DM Jan Wednesday April 25th, 2001 11:21:04 AM
Ingrge's spell takes effect. It can be seen on the flank of the giant beetle that the glyphs suddenly appear dull and are hardly noticable. This does not however, do anything to improve the beast's temper, which lets two huge blobs of poison splat against the wall behind it.
Just then, a clattering of boots echo through the chamber, and two other dwarves appear, decidedly out of breath. One of them is bleeding rather badly. "The South passage," they gasp. "Beetles!"
Figment Wednesday April 25th, 2001 11:39:55 AM
The mage watches the reaction of the beetle. "Hmmm. I'd say it is best to watch this thing and observe if the magic returns to the glyphs.".
As the commotion ensues the mage waits until the dwarves clear the passage and the bugs are within 20' of the cavern. He then casts. A mass of web engulf the entire passageway back 60' entrapping any beetles that might be in them (i.e. 10'). "That'll at least slow them down. Stay back a minute guys.". He asks the dwarves "How far back does the passage go?" as he prepares to cast again.
Dakar Wednesday April 25th, 2001 12:27:43 PM
The dwarf slaps his helm in utter disbelief. "WHAT THE BLOODY HELL DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING!?" he yells at Figment. "You had no idea how many other dwarves were down there, nor how far away the South passage is! You may have just consigned half the clan to certain death!" Turning to Helga he asks, "To the south passage, is there another route?" in dwarvish. Following her answer he will run that route as fast as his Dwarven legs will carry him, readying his axe as he does so and preparing himself to meet with destiny.
Brother Bertram Wednesday April 25th, 2001 3:35:10 PM
Bertram sets his axe beside him as he watches Dakar run off in a great rage. Shaking his head bemusedly he gets out a torch and lights it, taking his time. He looks to the others. "If there are others trapped down there then we can burn the webs out of the way I would think? What say you Friend Figment? Will that make a pathway if there are others trapped below?" Bertram holds the lit torch in one hand and picks up his massive axe easily with the other while waiting to see what the tunnel holds.
Ingrge Wednesday April 25th, 2001 7:39:58 PM
disapointed that not more happened, Ingrge turns to face the new threat. " Well, I always heard that crisp fried bugs were considered a delicacy in some parts. Let's find out if its true."
Flueterflam Thursday April 26th, 2001 12:05:26 AM
He cusses...loudly. "How the hell are we gonna just race over and just hope we can kill these things??? Where's their vulnerable point? Do they have one? We can't just be running to our deaths without knowing." With that said, the bard stays in the cavern watching the beetle with interest and distaste until receiving a good answer.
Olana Thursday April 26th, 2001 12:20:47 AM
"Oh my!" exclaims the elf. Figuring she wouldn't be able to use her bow successfully in these tunnels, she pulls her sword. "Okay - lets see just how tough these things are," she says with conviction. She'll fall in with the others under K'nara's direction.
Milo Thursday April 26th, 2001 12:48:22 AM
After watching the various reactions, Milo takes a deep breath and looks skyward, speaking under his breath, "Thank you for granting me patience Alemi." With that, he draws his short sword. Resting the flat of the blade on his shoulder, Milo looks to K'nara for direction, ready to follow on her command.
K'Nara d20+2=15 d20+2=10 Thursday April 26th, 2001 6:27:30 AM
"I don't think that the magic is sustaining that bug's size--" the human bladesinger began to comment to Figment and Ingrge, going with the instinct that seemed to kick in regarding the magic glyphs and the Dispel Magic that was just cast upon them and the beetle. (OOC: just rolled for her newly-acquired Spellcraft skill.) K'Nara was interrupted by the dramatic appearance of the dwarves from the south passage.
(OOC: Dakar reacted a little TOO quickly there--Figment's entire post reads that the mage "waits until the dwarves clear the passage and the bugs are within 20' of the cavern. He then casts." This means that his intended action will not take place until (a) the dwarves are clear, and (b) the bugs are within 20' of the cavern. DM Jan has yet to say that such things HAVE happened.)
K'Nara tried to tell which spell Figment was preparing to cast (OOC: that second Spellcraft roll), but the spell was obviously of a level beyond her ability to gauge easily. She'd have to wait until he actually cast it to see what his intended effect would be.
"Fighters up front--we're going down that passage and I want those of us who are best armored to go first--that would be Dakar, Olana, Ingrge and me..!" the leader of the Talons barked, drawing her bastard sword from its sheath on her back. "Remember that these things squirt that poison, too!" K'Nara turned to Helga. "Clanleader--what is the south passage like...and where does it lead to..?" As soon as the dwarf female told the warrior woman the information that she needed to hear, K'Nara organized the Talons into a marching order and advanced upon the passage they'd be traversing, commanding her sword to flame on with a terse "Lucia!"
(OOC: single file order--Dakar, Olana, Ingrge, K'Nara, Fluet, Figment, Bertram, and Milo. 2-person-wide marching order: Dakar & Olana, Ingrge & K'Nara, Fluet & Figment, and Milo & Bertram.)
Ingrge (Here we are just a walking down the street....) Thursday April 26th, 2001 7:29:23 AM
Ingrge falls in either beside or in front of K'narra, with a jovial hey now watch what your doing with that thing. when she activates her sword.
DM Jan (... singing doo wah diddy diddy BUG diddy doo) Thursday April 26th, 2001 11:15:38 AM
A few things seem to happen at once.
Orgar says "It's... oh!" as the far end of the passage the two other dwarves have emerged from gets blocked by a sticky web. "... down there." He blinks for a moment, then climbs up a rocky slope into a much smaller passage running above, and parallel to the blocked one. "This way!" he says - disappearing into what is basically a small dark hole. Torches and flaming swords would be at a disadventage here.
There appear to be two choices - follow Orgar, or enter the blocked passage and burn the webbing.
Fluet fails to spot anything else about the beetle that Ingrge and Figment havent already seen - it looks mean, bad tempered - jaws at the front, poison at the back - and this one appears to have "lost it's mojo, baby yeah!".
((OOC - just to clear up a little confusion - Helga and most of the other dwarf population are about half a mile back at the main camp. You have Orgar with you. The terrain is all dark, shadowy tunnels - some of which go for great distances and are linked by many cross passages. It would be very easy to get lost.))
Figment 6d6(4+2+5+5+4+2)=22 Thursday April 26th, 2001 12:12:44 PM
The mage says to Dakar before he casts "Just trying to soften them up a bit before you have to feel the pincers on those things!". As he completes his spell he releases a bolt of electricity that travels instantly down the tunnel 160' beginning just in front of the web electrocuting anything in its path. He smiles as the webs begin to burn as well knowing they will take additional damage from the fire. "Let's see how they like that!". (22 DMG, no dodge save as they are caught in the web 60' back. Plus fire damage... :))
Figment, Cont. Thursday April 26th, 2001 12:14:38 PM
The mage follows the dwarves back down the passage if they continue to retreat and the warrior woman gives the order. Otherwise, he sets up to cast yet again.
Dakar (Bull's Strength) d4+1=5 Thursday April 26th, 2001 4:47:25 PM
The battle-rager follows closely after Orgar, sending a prayer up to Domi as he does so, a nimbus of energy gathers around him, and his already corded muscles are fueled even further with the touch of the battle god (Bulls Strength, He's up to Str 24 now).
Olana Thursday April 26th, 2001 6:53:51 PM
Baffled, the elf exclaims - "But I can't see any beetles." She certainly doesn't fancy crawling after Orgar and Dakar. Maybe there was a way through now that Figment had blasted the web (and hopefully some nasties).
Brother Bertram Thursday April 26th, 2001 9:15:46 PM
Bertram sees the look of distaste on Olana's face and chuckles. "I would say you get used to it but as an elf you probably don't" He grins easily. "What say we start down the greater passage and see if we have a horde of beetles coming our way?"
Milo Friday April 27th, 2001 3:41:34 AM
Milo cocks his head to the side and grins as he steps in line next to Bertram. Turning to the dwarf, he speaks cheerfully, "Hello... remember me?" Smiling broadly, "Hey... we're headin' down into dwarven mines to do our work... May as well whistle a merry tune... ya know... whistle while we work." Milo leans in conspiratorially, "I've always wanted to say that." With a grin the halfling indeed whistles a spritely melody.
K'Nara Friday April 27th, 2001 6:26:18 AM
"Orgar...Dakar, don't--" the female fighter hollered, but the two dwarves disappeared down that hole...a place she knew a human her size wouldn't be able to follow without some way being able to see. The string of pungent and colorful language that burst from her lips was enough to make nearby plant life wilt...had there been any.
"We have to go down the larger passageway withOUT Dakar, then," K'Nara said with annoyance, "I'd send you with them, Brother Bertram...but you're the only other cleric-type in the party and we may need you with us." She strode over to the tunnel to survey the aftermath of Figment's spellcasting.
"I hope that helped us out, Figment," K'Nara said, nodding, "Now, c'mon, Talons--let's 'de-bug' this place..!"
(OOC: the marching order above stands for both single-file and double formations...with the exception [of course] of Dakar.)
DM Jan (Dungeons and Beetles) Friday April 27th, 2001 11:34:10 AM
Figment's lightning spell howls down the tunnel, blasting a passable hole in the web, leaving the tunnel free. The flash leaves spots before everyone's eyes.
Up above, Orgar and Dakar scamble along a makeshift dark, narrow passage that anyone other than a dwarf would find difficult - and emerge next to the far end of the larger tunnel's entrance. Orgar beckons to K'Nara, Olana, Ingrge, Bertram, Milo, Figment and Fluet. "It's down this way!" he yells before disappearing left.
Those who go down the larger tunnel will reach a t-junction. Right goes up, left goes down into the gloom. It is smoothly hewn here, and anyone under 5'5" will be able to stand upright.
From the left direction, they will hear a strange scratching noise in the distance accompained by yells of pain. From the flames of K'Nara's sword, and Bertram's torch - Orgar and Dakar can be seen dead ahead - running toward the commotion. Shadows dance deceptively along the walls.
Figment Friday April 27th, 2001 12:04:57 PM
Perplexed the mage looks for the bug bodies that should be lying everywhere as he follows the others down the tunnel. (OOC: I said he waited until the bugs got withing 20' of the entrance to cast. If there were no bugs then Figment did not cast any spells at all.).
Milo Friday April 27th, 2001 12:53:36 PM
Milo winces when K'nara states that Bertram is the only other cleric-type in the party, muttering to himself, "Forgotten again..." The diminutive patriarch looks as though he has sucked a whole crate of lemons as he follows the group into the passageway, though he remains silent thinking to himself, 'Just wait... she'll see.'
Brother Bertram Friday April 27th, 2001 9:55:03 PM
Bertram chuckles at Milo's muttered words. He leans over clapping him on the back. "Don't let it bother ya Friend Milo. Fighter types constantly assume that anyone that is a healer has no other skills and would be better off out of thier way" Bertram snorts, "That and the fact that as soon as they get thier arses handed to them in combat by some powerful creature they run to us healers and then forget about us until we are needed again. You can get used to it Friend Milo, but it doesn't mean you have to like it." Bertram winks at Milo then starts down the hallway cheerily.
Flueterflam Saturday April 28th, 2001 1:19:29 PM
"Awww crap...." Feeling somewhat obligated, the bard follows along, despite his instincts. Anyone near him can hear him muttering something about stupid bugs, rash dwarves, and all around confusion.
Ingrge Saturday April 28th, 2001 2:21:39 PM
Very flashy Figment but don't you think it would be better if we have clear targets in sight before we bring the entire mine down on our heads. Dwarven miners are good but even they can't defy the physical laws of nature, and there is a lot of earth above us right now.
Dakar (Bull's Str, STR 24) Saturday April 28th, 2001 4:31:27 PM
His legs carrying him as quickly as possible, the Painmonger readies his war axe in both hands. Turning to Orgar he states "The ichor of the insects shall fill the tunnels tonight." As soon as he is available to get into the fray he begins to rain blows on any of the insects he can, the warcry of Domi pumping through his lungs.
Olana Monday April 30th, 2001 12:08:47 AM
With a business-like nod at K'Nara, and a wink at Fluet the elf heads off toward the trouble, keeping within reasonable range of any light that's around, and advancing cautiously after the other dwarves.
Flueterflam Monday April 30th, 2001 12:17:10 AM
A grim frown appears on the bard's face as he notices Olana's wink. No happiness appears to be present in him. Quietly muttering, "Damn bugs........better die.......sick of these darned 'assignments'.....get back at that lousy green guy....someday.....grrrrrrrr......"
K'Nara Monday April 30th, 2001 6:02:03 AM
The human bladesinger held her flaming sword as high as possible, even though she herself had to duck down in order to traverse the "large" passage.
"Careful, now--we have to keep enough space between me and anyone else while I'm using Lucia to light our way..." K'Nara pointed out as the group advanced cautiously down the passage, "...we also have to try to keep Orgar and Dakar reasonably in sight...we don't know the exact way to the 'south passage' that these bugs are infesting..." K'Nara remembers to bear left, in the direction Orgar disappeared.
DM Jan (Beetles, beetles, beetles) Monday April 30th, 2001 11:28:28 AM
The passage continues, winding ever downward, and the noise of weird scratching and cries for help and of pain get a lot closer. More cross passages appear that seem to honeycomb the rock.
Then - Dakar and Orgar burst into a scene that can only be described as a nightmare. In a badly lit gloomy cavern (size approx 30ft x 30ft) - three dwarves can be seen battling 7 six-legged giant beetles. Their bodies are about 5ft diameter, and each is armed with a set of nasty pincer-like mandibles that snap viciously as they attack. Their legs are making that scratching noise as they scuttle along the rock floor. Their hides look tough and well armoured.
K'Nara, Bertram, Figment, Milo, Ingrge, Fluet and Olana are still in the tunnel at this point and it will take another round for them to join the fray. However, the sound is difficult to determine here because of the myriad of tunnels sending echoes. But could some of that scratching appear much closer? ((LISTEN CHECK for those in the tunnel please. Don't forget to add your skill bonus if you have one. 1d20/WIS DC18))
Figment d20+2=6 Monday April 30th, 2001 11:46:48 AM
Utterly disgusted at his misread of the situation the mage curses his foolish waste of magical energy as he hunches over and begins to decend into the depths. "I hope I didn't just kill us all by limiting my effectiveness in the upcoming fight. Sorry, I must've been seeing ghosts behind those dwarves.". Totally distracted the mage hears nothing at all to indicate the direction of the bugs - other than in front of him somewhere.
Milo d20+6=18 Monday April 30th, 2001 1:30:41 PM
Smiling broadly at Bertram, Milo nods, "I think I'm going to like you." Then turning, he follows the group down into the tunnels. Being the smallest, Milo seems to be not at all bothered by the close quarters of the tunnels they traverse, but as they grow closer to the clicking noises, he slows his pace a bit a starts to look about warily, short sword at the ready. (OOC: Made listen check at DC18)
Dakar d20+12=30 d10+10=18 Monday April 30th, 2001 3:02:20 PM
Dakar rushes the closes beetle crying out with rage as he does so. Sweat covers his brow as he launches into song, crescendoing as his first axe strike falls, biting deep into the creatures chitin (AC 30, 18 damage. (the +10 breaks down to +6 from strength, +3 damage for wielding the weapon two-handed, +1 for magic adjustment)). He turns to his brethren and continues his song of battle, nodding to them in consignation of their mutual fate.
In dwarvish his song is translated as: "The fallen one delves in caverns deep to strike against his foes. His blood and sweat are the only things that can purify him. Before he dies so will his enemies, in hopes that he may find honor in Domi's cradling arms from his past woes."
Ingrge d20=4 Monday April 30th, 2001 7:35:38 PM
Listening to Figment as they hurry along, Ingrge totally missed any noises he might have heard. Responding to Figment he asks, well shall we have a plan of attack when we get there? I can start out with a web spell to try and tie a few of them down, but I don't really have a whole lot of spells memorized, that will do a whole lot to them, I'm afraid. we may need to get a bit creative in the next few minutes.
Flueterflam d20=5 Monday April 30th, 2001 9:39:00 PM
The bard follows the others, basically staying to the rear of the group. In his frustration, the only thing going through his head is how they are all going to die. He starts to feel even more cramped and begins to wonder if maybe he's claustrophobic. Flueterflam's thoughts are too loud in his head to notice anything unusual.
Brother Bertram d20=7 Monday April 30th, 2001 10:03:27 PM
Bertram trots alongside Milo totally at ease in the gloomy passage. His massive axe he carries in his right hand and the torch in the left. He listens to the others talking and misses any noises from up ahead.
Olana d20=5 Tuesday May 1st, 2001 2:10:28 AM
((Listen check +3 = 8)) The elf moves swiftly along the tunnel toward the front of the group, wincing as she hears cries of pain. Her concentration on what lies ahead is such that she fails to hear anything from another source.
K'Nara d20-1=14 Tuesday May 1st, 2001 6:19:25 AM
K'Nara pushed forward steadily but cautiously--the closeness of the tunnel made her extremely aware of the damage her flaming sword could possibly do to the others. Keeping their safety in mind, the woman warrior didn't pick up on any auditory clues.
DM Jan (The Beetles Attack!) d20+2=3 d20+2=10 d20+2=16 d10+3=5 d10+3=11 d20+2=20 2d10(7+7)+3=17 Tuesday May 1st, 2001 11:24:17 AM
Suddenly - those moving through the tunnel toward the cavern are assaulted by 3 beetles which come scurrying out of some of the darker side passages. They slam into the rear of the party, snapping at Figment, Bert and Milo. In the confusion - their pincers miss Figment and Bertram, but chomp at Milo ((16 DAM)). Milo - who was aware of something nasty approaching, is able to partially dodge the creature. ((DEX against DC12 for half damage, Milo.))
This particular attack drives a wedge into the party, cutting off Milo, Bert and Figment from the others in the tight tunnel.
Olana, Ingrge, K'Nara, and Fluet only are able to move into the main cavern, or they can stick around at help their comrades.
Out in the cavern, axes and pincers clash menacingly on both sides. Dakar's beetle drops dead onto the floor, but another takes it's place, stabbing forth with both prongs and snapping shut ((DAM 17)). Orgar takes a bit out of another one. The three other dwarves are not faring well against the remaining 4.
((Status - 3 beetles in tunnel on Figment, Milo, Bertram. 6 beetles in cavern - 1 on Dakar, 1 on Orgar, 4 on injured dwarves))
Milo d20+4=12 Tuesday May 1st, 2001 12:01:09 PM
Milo's eyes grow wide as his head whips around to one of the side passages, and the halfling dodges to the side, turning what may have been a fatal wound to something somewhat less serious. (OOC: DC12 on the number...whew!)
Dancing back away from his attackers so as not to provoke an attack of opportunity, Milo takes a brief moment to pray, "Alemi, Lord of Justice, protect me in my time of need that I may serve up your wrath to these vile creatures." Milo seems to glow dimly with ruby light, as a shield of pure faith springs up to protect him. (OOC: Cast Shield of Faith on self to increase AC by +2 to 19. Will last for 1 minute)
Brother Bertram d20+6=16 d10+6=11 Tuesday May 1st, 2001 12:06:57 PM
Bertram throws the torch in front of the one on Milo trying to either scare it or make its next attack miss. He swings his axe at the beetle that he is faced with hitting it squarely. He pulls the axe free trying to avoid the snapping pincers.
Figment Tuesday May 1st, 2001 12:45:00 PM
Seeing that no web spell will be of any use in this case, the mage uses the opportunity to see if these things like slumber as he casts his sleep spell on the mirauding insects. (centered on the bug in the middle)
Dakar (Bull's Strength STR 24) d20+12=28 d10+10=18 Tuesday May 1st, 2001 1:02:26 PM
Dakar winces through the pain and strikes out again with his axe, again burying it deep in the beetle's underbelly. His song grows louder with each successive swing of his axe, and he sings it now through clenched teeth as his own blood seeps down his leg.
In Dwarvish he sings: "For the might of Domi, taste the wrath of his sting. For the might of Domi, taste the wrath of his sting. We strike out for fallen brethren my axe and I. We strike out as we are nameless."
Ingrge d4+1=5 d4+1=4 d4+1=4 Tuesday May 1st, 2001 9:04:43 PM
With a quick chant and motion, Ingrge sends three bolts of energy at the beetle that attacked Milo. (magic missile, 18 points) and then yells, "K'narra, You will be more effective in the cavern. Fluet you stay out here and help Milo Bertram and Figment. Olanna an I will join the group in the cavern." with that said Ingrge makes his way into the cavern.
Flueterflam d20+5=22 d6+2=5 Wednesday May 2nd, 2001 1:26:25 AM
The bard, in his anger, becomes very disgruntled at the whole situation. Barely hearing and understanding Ingrge, he nods somewhat and stays with the three 'victims'. He unsheathes his +2 shortsword. As best he can in the tight area provided, Flueterflam tries to jab his sword at the closest bug. He attempts to land the point of his blade square between the bug's pincers. (ooc: if hit, deals 5 points damage)
Olana d20+5=24 d20+5=23 d8+3=8 d6+1=4 Wednesday May 2nd, 2001 1:49:22 AM
Pulling out both longsword and shortsword, the elf dives into the cavern and attacks one of the beetles attacking the injured dwarves, hoping her friends can best those rascals in the tunnel. Both swords plunge into the revolting thing in front of her ((12 dam if successful)). ((+5 net of +7 less 2 for two weapon penalty))
K'Nara d20+7=20 d10+2=11 d6=3 Wednesday May 2nd, 2001 6:40:37 AM
"Great minds think alike, Ingrge..." the tall human commented loudly, then dashed forward into the larger space in which Dakar and Orgar were facing their horde of beetles.
K'Nara glanced around, squinting in the gloom of the cave and then launched her trademark dancing attack at one of the beetles threatening the injured dwarves. (OOC: hits AC 20 for 11hp damage plus 3hp fire damage.)
DM Jan (Beetles Attack) d20+2=7 d20+2=9 d20+2=19 d20+2=17 d10+3=10 d10+3=9 d20+2=19 d20+2=9 d10+3=5 Wednesday May 2nd, 2001 12:27:26 PM
In the Tunnel -
Milo suddenly feels a whole lot more protected, and Bertram clobbers his beetle - taking out a sizable chunk with what looks like a rather mean axe for a man of the cloth. The torch lights up the tunnel floor. Ingrge's magic missiles whistle past and do fatal damage to Milo's beetle. It's cooked. Fluet stabs Figment's beetle, which punches a hole near it's head. It doesn't look pleased. Then Figment's spell takes effect.... both his and Bert's beetle kind of wobble and fall down with a thud. They are both still alive, though. Trouble is - Bertram starts to feel a little sleepy too. ((Bert - saving throw WILL on DC18 to negate))
In the Cavern -
Dakar kills another beetle with another mighty sweep - only to be met by another which steps up to the plate, and Orgars beetle looks decidedly unwell. Both K'Nara and Olana make good inroads into two of the beetles, who turn to meet their attackers. One beetle is over by the injured three dwarves and is attempting to pull one of the dwarves legs off in some kind of reverse schoolboy's revenge scenario.
The beetles in the cavern attack - Dakar's beetle snaps but misses. Olana's beetle stabs and bites savagely for 19 DAM. K'Nara's beetle whips around, managing to hit with one prong for 5 DAM.
((Status - 3 beetles dead, 2 sleeping but alive in tunnel, 1 beetle on Dakar, 1 beetle on Orgar, 1 beetle on Olana, 1 beetle on K'Nara, 1 beetle on injured dwarves))
Figment 3d4(4+4+3)+3=14 d4+1=5 Wednesday May 2nd, 2001 12:42:37 PM
Smiling now that he knows his sleep magic will work on these things, the mage says "Kill those 2 on the floor, I put them to sleep!". He moves into the cavern if he can get past the dead beetles so he can stand upright again. With a flick of his wrist he fires 3 firey bolts and nails the beetle trying to dismember the dwarf, hoping he can kill it before it succeeds (14 DMG, NOTE: I don't have my book with me to tell you if I get 4 missles or still 3. I rolled the 4th in case.).
Milo 5d6(6+2+2+3+2)+1=16 Wednesday May 2nd, 2001 2:29:14 PM
Stepping around the bug that Ingrge zapped, Milo strikes one of the sleeping bugs in an attempt to put the creature down for good. (OOC: Performed a Coup de Grace. Assuming that 16 hps doesn't kill the bug, it has to make a Fortitude save DC 26 to avoid death.)
Brother Bertram d20+8=15 Wednesday May 2nd, 2001 3:45:51 PM
Bertram only has time to see the beetles before him go down before he realizes he too has been caught in the effects of the spell. Suddenly too tired to even glare at the mage, Bertram slumps to the floor and oblivion.
Ingrge d20+10=18 d4+4=5 Wednesday May 2nd, 2001 7:33:50 PM
just stepping into the cavern and out of the way, Ingrge takes sight on what is going on in the cavern. Seeing Olanna in the jaws of one of the beasts, he sends a dagger flying toward the beetle (AC 18 for 5 points of damage) and grins as his daggers returns to his bandolier.
Dakar d20+12=31 d10+10=16 Thursday May 3rd, 2001 1:11:22 AM
The painmonger further lives up to his name, sidestepping the beetle that moves up to him by hopping onto the pile of corpses mounting before him. With a warcry he leaps off of it, driving his axe into the next one's flank (16 Damage, AC 31).
His song continues, and foam begins to gather at his mouth. His own blood has mingled with the ichor that covers his armor, but he seems to be ignorant of any pain that the gashes should be causing. Snarling, he looks to make sure his enemy is still before raising his axe again, preparing to strike forth once more.
K'Nara d20+7=17 d10+2=4 d6=5 Thursday May 3rd, 2001 7:00:53 AM
K'Nara continued to hack at the beetle before her, the pain of the slashing wound it inflicted on the female fighter causing her to lose her trademark elven-trained finesse (OOC: hits AC 17 for 4hp damage and 5hp additional fire damage.)
Olana d20+5=13 d20+5=22 d6+3=9 Thursday May 3rd, 2001 12:15:42 PM
Olana winces as the creature takes a rather nasty bite, and slashes back - slamming the shortsword into the beetle. (9 dam)
DM Jan (Beetlemania) d20+2=11 d20+2=14 d20+2=5 Thursday May 3rd, 2001 12:35:35 PM
In the Tunnel -
Milo leaps over and kills the sleeping beetle that was originally on Figment. Bertram's eyes suddenly snap awake - probably from the sound of magic missiles zapping back and forth. Only trouble is - to Bertram's Fluet's and Milo's horror - so does the other sleeping beetle!
In the Cavern -
Orgar manages to kill his beetle. Dakar bites hard into his beetle, but its still up. Figment's blast sends the beetle attacking the dwarves rolling over, but it's on its feet again - albeit with a fried back end. Olana's beetle croaks after hers and Ingrge's combined hit. K'Nara's beetle also bites the dust.
The beetles bite back -
Fluet - gets lunged at - but the creature misses. Dakar's beetle tries crunching his leg off - but misses. The enraged burned-rear beetle over by the dwarves takes a rush at K'Nara, but misses.
((Status - 7 beetles dead, 3 alive - 1 beetle on K'nara, 1 beetle on Dakar, 1 beetle in the tunnel))
Milo d20+5=8 d20+5=10 Thursday May 3rd, 2001 2:50:53 PM
Not wanting to see Bertram get attacked while on the ground, Milo interposes himself between the now awake beetle and Bertram, swinging his short sword wildly in an effort to get the creature to back off. (OOC: I'll say... missed both shots AC8 and AC10)
Flueterflam d20+5=25 d6+2=8 Thursday May 3rd, 2001 2:52:35 PM
The bard suddenly gets a blood thirsty look in his eyes at the beetle that tried to get him. He shouts loudly as he stabs at the beetle putting even more force behind his stab. (hit AC 25 damage 8)
Brother Bertram d20+6=26 d10+6=8 Thursday May 3rd, 2001 3:49:37 PM
Bertram wakes suddenly to the sound of combat. Looking about he sees Milo standing between him and a beetle, apparently trying to protect the dwarf. Bertram winces as Milo's attacks go wild. Pulling himself up to his knees he makes a decision, remembering Milo's injury. He grabs the back of Milo's belt jerking him out of the way as gently as possible with his left hand. His right lofts his mighty axe, its curving flight ends by smashing into the snapping beetle. The axe resides there with a satisfying crunching of the beetle's carapace. Bertram surges to his feet pulling free his axe. He reaches down a hand helping Milo to his feet. "Many thanks for your protection, Friend Milo. A brave companion is a comfort when facing the unknown." (OOC Damage is x3 for the crit so the total should be 24)
Dakar the Painmonger d20+12=32 d20+12=17 d10+10=12 Thursday May 3rd, 2001 4:58:01 PM
The painmonger snarls down at the beetle that bites at his leg and makes a similar chittering noise back at it. His eyes widen and fill with rage, his lip curves back into a snarl, and with a single stroke he moves forward as he swings, cleaving it from head to tail (AC 32, threat, AC 17, 36 Damage). The spikes catch leftover bits fo the insect as he moves through, and he exits the other side covered from head to toe in the beast's green ichor. Turning towards the clansman in need of aid he readies himself to charge into the fray once more.
Ingrge d20+10=20 d4+4=5 Thursday May 3rd, 2001 7:25:00 PM
Seeing K'narra still faced with one of our colorfully plated opponents and lashes back out with a thrown dagger. (AC 20 for 5 points)and watches as his dagger pulls itself out of his target and flies back to his hand.
Olana Thursday May 3rd, 2001 7:53:23 PM
Reckoning the others have pretty much got everything in hand, the elf moves quickly to the injured dwarves and begins to bind wounds - which will hopefully help when the healing takes place. She had wounds of her own, but seeing as the dwarfs were unable to fight back - then theirs were obviously worse.
K'Nara d20+7=25 d10+2=11 d6=4 Friday May 4th, 2001 7:02:00 AM
The discipline of the bladesong took hold of the human female once more and she danced out of the way of her opponent's slashing mandibles. With a twirl and a whoop, K'Nara pivoted and plunged her flaming blade deep into the beetle, causing the creature to look much like a bug impaled on a collector's pin...or maybe, perhaps, like some flaming shishkebab appetizer for a hill giant. (OOC: hits AC 25 for 11hp damage and 4hp fire damage.)
"Is that all of them? How are those dwarves? Is everyone okay..?" K'Nara asked as she attempted to pull her sunken blade out of the beetle she'd impaled.
DM Jan (Talons 10 Beetles 0 ) Friday May 4th, 2001 9:32:44 AM
As suddenly as it began - it's all over- and ten beetle corpses lie on the ground in various pieces. Orgar is breathing heavily, having taken a couple of wounds, and the three dwarves at one end of the cavern are in bad shape. Olana's binding stops the bleeding.
Milo Friday May 4th, 2001 10:55:46 AM
Running into the cavern where the others were fighting, Milo can see that the threat is over for the moment. After wiping the short sword and sheathing it, he looks around the room, assessing the damage to his friends and the dwarves. "Okay... who isn't injured?" Milo's normally cheerful voice has taken an unusually somber tone.
Figment d20+4=21 Friday May 4th, 2001 11:00:25 AM
The mage relaxes taking comfort in the fact that everyone survived and that he didn't have to expend any more magic. He takes the opportunity to look more closely at the bugs. He looks for runes or signs of magic. He also carefully examines the bug's anatomy in an attempt to see if it is really a baby from one of the big ones. He looks for signs that the rear poison shooter might be developing as well as body shape, legs, etc. (INT DC 21).
Flueterflam Friday May 4th, 2001 11:52:55 AM
A huge sigh comes out from the bard. He rushes into the cavern to make sure no one has gotten killed, broken, or otherwise gotten hurt in any way. "Everyone, I would just guess, but we shouldn't get too comfortable. That happened way too fast. I wouldn't doubt that something else might already be on it's way."
Dakar (Bull's strength) 2d8(6+7)+5=18 Friday May 4th, 2001 12:58:10 PM
The painmonger's breathing is shallow and rapid. A large gash that one of the beetles gave him in the early seconds of the combat still bleeds, trickling scarlet down his armor, seeping through the cracks and intermingling with the green ichor of the creatures. He raises his axe high and calls to his brethren "FOR DOMI! FOR THE CLANS" in ancient dwarvish. After a longer incantation he places his hand over his wound and chants a prayer to the battle god. "Blessed in battle, I ask for your healing grace to fight anew." His wound all but closes and he appears prepared to fight again. "Bertram. We must foster these dwarves back to somewhere safe."
Brother Bertram Friday May 4th, 2001 3:26:07 PM
Bertram joins the others watching for any signs of a fresh attack. At Dakar's words he eyes the dwarf for a moment then shrugs and scratches his beard. "I agree they do indeed need removed from here at once. You seem ready to fight anew, So I will escort the injured to the surface and you stay with the others and help with the healing of our party members. You seem eager for a good fight so perhaps you will get your wish." Bertram chuckles. Making sure that the other dwarves are able to walk Bertram starts back up the passage, his axe readied.
Ingrge d20+3=11 Sunday May 6th, 2001 9:26:47 PM
Cleaning his daggers, Ingrge too stoops to inspect these beetles. Looking closely, Ingrge shakes his head and then states, " I think we are dealing with the same species but these seem to be smaller almost like ant society, you know workers, soldiers, drones and Queen.
K'Nara d20=20 Monday May 7th, 2001 6:14:49 AM
"Ant colony..?" K'Nara echoed Ingrge's comparison, frowning as she strained to recall whatever she could about ants (OOC: made a voluntary Wilderness Lore check.) "If your premise is right, Ingrge...then we're gonna have one helluva job trying to track down all of these bugs--especially if they are reproducing on their own..!" Using Lucia as a torch, the leader of the Emerald Talons looks around the cavern.
"Milo, I think Olana needs healing," she said to the halfling, then gave a short laugh--apparently directed at herself, "I'm gonna need some time to get used to thinking of you as a cleric, my friend...you are just TOO able a rogue for me to remember it at present." K'Nara went over to the injured survivors of the beetle attack and knelt, inspecting the wounds inflicted by the bugs.
"You speak Common..?" she asked. "Can you tell me the circumstances of this attack? I mean--did these things attack you because they appeared hungry...or this particular area is one that they appear in most often...or did they seem to be trying to defend another, larger bug..?"
(OOC: if the dwarves fail to understand K'Nara, she'll doubtless ask Dakar or Bertram to ask such questions.)
Olana Monday May 7th, 2001 10:59:55 AM
Looking around at all the mess, the elf gives a sigh and shakes her head. As she hears Figment, K'Nara and Ingrge discuss the bugs, she raises an eyebrow. "You know - if we were attacked here, then maybe they were protecting a big one nearby."
DM Jan (Now what? Beetle soup?) Monday May 7th, 2001 11:19:35 AM
As some of the Talons check on the injured, Figment and Ingrge examine the beetles. These are tough little hombres, seemingly built for combat - a hard shell - a beautiful colour of green that glistens in the sword light, and a nasty set of 15" long, jagged edged prongs at the front that have a fine edge. They do not carry the scent of the larger ones, they have no runes, and their rear ends display no signs of an ability to shoot poison. They are of a darker green than the huge beetle that the dwarves had managed to capture, and a slightly more streamlined shape.
One of the dwarves coughs weakly and nods as K'Nara asks her questions.
"One of the big un's - further on - wanted to get it's eggs. Next thing - attacked by these." He then groans and falls into silence.
Orgar regards Dakar who is covered in beetlejuice beetlejuice beetlejuice (sorry - had to say that :) ) with a strange look. "You fought well, Oathbreaker," he says, " and you cousin," to Bertie. "You all fought well," he adds in common. "I beg you - can we get our brothers to safety before we venture further. I don't feel up to tackling a big one just yet. And maybe we need a plan."
Figment d20+9=23 Monday May 7th, 2001 12:20:47 PM
As the dwarf expesses concern for his injured he mentions "As long as you can keep track of the behemoth I'd say retreating would be OK for now. Does anyone have any more information about the already captured egg? Is it hatching? And what metal is it made of? Is it the type of metal found in this mine? Is it possible that these things are mining and processing the ore for you? Wouldn't that be something... We need to go see about this egg.".
As he looks over the beetle he mentions "These do not smack of magic, Ingrge - more of a summoning. Perhaps we should check on of these things for magic as we did the big one? But for now, lets not dispel any more of the big ones...".
The mage activates his own detect magic spell and examines the smaller beetles looking for direct magic or indrect (i.e. were these things summoned? DC 23 = +4 Int + 9 Spellcraft).
Milo d8+1=4 Monday May 7th, 2001 2:13:23 PM
Milo smiles understandingly at K'nara, "Think of me as a cleric with a misspent youth." The halfling winks at the warrior woman, and then strides purposefully over to Olana. "Excuse me for a moment Olana," with than, Milo places one hand lightly upon her wound, and prays quietly, "Alemi, show this good woman your healing touch, and lighten the burden of this wound." (OOC: Dropped protection from evil for Cure light wounds: 4 hps)
A warm ruby light seems to issue from Milo's outstretched hand, though its effects upon her wound are but partial. Looking up into Olana's eyes Milo smiles, "Besides, its not every day I get to lay hands upon such a beauty." With that, the halfling seems to blush, though its hard to tell in the dim light.
Brother Bertram Monday May 7th, 2001 8:21:56 PM
Bertram puts away his axe and moves over to the weak dwarf that lies injured and picks him up gently. "Be strong, Brother. We will have you out of here in no time. You fought bravely and Domi will be proud of your valiant efforts." Bertram moves down the hallway towards the entrance to the mine.
Ingrge Monday May 7th, 2001 9:49:19 PM
Hmm, I would agree Figment, that these are not a magical beast, at least not overtly. As to being summoned, I can't believe they would stay after such without reason.
Dakar Monday May 7th, 2001 11:36:59 PM
Dakar joins the clansmen in stretegically withdrawing from the region, bringing up the rear of the column. As he does so he graps one of the dead beetles in passing. toting it along with him with ease. "Perhaps studying the anatomy of these things will lend to their defeat. If they have a soft spot then we may crack them open like the soft-underbelly of a crab."
K'Nara Tuesday May 8th, 2001 6:04:00 AM
The tall human woman nodded.
"We have to get the miners to safety first," K'Nara agreed, "They shouldn't have to ge facing this kind of danger. Come on, Talons--let's help evacuate." The tall human woman helped to move the injured dwarves back to the relative safety of the other, upper caverns even though she, too, had been slightly injured.
Olana Tuesday May 8th, 2001 11:02:09 AM
Olana gives Milo a warm smile, and says - "Thank you Milo - I feel a little better now. That was a rather nasty bite that creature gave me." The elf then ponders the corpses for a moment. "I reckon these pincer things might make good daggers," she says, wondering aloud. Taking a knife she tries to extract some of the pincers from the dead beetles.
DM Jan (Back to base) Tuesday May 8th, 2001 11:20:39 AM
The cavern is evacuated, and the Talons help the injured back to the safety of clan headquarters.
Orgar says he doesn't know much about the metal eggs, but the smithys might. Both Figment's skills and Ingrge's observations suggest that there isn't anything magical about these smaller beetles, no summonings no magic aura whatsoever. So they were either placed there physically, or maybe they hatched from something.
Helga meets up with the group as they approach the main dwelling cavern. To Dakar, she says sternly - "You're not bringing that thing in here. Put it with the live one. We don't want to frighten everyone, or lead others of its kind here." She does seem interested in examining it though.
Olana manages to acquire 2 pairs of pincers, which do separate into 4 sharp blades about a foot long.
The female head of the clan approaches K'Nara. "It looks like you had a tough fight," she says. "Thank you for saving our brothers who ran off on some foolish errand straight into danger against my wishes." Looking around at everyone, she adds - "We will organise food, and help with binding your wounds and cleaning you up. My thanks once more. You are very brave. While you were down there - we have been working on a map that shows where we think the main infestations are." The soup and ale carts arrive shortly afterwards.
Flueterflam d20=19 Tuesday May 8th, 2001 11:43:57 AM
Fluet follows the group back in silence. He appears rather occupied with his own thoughts. He also keeps an eye out for anything that may be watching them on the way back. (voluntary PER DC 19)
As they settle in temporarily to eat and recover, the bard sits motionless. He does not eat. He does not talk to anyone. Every so often, his gaze travels around to members of his group. He thinks about all the wonderful things that have been happening lately. Then Fluet's mind comes back to himself, the basic lack of anything great or out of the ordinary.
In his daydreaming, the youth starts to nod off slightly.
Figment d20+4=16 Tuesday May 8th, 2001 12:00:32 PM
The mage finds the egg and the Smithey's straightaway, wanting to find out everything he can before having to deal with these things head on. When he returns he looks at the maps and eats whatever is brought. (Do we get to see the map?).
He offers a couple of observations. "I think these smaller beetles come from a different origin than the big ones. They do not appear to be magical and definitely seem to operate with animal intelligence and purpose. I suppose it is possible that the bigger ones were created from these smaller ones somehow. We should keep an eye on the big beetle whose runes we removed to see if it changes at all now that it has been 'neutered'. Also, I think it should be pretty easy to lay traps for these smaller ones. We could attract them and then kill them once they are snared. Perhaps an oily fire trap or something. We could also cave in a section of a tunnel to trap them. Then we could simply wait and suffocate them. Lots of things like that we could do...". The mage tries to remember any stories or referrences to beetles this large from his days in school (Int check DC 16).
Figment Tuesday May 8th, 2001 12:03:12 PM
"And we should also have the bug bodies checked to see if any of them are male/female and if they have any reproduction capability since it appears the big ones do not necessarily spawn the smaller ones.".
Dakar Tuesday May 8th, 2001 7:18:38 PM
The dwarf nods and moves to where the other bug is contained, staying silent to Helga. When he returns he looks over the map. "Is there any pattern to their infestation? Do they follow ore lodes?" he asked the female clansdwarf.
Brother Bertram Tuesday May 8th, 2001 9:02:18 PM
Bertram carried his wounded comrade silently, watching for any attack. He listened to the others as they discussed the horrific bugs and how best to assail them.
Ingrge Tuesday May 8th, 2001 9:20:49 PM
Hmm now just because the little ones don't radiate magic doesnt mean they are not the same species. I still think that the bigger ones are queen types and the smaller ones are their spawn. It seems that the smaller ones are susptible to normal attack. Turning to Helga, Is this also true of the larger beatles?
Olana Wednesday May 9th, 2001 1:14:40 AM
Olana thanks the dwarves for their hospitality and tucks in to a bowl of soup. She then checks her wound and gives a sigh. Milo's spell had closed it - but it still looked a swollen angry red. "If anyone has any healing left, I'd be grateful," she asks. "I get the feeling this isn't going to be my only wound while we're here." She also asks Helga if the clan can spare some cloth - which she will tear into strips and attempt to wrap one end of the beetle pincers hopefully creating something that could be held and one end, and be very sharp at the other. Though her hands are busy, her ears are listening as the others discuss what they plan to do.
DM Jan ((OOC)) Wednesday May 9th, 2001 1:44:22 AM
((Map should be in your mailboxes as of 11pm pacific May 8. Scream via email if you don't have it.))
Milo Wednesday May 9th, 2001 3:36:47 AM
Silent as they return, Milo is thankful for the food and drink the dwarves provide. Looking at his own angry wound, he sighs, then turning back to Olana, lays his hand gently upon her once more and prays silently. (OOC: Dumping Guidance and Resistance for Cure Minor Wounds. 2 more hps for Olana.)
That done he turns to Bertram, "Does channeling your god's blessings sap the energy out of ya, like it does me?" Milo smiles weakly.
K'Nara Wednesday May 9th, 2001 5:59:41 AM
The human bladesinger picked up the map Helga made and inspected it, turning the map this way and that as she squinted at it.
"Hmmm...that reminds me..." K'Nara mumbled to herself, "I've got to remember to practice scribing myself...I'd like to have extra spells on scrolls handy in case I need 'em." She sighed and put the map down. "Helga makes better maps than me, this I know." The female fighter/sorcerer glanced at Olana, seeing Milo invoke more curative magic for her. Experience told the redhead that Olana still needed a significant amount of healing, however. (OOC: by my reckoning, our lovely ranger is still down by at least 13hp...which is likely about one-quarter of her overall total HP.)
"Do either of you have another healing spell, Dakar...Bertram..?" K'Nara asked the other two clerics. "Olana took a very nasty hit from the beetles she fought."
DM Jan (Plans plans plans) Wednesday May 9th, 2001 11:11:14 AM
Figment's trip to the smithy proves... interesting. As he arrives, he finds two dwarves wearing tough leather aprons having a big argument.
".... bad breath?? The next think tha'll be telling me - that I smell too!" "Well ya do!" "Well why didn't ya say so before?? Not that ah care any!" "Er... I dunno -"
They both stop abruptly as the mage approaches, obviously not wanting to continue with him present. It's very hot here, although out of the 4 furnaces, only one is currently active. At Figment's enquiries about the egg, both dwarves point to a smelting cup. "We melted it down - it's beautiful stuff, almost pure - like the beast 'as taken all the rough out. If we could get more of it - we wanna try and make a weapon, test it for strength and wotnot. It's not like we have anythin' else ta do at the moment."
Elsewhere in the cavern, Milo finds out what it's like to actually heal someone, and the energy it takes.
As strategy is discussed among the party and the map is examined, the following is discovered -
- At Dakar's question, Helga says that the X's on the map (where they presume the remaining big beetles are - are also sites of rich ore.
- The smaller beetles do appear to succomb to ordinary physical attacks, as do the larger ones. Orgar tells how it took 12 of his brothers to take down the one they dragged outside to the disgust of the soldiers camped there. As for the big one currently captured - "We got lucky - lured it through the wider tunnels by dropping mined ore and dropped that rock on it. Don't know what them runes are for. Work of a madman. No doubt about it."
- There is nothing to suggest the small ones breed - but then there's nothing to suggest they don't either.
- Both Fluet and Bertram saw no signs of further attacks or ambush as they headed back. Although there was a slight smell coming from one of the connecting larger tunnels.
-Olana manages to fashion 4 daggers out of the pincers. There's no telling how strong they will be, but they're definitely sharp, and seem well balanced for throwing.
Figment Wednesday May 9th, 2001 1:32:12 PM
The mage walks back to the group and the clan leader. "Helga, do any of your people know if the big beetles showed up first and then the small ones, or did they show up at the same time?".
To everyone he says "Interesting situation we have here. The big ones apparently eat the ore, metabolize the rock portion, and then produce pure metal as excrement in the shape of eggs. The smithies would like to secure another egg so that they will have enough metal to forge a weapon. Then they can test just how good the metal is. I would be willing to bet that the captured beetle no longer has this ability since we just removed the runes from it. Helga, if we could control the big beetles you could have them do the mining for you. Does anyone know what the smaller ones eat? What is their source of food? Do they eat ore too? How do they survive?".
Flueterflam Wednesday May 9th, 2001 5:11:56 PM
The bard suddenly looks up and around at everyone in the group. He appears to have thought of something, then blurts out loudly enough for most to hear him, "You guys don't think that this has anything to do with that wizard from the city? Do you? I was just thinking how strange it is that he was obsessed with those beetles and how the beetles seem to be following us wherever we go.....I mean, this can't be any coincidence that we keep falling into encounters with green beetles."
Fluet looks around for reactions from his peers, apparently waiting to see what everyone else thinks.
Ingrge Wednesday May 9th, 2001 6:01:20 PM
Shaken out of his reverie by Fluet's comments, Ingrge shakes his head slowly, but with a smile on his face. "Fluet my friend, I would almost guarantee it." Perhaps we should try to subdue and capture at least one of the big beetles then, so that the dwarves here might be able to procure more of this strange metal.
Brother Bertram Wednesday May 9th, 2001 8:22:15 PM
Bertram is helping the injured dwarf but does nod a quick affirmation to K'nara as he works.
Milo Wednesday May 9th, 2001 11:36:22 PM
Sitting with his back to a wall, Milo attempts to pay attention to the conversations around him, but soon finds himself nodding off into sleep.
K'Nara Thursday May 10th, 2001 6:11:57 AM
The tall human bladesinger nodded at Flueterflam.
"Very good conclusion, bard." she said, eyeing him with a bit of alarm, since their specific instructions from Parnoth and his head lackey, Mop, already said that the bug-obsessed wizard was the one who managed to infest these tunnels with...something. At that time, the green dragon was not aware (or at least had not mentioned being aware) that the infestation was of the giant beetles that the Talons found. K'Nara had thought that her entire party had already suspected that the late wizard was siccing his magicked bugs on these dwarves, but apparently Fluet was only just coming to this conclusion.
She'd have to remember to ask either Dakar or Brother Bertram...or maybe even Milo, now that he was turning to the clerical way of life...about the possibility that the normally-very-quick-on-the-uptake bard may have contracted some kind of brain fever or taken a rather hard knock on the head or something...
However, for now, K'Nara turned her attention back to the map, ruminating on the suggestions by Figment.
"Maybe we can take a page from these dwarves' book and use their tactic to insure that when we face the giant beetles (as opposed to the smaller ones,) they will be where WE want them..." K'Nara mused, then turned to Helga, "...is there any more of this ore that we could use as bait for the giant beetles..?"
Olana Thursday May 10th, 2001 12:01:42 PM
"Anyone need a spare dagger?" asks the elf. "Looks like they might be good for throwing, and better these than throwing something we already have and lose it." She then goes to sit alongside the dwarves being patched up by Bertram, as he plays doctor on duty, awaiting her turn. "So -" she asks, "Are we going to catch them? That should be interesting."
DM Jan (To Catch a Bug) Thursday May 10th, 2001 12:17:11 PM
As the Talons rest, recuperate and plan their next move, Helga and Orgar both, ponder the questions set to them.
"We're not sure which came first. The wizard arrived. He had papers from Parnoth, or at least thats what they looked like. "He stayed two days and then left. About 10 days later we came upon a tunnel that we didn't dig. Thats when we first saw the little mean ones. But then we found a big one too. How they got there we don't know."
Orgar clears his throat. "Only the big 'uns seem attracted to the ore. What feeds the smaller ones we don't know. Maybe they don't eat. Who knows. Maybe the big 'uns feed them. Scratching his beard, he adds - "If you're fer catching another big 'un. Then we need the brothers to suspend another rock somewhere." He looks at the map.
Figment Thursday May 10th, 2001 1:23:45 PM
The mage offers "You could also feed some more ore to the one you have captured and see if it can still produce. Might be nice to know. So then these big ones are following the veigns of metal into the earth - and you don't even have to dig. I wonder if the little ones are collecting the eggs and taking them somewhere. I suppose those things could have made a bunch of eggs by now.".
The mage begins to look over the map. "Seems like we could block off one of the main tunnels and then clean out the other one. That way we can't be surounded."
Flueterflam Thursday May 10th, 2001 2:10:42 PM
The bard doesn't appear to notice that he had basically said the obvious. He appears to be very disoriented without the sun. In addition, Fluet really looks like he needs sleep.
Milo Thursday May 10th, 2001 2:29:52 PM
Milo continues to sleep peacefully, sitting on the floor, leaning against the cool stone wall.
Dakar Thursday May 10th, 2001 4:24:34 PM
"Why can't we simply slay a big one? These things bleed, do they not?" He still remains covered in green ichor, and it is beginning to pool at the floor where he stands. "They bleed, and they die. Everything has a weakness. If it is to small to cleave with my axe... well." Dakar extends a gauntleted fist, and gestures with the long spike attached to the end of it. "These were crafted for ripping out the eyes of goblins. But bugs are green as well."
Brother Bertram Thursday May 10th, 2001 9:08:31 PM
Bertram looks up at the gore-spattered dwarf and says mildly, "Lets just not forget that we bleed also". He continues dressing wounds as best he can.
Brother Bertram 2d8(7+8)+5=20 Thursday May 10th, 2001 9:59:04 PM
Satisfied that the dwarven miner was going to be okay, Bertram turns to Olana. Clucking his tongue as he views her wounds he murmurs a prayer over her wounds, his hands moving as he prays. Suddenly new skin grafts over open cuts, bruising diminishes instantly, and Olana feels a small burst of energy surge through her. Bertram examines each of her wounds looking for any reddening around the areas suggestive of poisons. (OOC Cure Moderate)
K'Nara Friday May 11th, 2001 6:38:40 AM
"Not capturing beetles, Orgar," the woman warrior shook her red head, "No, we will be killing them...unless there's some way we can be assured that you can control them without being hurt. Since we don't know that--and I doubt that there's any in your clan who'd wish to try that, anyhow--we'd be laying a trail in order to lure the larger bugs into specific positions." K'Nara considered Figment's newest suggestion and grinned.
"Hmmm...blocking off a tunnel...that would work, too--assuming that these beetles can't tunnel very fast." She looked over the map Helga made. "How about we try to take on this one here...?" K'Nara pointed to the X'd cave that was northernmost on the map. "We could block off the other tunnels and see what that particular one is up to."
Olana Friday May 11th, 2001 10:57:18 AM
"Oooh!" says the elf, bouncing on her toes. "I feel so much better now. Thank you. Thank you very much!" She gives Bertram a bow and a warm smile. Noticing Milo fast asleep, she makes a mental note to have a word with him when he wakes up. Then she claps Fluet on the shoulder and gives him a grin before joining the others looking at the map. She asks Helga and Orgar - "Does the map show all the tunnels? or just the main ones?"
DM Jan Friday May 11th, 2001 11:11:27 AM
Helga gives Figment a wry grin. "They might be digging tunnels for us - but we can't get at the ore. We have a small stock of ore left. It might be better if we used that as a lure for those we haven't captured. I'm for killing the lot of them. If we don't get back into production soon - I'm worried that Parnoth may send in those guards you brought with you."
Orgar is scratching his beard and pondering all that is being said. Then he points a stubby finger at the map. "We could try the north east, but a've been wondering. You see down here? To the south? If we already got rid of all the small ones - then there's only a big 'un to worry about. The one in the north passage - I dunno - could be riddled with the beggers." At Olana's question he answers - "These are just the main ones - the tunnels big enough for the large beetles to pass. They can't get through the smaller tunnels - but the little 'uns can, and the small tunnels connect everywhere.
Figment Friday May 11th, 2001 11:37:41 AM
The mage shrugs his shoulders at everyone's remarks about killing the beetles. "It just seems to me that the big ones are doing you a favor if they are mining for you. If you let them be and they continued you could save yourself a lot of work. If you kill all the little ones and make sure no new ones arrive then I think you might do yourself some good - provided the big ones only are interested in eating ore. On another note: I don't think anyone knows about the eggs on the outside. If you kill off the bugs and we discover more of them you might do well to keep it that way.".
As they plan their strategy the mage mentions. "I'd say lets begin with the easier tunnel because that way we'll get a better look at these things before taking on the largest group of them.". The mage waits for the decision.
Milo Friday May 11th, 2001 7:57:37 PM
"ZZZZZZZzzzzz.... ZZZZZZzzzzzz..."
Brother Bertram Friday May 11th, 2001 10:13:01 PM
Bertram listened and pondered the discussion. "One thing we need to do is name these tunnels in some way that we all agree on so we can identify each quickly. Then we need to post a sentinel at the opening that is closest to the surface and safety. Perhaps we can get some of our dwarven brothers to do this. They could then let us know whats happening at thier station. We need to know whenever there is enemy movement and eliminate it in that area of the mines. If not we are just randomly killing these creatures without any assurances that they are completely gone. Thus we were taught at the temple and tis a good, sound strategy." Bertram awaits further discussion and checks his axe for any damage from the last battle.
Ingrge Sunday May 13th, 2001 10:10:00 AM
The only reason I suggested capturing another big one is that if they are producing a new metal that is good for producing weapons, then... Ingrge shrugs, and finishes with, it was just a thought. Ingrge looks around at his group to see if there is any one obviously still in need of healing after the clerics magics are used up.
K'Nara Monday May 14th, 2001 5:50:28 AM
"That's a very good point, there, Orgar," K'Nara agreed, nodding, "I think maybe you're right--that particular bug should be the first one that we go after." The leader of the Tines turned to Figment.
"The dwarves here were doing fine BEFORE the beetle infestation, Figment," she pointed out, "If--while we are fighting--you can come up with a way for them to be able to safely control the giant bugs, then we can propose that alternative to Helga...otherwise we'll just be killing them. Even the giant ones are dangerous--those ARE the ones that squirt that very venomous poison, after all." The human bladesinger frowned in concentration.
"I don't think we have to name the tunnels...yet...Brother Bertram." K'Nara told the cleric. "We have only three distinct areas to deal with--so far, that is. IF it gets more complex than that, then we'll have to think of something. Until then, though--let's get organized and find a way to track the beetle that's headquartered in the southernmost cave, eh?"
Olana Monday May 14th, 2001 10:46:43 AM
The elf nods at K'Nara. "Well - I'm ready," she says with conviction, and then goes to wake Milo and Fluet with a gentle shake of the shoulder.
DM Jan (Plans and Plots) Monday May 14th, 2001 10:59:40 AM
"Alright," says Helga. "If you're going into the south passage again, I'll post sentries in and around the north, then we know if any of the small ones are coming to hinder you." With that she strides off, calling out to some of the brothers. Orgar checks his axe and throws it on his back. "Might as well get this over with," he announces with a sharp yank on his beard. To Bertram he says - "North and South laddie, North and South - that's all we need to know." He then sets off, heading for the South Passage once more.
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