beerbugs and use that rope. I'd happily enough earn some more points by bopping them on the head again. "Or... has someone got a potion of CSW. I'll jump down with the potion in my mouth. "Maybe we could wake Sofal and have him spin a web ladder for us?"
Arm[HP 44/44 AC 24] Friday September 25th, 2009 6:03:14 AM
Arm thinks a bit, then changes his mind and agrees with Ed, "You're probably right...it's best to search out the top level first, then move further down. We still haven't seen any evidence of the amulet or whatever it is that we're seeking, so who knows where it is at this point?".
OOC: Sorry for missing yesterday's post, guys, but my disability was approved and today is my last day of work..I had tons of things to do and just didn't get around to posting.
DM Robert - Going Down? Friday September 25th, 2009 6:43:14 AM
Waiting a consensus for a plan of action.
Julian has volunteered to climb down, but is hoping for some more rope. Perhaps some people might wish to join him, to form a fellowship.
Alternatively two people can Fly across. Edmund has offered some spells to help out.
When Edmund suggests that there might even be no reason to search the bottom, Ruby reminds the Order that there were two tunnels down there, one open and the other completely sealed with webs.
The drawbridge is a long wooden panel that swings around for people to walk from this side to the platform. It is a bridge that spans the Chasm. It was designed to be moved to prevent intruders from accessing the bottom of the Chasm easily. You could then use the ladders to get to the bottom.
The pulley and ropes are there to raise and lower goods, and have nothing to do with the drawbridge itself.
Thar AC 25/26, 70/70 hps, Mag Circle vs. Evil Friday September 25th, 2009 10:38:46 AM
Thar is OK either way with whatever's decided, but isn't real comfortable with leaving an open pit behind them. "I'll climb down with Julian and help search the bottom, and we can at least scout out something down there. However, I don't want to split our party up and if we run into trouble, I don't know how long the 2 of us could hold people off..."
Thar's Vote = Check out the bottom...
Revi AC21/13T/21FF HP 86 Friday September 25th, 2009 8:15:12 PM
"I also vote that we do not leave an unexplored pit behind us."
Ruby [HP: 72/74 - AC: 24(25dodge)(cover)][] d20+9=10 ; d20+11=20 ; Friday September 25th, 2009 10:00:28 PM
Shaking her head she smiles. "I will be going down with you two. I will not let you get into that type of trouble without some additional help." Glancing around she nods her head. "We have enough rope to get past the slick spot right?" Once the got down that far, they should be able to use the ladders and that should help out in getting down.
If they do have enough rope she will give one end of it to Revi and start he way down the slope. "Just don't let go. I don't want to think about trying to survive a fall." The smile she gives Revi tells that she is joking as she starts out.
[climb 10 and balance 20]
DM Robert Friday September 25th, 2009 10:18:01 PM
Jim - Ruby The ladders are on the far side of the chasm. At the moment we are looking at a 40' free climb from where the rope ends.
Julian Friday September 25th, 2009 10:31:35 PM
"Ruby, I guess you know best how to use your Climber's Kit, why don't you go first? I would be happy to go first, but maybe you can use those spikes to help us down. I'll be hot on your tail and Thar can follow. Sound okay? "Who is going to hold the rope for us up here? Revi and," looking around Julian frowns. Wynum is hurt by the poison and has unloaded most of his pack. "Got any ropes in your packs Wynum?" Edmund doesn't look terribly muscular. Arm might have surprising strength from playing the lute. "Arm, will you help Revi with the ropes on this end?"
Thar AC 25/26, 70/70 hps, Mag Circle vs. Evil d20+6=17 ; Saturday September 26th, 2009 10:40:55 AM
Thar follows Ruby down the cliff, praying that things go well... Before going, he removes his armor and casts "Guidance" before moving, hoping to boost up his chances somewhat (+1 bonus)... He wraps his armor in beerbug clothing and ties it with spider web, before tossing it down the chasm near where he'll be ending his climb...
(Climb = +4 +1 (guidance) + 1 (no loss due to armor) +2 climbers kit (forgot that in roll) = +19 w/ rope for 1st 50' section...
Wynum {40/51hp. Str 6, med load} Saturday September 26th, 2009 10:58:03 AM
Wynum doesn't even need to check his bags again. "I'm afraid ropes aren't common around centaurs. They can't do much for us, and we can't do much for them. In fact I don't even know how you make them hold on to things. Do they stick?"
Seeing everyone making preparations, he seems suddenly worried. "Hey Arm, you said there was a draft. I mean... if there's an exit down there... you tell me... right? Well, anyways, if you need to leave some of your gear with me, I'll guard it up here."
{OOC: Remember that Arm can inspire competence with climbing}
Julian AC 18, hp 72 d20+7=16 ; Saturday September 26th, 2009 6:41:49 PM
"So we are going down with only enough rope to about halfway? Okay. Sounds fun."
Julian prepares for the climb by making sure that his quiver, falchion and backpack are attached securely. He casts Light on one of his sling stones and tosses it into the Chasm. "I hope we can see the bottom now. I hate losing sling stones."
As Ruby descends Julian performs his pre-battle dance, casting Resistance, Mage Armour, Bull's Strength and Bear's Endurance. He says to Revi with a wink, "I'm sure that there's lots of points down there for me," then whipsers, "Keep an eye on Wynum. Look after him," and then begins his descent. Climb 16
Spells per day 6/7/5 - Used 4/4/3 Resistance 1 minute Mage Armour 5 hours Bull's Strength 5 minutes
DM Robert - Climbing down Saturday September 26th, 2009 7:28:00 PM
The Mithril Order spend a few anxious minutes waiting to see if the three scouts make it to the bottom safely.
#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#
OOC @ Ruby, Julian and Thar: Since the DC when using a rope is only 5 lets assume that you make it to the end of the rope without having to make multiple checks. You now face 40' of free climbing. Ruby first with her Climber's Kit. I guess we'll assume Ruby is placing pitons along the way. Ruby and Thar have a normal speed of 30'. Julian's normal speed is also 30' with the Barbarian Fast Movement. So that is 7.5' per round, taking 5 rounds to reach the bottom (with a 2.5' jump at the bottom). The Climb DC is 20. You need to make 5 successive Climb checks in order to reach the bottom by climbing. A Climb check that fails by 4 or less (19, 18, 17, 16) means that you make no progress, and one that fails by 5 or more (a roll of 15 or less) means that you fall from whatever height you are at. Each successful check means you have moved 7.5' further down the wall. You will suffer 1d6 hp of damage for every 10' you fall.
"If a character deliberately jumps instead of merely slipping or falling, the damage is the same but the first 1d6 is nonlethal damage. A DC 15 Jump check or DC 15 Tumble check allows the character to avoid any damage from the first 10 feet fallen and converts any damage from the second 10 feet to nonlethal damage. Thus, a character who slips from a ledge 30 feet up takes 3d6 damage. If the same character deliberately jumped, he takes 1d6 points of nonlethal damage and 2d6 points of lethal damage. And if the character leaps down with a successful Jump or Tumble check, he takes only 1d6 points of nonlethal damage and 1d6 points of lethal damage from the plunge." d20SRD
This means that you need only make 3 successful Climb to be within 20' of the bottom (40 - 7.5x3). You could Jump at this point and either take 1d6 points of nonlethal and 1d6 of lethal damage with a failed check (Jump or Tumble DC 15) or only 1d6 of nonlethal damage with a successful Jump or Tumble.
Don't forget all the bonuses you can gather. Hopefully Arm has enough Singing Slots left open for us. Perhaps there's a useful spell for you. Maps.
Ruby [HP: 72/74 - AC: 24(25dodge)(cover)][] d20+11=15 ; d20+11=29 ; d20+11=17 ; d20+11=21 ; d20+11=21 ; d20+11=30 ; d20+12=17 ; d20+11=21 Sunday September 27th, 2009 9:02:04 PM
Ruby slips over the side of the drop into the chasm and as she finds footholds. She slides her way ten feet down the side of the chasm before she digs back in the climbing boots and gloves to stop. Breathing hard, she glances up but not down as that could cause problems.
Since Julian and Thar might be looking over the side she smiles and nods her head. It takes her a number of minutes to find the next set of handholds that she wants to use. She also places her first piton and clips her harness to it as she figures out the next move.
With her route decided, she finds her next two stopping areas easy enough and drives in another pair of pitons. Glancing down she notes that she is only about twenty feet from the bottom and wonders about chancing the drop. Shaking it off she decends another ten feet, driving in yet another piton and then drops the last ten feet to the floor.
Landing easily she drops into a roll and comes up in a kneeling position, glancing back up. She pulls out her small mirror and holds her hand over it to heat it up before giving an arranged signal to those above.
[climb 15(HP21)/29/17/21/21/30 and tumble 17]
[Cannot remember if Julian has darkvision or not. Maybe she will catch some stray light otherwise.]
[Going to try the Hero Point suggestion first as I did not think the penalties were that high for catching yourself. Then will edit my post accordingly.]
Arm[HP 44/44 AC 24] Monday September 28th, 2009 7:36:40 AM
Seeing that his companions are having trouble with their climb, Arm suggests to Ed, "I suppose I could help them down by inspiring them to greater abilities. The only problem is that they need to be able to hear me, so once they get far enough away, I'll no longer be able to help. If you can cast fly on me, then I can float up and down with each one to make sure they can hear my song.".
OOC: The initial distance for 'inspire competence' is 30', and I can continue to perform it for up to 2 minutes (or 20 rounds) if necessary. However, once they get lower in the chasm, the only way they'll hear me is if I yell out the song, so I don't think we'd want to attract any undue attention by my doing so. Feel free to discuss this via email if you'd like...I'm open to suggestions. :)
Thar AC 25/26, 58/70 hps, Mag Circle vs. Evil d20+7=10 ; 4d6=12 ; Monday September 28th, 2009 3:57:59 PM
Thar knows that he's not very good at climbing and hopes he doesn't fall and break his neck...
He watches his beloved crawl down and breathes easier when she reaches bottom. After Julian goes, he starts climbing down himself, using the pitons and other various climbing items on his way down...
Checks = 10...
Smiling like an idiot and imagining Ruby in a wedding dress, he misses an outcropping and falls 40'....
He slams hard into the ground and feels like he's dislocated a few ribs... Luckily, he hands on a mushroom and only takes 12 pts of damage. After he picks himself up, he puts back on his armor, wiping off any blood or gunk on it...
Edmund (HP: 48/48, AC: 12) Monday September 28th, 2009 9:07:26 PM
((My computer is out and it will be a few weeks until the new one gets here, so I apologise in advance for any missed posts in the interim. If I miss a post, follow these rules: when in doubt, Edmund will 1) not act if he is safe, 2) run away if he is threatened, 3) hide if he is chased.))
As Thar tumbles into the chasm, Edmund cannot restrain a shout of alarm.
"Good heavens!" he gasps, and is barely able to prevent himself rushing into the ridge that goes down towards the chasm itself.
The mage maintains his position, though, and views the descent and chasm edge with considerable anxiety.
"Not really sure about this," he says. "Not sure at all."
Ruby [HP: 72/74 - AC: 24(25dodge)(cover)][] d20+6=15 ; Monday September 28th, 2009 11:15:56 PM
Ruby watches as Thar falls and squeezes her eyes shut so she does not have to watch the whole fall. As soon as he lands she is by his side in an instant, kneeling with her fingers running over his body looking for damage. "Alemi grant me strength."
Leaning over her love she lays her hand against his cheek for a few seconds before stroking it. "Thar...are you hurt bad?" She suddenly wishes that she had somekind of healing powers to use on her love.
[heal 15]
Julian hp 50/72, AC 18 d20+7=10 ; 4d6=22 ; Tuesday September 29th, 2009 1:40:31 AM
Julian clambers down the slope and Chasm wall using the rope with ease. Perhaps this caused his overconfidence, perhaps it is just his unlimited self-belief. Julian didn't think through the pace he should use for getting down and quickly came unstuck. "What? Huh? Whoaaaa..... oh no!" THUD. Falling flat on to his front the halfling stirs up a Small Sized cloud of dust. He immediately jumps to his feet and begins brushing the dust of his waistcoat. "Whoops, hey. No need to mention it to the others, hey Ruby." He tries to stretch his arms up behind his back and flinches noticeably, then rubs his ribs gently, "Meh! Could be worse. I'll grab that Light stone I dropped down and we should head up the ladders."
Looking up the Chasm he calls in his best Thespian voice, "Oh no, look out Ruby. I'll get them. Ha! Thrust, parry, stab. Swing, stab, cleave, parry swing. Stab. Stab. Ha - six more points. No, they're worth two each. Ooh, look at that, the bodies just dissolved into dust. Sorry Revi, none left for you."
DM Robert - Look, I landed first go! Tuesday September 29th, 2009 2:31:02 AM
Ruby puts some efforts into climbing down the wall, carefully placing pitons for the two boys to follow. Neither Julian nor Thar bother with these, and they get to the bottom much more rapidly. Thar and Ruby find this to be another excuse to cuddle. Julian coughs politely, gathers his Light stone and has a quick little look around. Maps. He can see a stack of crates and barrels stored neatly enough. From a distance, from what he can see, it seems that they have all been opened, most of them emptied of whatever goods they held. Moving forward through the dust Julian can see the ladder. It looks sturdy enough, and with the clear trail of footprints in the dust and dirt it gets regular usage.
For those on the bottom: Survival DC 5 Highlight to display spoiler: {The tracks are clear enough, leading both left and right from the ladders.} Knowledge DC 10(relevant to Elanna, Plateau City, Nobility in Plateau City, or Merchant Trades) Highlight to display spoiler: {These crates are all in the style used by any merchant sending goods over a significant distance. You recognise some markings on the crates from Artisans and Merchants and Nobles from Plateau City.}
To climb the ladder would have a Climb DC 0, only relevant if you have some penalties due to armour etc.
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Upstairs, you can hear, but not see, most of what is going on. Sound travels back up clearly enough if you are quiet and try to listen. The echoes makes some of it confusing at times, but generally not.
Revi AC21/13T/21FF HP 86 Tuesday September 29th, 2009 5:05:50 AM
Revi kicks the dirt a little and just waits before asking, "So, how are the rest of us getting down there? Cause I can't climb in this armor."
Arm[HP 44/44 AC 24] Tuesday September 29th, 2009 6:44:52 AM
Arm looks to Revi and says, "Well, should anyone down there climb up the ladders and lower the bridge, we can cross over and then down the ladders...no offense, Wynum... Would you be able to do that?".
He then listens patiently to see if he can detect anyone climbing the ladders as he has just mentioned.
Wynum {40/51hp. Str 6, med load} Tuesday September 29th, 2009 11:49:16 AM
"Well, Arm, yes, this morning I could and would. Now, that's different."
Turning to Revi, he points to the chasm, "And the answer to your question seems to be quite easy: if you don't want to leave your armor here with me, well, jump."
Revi AC21/13T/21FF HP 86 Tuesday September 29th, 2009 3:54:13 PM
Revi looks at Winnie like he has brain damage, "Yeah, okay, good plan." Then looking down at the bottom of the chasm, she whispers loudly, "Hey, how about climbing up that ladder and lowering this drawbridge?" Any sense of surprise was probably lost, but it wasn't like they were trying to be quiet.
Thar AC 25/26, 58/70 hps, Mag Circle vs. Evil d20+11=24 ; d20+19=35 ; Tuesday September 29th, 2009 4:00:52 PM
As Ruby shares her worry with him, Thar can't help but grin broadly. "Well, if I was hurt before, I'm better now... I love you, you know..." He kisses her briefly, but passionately, as he may not have a chance when they run into trouble or enemies...
Once his armor is back on, he cleans himself up and checks on any others that are injured. There are some small scrapes and bruises, but no one is in immediate danger...
Calling up the chasm, he says, "Do any of you feel like joining us down here? A few of us fell, but no one is hurt too badly... We've found some tracks and are going to pursue them..."
He turns to the tracks, and uses his tracking skill to see how old they are, who might have left them, which seems more used (Left or Right) and any other relevant information... Survival (Track) = 24
He also looks around their general area for anything else interesting... Spot = 35
Edmund (HP: 48/48, AC: 12) Tuesday September 29th, 2009 6:27:03 PM
Edmund waits patiently for the advance scouts to climb up the other side and swing the drawbridge around so that he can cross and descend safely.
Julian d20=8 ; Tuesday September 29th, 2009 6:37:13 PM
"Would you two prefer this light?" asks Julian as he carefully lobs the Light-endowed slingstone to land near Ruby. As Thar is busy clanking into his armour, Julian casts Light again onto a signet ring on his left hand (it used to belong to his older sister Orangeblossom, but she was given a much nicer ring by a halfling carpenter at their marriage ceremony when Julian was only sixteen. He scampers up the six ladders to the platform and has a good look at the drawbridge.
DM Robert - it is a relatively simple mechanism to operate, needing only one, though preferable two people. Intelligence Check DC 10.
Int Check 8 "Ruby, Thar, are you going to climb up here to help with the drawbridge? I think it needs two people to work it."
Ruby [HP: 72/74 - AC: 24(25dodge)(cover)][] d20+6=22 ; d20+6=16 ; d20+15=24 ; d20+4=12 Tuesday September 29th, 2009 7:38:43 PM
Despite the situation Ruby finds herself relieved that he is find and starts to melt into the brief kiss. It is only him breaking away and her sense of duty that allows her the ability to pull away as well. Still she brightens red with the fact that she almost gave into her needs. "I love you too." She cannot help but grin at his earlier comment.
Glancing over to Julian, she stoops just in time to catch the lighted pebble that was tossed in her direction. She also moves over to check out the tracks and then glances around some more, with the extra light.
Finally she glances to Thar and smiles. "Should we join Julian up top and get the bridge set for the others. I doubt that they are going to have any better luck than us coming down." She had nearly fallen herself getting down here and her climbing skills are not that bad. Thar willing she will climb up the ladders with him to assist Julian with the bridge.
[listen 22, spot 16, survival(track) 24]
[Int check in case we go up: 12]
DM Robert Wednesday September 30th, 2009 5:24:39 AM
Bridging the Gap.
Ruby (and Thar?) climb up to help Julian with the drawbridge. Int Check DC 10 to figure it out.
Assuming that one of them can manage the INT check (we're in trouble if they can't - but no pressure), the rest of the party will have easy access to the platform and then the ladders to the base of the Chasm. Maps.
Arm[HP 44/44 AC 24] Wednesday September 30th, 2009 9:09:31 AM
Arm smiles and waves at Julian as he sees him at the drawbridge controls. His smile falters a bit when he sees he is unable to operate them. Mentally measuring the distance, he figures out that Ruby and Thar, should the arrive topside, would be too far away for him to assist them to competently operate the controls, so he mentally and physically crosses his fingers and hopes for the best.
OOC: My range is only 30'...sorry guys. If you can't make the check, I'll have Ed fly me over and I'll give it a go.
Thar AC 25/26, 58/70 hps, Mag Circle vs. Evil Wednesday September 30th, 2009 11:47:08 AM
Thar replies, "Well, I'm concerned about these tracks. I don't want to leave anyone behind us to catch us in an ambush. If you want to help with the drawbridge and Julian, I'll scout these tracks... After all, I need to keep my tracking skill's fresh.... And since we climbed all the way down here, we might as well get some good information...
While Ruby is helping with the drawbridge, Thar will keep looking at the tracks and trying to find more intel about what happened down here... (OOC = Robert, what were the results from my earlier check?)
Ruby [HP: 72/74 - AC: 24(25dodge)(cover)][] Wednesday September 30th, 2009 9:33:11 PM
Ruby nods her head, though she does not like it and will go up the ladder to aid Julian. She should be able to figure out the controls.
[See abover Int check.]
DM Robert Thursday October 1st, 2009 7:30:12 AM
Thar finds that the tracks heading left go over to the crates and boxes. These tracks are at least 24 hours old. Much fresher tracks are found going to the right: 3 - 5 booted humanoids, perhaps half a day ago. He Spots a short sword left atop one of the smaller crates nearby. That crate is empty and it bears the markings that resemble those on the Morningstars, as do the crates either side of it. How far do you want to follow these tracks alone?
Ruby climbs up the up the ladder, has a look around the contraption and tells Julian to move this then turn that. The drawbridge swings round and the Mithril Order are reconnected (other than Thar who is alone with his tracking).
Have a look at the Map. What exploring do you want to do down here?
Edmund (HP: 48/48, AC: 12) Thursday October 1st, 2009 8:59:10 AM
"Huzzah," Edmund says as the drawbridge swings around. "Now we can cross and descend using the ladders."
Looking to Wynum, Edmund adds. "You can guard the upper level if you like. If there is stuff at the bottom requiring immediate investigation, we can have you Fly down. Otherwise, we'll just stay up top--or at least investigate up here first."
Thar AC 25/26, 58/70 hps, Mag Circle vs. Evil d20+19=30 ; d20+10=30 ; d20+13=17 ; d20+11=24 ; Thursday October 1st, 2009 9:40:32 AM
Thar takes the short sword, and calls up to those above him in elven (to avoid giving what he's doing away to any enemy who can hear...), "I'm going to go check out onethe tunnel to the right, they're fresh... I'll be right back..."
Taking a moment to ensure that anything shiny is covered and any noisemakers are secured, he goes about 30' into the tunnel to see what's there...
Arm[HP 44/44 AC 24] d20=20 ; Thursday October 1st, 2009 10:00:52 AM
Concerned, Arm calls down to Thar, also in Elven, as he quickly crosses the bridge to get to the ladders, "Be careful and don't travel far...we're on our way down to you.".
He then negotiates the climb down with much success (climb-20...nat 20 :) ). Once down, he draw his sword and heads toward where Thar is while he waits for the rest to descend.
OOC: Robert, I believe you said the DC for the climb check was a 0, which I amply made, but I don't know if you need more than one check...if so, let me know, and I'll modify tomorrow's post accordingly.
Wynum {40/51hp. Str 6, med load} Thursday October 1st, 2009 3:10:27 PM
{OOC: I'm not sure I understand: does the bridge extend up to and across the slippery slope part, or just to the edge of the chasm? I mean, is it required to climb down the slippery slope to reach the bridge?
Also Arm you don't need to roll at all. Just take 10. You'd better otherwise you're in for 8 checks - and with the Woldian skill fumble rule, you (and everyone else) are in for a pretty good chance of a fall from the ladders.}
Ruby [HP: 72/74 - AC: 24(25dodge)(cover)][] Thursday October 1st, 2009 9:07:27 PM
Ruby hears the call of her love and shakes her head. There is no second thoughts on her part as she moves back to the ladders and goes back down. There is no way that she is going to leave him down there alone to check things out. She is glad though to see Arm going down first as it shows someone else is thinking of a friend down there alone.
Once down she will slip into the tunnel that Thar took, though she makes it a point to put the lighted pebble in a pocket.
DM Robert Thursday October 1st, 2009 11:26:50 PM
Yes, the drawbridge covers the slippery slope, so no climb checks are required. Just take 10 on the use of the ladders.
Arm[HP 44/44 AC 24] Friday October 2nd, 2009 9:43:35 AM
OOC: OK, I'll take the 10, then. The rest of my post will be the same as far as following Thar. :)
Revi AC21/13T/21FF HP 86 Friday October 2nd, 2009 8:00:09 PM
Revi was growing impatient, then sighed, and thought happy thoughts.
Edmund (HP: 48/48, AC: 12) Friday October 2nd, 2009 9:20:58 PM
Edmund sticks with Wynum, and remains at the top of the chasm.
"Not particularly fond of deep, dark places," he says. "For that matter, not particularly fond of caves, either. Or heights. Or heights inside of caves. Ugh."
Wynum {40/51hp. Str 6, med load} Friday October 2nd, 2009 11:03:21 PM
Wynum goes to the bridge and moves very close to the edge, bending his torso over the chasm, while surveying the area below, with his sling readied.
Raising an eyebrow or two at the wizard's remark, he comments aloud, his eyes still eagerly peering through the darkness below: "I wanted to go, and now I can't. You could not, and now you won't."
DM Robert - Proctology Saturday October 3rd, 2009 6:31:15 AM
OOC: sorry guys, I've had a hectic week at work, and my birthday today. Tomorrow is a wedding, then I have two weeks holidays where I am staying at home to finish spray painting my VW bus. I will have ample opportunity to make decent and regular posts again. Sorry for the poor week.
Everyone makes it to the bottom safely. (Is Wynum coming down too? Edmund?) Thar, Arm and Ruby slowly explore the chasm, heading down the map. The come to two passageways leading off from the Chasm floor. The one on the left is closed over by webs from floor to ceiling. The other passageway is open, and there is an occasional gentle puff of fresh night air.
There are a few dozen (mostly) empty crates that Thar has had a quick look through. Thar, Arm, Ruby: Knowledge (Nature or Dungeoneering) or INT check DC 10 Highlight to display spoiler: { the floor to ceiling webs are many layers of webs, and some of these are clearly quite old, others are very fresh.}
Thar AC 25/26, 58/70 hps, Mag Circle vs. Evil d20+5=18 ; Saturday October 3rd, 2009 12:47:08 PM
(Know (Nat) = 18) Thar looks at both paths and whispers to Arm and Ruby, "Well, it seems that the one on the left has a mix of new and old webs, and I'm not in a mood to tackle that side yet... How about we check the path to the right... It's probably a little safer..."
Since it's not clear if the rest of the party is here, he waits at the crossroads, and says, "So... are Wynum and Edmund joining us?"
(OOC = Robert, if I read your post right, there's nothing in the crates of interest, right?... Or do I need a search or spot check..." Robert: That's right, nothing of interest. All the stuff has been pilfered and either sold or used.
Revi AC21/13T/21FF HP 86 Saturday October 3rd, 2009 4:40:47 PM
HAPPY BIRTHDAY ROBERT!!!
Robert: Why thank you, Jim. You've earned 33 Hero Points! This time zone difference is great - I have just crawled out of bed on the day after my birthday, so now I can have a second birthday.
Revi AC21/13T/21FF HP 86 d20+3=5 ; d20+10=29 ; d20+1=9 ; Saturday October 3rd, 2009 4:45:28 PM
Revi goes down into the chasm as everyone else does and looks around--feeling the gentle breeze on her face, she says quietly, "Damn, there's another way in. I thought we checked all around this place. If this is an exit, what's the likelihood that everyone in the caves made their escape while we were sleeping?" Looking to the trackers in the group, "Guys, can you track and see if anyone walked through here these last few hours while we were resting? If they haven't, then we should leave that old covered exit alone, search the last bit of stuff down here and then go back up top and search out the rest of the cave for any bad guys, whatcha think?" Spot: 5 Listen: 29 Search: 9
Julian AC 18, hp 52 Saturday October 3rd, 2009 5:23:49 PM
Julian, proud of his achievement in operating the drawbridge, waits up top to speak with Wynum, "What's up, big fella? You want to hang around up here? Why? What's eating you?"
Wynum {40/51hp. Str 6, light load, AC12} Saturday October 3rd, 2009 6:16:58 PM
Pointing to the wall, the Centaurs answers: "Ladders. I'm not sure. They're meant for bugbears, but still. Do they seem sturdy enough? If yes, help me out of my armor and I'd go. It's not a bit of poison that'll stop me."
Then, in a lower voice. "Especially if I'd be stuck up here otherwise."
Removing the armor would be 5 rounds, with help. If a halfling can help. Wynum would then test the ladders carefully with his legs, holding (weakly) to the bridge.
Climb: +5
Edmund (HP: 48/48, AC: 12) Sunday October 4th, 2009 1:51:12 AM
Edmund continues to watch the goings-on at the bottom of the chasm as Julian approaches to speak with Wynum.
"Are they going to stay down there, or is there nothing of interest?" Edmund asks. "Because, if there's nothing going on down there, we might as well save some time and stay up here. That's what an advance scouting party is for, right? If there's a reason to bring us all down there, they can tell us."
Edmund regards the deep, dark, scary pit with distaste.
"Definitely should wait for them to tell us there is a reason to investigate down there. If it's an empty lead, we're better off finishing up here first. And, at any rate, we have to leave one approach open behind us. Might as well be the one that's easiest to defend against. I'd feel much safer fighting off people climbing up out of the pit than fighting off people firing down on us from the ledges above whilst we try to climb up to get to them."
"Anyway," Edmund says, "Can you use the ladders, Wynum? If necessary, we can probably fly you down. But that's half of the Flying gone for the day. Alternatively you can guard the top, if you feel up to it."
Revi AC21/13T/21FF HP 86 Sunday October 4th, 2009 9:10:48 PM
"Winnie can just jump, right?" Revi says mockingly, given that was the same suggestion Wynum gave her earlier. "There's another passageway down here, looks to hold more rooms possibly... we should investigate, but I think everyone left last night."
Julian AC 18, hp 52 Monday October 5th, 2009 1:54:49 AM
Testing a tinyurl link
Arm[HP 44/44 AC 24] Monday October 5th, 2009 6:23:35 AM
Arm smiles at Thar's optimism that the right-hand path would "probably be safer", but keeps his opinions to himself and replies, "Yes, we shall try the right passage first, but we should wait for the rest to show up. We can always burn the webs out of the way on the left if we choose to.".
Arm[HP 44/44 AC 24] Monday October 5th, 2009 6:24:13 AM
OOC: Oops forgot...happy belated B-day Robert! :)
DM Robert - Two Caves d20+5=19 ; Monday October 5th, 2009 6:38:00 PM
About half of the Mithril Order are looking around the two cave openings at the bottom of the Chasm. Revi curses that there is another opening, suggests exploring the open passageway first. Thar agrees that the open one is 'probably safer,' and Ruby bats her eyelids at this profoundly wise man.
For those down there, you can make out some of the tracks in the dust, piecing together bits from near the ladder, and between the two openings. Survival DC 14 Highlight to display spoiler: { A small group of humanoids (2 - 5) have recently come from the ladder and went directly to the webbed opening. They were joined by 2 or 3 bipeds and 2 or 3 massive spiders (probably as large as the eight upstairs). They all went down the open tunnel within the last 12 hours.}
Survival DC 10 Highlight to display spoiler: { A group of bipeds (4 - 8) and some (2 - 4, it is really hard to tell) massive spiders (probably as large as the eight upstairs). They all went down the open tunnel within the last 12 hours.}
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Edmund and Wynum and Julian are atop the platform and drawbridge, waiting for news of 'what's down stairs.'
*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#* OOC: To start exploring the cave, either one, I want Spot and Listen checks, and a marching order. I assume that the Mithril Order will regroup as one before heading off, but I've been wrong before. Maps.
Revi AC21/13T/21FF HP 86 d20+12=17 ; Monday October 5th, 2009 6:55:48 PM
Looking about, Revi says matter of factly (survival 17), "A small group of humanoids, probably 2 - 5 of them, have recently come from the ladder and went directly to the webbed opening. They were joined by 2 or 3 bipeds and 2 or 3 massive spiders, probably as large as the eight upstairs. They all went down the open tunnel within the last 12 hours, so I surmise our quarry has left the area. Do we give chase? I would say if we wish to rescue the prisoners, there is no other decision but to follow."
Wynum {40/51hp. Str 6, light load, AC12} Monday October 5th, 2009 6:59:31 PM
{Removing armor...} "The things that are in here down. -Wynums adds in his peculiar elven - It knows we are in here up. We make the lots of noise. It is dead now, or it is afraid, or it is in ambush. We should tread as the morning dew on the silver leaf." {that's just one word in elven}
{Also, lots of webs. Errr. Who has actual torches? I don't think lanters, tinder or magic (except fireball I guess) can burn webs. Also, all with low Fort, right time to drink antipoison. I know it tastes like hell.}
Thar AC 25/26, 58/70 hps, Mag Circle vs. Evil d20+11=12 ; Monday October 5th, 2009 7:48:59 PM
Thar inspects the latest set of traps using his tracking feat (Track = 12) and verifies most of what Revi said... She is able to determine more than he can, so he remains silent...
He considers whether they should pursue, but says, "We're missing three of our party and I don't think we should move until we're all together. I agree that we need to chase after the bad guys who probably have the prisoners, but for now, we need to be together if we're going to face more spiders..."
Julian AC 18, hp 52/72 Monday October 5th, 2009 8:16:20 PM
Looking over the edge as the others talk, Julian looks thoughtfully at Edmund and says, "Wish I had a bungy rope..." Then, joyfully, as he jogs to the ladders and rushes down, "C'mon Wynum, Eddy, let's get down there. You do you have to talk like that? I can't understand a word..."
Ruby [HP: 72/74 - AC: 24(25dodge)(cover)][] d20+15=31 ; d20+6=19 ; d20+6=26 ; Monday October 5th, 2009 8:34:26 PM
Revi has already given all the information that she got from the tracks as well so does not say anything herself. She glances each direction,trying to get use to her new form of vision and marveling at the way it works. "There was talk about checking past the bridge up there. Should we do that first and then come back down here or check this first?" She does not really care too much which direction that they go, though with what she sees with the tracks, she has drawn her rapier.
[listen 19, spot 26, survival 31]
DM Robert Monday October 5th, 2009 9:39:50 PM
There is nothing on the other side of the bridge to check. The platform and bridge is there only to access the ladders on the other side. These were put on the other side of the chasm by the beerbugs to help with defensive measures, should they be invaded (by attackers that they can see and out-pace).
Edmund (HP: 48/48, AC: 12) Tuesday October 6th, 2009 2:30:50 AM
Edmund turns and does his best to help Wynum out of his armour.
((This will shorten the time it takes to remove it.))
Once the centaur has been successfully dearmoured, Edmund is even good enough to carry it in his Handy Haversack.
"I'm not surprised you want to take it off," he says. "It's amazing you can even concentrate at all whilst wearing it."
When Wynum is ready, Edmund will also help him on the ladders. (Aid Another if necessary to help him make the climb check. +2 bonus there)
"Look out below," he remarks with a grin.
DM Robert - Exploration ? Tuesday October 6th, 2009 7:51:18 AM
With everyone safely on the bottom of the Chasm the Mithril Order regroup. The general consensus seems to be to head into the open cave entrance.
Ruby only please Highlight to display spoiler: { You were the only one to make a listen check at all, and it was sufficiently high enough. You hear a muffled moan from the webbed-over entrance. }
OOC: To start exploring the cave, either one, I want Spot and Listen checks, and a marching order. Maps.
Arm[HP 44/44 AC 24] d20+15=33 ; d20+9=27 ; Tuesday October 6th, 2009 9:00:08 AM
Arms peers tentatively down the open passageway to see if he can detect anything (listen=33, spot=27) before he announces, I'll take up one of the rear positions...or THE rear position if you'd prefer.".
OOC: I have 3 torches, Wynum...at the manor.. :(
Wynum {40/51hp. Str 6, light load, AC13. Daylight; Delay} Tuesday October 6th, 2009 11:10:47 AM
Wynum is alarmed upon seeing his prized, hand-made armor vanish altogether in a wizard's bag. "Hey! What with the trick! Where is it gone?"
Carefully following Julian, Wynum still has a hard time making sense of the bipeds. "What? Oh right. You're not an elf, right. But what with the pointed ears?"
Wynum would take the close-to-last position before Arm. He activates his daylight items AND quaffs his last delay poison potion.
Revi AC21/13T/21FF HP 86 d20+3=9 ; d20+10=24 ; Tuesday October 6th, 2009 12:41:27 PM
Revi takes the lead, sword in hand and motions for the side passage to her right, which she begins to head towards and down, cautiously. Spot: 9 Listen: 24
Edmund (HP: 48/48, AC: 12) Message, Mage Armour Tuesday October 6th, 2009 1:44:18 PM
((Wow, nice rolls Arm!))
Edmund falls into the march squarely in the middle of the order, peering into the darkness.
"So we're going in there?" he asks no one in particular. "Best to do this first, then!"
Taking a few moments, he casts Message on everyone in the party, and Mage Armor on himself.
"All right," he adds with a sigh. "I'm ready!"
DM Sanity Info.
Move Action: Get into Line Standard Action: Cast Message and Mage Armour
Spells/Durations/Effects Mage Armour on Self (9h remaining) +4 to AC Message on Everyone (90m remaining) Allows communication over distance
Edmund (HP: 48/48, AC: 16) Message, Mage Armour Tuesday October 6th, 2009 1:45:36 PM
(Header corrected.)
Ruby [HP: 72/74 - AC: 24(25dodge)(cover)][message] d20+14=30 ; d20+9=24 ; d4+3=4 ; d4+3=6 ; Tuesday October 6th, 2009 6:04:27 PM
Ruby quiets everyone with a shushing noise and a wave of her left hand, which holds her longdagger. With a frown covering her face she moves towards the area that is webbed over with a bit of curiousity.
Glancing to the others she motions Thar and Arm forward with her hand, but holds up her hand for quiet. Without giving any other indications of what she is going to do, she slashes the longdagger into webbing. She is trying to cut through it with quick efficiency but without hurting anyone that she just heard behind there.
[hit: 30/24 and damage: 4/6]
Revi AC21/13T/21FF HP 86 Tuesday October 6th, 2009 6:47:03 PM
Revi cocks an eyebrow, and mouths the words, "Ruby, what is it?"
The Halfling Julian AC 18, hp 52/72 d20+5=20 ; d20+3=5 ; d20+6=25 ; d20+6=8 ; d20+1=15 ; d6+22=24 ; d6+22=26 ; Tuesday October 6th, 2009 7:04:53 PM
Listen 20 Spot 5
"Well, my ears, so they tell me, come from my Father's side. Dad, 'Vines' they call him though his name is Jonno, doesn't have really pointed ears, but his mother, my grandmother, and her father, my great-grandfather do. So does Uncle Rockney and Great Aunt Pastna. Come to think of it, most of my brothers have pointy ears too -- Grigory does (he's the eldest)," Julian starts to count off his siblings on his fingers, "so does Till, then there are the six girls, then me, then Daisy," here he runs out of fingers, "but Drogo doesn't have the ears, but Ponto does. My sisters, well, Camellia does," Ruby shushes everyone at this point, and there is probably a sense of relief.
The Halfling watches Ruby move over to the web. Seeing as her attack seems to be lost in the stickiness of the web he jogs over and hacks into it, quickly opening a large hole. Then, in his way, having used his falchion to good effect, he asks, "Why? What's up Ruby?"
OOC: What's the target AC against a web? I know to throw something to a target square is AC 5, but this is even easier... I rolled AC 25, 8. Does it even matter? Probably not in this case. Damage 23, 26
Spells in effect: Mage Armour and Bull's Strength
Revi AC21/13T/21FF HP 86 Tuesday October 6th, 2009 7:51:23 PM
"Webs don't count, Jules." Revi says with a playful smile.
The Halfling Julian AC 18, hp 52/72 Tuesday October 6th, 2009 7:53:05 PM
"hmmph! Then neither do spiders!"
Revi AC21/13T/21FF HP 86 Tuesday October 6th, 2009 9:30:00 PM
"Yes they do, and you know it. By the way, if this cave is empty of any more enemies, then the bet is concluded, right?" Revi squinted hard at the halfling, victory was close at hand.
DM Robert - Deck the Halls... Tuesday October 6th, 2009 11:59:27 PM
The Mithril Order begin to move into the open entrance. Suddenly Ruby shuts off Julian's talk of his family's traits for ears. She moves over to the webbed entrance and begins to hack into it. Seeing an opportunity for action Julian joins in, and carves out a large enough opening to walk through. Stepping back he allows Ruby to go through first - if she wants. His falchion and forearms have sticky bits of webs over them. Stepping through Ruby and Julian can see that barely 10' ahead is another web, floor to ceiling, blocking the way, and a scent of dried meats. They can hear the moaning again. [Being non-combat I don't suppose we really need to roll for damage against the web - however, it does have DR 5/- and 12 hp.]
Julian slashes another opening through this one too, and Ruby and Julian peer through. At first glance it is an empty chamber around 20' round - though there's a lot of webbing throughout the room. Looking up Ruby is able to distinguish several dozen oval cocoons dangling from the 20' ceiling of the cave like a set of macabre Yuletide ornaments. It takes Julian a moment to make out what she is pointing at, the web cocoons with the web background all blend together. Most of the cocoons are around 4 long and up to 1' wide. Some, half dozen or so, are larger: 5' - 6' long and 1' - 2' wide.
Revi AC21/13T/21FF HP 86 d20+3=16 ; d20+10=11 ; d20+1=4 ; Wednesday October 7th, 2009 1:54:21 AM
"Creepy." Revi notes while peering over Ruby's shoulder--strands of webbing clinging to her gore-hardened hairdo. "You think maybe the prisoners are in there? Up there? I'd say yes, But remember the tracks back there showed some other humanoids leaving this place fairly briskly. We should quicken our investigation and get back to searching so we can give chase to those that left, if we don't find all the kiddnapped caravaneers here."
Revi stows her Frostblade and pulled out her dagger and began cutting open the larger cocoons in the face area, to see if they're alive. Spot 16 Listen 11 Search 4
Arm[HP 44/44 AC 24] Message Wednesday October 7th, 2009 9:21:05 AM
Arm follows the rest into the webbed area, and stands guard near the entrance should anything come up at them from behind, but he divides his attention between that and watching Revi's work...fearing that it is indeed the missing caravaneers inside the cocoons.
Thar AC 25/26, 58/70 hps, Mag Circle vs. Evil d20+19=34 ; d20+13=21 ; d20+8=25 ; d20+5=12 ; Wednesday October 7th, 2009 10:16:22 AM
Thar reacts with horror as he sees the cocoons and says, "I think we've found some of our prisoners, or at least the larger ones may be prisoners... I'm not sure what's in the small ones..."
While Revi cuts, Thar looks around the place (including the webs), searching for further intel... He also tries to get a feel for what could be in the cocoons, before they're cut...
Spot = 34 Listen = 21 Search = 25 Know (Nat) = 12
Edmund (HP: 48/48, AC: 16) Message, Mage Armour Wednesday October 7th, 2009 11:59:37 AM
Edmund looks up at the cocoons and his eyes widen.
"Ah-ha," he says. "Maybe we can finally wrap this up. Or unwrap it, if you catch my meaning."
Wynum {40/51hp. Str 6, light load, AC13. Daylight; Delay} d20-2=8 ; Wednesday October 7th, 2009 2:40:34 PM
"Yes, let's not linger here. A good thing we did not use torches, in the end."
Seeing that Revi has (I presume) a hard time reaching for the cocoon hanging from the high ceiling, he comes to help. "Revi, Julian, help me out."
Wynum will try to rear up to reach to a larger coccon (natural vertical reach is supposed to be 16' for Large creature) and pull one. Because he is enfeebled, he will merely pull and basically let the cocoon drop to the ground through the webs and down to Revi and/or Julian to catch it.
Str check if needed to rip webs apart: 8. He'll use his dagger to cut through the webs if that fails.
Ruby [HP: 72/74 - AC: 24(25dodge)(cover)][message] d20+6=16 ; d20+6=16 ; d20+4=17 ; Wednesday October 7th, 2009 10:05:46 PM
Ruby grimaces at the sight that meets all their eyes and then starts in to helping cut those that are still alive out of the webbing. She glances to the others. "I am sorry, I wanted to make sure that what I was hearing was true." Otherwise she would have said something before acting so rashly.
As she goes about her work, she keeps her eyes and ears open for things that might cause them problems. She also takes the time to search around a little to see what might be around of interest. To aid in this she fishes the lighted rock out of her pocket to add extra light to the scene.
[listen 16, search 17, spot 16]
The Halfling Julian AC 18, hp 52/72 Thursday October 8th, 2009 12:36:10 AM
Seeing Revi work to open one of the larger cocoons, Julian's face drops and turns pale as a thought occurs to him. He races to the nearest smaller cocoon, tearing it open, almost crying as he pleads, "C'mon brother. Halflings have lived through worse than this. C'mon, please."
Revi AC21/13T/21FF HP 86 Thursday October 8th, 2009 2:05:33 AM
"Brother?" This was the first Revi had heard of this, but, she had only been with the Order for what, two days?
The Halfling Julian AC 18, hp 52/72 Thursday October 8th, 2009 3:18:48 AM
"Yeah, all halflings are brothers when in trouble. We stick together."
Revi AC21/13T/21FF HP 86 Thursday October 8th, 2009 3:57:38 AM
"Ah okay, just thought you had lost one of your kin in this bunch."
DM Robert - "And. Worse." Thursday October 8th, 2009 6:40:58 AM
As Revi cuts into the nearest cocoon she expresses concern that they should hurry on if they don't find all the caravaners here in the cocoons. The sagacious Arm stands guard near the doorway, though he cannot help but turn to look at the goings on. Thar searches the rest of the cave, and uncovers nothing other than web, and more sticky webs. Probably just to cover his nervousness and fear, Edmund makes a bad joke, and Wynum expresses the wisdom in not having used flame to clear the webs away. Wynum pulls down another cocoon and carefully cuts into it as well. As Ruby explains that she heard moaning, the cocoon she is cutting into moans again. Julian cuts into one of the smaller ones fearing that it is a halfling.
Revi, Wynum and Ruby soon reveal a living human within each of their cocoons. Barely breathing, pale as to death these poor people limply comply. One opens his eyes and speaks gently to Revi, "Spiders. And. Worse. Run. While. You. Can." He closes his eyes again, seemingly worn out from the effort of speaking. "Run," he says weakly through closed eyes. Ruby's patient moans again, saying now, "Ben. Ben." Wynum's rescuee is unconscious.
As the others work at rescuing their live prisoners the halfling scrambles back and away shaking. "It's... it was... he... was... now..." He begins retching against the wall. "Domi help us, but we're too late. That one was human, but not for a while." The body that Julian uncovered has unnaturally black skin, and sunken features. The skin is dry and flaky, and peeling off from the jaw line. The lips shrivelled and retracted, the teeth falling from non-existent gums. The body is now around half it's size, and the skull is clearly outlined beneath the skin. The head seems to be oversized against the body and the collarbone is far to prominent to be healthy.
There are another three larger cocoons untouched.
Thar AC 25/26, 58/70 hps, Mag Circle vs. Evil d20+5=18 ; d20+11=29 ; Thursday October 8th, 2009 9:35:20 AM
Thar watches as the others free people from the cocoons... One big concern of his is that the spiders likely laid eggs in the people, and he's not looking forward to fighting off lots of little baby spiders... He looks at each patient and cocoon and tries to see if any of them show signs of being impregnated with spider eggs... (Know (Nature) = 18)
If things look clear, he'll try to do basic first aid on each person (heal = 29) , though he moves quickly, knowing that staying here for the long term would be fatal. "Let's get them out and moving quickly... I don't want to stay here longer than I have to..."
Arm[HP 44/44 AC 24] Message Thursday October 8th, 2009 11:09:01 AM
Arm nods at Thar's wisdom. Taking one last glance out the entrance to the chamber, he grips his sword tightly and will move closer to the remaining 3 cocoons in case they find trouble in one of them.
Wynum {40/51hp. Str 6, light load, AC13. Daylight; Delay} Thursday October 8th, 2009 11:31:58 AM
"Ruby, that moaning, was it similar to that we heard last night?"
Wynum seems surprised but not outraged or otherwise deeply moved by the grim discovery. After some thought, he lays the unconcsious body on the floor, then helps fetching the others, but then prepares to leave that cave.
"Hurry. We still haven't found Mettik, if it still lives."
{OOC: Do the cocooned appear to have been stripped of their belonging or do they still have some gear on them?}
Revi AC21/13T/21FF HP 86 Thursday October 8th, 2009 12:36:26 PM
Revi continues on to the three larger cocoons and release them if still alive.
Edmund (HP: 48/48, AC: 16) Message, Mage Armour Thursday October 8th, 2009 5:49:12 PM
Watching the proceedings, Edmund seems entirely unfazed--indeed, he has become completely detatched from the proceedings.
"Ah," he says when Julian uncovers a blackened corpse. "That one was dinner already. Have you ever seen a spider's web? They don't eat flies--they suck them dry, through the cocoons. I suppose it only stands to reason that larger spiders do the same thing. Pretty grim, I'm afraid--but poisoned as they were, I doubt they felt anything."
Turning to the very ill, semi-conscious individuals, Edmund continues on in the same bland, matter-of-fact way.
"Now then, nothing to worry about. The spiders are dead, including the big one. So are the bugbears and the Spider-Men. More than two dozen, all told, sent to their rest just yesterday. The rest of them departed a while ago, so you're quite all right. Calm yourself and try to regain your senses."
"Thar, is there anything you can do for these people?" Edmund asks the cleric. "I doubt there's much, but anything we can do to get them on their feet and help them will be an improvement. Let's give them something to drink, too. That should help a bit."
Ruby [HP: 72/74 - AC: 24(25dodge)(cover)][message] Thursday October 8th, 2009 6:15:38 PM
Ruby shakes her head. "No the moanings that I heard were from the people in these cocoons." She digs into her pants pocket to produce a waterskin, that she hands over to anyone that is looking to care for the ones saved already. She does not glance to the cocoon that Julian opened as she does not really care to see what remains.
"We cannot give chase with these people in this condition." Her voice gets lower so that only those closest to her will hear, which should not be the injured. "If they will survive that is." She does not like the idea of letting some of those responsible get away, but there are living people to take care of that will not survive without them.
Halfling Julian AC 18, hp 52/72 Thursday October 8th, 2009 6:38:11 PM
Julian recovers from his retching just when Edmund explains how spiders probably fed on the victims. He runs from the room and can be heard retching some more.
DM Robert - hors dourves Friday October 9th, 2009 12:02:27 AM Thar is concerned about staying overly long in this feeding room. He worries that they will return, or that the bodies contain eggs about to hatch. He does help all six living captives with his healing [they are all now on 0 hp], and Arm and Revi lend a hand where they can. Edmund explains why the people are cocooned as they are, and this tips Julian over the edge of what he can stomach. Wynum suggests that the Mithril Order hurries to find Mettick and Chloe. Ruby counters Wynum's urgency with the need to care for these people.
Stripped from their cocoons the freed prisoners lay unnaturally still on the floor. The clothing that they wear appears to be grossly oversized, and is sticky with strands of webbing. One of them, unconscious still, a half-elf, wears a ring, though the others have no jewellery or any valuables at all. Even their boots have been taken from them. The half-elf also has a badge indicating that he works for Wil Kommen's Import/Export Emporium - and the ring will not come off if you attempt to take it. Another moans, "Ben. Ben."
The Mithril Order have a lot on their plate. There are 6 people here basically unconscious. There are possibly spiders waiting to hatch from the cocooned bodies. There is an open cave entrance nearby, with a slight breeze coming from it. There are relatively fresh tracks of humanoids and spiders leading down this cave. There are a dozen unconsious beerbugs hog-tied with Sofal up in the Barracks, along with a cache of morningstars, bows and chain shirts. There are Mettick and Chloe - whoever they are - wherever they may be. There is Councilman Lymon's heirloom to find and recover. There is Wil Kommen's caravan crew to find and rescue, including Ben Venu. There is the Master of the Forest, the Druid Shadesh waiting to hear about his misguided beerbugs.
Revi AC21/13T/21FF HP 86 Friday October 9th, 2009 1:06:44 AM
"Why do they all look bloated, Thar?" Revi pulled out a shortspear and at spears length popped a button or two on their outerwear and pushed a flap of clothing aside.
Arm[HP 44/44 AC 24] Message Friday October 9th, 2009 7:59:09 AM
Arm looks to Ed and says, "Since it seems we have so much to do, do you by chance have a teleport spell memorized, and if so can you get these people back to down safely? That would be the fastest way to get them some aid, and we can wait here until you re-memorize the spell to get back to us. Then, we can address the rest of the issues...I for one say we should follow the tracks in this cave for the moment. That may accomplish several tasks at once, as if the quarry we seek has indeed gone outside through the other tunnel, it will be nearly impossible to find them with this much of a head start.".
Wynum {40/51hp. Str 6, light load, AC13. Daylight; Delay} Friday October 9th, 2009 11:43:11 AM
Wynum was about to depart, but considers the business around the captives.
"Well I don't understand. Yesterday you were all about death threats to these horrible creatures? Sofal, and Look-Hadj... they said Triton was like a mother to them." He points to the cocooned people. "They're not food, they're children now, or soon, soon they be spider things too. If you want to save them, why don't we save those up here as well? Let's give chase to Mettik and Chloe, they lured us last time, and we were told they could defy death. We are lucky the tracks are fresh."
Thar AC 25/26, 58/70 hps, Mag Circle vs. Evil Friday October 9th, 2009 2:19:35 PM
Thar looks at the captives and isn't sure how to answer Revi. "Good question, and I'm not sure... However, I must disagree with Wynum, and agree with Ruby. We need to get these prisoners out of here and somewhere safe, maybe through the passage on the right. If we run into a battle, we're not going to be able to protect them and several will die. Let's see who is in the other, larger cocoons and then move out of here..."
Edmund (HP: 48/48, AC: 16) Message, Mage Armour Friday October 9th, 2009 4:22:32 PM
Edmund nods to Arm.
"Good thinking," he says. "But can you all do without me for the day? I won't be able to return until tomorrow."
"If so," he says, "I'll do what I can for the lot of you before I go--but then you're on your own until tomorrow morning. I can give you all Haste--and a few of you Fly--before I pip off. I can also make several of you invisible."
"Consider it quickly. If it were done when 'tis done..." Edmund says. "Then you can investigate at once."
Halfling Julian AC 18, hp 52/72 Friday October 9th, 2009 4:47:21 PM
Julian moves away from his little pile, but stays outside the cave. He can hear the discussion inside but he is still queasy and his head hurts.
Ruby [HP: 72/74 - AC: 24(25dodge)(cover)][message] Friday October 9th, 2009 8:42:42 PM
Ruby glances to Edmund and nods her head in understanding. "These people deserve a chance to survive and if they can only get that in town, we have to try." These people had to come first over just about anything else as far as she was concerned. "I would vote to allow Edmund to return to town with these people and then return to us tomorrow." She is not happy about being down the power that he brings but if they did not have to engage the enemy right away they might be fine. If not, than they would do what they had to do.
Revi AC21/13T/21FF HP 86 Saturday October 10th, 2009 1:05:53 AM
Revi continues to inspect the unconscious cocooners. "If we, or Edmund, takes them back to town and they burst forth with a contagion, we could doom the entire town to death. Say, what about the master druid, maybe he could take care of them."
Edmund (HP: 48/48, AC: 16) Message, Mage Armour Saturday October 10th, 2009 3:20:59 AM
Edmund raises an arched eyebrow at talk of spider eggs inside of the rescued people.
"What on earth are you all going on about?" he asks incredulously. "Haven't you ever seen spider cobwebs? They lay their eggs in balls of webbing. As for laying eggs in prey--I think that's what certain kinds of wasps or something do."
"Look at this fellow over here," Edmund says, gesturing towards the dessicated corpse. "--dry as burlap in a drought. There are no eggs inside of him--of that you can be sure, because any hatchlings would starve. If there were eggs laid inside of these other people by a spider that size, they'd have a massive wound to show for it. I warrant none of them do, because it would probably have killed them. Giant spiders don't have tiny needles for tiny eggs."
"Caution is fine, but this is an overabundance of it. Either we can retreat with them to the druid, or I can take them to the temple and healers in Plateau City. As for them potentially having spider eggs inside of them, I've never heard the like of such madness. Let's confine our fears to reality--we've enough to worry about without horror stories and fairy tales as well."
DM Robert - Patients Saturday October 10th, 2009 3:47:58 AM
Arm suggests that Edmund teleport the casualties back to Plateau City, though Revi, who is actively guarding against the possibility of a swarm of spiders erupting from the bodies, warns that it may be sending an imminent plague into the city. Thar has a good look at the bodies, and from what he can tell, they don't appear to be full of eggs waiting to hatch [OOC sorry I forgot to include this in the previous post, using Thar's Knowledge (Nature) roll]. There is a general consensus that the patients need to be taken somewhere safe, and using Edmund to teleport is so far the best idea -whether he can make it back to the city, or can he find the druid Shadesh in the Monster Preserve, or can he take all six with him, is the question to be answered.
OOC: I think Wynum has confused these poor humans that have been trapped like flies, with the Spider-like humanoids like Sofal and Look-Hasj (which were Ettercaps, btw).
"Hello," moans the half-elf, the one with the ring. "I can't see properly," he struggles to sit, "but I hear human voices, and elves. And a foreigner. At least it's not bugbears and spiders." He settles for rolling onto his side instead, "I'm Ben. Ben Venu. Did Wil send you? What day is it? I don't know how long I've been here..." He pauses a moment, taking a few deep breathes to recuperate from the effort of talking and moving. "Are all my crew here? There are six of us. We were knocked over by the bugbears and spiders. They tricked us into leaving the Safe Road. And we were nearly home too. Silly of me."
Thar AC 25/26, 58/70 hps, Mag Circle vs. Evil d20+11=25 ; Saturday October 10th, 2009 10:20:10 AM
Thar moves over to Ben and helps him sit. He checks him over again, inspects his eyes and tries to make him comfortable and heals any outstanding wounds that can be quickly treated... (Heal = 25) He listens to Ben and says, "Yes, we were sent to rescue you, and we killed or disabled most of the bugbears and spiders. We captured one of their members, but he claims to be there against his will too.... "
To Edmund, he says, "Well, it sounds like teleporting is our safest option... But I don't know how many you can take at once..."
Edmund (HP: 48/48, AC: 16) Message, Mage Armour Saturday October 10th, 2009 11:36:14 AM
"Ho ho!" Edmund exclaims. "We've finally found you!"
Nodding to Thar, Edmund replies, "As many as you like. I can take all of us, or just them, or no-one at all."
"If that's to be the way of it," the mage continues, "then let's all divide up and get these people standing at the very least--if possible. I'll do what I can for the people who remain before I go."
((Coming up: Immediately before teleporting--so, not yet--Edmund will cast Fly on Wynum and Julian, Greater Invisibility on Revi, Invisibility on Thar and Arm, Light on a stone which he will give to Ruby, Fox's Cunning on Wynum, and Haste on everyone.))
Wynum {40/51hp. Str 6, light load, AC13. Daylight; Delay} Saturday October 10th, 2009 12:22:49 PM
Wynum reacts to Revi's predictions. "Yes, an infestation, or worse. This could be a new shapechanger threat. Remember those other spumaniders who changed to spiders, back in the woods? We should be merciful and kill them now, before it costs any more lives."
After the teleport discussion, and seeing that his plan does not meet with agreement, the centaur steps in: "If we let Ed go, we'll be with even less strength than yesterday when we decided to interrupt the chase and rest. I am poisoned, and we would have to do without all the active spells, and without Ed altogether. Now that we found Ben, and that we lost the initiative anyways, we should exercise the same caution and head back to town. Even if Ed doesn't teleport us, this is a short and safe journey. We leave the beerbugs to the druid, bring back the cocoons and the gear to town, rest a bit, and come back with full strength and spirit. Certainly the druid would help us find Mettik if we can't track him back. What do you think?"
Revi AC21/13T/21FF HP 86 Saturday October 10th, 2009 3:33:04 PM
"If Ed is leaving, and ensorcelling us first, we better get going." Revi readied herself for the chase.
Edmund (HP: 48/48, AC: 16) Message, Mage Armour Saturday October 10th, 2009 3:33:36 PM
Edmund nods in agreement with Wynum.
"We've done what is most important--recovered the captives. It's a pity that we have not recovered the councillor's item, but lives are more important than trinkets, however dearly loved."
"At any rate, I've always heard that adventuring parties should never split up. We can always return, and with the necessary gear to lay a siege if we must--then, there won't be the lives of the captured people to worry about, either. Just an all-out assault to recover what needs to be recovered and liberate what needs liberating. It's the better way, methinks."
Halfling Julian AC 18, hp 52/72 Saturday October 10th, 2009 6:41:47 PM
Julian walks back in, now that he is feeling a little better.
"What, Revi? I'm not sure what you're on about, but I think Eddy is going to cast spells on us then teleport back to the City with these guys."
"Wynum, we're here, we're ready. Let's hunt down Metik and Chloe now. Enough delays. I know that without Edmund we are down on firepower - but look at how we took out the beerbugs and spiders with Edmund's spells. We can do that again."
"And Eddy, here," Julian retrieves a wand from his pack, "this will help." OOC I emailed Shawn about using teleport, and if everyone is Small then he can teleport all 6 patients, so he can use my Wand of Reduce Person. I'll leave it to Eddy to convince the patients that they are 'willing.'
Revi AC21/13T/21FF HP 86 Saturday October 10th, 2009 6:50:29 PM
"What are YOU on Jules? That's what I just said! I think you're trying to start a fight." Walking over to Edmund, "No offense to Wynum, but in my opinion, putting fly on both Jules and I, the front fighters who will need to move around the battle field unhampered, would be the better choice--but it's your choice."
Halfling Julian AC 18, hp 52/72 Saturday October 10th, 2009 6:56:31 PM
"Don't get all testy with me, Revi, just because you don't understand all the big words Eddy sometimes uses."
Revi AC21/13T/21FF HP 86 Saturday October 10th, 2009 8:57:30 PM
"I understand all those big words, like shrimp, shortshanks and half-pint to name a few." Revi then sticks her tongue out at Jules.
Edmund (HP: 48/48, AC: 16) Message, Mage Armour d20+15=17 ; Saturday October 10th, 2009 10:52:37 PM
Edmund approaches the rescued individuals with as gentle a manner as he can muster--which is largely more officious than gentle, a bit like being softly spoken to by a middle-manager at a provincial bank.
"If you want to go home," Edmund says. "I can take you there in an instant. We'll need to shrink you so that I can carry everyone with me, but the effect can be done away with the moment you want, at your command. The alternative, I'm afraid, is to leave you here in this place, amidst the remains of your friends, until you have recovered enough to march overland back to town--no doubt harried all the way by legions of foes too terrible to comprehend."
"I really do advise you to come with me," the wizard cautions them. "It's for the best."
(Diplomacy=17)
((Note to DM: I suspect that the rescuees are terrified want to get home by the fastest possible route, and that they are not overly frightened magic--especially that wielded by their rescuers. That said, I have somehow managed a natural 2 on my (+15!) Diplomacy roll, so I should like to take the unusual step of asking for help from my fellow players with the convincing.))
Revi AC21/13T/21FF HP 86 d20=3 ; Sunday October 11th, 2009 1:13:30 AM
"Yeah, it's either stay here and die or go with Eddie." Revi never was one to mince words. Aid Another: 3
Wynum {40/51hp. Str 6, light load, AC13. Daylight; Delay} Sunday October 11th, 2009 12:03:05 PM
Staying out of the cocoon cave, Wynum talks to the other in whispered tones, pointing helplessly to the cave.
"No, but, seriously. These prisoners have been lying there for some time, at least for the whole night we spent right above, and we certainly didn't rush to their rescue. Why the sudden hurry? We rested because we thought we lacked strength - and now we're going with even less than we had! I don't understand any of that."
Flabbergasted, he takes a few steps off, thinking it over. It is a curious sight to see the centaur without his armor, looking a bit more like a horse that usual. "And we have to come back here anyways for the beerbugs and gear. Why not just heal them, hide them and go?"
Arm[HP 44/44 AC 24] Message Monday October 12th, 2009 10:59:34 AM
Arm nods to Wynum in agreement, "And therein lies the dilemma...Ed can take them back, but we'll be without his sorceries until he returns. If we wait here for him then the trail will be long cold. I can manage a few spells, but not to the capacity that he has. The problem with hiding them down here is that the creatures here know the area far better than we do, and could possibly find them easily.". After a bit, he continues, "I say we do what's best for the captives and send them home with Ed. We can take our chances pushing forward and will hopefully best the rest of these critters on our own. We'll have to meet back here when Ed returns though, as he'll have no idea where we will be, and he cannot teleport to a place he is not familiar with.".
Ruby [HP: 72/74 - AC: 24(25dodge)(cover)][message] Monday October 12th, 2009 10:18:54 PM
Ruby knows a little about magic from her time spent with her family, but she was not sure what Edmund could do about it. "There is a spell that allows people to find others and he could us that to find us. Though I am not sure if he has that spell." She otherwise has to agree with Arm and that these people need to get back to the city to be saved.
"Unless you want to see if the druid is still in the immediate area and we can get his attention. I have think that we have little choice but to go on without Edmund's power." Though she was not above going back if that was the decision but she did not want to go back unless they wanted too.
DM Robert Tuesday October 13th, 2009 3:21:14 AM
It may not be the best plan, but it is at least a good plan for Ben Venu and the others of his party. As another two of them drift into consciousness they agree to whatever vague plans that involve returning them to civilisation, or, in fact, anywhere without spiders.
The plan seems to be to have Edmund cast some buffing spells before Teleporting the 6 patients back to Plateau City. Julian will help by using his Wand of Reduce Person on the six.
This will leave the mighty Mithril Order to continue on without its spectacular firepower (meant in a strictly literal sense). Wynum is still suffering the strength debilitating effects of the spider's poison. Thar and Julian dropped some hitpoints off a Chasm's ledge. The spell casters have used some spells. BUT the enemy's tracks are close by and still fresh.
OOC -- Edmund, what spells are you going to cast? Where exactly are you going to teleport to?
Edmund (HP: 48/48, AC: 16) Message, Mage Armour Tuesday October 13th, 2009 1:44:31 PM
Edmund thinks for a moment abut what sort of action he wants to take.
"All right," he says. "I'm going to take them to the temple of what's it--the healing place. I've been there before, but I can't remember what its called. At any rate, that's where I'm going to take them. I suppose I'll stay there with them overnight, and then I'll return here tomorrow. As for where..."
Edmund debates internally before continuing.
"Let us say tomorrow morning, a short while after the sun is fully up? At the top of the chasm, on the bridge control platform? On the ledge at the entrance to the entire cave? It needs to be somewhere reasonably safe. I'm inclined to pick the cave entrance unless you have suggestions or objections?"
((Coming up: Immediately before teleporting--so, not yet--Edmund will cast Fly on Wynum and Julian, Greater Invisibility on Revi, Invisibility on Thar and Arm, Light on a stone which he will give to Ruby, Fox's Cunning on Wynum, and Haste on everyone.))
Thar AC 25/26, 58/70 hps, Mag Circle vs. Evil Tuesday October 13th, 2009 1:48:32 PM
Thar agrees with Edmund's plan, and says, "How about we meet you at the top of the chasm near the redoubt we prepared for last nights' rest? It's already defensible from both directions...."
Revi AC21/13T/21FF HP 86 Tuesday October 13th, 2009 2:07:33 PM
"How about back on the road, where the wagon was attacked. Iwasn't really planning on coming back here unless necessary and if we did, not to hang around for another day until you return."
Edmund (HP: 48/48, AC: 16) Message, Mage Armour Tuesday October 13th, 2009 3:06:44 PM
Edmund looks a bit puzzled at Revi's suggestion.
"You mean you can wrap everything up down here today?" he asks. "If so, then surely, we can meet where-ever you like outside. At the crossroads where the caravan was--that's fine too. As long as we make a definite choice. I don't want to arrive and be in the wrong place."
Ruby [HP: 72/74 - AC: 24(25dodge)(cover)][message] Tuesday October 13th, 2009 10:03:59 PM
Ruby glances to the rest and then nods her head back the direction that they came through. "So are we going to follow those tracks that were found or go back to the barracks?" The plan seems to be conflicted and she is a little lost on that one.
Either way she is good with whatever plan. She will hand around long enough to get further order/ideas and then head out in whatever direction they indicate.
Wynum {40/51hp. Str 6, light load, AC13. Daylight; Delay} Wednesday October 14th, 2009 12:01:34 AM
Wynum is ready to follow Ruby's lead through the caves.
"Hey, bring back some biscuits, Ed!"
Ruby [HP: 72/74 - AC: 24(25dodge)(cover)][message] Wednesday October 14th, 2009 2:48:47 AM
Grinning at Wynum's call she nods her head. "How about some of those sticky buns and some tea as well." She figures to put in an order of her own if they are going to tease him with things to bring back. Not to mention the fact that she is actually in the mood for some tea and one of those sticky buns would be nice about now as well.
Then again, Eddie might just do it with the way he seemed to like his luxuries. She would not be above a little snack if he did and it was not like she would not work off the calories that she would be taking in.
Julian Wednesday October 14th, 2009 8:06:13 AM
"Oh, tea, yes. Boil up those two large kettles in the Manor's kitchen, and bring some cups and saucers too."
DM Robert - keeping track of time. Wednesday October 14th, 2009 8:44:21 AM
Teleporting is that accepted plan then -- with suitable amendments suggested by Ruby. However, Ben Venu looks concerned as Edmund explains where they will teleport to. He scratches at his left eye, which has a deep scar, and the colour and very life seem to have left the orb, "I don't claim to know a lot about arcane magic, nor divine in fact, but I've heard about Teleport -- I'm pretty sure you have to know exactly where you are going or you shouldn't be going at all." He seems to be fidgeting and uncomfortable.
Edmund has a bit of convincing to do {I thought this might help -- Plateau City Map. -- I hope you can find it}
OOC My tracking of time has the Mithril Order at around 2am at the latest (no watches, and can't see the moon either). When exactly are you going to meet up with Edmund? And when you've sorted that, where are you going to meet up with Edmund?
And you should probably discuss Edmund's suggested use of spells before he disappears.
Edmund (HP: 48/48, AC: 16) Message, Mage Armour Wednesday October 14th, 2009 1:50:46 PM
Edmund folds his arms and looks at Ben narrowly, with all the typical irritation of a mage regarding those without magical abilities.
"I've been to the clerics' healing temple several times--I don't have to know its name, you know; just where it is. But suit yourself: we'll go to the Manor then. It's close enough and the walk might do your contrary tongue a bit of good."
As the others clamour for drinks and snacks, Edmund looks on the verge of stomping his feet.
"I am not a tea trolley!" he exclaims. "If you want buns and tea, you'll have to finish up here quickly. I can't bring the entire manor back with me!"
Arm[HP 44/44 AC 24] Message Wednesday October 14th, 2009 5:19:06 PM
Arm smiles at Ed's dressing down of the group and says, "Well, tea trolley or not, you'd best make with the casting and be off, or we'll NEVER finish up here. Let's decide where to meet and get on with it. My vote is for the top of the ladders here, by the bridge controls.".
Halfling Julian AC 18, hp 52/72 Wednesday October 14th, 2009 7:27:55 PM
"Ed, there's that nice silver tray, above the plates and cups, to carry everything. And you're temple is called the Cathedral of Light, it's the Temple to Alemi. I read the sign at the door. And wouldn't the Fly be better on Revi, to keep our wager fair."
"Thar, you and I should heal up a little before we move on, yeah?
Mage Armour and Bull's Strength.
Ruby [HP: 72/74 - AC: 24(25dodge)(cover)][message] Wednesday October 14th, 2009 7:47:54 PM
Ruby cocks her head to the side and grins. "Come now Eddie, you know when you get back here that you will like some tea before you have to do anything else. Sticky buns make for something nice to munch on with your tea." She could not help herself but to pick on Edmund a little, though she did not know him that well....he seemed to be a creature of comforts.
Not wanting to hold things up too long, he glances around and nods her head. "Either the barracks or near the controls would be my vote." She would be happy with either position and with her part said, goes about preparing herself for a little tracking. Still she does not stray far from the group as she wants to be around for the fireworks.
Thar AC 25/26, 70/70 hps, Mag Circle vs. Evil 2d8+6=16 ; 2d8+6=21 ; Wednesday October 14th, 2009 8:24:52 PM
Thar smiles at the talk of food, and it makes his dried, trail rations seem even more boring... He's in agreement with whatever the group decides, but wants to get moving and have Ed back here ASAP...
He agrees with Julian's suggestion, and uses a few more charges from the wand to bring them up to par...
CMW = 16 to Thar CMW = 21 to Julian
Charges left = 41... (I think that's right... If not, let me know...)
Wynum {40/51hp. Str 6, light load, AC13. Daylight; Delay} Wednesday October 14th, 2009 10:05:30 PM
"I think Ed should choose his place of return. He is the one taking risks here. As for the time, why not daybreak? Ed should be rested and ready for further problems."
That said, Wynum follows through to the tunnel.
{OOC: Thar, wands use the creator's level, so it's 2d8+3 for the CMW wand, unless it was created by a level 6 cleric}
DM Robert - Teleporting and Exploring Thursday October 15th, 2009 4:33:24 AM
Ben, now sitting up, chides himself, "Silly me. Wil. My ring. Hey, HEY WIL!" He is rubbing the ring on his left hand with his right, speaking to it. He pauses, awaiting a response. Looking up to the Mithril Order he says, "He usually answers quickly enough. I imagine he is just rather busy with the business." He calls again to his partner Wil Kommen, and again in vain. "Unless the magic doesn't work in here. Where is here? I mean, where are we? Last thing I remember we were attacked by bugbears and spiders, just off the road."
Edmund is ready to cast his spells. The Order is ready to move on through the next cave.
Thar AC 25/26, 70/70 hps, Mag Circle vs. Evil d20+19=23 ; d20+13=23 ; d20+10=23 ; d20+11=25 ; Thursday October 15th, 2009 9:51:49 AM
Thar volunteers to take point, along with whoever else wants to...
He moves forward quietly as possible, trying to spot any dangers or hear any threats before they have a chance to see him... Unless he sees or hears anything, he'll move to N29...
Spot = 23 MS = 23 Listen = 23 HiS = 25
OOC = Thanks Wynum - I'm so used to my own CMW's having my benefit that I forgot the +3 vs. +6... For me, it doesn't really change things but for Julian, he only healed 18 rather than 21...
Wynum {40/51hp. Str 6, light load, AC13. Daylight; Delay, Owl, Flight} d20+2=12 ; d20+8=24 ; Thursday October 15th, 2009 12:13:35 PM
Wynum will fly over the last PC in the marching order. He is the source of a 12"+12" Daylight effect. If Julian doesn't, he will flying-scout ahead briefly instead.
Listen 12, Spot 24
Revi AC21/13T/21FF HP 86 d20+10=30 ; d20+3=16 ; d20+12=26 ; Thursday October 15th, 2009 3:36:15 PM
Not being very quiet, Revi hangs back in 2nd or 3rd position, ready to engage any enemy at a moments notice. We are going outside and following the tracks, yes?
DM Robert: Yes we are. Down the other tunnel.
Listen 30 (nat20!) Spot 16 Survival 26 (just in case)
Halfling Julian AC 18, hp 70/72 d20+5=25 ; d20+3=9 ; Thursday October 15th, 2009 5:38:04 PM
"Thanks Thar. Let's go find this Mettik and Chloe." Lifting his feet 2' off the ground Julian flies along happily. He watches Thar take the lead scouting role, and travels alongside Revi, eye to eye for a change.
Listen 25 (natural 20) Spot 9
Ruby [HP: 72/74 - AC: 24(25dodge)(cover)][message] d20+16=21 ; d20+6=15 ; d20+16=21 ; d20+6=20 ; d20+15=28 ; Thursday October 15th, 2009 8:51:19 PM
Ruby slips out right behind her love and then off to his side. She will stay to one side of the tunnel till they reach the outside area and then wait to see what their next move is going to be. She does not mind taking point with Thar and scouting ahead.
Her eyes are constantly in motion, searching for more tracks as well as following the current one.
Edmund (HP: 48/48, AC: 16) Message, Mage Armour d100=1 ; Friday October 16th, 2009 2:38:41 AM
"Alright, on the ledge at the entrance to this cave," Edmund says. "I spent some time studying it and I am well familiar with it after two attempts on it, both of which I personally worked out. Might as well play it safe: teleportation can be a tricky thing."
Grinning at his lucky new friends, Edmund adds: "Not that you've anything to worry about. We're going to our headquarters, a place I know better than nearly any other. You'll be perfectly safe."
With that, he turns to each of the rescuees and, one-by-one, shrinks them with Julian's Wand. He then returns the wand to Julian.
Edmund then proceeds to cast a variety of spells on members of the Order: Fly on Wynum and Julian, Greater Invisibility on Revi, Invisibility on Thar and Arm, Light on a stone which he will give to Ruby, Fox's Cunning on Wynum, and Haste on everyone.
Once this is done he speaks to the Order members via Message.
"I'll be on the ledge at dawn. Don't forget, and don't be late!"
With that, he moves to the short little rescuees and gives them instructions.
"Everyone take hold of my arm--three on each arm--and hold on tight.
The words uttered, Edmund and his charges disappear from view and arrive spot-on target, right down to the very inch of the manor Edmund had been thinking of: smack in the middle of the main entry room.
(Teleport=1, which is a perfect d100 roll for that spell [PH 293])
DM Robert - Goldilocks? Friday October 16th, 2009 6:00:00 AM Edmund casts his spells, and disappears from sight, along with Ben Venu and his crew. The remaining Mithril Order sigh a small gasp of relief - hopefully it is because it seems that Edmund has Teleported accurately and the patients can be restored to good health shortly.
The world blurs and twists for two-and-a-half seconds for the mage and his travelling companions. Standing now in the very familiar Mithril Manor, right in the middle of the main entry room. They are assulted by the smell of off-milk, and looking round the room Edmund spies a bowl with porridge and cream left balanced on the arm of one of the lounge chairs.
==========================================
The 6 remaining members head into the next cave entrance. As Thar is scouting ahead, very quietly, he stops suddenly, remaining motionless for a second. He feels a tug at his right leg, just above the knee. Looking down, he can now see that he has set off a trip wire made of a single strand of extremely thin, extremely strong spider's web.
Thar, Julian and Revi only Highlight to display spoiler: {You hear a small bell tinkling in the distance, coming from further within the cave, roughly 100' ahead, but it is difficult to tell how far ahead within the caves. Also, Roll Knowledge (Arcana) DC 10 to highlight the next spoiler.} Thar, Julian, Revi, second spoiler: Highlight to display spoiler: {If you made the skill check above:
. . . That is the Alarm spell that has been activated.}
There is the very gentle breeze coming to your faces, bringing with it a puff of cool, damp, night air. With the available light in the cave, a well used trail of footprints in the dust on the floor can be seen clearly by anyone.
Fly on Wynum and Julian, Greater Invisibility on Revi, Invisibility on Thar and Arm, Light on a stone which he will give to Ruby, Fox's Cunning on Wynum, and Haste on everyone.
Spot and Listen checks again please. End of round 1. Maps.
Halfling Julian AC 18, hp 70/72 d20+3=15 d20+5=16 Friday October 16th, 2009 6:05:39 AM
"Don't forget the tea and sticky buns, the two large kettles, the tray above the plates. I'll want milk for the tea too, thanks. See you shortly." Waiting till Edmund just finishes casting Teleport the cheeky halfling quickly calls, "Where are we to meet you again?"
==========================================
Whispering harshly Julian looks to Thar, "Thar, what have you done? Can you hear that too? I don't think we need to be quiet now, best to hurry."
Readied action - if someone else moves ahead quickly Julian will also. He has learned to not rush in, others might want to talk and plan first.
Spot 15 Listen 16
Arm[HP 44/44 AC 24] Message d20+15=19 ; d20+9=17 ; Friday October 16th, 2009 7:42:50 AM
Arm will wait for the rest to move into the next passage, then take up a position at the rear of the group, keeping an eye out for possible sneak attacks (listen=19, spot=17).
Thar AC 25/26, 70/70 hps, Mag Circle vs. Evil d20+19=38 ; d20+13=30 ; Friday October 16th, 2009 11:09:47 AM
Thar curses softly as he sets off a trap... "Yes, I hear it, some kind of bell about 100' ahead. It's time to move people, before they get time to set up! Shock and awe is what this calls for! Let's get the big guys to the front and hit whomever it is now!"
He'll start moving forward quickly, trying to see what they're running into... (Spot = 38, Listen = 30)
Thar AC 25/26, 70/70 hps, Mag Circle vs. Evil Friday October 16th, 2009 11:11:20 AM
(2nd post)...
Thar, as his standard action, will quickly cast Magic Circle vs. Evil, boosting up his protection and those w/in a 10' radius...
Revi AC21/13T/21FF HP 86 d20+3=4 ; d20+10=15 ; Friday October 16th, 2009 12:08:51 PM
Revi hears the alarm and decides not to waste the Haste spell that's on her and says, "Jules, with me!" Then rushes double time forward, sword in one hand, glove of arrow catching free in the other. Run forward 90'
Spot 4 Listen 15
Wynum {40/51hp. Str 6, light load, AC13. Daylight; Delay, Owl, Flight} Friday October 16th, 2009 2:56:53 PM
Wynum will follow Revi and Julian, though he will stay at the rear of that sub-group.
He can move up to 2x90'.
{Revi are you sure you're limited to 90' movement? That's twice 60 or 70' for you I think.}
Revi AC21/13T/21FF HP 86 Friday October 16th, 2009 6:59:17 PM
ooc: oops, it should be 110' since my base is 40', doubled is 80 +30 for haste makes 110'. I could run 150' but it would have to be in a straight line without any difficult terrain in the way, and I've no idea what is ahead. With 110' I can manuever around, etc.
Edmund (HP: 48/48, AC: 16) Message, Mage Armour Friday October 16th, 2009 8:13:25 PM
Edmund arrives in Plateau City and immediately wrinkles his nose. Grabbing the bowl of porridge, he hurriedly opens a window and dumps it out into the gutters below.
"Sorry about that," he says apologetically to his poor guests. "Our halfling isn't house-trained yet."
Edmund then glances around to make sure Julian hasn't left him any more fragrant presents. Once this is done, he explains to the rescuees how they can dismiss the 'Shrink Person' effect.
"I am glad we arrived safely," he says in an off-hand way to those who have just risked their lives travelling with him. "And it is comforting to know that the others are safe-and-sound for now, too."
When the guests are returned to normal size, he will then escort the rescued people to the temple of healing (Domi?) where they can have their wounds tended to. Along the way, he will speak to them and give them a more detailed explanation of who the Mithril Order is, why they came to look for Ben & co., and how Wil is waiting to hear back from them.
Once they are dropped off, Edmund will head over to see Wil at the Import/Export Emporium.
Ruby [HP: 72/74 - AC: 25(26dodge)(cover)][message, haste] d20+6=16 ; d20+6=24 ; Friday October 16th, 2009 10:30:04 PM
Ruby curses and then shakes her head. She falls into a slower pace behind Revi and Julian, wanting to have time to pick her place in the fight and not be caught off guard. Her eyes continue to scan the area for signs of trouble, but she has abandoned trying to be stealthy. Both of her weapons are already drawn so that she is ready for whatever is to come.
[listen 16, spot 24]
DM Robert - blocked off? Friday October 16th, 2009 10:34:17 PM Edmund brings his patients to the Mithril Manor. Having thrown Julian's porridge out the window he realises that it is still very early in the morning, somewhere between 2 and 3 am...
==========================================
Julian, Revi, Wynum and Thar run ahead of Ruby and Arm. Thar slows as he notices a large hole in the ceiling, another passageway rather, that the others have overlooked in their haste. It is roughly 10' round and seems to be only 15' vertical before it opens into another chamber.
Revi, Wynum and Julian race ahead to find the tunnel sealed off with webs from floor to ceiling. It oscillates gently with the gentle, cool breeze. It seems to have been hastily constructed -- there are enough gaps to see through to the other side, though it is made of the stickiest stuff that could be webbed together. The ringing bell is still ringing from the other side.
Through the webbing you can see an enormous four-poster bed covered with lace, a cluttered dressing table, and a few wooden crates. There are tapestries on the wall and carpets on the floor, which are otherwise natural stone. The room appears through the webbing to be an odd mixture of luxurious opulence and rushed industrial pragmatism.
Arm and Ruby quickly catch up.
Spot and Listen checks again please. End of round 2. Maps.
Edmund (HP: 48/48, AC: 16) Message, Mage Armour Saturday October 17th, 2009 1:35:30 AM
((I'm not sure what the operating hours of the Temple of Domi are. If it takes patients at all hours, Edmund will go with the rescuees directly, before returning to the Manor to get some rest. If it is shut at night, Edmund will let the rescuees stay in Julian's room overnight, and he will get some sleep himself.
I wasn't quite clear on what time it was: I thought it was roughly two in the afternoon. Given that it is two in the MORNING, Edmund would have told the Order that he'd meet them on the ledge around dawn on the *following* day, as opposed to just a few short hours from when he left them, as he obviously needs to rest to restudy Teleport so he can return to them.
That gives Edmund about twenty-four hours to spend in Plateau City without having to babysit mischievous halflings; twenty-four hours of tea, biscuits, baths, books, pork pies, sticky buns, more baths, and all of it all to himself. It's like Christmas!))
Thar AC 25/26, 70/70 hps, Mag Circle vs. Evil d20+19=29 ; d20+11=28 ; Saturday October 17th, 2009 11:30:44 AM
Thar sees the hole and calls everyone's attention to it... "It seems we've got another way to travel... I've got a feeling they'll try to use it to ambush us while we work to go through the tunnel... Maybe we can use it against them and let me see if I can make a way for us to work around the web..."
He gets his grappling hook from his pack, ties a rope to it and throws it up the vertical part in an effort to catch, so they can climb up to the horizontal section...
While doing this, he's cautions about his surroundings...
Spot = 29 Listen = 28 Listen =
Revi AC21/13T/21FF HP 86 Saturday October 17th, 2009 5:47:35 PM
ooc: are we in the dark or outside?
If in the dark: "Jules, be a dear and place a light spell on my spear again and I'll throw it forward. (throw spear through opening in web into room beyond once hit with a light spell.
If not in the dark, "Flyers, check out that hole, eh?"
Wynum {40/51hp. Str 6, AC13. Daylight; Delay, Owl, Flight} d20+2=15 ; d20+8=21 ; Saturday October 17th, 2009 6:34:42 PM
Wynum will stay down and away from the webbings, readiying his sling. He will also shine light on the whole scene with his daylight pendant. "Go for it Revi. Real fast."
{We hear the bell but do we see it? Also, where is the vertical opening on the map? And Revi, in the end your current fly speed is indeed 90', because the barbarian' bonus is only valid for ground speed.} Listen 15 Spot 21
Revi AC21/13T/21FF HP 86 Saturday October 17th, 2009 8:08:50 PM
ooc: Uh, Ed did not give Revi flight... only Wynum and Jules
Ruby [HP: 72/74 - AC: 25(26dodge)(cover)][message, haste] Saturday October 17th, 2009 11:47:05 PM
Ruby hands over the extra pebble that she has, with the light spell on it, to Julian with a smile. "Here is that pebble from earlier and it has a light spell on it still." Otherwise she keeps an ear and eye out for trouble still. She keeps her weapons in her hands but does not switch over to her bow till she knows it would be better.
[Had the original lighted pebble which I think is still active. Then Edmund gave me a second lighted object before he left, so that I have two lighted objects. Went ahead and put the light spell from Edmund onto another pebble as I don't remember him specifying what he cast it on.]
Arm[HP 44/44 AC 24] Message d20+15=28 ; d20+9=22 ; Monday October 19th, 2009 9:16:40 AM
Arm peers into the new area suspiciously, and wonders exactly how far down the rabbit hole they will go. (listen=28, spot=22).
Julian d20+11=16 ; Monday October 19th, 2009 5:07:33 PM
Jules thanks Ruby very much for the lighted pebble, before casually tossing it into the next room. "Seriously, thanks though."
The sling stone with Light lands around the middle of the room. Hit AC 16.
DM Robert - up and/or through? Monday October 19th, 2009 11:12:13 PM
Between the Daylight from Wynum and the Light Spell on the sling stone the room beyond the sticky webbing is now clear to see. It is empty. The bell still chimes, but there is no visible movement anywhere at all - except for the...
There are crates lined up against one wall, most of them are open, some with their lids on the floor nearby. The dressing table has several small bottles with stoppers laying cluttered over its surface. The single drawer has been left open. The four post bed is not actually covered in lace - rather the four posts support a very large webbed hammock. There are several silk cushions in this opulent bed, and a blanket. The tapestries and carpets in the room are clearly expensive - obviously expensive because each one has been made on a rather large scale, taking up vast expanses of this cavern.
To the left of the bed is a white rope hanging down. The rope would be 2 or 3 inches wide, it reaches the floor with perhaps a few feet laying slack on the floor. This is sole moving thing in the room. It is swaying gently in the cool night breeze, and you can tell by its movement that it is not fixed to the ceiling directly above the bed, rather, it is attached much higher up.
The sticky webbing, floor to ceiling, still blocks the path of the adventurers.
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Thar has found another part of the cave complex. He has thrown his grappling hook up, it has caught hold and seems to be held fast. Is he going to climb up?
.
Spot and Listen checks again please. End of round 3. Maps.
Arm[HP 44/44 AC 24] Message, Invisibility Tuesday October 20th, 2009 9:47:32 AM
Arm says to the group, "Well, it seems we have yet another decision to make. Shall we hack these webs open and check out the room or move up into the other area? We had best decide soon, before dearest Ed comes back and accuses us of slacking off. I say we should check out the room quickly then move on to the hole that Thar has found.".
Wynum {40/51hp. Str 6, AC13. Daylight; Delay, Owl, Flight} d20+8=26 ; d20+2=21 ; Tuesday October 20th, 2009 10:01:47 AM
Having nothing much better to do, Wynum will follow Julian if he flies up through the chimney. If he doesn't, he will follow anybody that climbs up. If nobody climbs up, he will go up alone, flying at full speed (90' halved to 45 for flying up). He remains alert for an ambush...
Spot 26, Listen 21 {Note: somebody Readied an Action recently. You can't do that out of combat. The definition of combat is not that clear, but you're not supposed to do round-based combat actions while out of combat. That is important for reason among other things. In fact there is a PrC that specifically gets a power to do Readied Actions out of combat. (it's the bloodhound I think)}
Revi AC21/13T/21FF HP 86 Tuesday October 20th, 2009 10:45:45 AM
ooc: if we can't ready actions, why are we in rounds now? Round 3 to be specific.
Robert: I am running combat rounds, so Readied Actions are fine. Actually, in this play-by-post set up I can see Readied Actions as being useful - waiting to see what another player does being a good example of an action that is triggered by some other event.
Edmund (HP: 48/48, AC: 16) Message, Mage Armour Tuesday October 20th, 2009 1:30:20 PM
Back in Plateau City, Edmund escorts the rescuees to the Temple of Domi, where they can receive emergency medical attention. Having done this, he returns to the manor and sets about preparing himself a bath.
Eager to get out of clothes covered in spider and bugbear goop, not to mention his own blood, the wizard hurriedly pours each individual pot and kettle of water into the washbasin. When finally it is full enough, he sets about removing the filthy garments--but oops, the door left open, he quickly shuts it, screening subsequent events from view... and narration.
Emerging in roughly a quarter of an hour, now dressed in a set of navy blue silk pyjamas decorated with silver stars (and matching night cap), Edmund is entirely ready for bed. And so to bed, then, where dreams of tea and biscuits await, to be followed by a morning no doubt replete with the real thing.
Thar AC 25/26, 70/70 hps, Mag Circle vs. Evil d20+19=33 ; d20+11=16 ; d20+4=11 ; Tuesday October 20th, 2009 7:39:26 PM
Thar says, "I'm in the mood to explore this passageway a bit and see where it leads. I'm worried that there aren't any foes in the room, and they've went somewhere..."
He'll start climbing the rope, but before he reaches the top, he'll get his mirror with one hand, wrap his legs and hand around the rope and lift the mirror barely above the spot where it turns, so he can see what lies down the corridor...
Spot = 33 Listen = 16 Climb = 11
Halfling Julian AC 18, hp 70/72 d20+3=20 ; d20+5=15 ; d20=1 ; Tuesday October 20th, 2009 7:52:26 PM
"Fly up? Good idea Wynum." "Thar wait! Me and Wynum can fly up there." Julian shoots back and up into the opening that Thar has found, and has a good look around. Spot 20 Listen 15 Search natural 1.
Ruby [HP: 72/74 - AC: 25(26dodge)(cover)][message, haste] d20+6=18 ; d20+6=9 ; Tuesday October 20th, 2009 10:33:15 PM
Ruby maintains her position on the ground, not wanting to climb up the rope till she is sure that it is safe. Besides, this gives her a chance to glance up and watch Thar as he negotiates the rope. To be honest, it was an interesting sight and one that she was rather enjoying.
Shaking her head though she returns to business at hand and keeps an eye out for trouble.
[listen 18 and spot 9]
DM Robert - nothing but gems and coins really Wednesday October 21st, 2009 5:17:15 AM Edmund has, perhaps, finally found the perfect way to go 'adventuring.'
==========================================
Thar heads up the rope, and Ruby is rather impressed by the view of the athletics demonstration. Julian eventually thinks to fly up, at Wynum's suggestion, and so he scoots past Thar on his rope. The halflings flies in and straight back out saying, "Small chamber, lots of web, nothing to see." No enemy to score more points with. Wynum, on the other hand, has a better look. He reports that it is basically a small chamber, roughly 30' x 10' and 15' high. He notices that there are four bundles of clothing in the chamber, and nothing else but webs. Thar can see a few glimmerings of light among the clothing, and so climbs all the way to investigate. Quickly rummaging through the beerbug's clothing he finds a good pile of gems and coins (totalling 1 042 gp). He is sticky round the feet, shins and hands from moving through this chamber.
This takes up another 4 rounds in total.
==========================================
Revi? She keeps an eye on the room beyond the webs. The rope gently sways. The bell that isn't there continues to tinkle. Tapestries and carpets remain unlooted on the walls and floor.
Arm and Ruby? They keep Revi company in the main corridor. No one is seen to sneak up on them from behind.
Revi and Arm and Ruby can take a four rounds of actions if they wish. Wynum and Julian can take two.
Arm[HP 44/44 AC 24] Message, Invisibility d20+15=31 ; d20+9=25 ; Wednesday October 21st, 2009 8:10:14 AM
Arm shrugs his shoulders when he doesn't hear any sign of combat from above, so unless he sees or hears anything that would provoke his attention, he moves to the webbed-in room and will attempt to hack away at the webs covering the entrance (listen=31, spot=25).
Revi AC21/13T/21FF HP 86 d20+3=14 ; d20+10=21 ; d20+1=2 Wednesday October 21st, 2009 11:08:07 AM
Revi hacks away at the webs covering the room to gain ingress. "I thought they all came this way... it doesn't seem like the way out." Once inside with Thar and the rest, she'll search the room diligently, but cautiously--yet finds that the spiderwebs are creeping her out too much and can't seem to find a thing.
Spot 14 Listen 21 Search 2
Thar AC 25/26, 70/70 hps, Mag Circle vs. Evil d20+19=26 ; d20+11=21 ; Wednesday October 21st, 2009 12:18:48 PM
Thar smiles down at Ruby, sensing her gaze on his posterior. He winks before returning to his task of searching the room and gathering important items. He's also wondering where the bell could be and hopes that their exit isn't going to be blocked...
(OOC = Can we assume that during the 4 rounds when Thar was investigating the room, he was looking for secret doors, hidden items, etc. since he found and searched through the bags? Also, does he find anything in the vicinity of the bed? If you need a spot check, here it is... Spot = 26, Listen 21)
Wynum {40/51hp. Str 6, AC13. Daylight, Delay, Owl, Flight, See Invis.} d20+8=25 ; d20+2=7 ; Wednesday October 21st, 2009 2:06:32 PM
Wynum stays in the small empty room, and, touching his fist-shaped pendant, scans the room, then flies down and does the same in the webbed chamber.
(Activating See Invisible effect from Hand of Glory) Spot 25 Listen 7
Edmund (HP: 48/48, AC: 16) Message, Mage Armour Wednesday October 21st, 2009 8:46:09 PM
At Mithril Manor, Edmund dreams dreamy dreams of sweetbreads with butter and cream..
Ruby [HP: 72/74 - AC: 25(26dodge)(cover)][message, haste] d20+6=11 ; d20+6=23 ; d20+15=17 ; Wednesday October 21st, 2009 8:48:11 PM
Ruby blushes slightly as Thar catches her watching him and then gives him a little wave. As the others tear into the webbing, she turns her attention to that instead with a sigh. She cannot help much with the search up above but she can be of help here.
Though the pounding of blood in her ears does not make it easy to listen for anything, she finds that her eyes are still working fine. Still she realizes that she needs to clear her mind and then deal with the rest later. If the room appears safe than she will spend time helping the others search it, looking for more tracks or signs.
[listen 11, spot 23 and survival 17]
Halfling Julian AC 18, hp 70/72 d20+3=18 ; d20+15=18 ; Wednesday October 21st, 2009 11:09:16 PM
"All right, let's get through this stuff."
Julian hacks and slashes away at the webbing that prevents them from entering the room with the bell. Soon enough he has cleared it all the way across, to a height of four-and-a-half feet.
"Perfect! Let's go in," he says as he cautiously enters the room.
Spot 18 Listen 18
Whoops, I've overlooked Revi and Arm's posts...
DM Robert - cratessss and bottlessss and tapesssstriessss and rope Thursday October 22nd, 2009 12:51:00 AM
Thar searches the chamber up the tunnel. He finds nothing beyond the gems and coins in the clothing. Wynum, using his Hand of Glory, also finds nothing.
Arm and Revi hack out an opening through to the room beyond. As they enter a large fanged mouth appears on the wall on the right of the bed. It is nearly 4' wide, and it speaks Common - actually it is yelling in rage "I'll get you for thissss. I'll find out who you nobodyssss are and track you down and hack you up. No, I'll ssssslowly poissssson y..." The mouth then quickly fades and vanishes. [Knowledge arcane DC 10 to Highlight to display spoiler: { That was Magic Mouth.} It seems the Mithril Order have left quite an impression, but not a calling card.
The large room is the opulent (if bare) bedroom of Mettik and Chloe. They have constructed a perfect hammock-bed for two spumandirs. However, they have left in a hurry.
Crates have been thrown open. Bottles hastily grabbed from the dressing table. One tapestry has been partially removed, and now hangs limply from the top left corner. Though the rest of the floor is quite clean (it has been worked smooth and level) there is a trail of dusty footprints to the white rope that hangs from the ceiling next to the bed.
Looking closer at the rope, it indicates a 5' round hole in the ceiling. There is thick webbing around the edge of this tunnel, similar to the remnants left after Julian hacked his way into the room with the captives in cocoons. It appears that this tunnel has been sealed in a similar way, and that seal has been hastily discarded.
Thar AC 25/26, 70/70 hps, Mag Circle vs. Evil Thursday October 22nd, 2009 9:51:02 AM
Thar hears the mouth call out, and with a disgusted look, says, "Give us your best show wench... If threats are the only thing you can provide, then you're a bigger joke that we thought..."
He reports that he hasn't found anything else, but is curious why one of the tapestries was removed. "Anyone want to venture an idea why it was removed? Could there have been something else behind it?"
He looks at the hole in the ceiling and says, "Do any of you fliers want to check out the hole or do I need to climb it and check it out again?"
Arm[HP 44/44 AC 24] Message, Invisibility d20+8=10 ; Thursday October 22nd, 2009 2:07:33 PM
Arm recognizes the face for what it is, if just barely (knowledge arcane=10), and laughs aloud at their feeble attempt to threaten the Order. He then stands by to await the tactics of the others.
OOC: Question...since I hacked at the webs to get into this room, does that constitute an attack and would therefore make me visible again? Also, regarding the hole in the ceiling...is THAT the tunnel that had the seal around it?
DM Robert - cratessss and bottlessss and tapesssstriessss and rope Thursday October 22nd, 2009 5:21:25 PM
Arm - no, you remain invisible. The hole in the ceiling by the bed, with the white rope hanging down once had a seal (to keep out the night air), but it has been hastily removed.
Halfling Julian AC 18, hp 70/72 d20+3=7 ; d20+5=9 ; Thursday October 22nd, 2009 5:23:34 PM
"Righto," says Julian to Thar, "Up I go then.
Julian flies up into the 5' round hole in the ceiling by the bed. He flies cautiously and in the middle, ensuring that he doesn't touch anything.
Spot 7 Listen 9
Wynum {40/51hp. Str 6, AC13. Daylight, Delay, Owl, Flight, See Invis.} Thursday October 22nd, 2009 5:56:18 PM
From the edge of the chamber, which is still too cluttered with webs for him to enter, Wynum comments. "We can presume the spumanider fled while in human form, which would explain the mess and the footprints. As for the tapestry, maybe she wanted to destroy it. What does it represent?"
When Julian goes up the chimney, he hurriedly shouts instructions: "Come back right after you scout, or tell us what you see. If you don't come back fast, we'll come after you!"
Then, lower, while considering the small size of the opening. "Well, I'd try."
Ruby [HP: 72/74 - AC: 25(26dodge)(cover)][message, haste] Thursday October 22nd, 2009 8:38:03 PM
Ruby moves over to examine the tapestry that has gotten so much attention. Her gloves hands slowly straightening it back out as she waits for the sudden explosion that might result from her tampering. She does glance to the hole that Julian just went up but then turns her attention back to the tapestry.
"Should we search this room a little further to make sure that we did not miss anything?" Still she glances around at the mess wondering if they might have found what they were looking for or if it was taken.
DM Robert - Fresh OJ in the early morning. Friday October 23rd, 2009 12:56:34 AM
Thar and Arm find the Magic Mouth amusing, though I doubt that was the intent.
At Thar's suggestion Julian carefully ascends the tunnel above the bed. Whilst it starts out as a roughly 5' round hole it quickly changes to a narrow 7' tall and 3' wide. It ascends at roughly 40 degrees above the horizontal. It is a natural fissure in the rock, and after 50' Julian finds himself suddenly outside. It takes him by surprise as the moonlight suddenly seems to be very bright relative to the darkness of the fissure. He takes a look around and calls back down, "I've found outside, I'll be back in a second or two. Just gonna fix this rope." Returning to the party he details the fissure and says, "The rope was tied to a tree, and with the rope it will be easy to climb up. They cut it once they climbed out, but it snagged on some rocky bits near the top. I've tied it to the tree again. Should be good to go. "There's been a fight up there too. There are three dead horses right near the tunnel's exit - bits of webbing on them so I guess it was our friends."
Ruby suggests searching the bedroom more thorough, in case something important was left behind.
Search checks if searching. Climb, Spot and Listen if going up the rope. Climb DC 10.
Wynum, Squeezing says nothing about Skill checks - the issue is getting in and moving through a Tight Space. To squeeze through or into a space less than half your space's width, you must use the Escape Artist skill. For a Large creature it would take an Escape Artist check DC 30 - three times: once to get in, second time where it changes to being tall but narrow, third time to get out. You can make another check after a failed check if you're squeezing your way through a tight space, making multiple checks. If the situation permits, you can make additional checks, or even take 20, as long as you're not being actively opposed.
End of Round 10. Really only checking off rounds for Spell durations.
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