Scarcely any time had transpired since Lhosof had foolishly gushed about his most excellent discovery. Thankfully, there were not too many men still at The Nail by the time he became too loose-lipped, but those few men who had been present were the sort where there could be little doubt whether they would hatch their own schemes. And fast!

Life was tough and there were no tropies presented to the "Most Decent Stormhavian".

No, a man got ahead in life only by virtue of his own initiative. True, one could ill afford to make too many enemies, but it wasn't like little Lhosof was being double-crossed. He had already got his. Time for others to get theirs!

Perhaps this was the premise that brought the companions together for this expedition? There was safety in numbers, even if it meant having to share the spoils. The fact was that one dead man earned less treasure than one live man splitting six ways. Didn't take a City Taxman to figure that much...

***

Lhosof's drunken recounting of the trek was been spot-on: sewer grate nearest Old Man Hatch's Tannery, bear west toward Witchlight Marsh, right at the the broken portcullis, down the natural stairs nearest the Slaughterstone, past the fetid pools, and just beyond the Weeping Grotto.

There it is...the Dark Gaping Maw!

It is aptly named, for the dark portal looks like the very earth has opened wide and is prepared to rend flesh from any unfortunate soul that happens to pass through. A placid, inky pool spreads before the mouth of the cave. Dark waters slowly trickle through the teeth and create an unsettling sound akin to perverse slurping. A human arm hangs limply through two of the teeth, while a clutched fist grasps firmly around a copper statuette of a curvaceous female form.

There is no clear path to the cave entrance without moving through the water, though it might be possible to scale the rock walls around the edge of the water to reach the entrance.

OOC: I am assuming someone in the party is carrying the light source, as there is no natural light available. Please let me know who has the torch/lantern/etc. Thanks.

---

PC          AC    HP      AP    Notes
Ben         7    06/06    2     Surprise +2
Hestilan    10   04/04    3
Norion      3    12/12    2
Ravick      3    09/09    1
Saliq       7    04/04    3     Surprise +2
Sularius    8    07/07    3     Surprise (4 in 6 nonmetal armor & alone or with elves & halflings)


This message was last edited by the GM at 03:34, Mon 06 Feb 2012.

"That's interstin'," says Ben and he muses for a moment. "That water dun't look too good."

Ben pulls one of the torches and his tinderbox from his pack and hands it to one of the other party members. "Here, get busy with lightin' this. I'm gunna try and scale around to that copper whatjamajig."

OOC: to DM,do you want me to roll Climb Walls, or do you want to do it?

Saliq accepted the torches and steel. The illusionist gave the water (if it was water) a distrustful look. Turning, he glanced at the others "Anyone have a pole or spear butt we can use to rtest it?"

As he waited a reply he started lighting torches, one for each of the adventurers.

Ben calls back to Saliq, "don't light all the torches at once, now, I only brung ten!"

Ben then assesses the smoothness and slipperiness of the rock face, deciding it was safe to try and traverse towards the gaping maw unaided by ropes. He grunts as he attaches himself like a limpet to the rock.

OOC:
15:17, Today: Ben Scristos rolled 17 using 1d100. climb walls (85% base chance).

Ben scrambles over the smooth limestone with ease, due to a combination of raw skill and a set of hand and foothold indentations that run along the right approach to the cave mouth.

The line leads to a narrow ledge just to the right of the cave entrance. Ben can see the body from this vantage point. A dark-haired human whose cloth tunic is torn to shreds and stained with blood.

Ben looks around for obvious signs of trickery or skulduggery (other than the obvious corpse, that is) before making any further approaches.

OOC:
16:09, Today: Ben Scristos rolled 26,30 using d100,d100 with rolls of 26,30. Find Traps (30) 1st, Hear Noise (10) 2nd.

Success at Find/Remove Traps, failure at Hear Noise. What?! I hear you cry. Hear Noise 10%? Get those ears cleaned, boy!

Oh, for the customisability of 2nd Ed

In reply to Ben Scristos (msg #6):

Ravick accepts the torch and nods thankfully at Saliq.  He pulls a 10' pole that is tethered to his pack.  Laying his torch on flat rock, he takes the pole and sluices it through the the stagnant water.  He watches Ben scamper monkey-like across stone, from the corner of his eye.

Sularius shakes his head in the negative when offered a torch being more than happy to rely on his infravision to see.  As Ravick began to test the waters, he drew his sword, prepared to attack whatever might leap out of the pool.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:23, Mon 06 Feb 2012.

The half-elven Acolyte of Avandra probes the pool with the pole and determines that it is quite shallow near the edge, where a narrow shelf seems to run around the edge of the pool. Just a few feet beyond the shelf, the pool drops off quite rapidly, descending to unknown depths below.

Ravick's probing of the water does not stir any activity within the pool, save for the water itself.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the pool, Ben cautiously searches for any traps that might be lying in wait. There does not appear to be any. The thief strains his ear to hear anything above the sound of the water gurgling down into the cave's mouth, but hears nothing else of note.

From Ben's current vantage point, it is difficult to see very far within the cave, but it is obvious that the tunnel descends downward, rather than being a level surface.

Ben moves forward cautiously, with longsword at the ready, to examine the corpse a little more closely. Unfortunately, he discovers some loose gravel underfoot while he tries to cling to what ever shadows are available.


OOC: 22:25, Today: Ben Scristos rolled 84,16 using d100,d100 with rolls of 84,16. Move Silently (20) Hide in Shad (20).

The dwarf you collared in the Rusted Nail has been pretty quiet on the trek down here. Uncertain if he ever fully replied to any of your inquiries, he suddenly bursts out with "Alright then, if we've got to cross this water, then you go first my lad.", apparently speaking to his axe.

With his Battle Axe outstretched in his leading hand, Norion gingerly steps into the water and shuffles around the edge of the pool towards the cave entrance. As he approaches the mouth he says "Whatcha see in there?"

Ravick enters the pool and slowly wades through it by gingerly hugging the shallow rim.  He tucks pole through a hoop in his pack and draws his longsword.  He looks over at the rest of the group and waits for them.

Shrugging, Saliq follows the route Norion and Ravic took through the water, figuring he can always buy new boots with the gold he'll make. In his off hand (his left) he carries one of the lit torches. Reaching to his belt he draws a thin bladed dagger with his right hand and mentally runs through the illusions he had studied.

"Are you alright Ben?" he calls out in concern as he nears the entrance.

OOC: By my count we have two lit torches - one carried by Ravick, the other by me. The remaining unlit torches are in Saliq's backpack for now.

Ben hops onto a small outcropping next to the body to get a better look, while the rest of the companions begin wading their way around the rim of the pool.

The body is none other than Gerdi the Mouth, a regular at the Rusted Nail who acquired his nickname on account of his propensity to be loose-lipped and a fast talker to boot! Poor Gerdi was there last night to overhear Lhosof's tale. It seems he had the same idea, though beat you to the punch. Except, he didn't. Because, he's dead. You're not.

Scores of tiny puncture wounds cover his body from head to toe and these appear the end that did him in, for there are no other visible injuries. Bitten to death, by some unknown creature...

Gerdi is wearing a simple tunic and had a dagger at his side. Aside from the copper statuette he is still clutching in his left hand, Gerdi has nothing more of interest.
The copper statuette is a shapely woman with outstretched arms lifted toward the heavens. It is not overly impressive, but could probably fetch some coin in the Bazaar.

The other companions make their way around the pool with little fanfare, and if any monster were hiding in the pool, it has chosen to not reveal itself.

OOC: Copper Statuette of Shapely Woman (25 gp)
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:22, Tue 07 Feb 2012.

In reply to DM Storm (msg #14):

Ravick leans forward and bathes the corpse of Gerdi in torchlight.  "I like not the look of this," he says.  "Whatever did him in his bound to still be lurking hereabouts."

Gesturing at the corpse with his axe, "That right there is a lousy way to die my lads. I'd sooner shave my beard and court a gnome before suffering such an end."

Slowly stepping over the threshold, Norion enters the cave.

The dwarf does not suffer any calamity while navigating the ledge toward the cave entrance and boldly steps beneath the jagged stalactites that resemble fangs, and into the mouth of the cave.

Inside the cave is a short but reasonably wide chamber with a tunnel at the far end that slopes gently downward. The chamber walls are a mixture of dark soapstone and banded green limestone and appear reasonably sturdy to the dwarf. Dark water filters into the chamber, eventually leading down toward the narrow tunnel, which seems to continue on for perhaps 30 feet before dropping precipitously into darkness.

The water on the chamber floor is not very deep, perhaps a few inches at most and it is possible to walk along the sides and avoid the water altogether; however even the sides are slick.

Turning attention to the chamber itself, the walls are covered in crude rune-shapes, which appear to consist of some form of dried yellowish mucous.

"Spooky," whispers Ben as he moves to the mouth of the tunnel at the far end of the chamber. He sticks the pinky of his left hand in his ear and gives it a good wiggle before listening at the tunnel mouth.

OOC: 10:44, Today: Ben Scristos rolled 57 using 1d100. Hear Noise (base chance 10).

Saliq looked down at Gerdi and grimaced. They hadn't been friends but as frequenters of the Rusted Nail had known each other in passing. Not a pleasant experience to stumble across his body.

"Do you want to say a few words to the gods on his behalf?" he asked Ravick.

Sularius cautiously follows Norion into the gaping maw; it wasn't his practice to follow dwarves anywhere, but given the circumstances, and the fact that this cave led underground, following a dwarf seemed prudent.

In reply to Saliq Musfara (msg #19):

Ravick nods to Saliq and kneels beside the corpse.    "May Avandra commend your soul during each step of its final journey.  May your final destination be filled with warmth, peace, and pleasant voices."  He rubs damp soil on the bottom of each of the man's boots, and rises.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:54, Wed 08 Feb 2012.

Ben does not hear anything other than the sound of water flowing down the tunnel toward darkness below.

"I don't like the look of this tunnel, maybe we oughta look for secret doors," whispers Ben, before commencing the search.

Breaking his gaze down the dark passage, Norion begins to fuss about the chamber, muttering to himself. "Thats right... okay then... if you're sure about that... I remember, ya don't have ta remind me." and such being overheard by people standing near to him.

Today: Norion Ironaxe rolled 238 using 5d100 with rolls of 96,10,19,53,60. DorfChex: slope const slide traps depth.

Norion's keen eyes for stonecraft do not detect any signs of new construction, shifting walls, traps, etc. Furthermore, the dwarf is unable to precisely determine the depth of this cave. There had been so many twists and turns prior to arriving at the Weeping Grotto, that Norion is at a bit of a loss on this point.

Meanwhile, Ben busies himself with the task of searching the smooth stone walls for any signs of hidden or secret doors that are not readily obvious. The thief does not find any.

The torchlight casts strange shadows against the dark walls and the direction of the flame indicates a slight draft issuing forth from the dark tunnel. And then...

First Ben hears it, and pretty soon the entire party makes out the sound of a riot of wings flapping. Getting closer. Echoing through the tunnel...

OOC: Roll Init!

STAGE 1: Ben
STAGE 2: Enemies...but what could they be ??? (5)
STAGE 3: Norion, Ravick, Saliq
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:35, Wed 08 Feb 2012.

"Oh ya... it looks like my lad isn't the only thing thats hungry down here." as Norion readies his shield and glances around to see where the rest of the party is standing.

"Gerdi's friends I assume," Saliq muttered as he readied a throwing-dagger and moved behind Norion. He was no coward but he was unarmoured.

12:45, Today: Saliq Musfara rolled 4 using 1d6. Initiative.

Ben steels himself for combat, armoured or not, he liked to wave his sword around.

OOC: 14:52, Today: Ben Scristos rolled 6 using 1d6. Initiative, or lack thereof.

With the +2 Susprise modifier, that makes a roll of 8.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:08, Wed 08 Feb 2012.

Ravick draws his sword and shield and stands beside Saliq.  "You best remain near me, friend."  He flashes the illusionist a smile.

The sound of fluttering wings begins to fill the cavern, growing louder with each passing second. Soon, a flood of movement can be seen emerging from the gloom of the dark tunnel. The airborne creatures emerge from darkness, revealing a dozen or so tiny bat-like creatures fitted with a long, curved needle-like proboscis.

Norion would be quite familiar with the creature, for they are the bane of dwarven miners everywhere: stirges! Perhaps others as well, regardless of one's familiarity, the companions would soon gain an intimate understanding of these blood-thirsty pests!

The stirge hatchlings flutter forward, filling the chamber in anticipation of a light sup...

OOC: Sularius still needs to roll init (d6 + surprise); however Ben won init so he definitely goes first.

---

6 Stirge Hatchlings: AC 8. HP: 1


PC          AC    HP      AP    Notes
Ben         7    05/06    2     Surprise +2, 1 Stirge attached
Norion      3    12/12    2
Ravick      3    09/09    1
Saliq       7    04/04    3     Surprise +2
Sularius    8    07/07    3     Surprise (4 in 6 nonmetal armor & alone or with elves & halflings)

STAGE 1: Ben, Sularius
STAGE 2: Stirge Hatchlings (Init: 5)
STAGE 3: Norion, Ravick, Saliq
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:43, Thu 23 Feb 2012.

With lighting speed, Ben leaps into action and takes a swipe at the nearest flying critter. Obviously, they are flying just out of the reach of his sword as his intended blow meets nothing but thin air.

OOC: 16:21, Today: Ben Scristos rolled 7,8 using d20,d8. attack and damage stirge hatchling.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:32, Wed 08 Feb 2012.

Eight stirge hatchlings fill into the room and begin flapping around wildly, seemingly disoriented by the torchlight, for they attempt to swoop in against Ravick but always pitch back at odd angles before getting too close.

Ben is not so lucky however, for he finds himself the victim of a tiny stirge. The little blood-sucker latches on and begin drawing blood through its proboscis!

One stirge makes dive at Norion, but is easily rebuffed!

OOC: Ben is hit for 1 point of damage. The hatchlings can be removed with a successful to-hit roll.

Stage 3 is up!
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:56, Wed 08 Feb 2012.

As the stirge comes flying at hit, Sularius slices clean through the wicked creature.

OOC:

17:57, Today: Sularius Alariel rolled 17,7 using d20+3,d8+3. Attack and Damage (long sword).

Cursing in his native tongue (which came across oddly eloquent for the circumstances) Saliq thrust with with dagger but failed to connect with one of the swift flying horrors.

"They are fast as they are ugly," he says shooting Ravick a frustrated smile.


OOC: 16:33, Today: Saliq Musfara rolled 9,2 using d20,d4. Attack and Damage (dagger).

"I hope to make them uglier," says Ravick, his blade biting deep into the hide of the loathsome beast.

OOC:
13:41, Today: Ravick rolled 13,6 using d20,d8. Attack and Damage (Longsword).
This message was last edited by the player at 02:05, Thu 09 Feb 2012.

Ravick and Sularius deftly strike down two of the stirge hatchlings, their grotesque little bodies explode in a spray of red gore. Six remain, one is attached to the back of Ben's buttocks and five hover around Ravick, desperately seeking a way to feed on sweet, half-elven blood.

"Oh no you don't!" shouts Norion as he tries to seperate the stirge which attached itself to Ben.


Today: Norion Ironaxe rolled 11 using 1d20+1.

Two hatchlings now lay splattered in a crumpled, bloody heap on the floor; however six still buzz about like pesky gnats on a warm summer day out on the Withchlight Marsh, hungry for just a little taste of blood.

Five circle around Ravick, while the sixth feverishly works to suck Ben dry...

OOC: Round 2, Stage 1 is UP!.

---

2 Stirge Hatchlings: AC 8. HP: 1
6 have already been slain.


PC          AC    HP      AP    Notes
Ben         7    04/06    2     Surprise +2, 1 Stirge attached
Norion      3    12/12    2
Ravick      3    09/09    1
Saliq       7    03/04    3     Surprise +2, 1 Stirge attached
Sularius    8    07/07    3     Surprise (4 in 6 nonmetal armor & alone or with elves & halflings)

STAGE 1: Ben, Sularius
STAGE 2: Stirge Hatchlings (Init: 5)
STAGE 3: Norion, Ravick, Saliq
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:15, Fri 10 Feb 2012.

Seeing the stirge still attached to Ben, Sularius spins and brings his blade down on top of it, separating the creature from Ben's backside.  He then turns and barely misses connecting with another one buzzing around Ravick.

OOC:

07:40, Today: Sularius Alariel rolled 17 using 1d20+3.
07:40, Today: Sularius Alariel rolled 11 using 1d20+3. Attack Stirge 2nd attack.

Ben is stunned that anyone would attack a stirge with a sword while it was attached to him, but nevertheless is grateful to Sularius for ridding him of the parasite. His own efforts at slaying one of the vermin, however, are ineffective.

OOC: 09:14, Today: Ben Scristos rolled 4,8 using d20,d8. attack stirge with sword.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:03, Thu 09 Feb 2012.

Five stirges now angrily flit about the cavern, spurred into a blood-frenzy by such a large concentration of warm, flowing nectar.

The hatchlings  now seem to have given up on attacking the light-wielder, rather they turn their attention toward there others...

Two buzz around the elven swordmage searching for a chance to feed, but are afforded no luxury. Sularius deftly dances and jukes out of harm's way, keeping the hatchlings at bay. One turns on Norion but likewise has little success piercing the dwarf's stout defenses.

Ben once again is victimized by one of the blood-suckers, for another sinks its needle into the scoundrel's shoulder and begins to feed!

Finally, Saliq is attacked and unable to fight off the buzzing pest. The hatchling lands on the illusionist's left hip and proceeds to take its fill.

OOC: Ben and Saliq take 1 HP of damage and now have a hatchling attached. The other three missed.

Stage 3 is UP!
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:59, Thu 09 Feb 2012.

Ravick prepares to strike at the foul creatures again.  "Have at you, filth!"  Unfortunately, his footing unsure, due to ichor that flows underfoot, and his vicious stroke throws him dangerously off balance.  Eyes agape, the acolyte of the Avandra stumbles and struggles to regain his footing.

OOC:

05:18, Today: Ravick rolled 1,5 using 1d20,1d8. Attack and Melee (Longsword).
 
This message was last edited by the player at 13:21, Thu 09 Feb 2012.

"Ghaaa!" cries Norion as he tries to follow the flight of the stirges.

Then in a cinematic moment of best watched in slow-motion, Norion's axe comes down just as two stirges hover for a split second in mid-air. The resulting mess making him cringe and spraying him with ichor.

After spitting repeatedly to remove the filth from his mouth, "Hmm, that tastes funny."

Today: Norion Ironaxe rolled 12,7,21,4 using d20+1,d8+2,d20+1,d8+2. 2att/rnd: hit, dmg, hit, dmg.

Saliq cried out out in pain as the horriffic thing attatched to him and began sucking. With shaking hand he slashed at it desperately til at last the vile stirge fell away in two pieces. Shuddering in disgust he stomped on the still twitching remains, grinding it into the muck.


OOC:
00:05, Today: Saliq Musfara rolled 13,1 using d20,d4. Attack and Damage (dagger).

The dark cavern is now littered with splattered hatchlings, yet two still remain: one siphoning blood from Ben and the other hovering between Ravick and Sularius.

Odds were definitely in favor of the top-siders now, but the greedy blood-suckers were too stupid to realize it. The stirges that is, not the Stormhavians!

---

2 Stirge Hatchlings: AC 8. HP: 1
6 have already been slain.


PC          AC    HP      AP    Notes
Ben         7    04/06    2     Surprise +2, 1 Stirge attached
Norion      3    12/12    2
Ravick      3    09/09    1
Saliq       7    03/04    3     Surprise +2
Sularius    8    07/07    3     Surprise (4 in 6 nonmetal armor & alone or with elves & halflings)

STAGE 1: Ben, Sularius
STAGE 2: Stirge Hatchlings (Init: 5)
STAGE 3: Norion, Ravick, Saliq

OOC: Round 3, Stage 1 is UP!
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:52, Sat 11 Feb 2012.

In reply to DM Storm (msg #45):

Hoping to redeem himself, Ravick assumes a grim aspect and swings his blade once again.   The blade misses and belches sparks after striking a jagged stalactite.

OOC:

18:59, Today: Ravick rolled 7,4 using 1d20,1d8. To Hit and Melee Damage.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:00, Fri 10 Feb 2012.

In a panic, Ben runs circles around himself trying to dispatch the attached stirge with the blade of his sword before giving up and giving it a healthy whack with the pommel instead.

He is surprised at the efficacy of combat with the blunt end of his sword and wonders to himself why he has never tried it before.

OOC: 09:30, Today: Ben Scristos rolled 15,5 using d20,d8. get it off, get it off!

Sularius swung wildly at one of the stirges, nearly losing his balance as the flying nuisance easily dodged his haphazard attack.

OOC:

12:40, Today: Sularius Alariel rolled 5 using 1d20+3. Attack Stirge.

With only one stirge hatchling buzzing around near Sularius, victory was surely in the hands of the Stormhavians now!

Any intelligent creature would have hightailed it out of there by now, but such was not the case for these pests. The stirge dive bombs Sularius in one final blaze of glory...and manages to plunge its proboscis deep into the elf's flesh.

At least it would get one final, richly satisfying elf-blood meal before it met its end.

Mmm... Sweet ecstasy...

OOC: Stirge hits Sularius for 1 point of damage and is now attached. Ravick inadvertently went in the wrong stage, so he has already used his turn. Norion and Saliq may take their Stage 3 actions however.

---

1 Stirge Hatchlings: AC 8. HP: 1
7 have already been slain.


PC          AC    HP      AP    Notes
Ben         7    04/06    2     Surprise +2
Norion      3    12/12    2
Ravick      3    09/09    1
Saliq       7    03/04    3     Surprise +2
Sularius    8    06/07    3     Surprise (4 in 6 nonmetal armor & alone or with elves & halflings), Stirge attached

STAGE 1: Ben, Sularius
STAGE 2: Stirge Hatchlings (Init: 5)
STAGE 3: Norion, Ravick, Saliq

<Orange>OOC: Round 3, Stage 3 is UP!

Gagging in disgust at the sight of the repulsive creature feasting, Saliq moves to aid Sularius. After a moment of hesitation he strikes, driving his already ichor coated dagger deep into the hatchling's tiny brain.

"Urg... thank all the gods but that's the last of them!"

OOC:
12:30, Today: Saliq Musfara rolled 13,1 using d20,d4. Attack and Damage (dagger).

With the last of the hatchlings now splattered onto the cavern floor, the chamber becomes much less frenzied now. The stirge's attack had only lasted a couple of minutes, but they were blood-pumping minutes at that!

Literally...

Save for the sound of water flowing into the chamber and down the dark tunnel where the hatchlings came from, the chamber is quiet. No obvious exits lead off from this chamber, except from the gaping maw and the dark tunnel.

---

PC          AC    HP      AP    Notes
Ben         7    04/06    2     Surprise +2
Norion      3    12/12    2
Ravick      3    09/09    1
Saliq       7    03/04    3     Surprise +2
Sularius    8    06/07    3     Suprise +1 while unencumbered or 4 in 6 nonmetal armor & alone or with elves & halflings
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:32, Sat 11 Feb 2012.

"Well, if that's the teeth, and that's the gums, over there's the gullet... hmm.. hmm.." carefully testing his footing on the smooth stone. "Well my lad, what can we do?"
Slowly moving over the the body at the entrance, "No, I don't think he'll mind, but its disrespectful all the same!"

Timidly turning to the rest of the party, "Would it be bad to throw something down this chute?"

In reply to Norion Ironaxe (msg #52):

"What if we give it indigestion?" says Ravick to the Dwarf.   The priest winces as he approaches Ben and says, "How's your backside, lad?  If I had some sort of salve or unguent, I'd happily give it you." 

As the dwarf and human converse, Sularius circles the chamber, searching for any concealed or hidden passages that they may have missed but seems content that there is nothing to find.

Glancing down the dark tunnel, he motions towards it, "I suppose that way is our only option."

OOC:
16:02, Today: Sularius Alariel rolled 6 using 1d6. Active secret door check.

Despite an exhaustive search, Sularius does not find any secret or hidden doors in this cavern.

The elf does notice that there appears to be a series of handholds running along the right side of the tunnel that leads off the chamber. The tunnel pitches slightly downward and seems to extend just beyond the torchlight's range before it becomes more steep and curves away to the right.

Norion judges these handholds to have been recently added to the tunnel, for they are not natural features and seem to have been hastily carved and no great care went into their construction.

"I think we can manage with these handholds, slowly perhaps. I do wish I'd brought a bit o rope. That's one more lesson I've failed to remember..."

Slumping his shoulders just a bit, Norion holsters his axe and secures his sack and shield in preparation for the descent. He waits a moment to see if anyone wants to take point or scout out ahead.

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
If nobody takes charge, Norion will carefully make his way downward using the handholds to brace himself.

---

Before Norion takes the lead, Ravick says, "Perhaps Ben should poke head down there first and take a gander.  He's more adroit at moving without making sound.  What say you, Ben?  Are you feeling up to it?"

"That's why I'm here" smiles Ben cheerily, while pulling a large coil of rope from his shoulders. "Anybody want to hold onto the end of this while I go down?"

Saliq steps forward to take up the rope: "I will my friend." He grins and adds jokingly; "it's always best to know exactly when to start running."

"I can give you a hand with that my lad." says Norion as he plants his feet and joins in the anchoring of the rope.

Ben ties the rope in a harness around his torso and ignores the handholds, trusting instead in the strength of his companions as eases his way over the precipice. "If you feel any violent tugging, pull me up as fast as you can", he quips as the light from his torch disappears over the edge.

OOC:
21:15, Today: Ben Scristos rolled 84 using 1d100. climb walls (85% base chance).
Close! GM, are you applying modifiers?


21:21, Today: Ben Scristos rolled 54 using 1d100. move silently (20).
Hard to do when you're hanging on a rope.

This message was last edited by the player at 20:22, Sun 12 Feb 2012.

Ben finishes securing the rope and then begins making his way down the slippery tunnel toward the darkness ahead. The going is slow but the sure-footed thief makes it to the end of the tunnel without any major mishaps, sure a minor slip here of there, but Ben remains upright through it all.

The tunnel descends for about 30 feet before dropping precipitously down into a somewhat roundish chamber some 20 feet below. The chamber is about 60 feet in diameter, but mostly filled with dark water. There is however a narrow ledge that runs along the right side of the chamber, offering some semblance of dry ground below. A series of small tunnels are set into the eastern half of the chamber, which are reachable from the ledge, but what lies within these is not able to be determined from Ben's current vantage point.

As he has reached the end of his rope, Ben calls out to his colleagues what he can see and recommends that they tie the rope off at their end and make their way down. He draws his sword and keeps an eye (and ear) out for trouble.

OOC: 16:53, Today: Ben Scristos rolled 62 using 1d100. hear noise (10).

Ravick kneels down and begins helping Norion tie the rope to the uppermost rung of the ladder.

Once the rope is securely tied, Sularius steps towards it, "I'll go first."  Assuming there are no objections he starts carefully climbing down.

Humming a dwarven mining song, Norion nods in approval to Ravick's rope skills. He places a hand on Ravick's shoulder and quietly whispers, "I can stay up here and watch the rope if you want me to, ya kno' in case someone comes along to fool with it."

Saliq waits til Sularius has reached the bottom before taking to the rope himself.

In reply to Norion Ironaxe (msg #66):

"Better we all delve together, friend."  Ravick's face splits into an ugly smile and he pats Norion's burly shoulder.

Sularius climbs down the rope while angling away to his left, toward the narrow ledge along the east side of the chamber below. There was a difference of about 10 feet to make up, but thankfully the elf finds some jagged outcroppings that allow him to scale down with relatively little effort.

In fact, it was quite possible that a sure-footed, unencumbered man could make the climb with no ropes at all. Perhaps that was how the dead man you found at the cave's entrance made his way into the cave?

During Sularius' descent, someone barely notices a line of nests along the north face of the cavern wall, about 40 feet above the water. The nests are obscured in shadow, but appear to be constructed of odd scraps of cloth, leather, twigs, and perhaps...bones?

These could be the nests where the hatchlings came from. Maybe the stirge-mother was circling about elsewhere in this cavern complex?

The elf eventually makes it to ledge, thankfully unolested by any stirges.

After Saliq and Ravick shimmy down the passageway and out of sight, Norion flexes his stubby fingers and takes hold of the rope. After a long exhale, "Well my lad, here we go..." He then makes his way down the rope to join the rest of the party.

The rest of the companions make their way down the rope to the ledge below and nobody has any undue difficulty with the task at hand. The wall actually had several strategic holds along the way that made the descent quite easy, especially with Ben down below guiding the way.

The ledge itself is a narrow, crescent-shaped wedge rising just above the dark pool, and quite slick. There are several small pools of standing water on the ledge, in addition to calcified water lines near the bottom of the cavern wall, which suggests that the cave may occasionally see higher water levels. Five small tunnels, ranging anywhere from 3 to 5 feet in diameter, lead away from the ledge, all generally in an easterly direction.

Just beyond the entrance to the north-most tunnel, a metallic shimmer reflects your torchlight.

Once everyone is gathered, Ben attempts the traverse over to the ledge but then elects to find out how deep the water is (using his whole body as a 10' pole).

08:40, Today: Ben Scristos rolled 97 using 1d100. climb walls (85% base chance).

Noticing the metallic glint, Sularius draws his sword and quietly makes his way over to it to see what it is.

Ben dips into the cold, dark water and discovers that the ledge gently drops away for a few feet. A few careful steps later, the depth plunges quite rapidly toward the center of the pool. The pool is easily 6 feet or more in depth as soon as one gets about 5 feet distant from the ledge.

As Ben is walking chest-deep in the water, probing the depth, his submerged feet stumble upon something solid below. Perhaps a log?

Meanwhile, the elf quietly stalks ahead toward the metallic glint seen in the north-most tunnel...

OOC: Going to wait for the other characters actions before revealing anything further on the log or glint :)

Saliq caustiously moves along the ledge after Sularius, his own dagger drawn should the elf need aid (or stumble across treasure.)

Ravick draws his sword and readies his shield as the party begins to delve deeper.

Norion follows Ben till the water reaches his knees. He braces himself in the shallow water to help Ben if he needs a hand.

Ben and Norion wade through the water, sending gentle ripples through the pool as they probe along the edge trying to ascertain depth. Ben is not certain what the solid object his foot bumped into, but it does move when pushed along. The item could probably be fished out, if one were to lower themselves into, and possibly under the water; but it is not reachable at its present location while standing erect in the pool.

Meanwhile, Sularius, Saliq and Ravick approach the metallic shimmer emanating from the northmost corridor. Ravick's torch bathes light into the dark tunnels as they pass: all seem to be winding, tube-like affairs that disappear beyond a curve after only a few feet. Even the largest of the tunnels would require all but Norion to stoop to enter.

The trio discover a soiled cloth sack full of coins, mostly copper and silver from the looks of it, its contents partially spilled out onto the slick stone floor. A battered short sword lies just behind, and partially obscured by the sack.

Ben returns to the side of the ledge and pulls his pack off his back. "There's something under the water," he says, "unless anyone brought more rope, somebody's going to have to go back up and untie mine."

He then pulls a grappling hook from his backpack and holds it up, "we're going to use this to try and hook it and pull it out. Unless anyone fancies a dive?"

Ben's aroma is not improved by his dip in the water. In fact, he now smells like a wet owlbear.

Sularius cautiously pokes at the bag of coins with his sword, and then sword.  Hearing Ben he turned his head over his shoulder, "Do you think it could be a body?  Someone left some valuables up here."

"No, it was solid. I nearly broke my shins on it," exaggerated Ben.

"We best be cautious, lads," says Ravick, eyeing the water.  "Once corpse is enough."

"You're telling me," says Ben with a roll of his eyes.

Norion wades over to the dry ledge and unloads his gear to the ground. With only his armor and a handaxe he wades back into the water with the clear intention of diving for stuff. He looks to Ben for approval before taking a deep breath and plunging into the water. "I can hold my breath a little while if you want me to take a look."

"Knock yourself out, you're nearly at eye level with it anyway."

Coins spill out of the bag when the elf prods it with the tip of his sword. There actually appears to be a trail of coins leading into and around the dark tunnel's corner. It appears as though someon dropped the sack in a hurry and never bothered coming back for it. Pushing the back to the side, Sularius sees a beat-up, but functional short sword.

***

Meanwhile, the dwarf dives underwater to retrieve the object Ben had referred to. The dwarf disappears under the water for but a few seconds when Ben notices a set of large bulging eyes has just broke through the surface of the dark pool, perhaps 10 feet from the ledge.

The dark, lidless eyes are quite large. A moment later, the top of the creature's head emerges, a giant frog!

Judging just by the size of the mottled green-gray amphibian's head, the creature must be quite massive in size.

RIBBIT, it lowly croaks...

"FFFFFROG!" shouts Ben, in warning to all of the party before drawing his sword and ploughing back through the water to attack the beastie.

OOC: am I able to attack using backstab if the creature is swimming towards Norion?
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:14, Sat 18 Feb 2012.

"Maybe it belonged to Gerdi?" Saliq suggested looking at the sack of gold and sword. He didn't sound or look terribly convinced though.

Just then Ben cried out and Saliq whirled around to see the frog. His jaw dropped in shock but fortunately his training took over and he at once found himself reciting the words of a spell. The illusionist concentrated, trying to conjure up the image of a second giant frog emerging from the depths off to the side of the real thing and facing it.

He was counting on the frog being territorial - or maybe looking for a mate!

OOC: Saliq casts Phantasmal Force to create an illusionary frog emerging about ten feet to the side of the real frog (away from both the ledge and Ben.) If the real frog starts moving towards the illusion he'll wait till it gets close then make the fake frog appear to sive beneath the surface.

Then run!

The very large and very real frog remains deathly still as Ben wades into the water toward it, seemingly unperturbed by the rogue's advance. The illusory frog does however grab its attention. The frog ducks its head rapidly into and out of the water several times, sending a shock of ripples through the dark water, before finally plunging violently into pool.

Ben closes to perhaps 5 feet of the frog before it disappears. Several tense moments pass...

And then Norion emerges from the water...he has caught the submerged item, and is now dragging it along the sloped shelf toward the ledge. It is wedge shaped, possibly made of metal and wood. A shield perhaps?

Norion drags the object out of the water...

A tavern placard?

The sign, which is beginning to warp from being underwater, but still intact, depicts an upright black cask set before two sheafs of wheat. Nine gold coins encircle the cask.

Perhaps one of the companions (Ben?) recognizes this as the sign of The Nine Vagabond Taphouse, a dive tavern of some degree of ill repute located in the Glades, a small community just on the outskirts of West Stormhaven.

Nine Vagabond, or "Nine-V" as it is sometimes referred, is an infamous locale where one can go to buy and sell all manner of ill-gotten gains.

The real frog does not come back, apparently spooked away by Saliq's clever use of illusory trickery.

OOC: Well played Saliq! Norion, and perhaps Ben, owes you one ;)
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:57, Sat 18 Feb 2012.

Hearing Ben's scream, Sularius rushes of to the edge of the ledge, contemplating jumping into the pool of water until he sees the second frog appear, and then the first from disappear under the water.  Seeing Saliq's mouth and hands moving, Sularius nods, silently commending the illusionist for his quick thinking.

"That's a strange thing to find and no mistake," says Ben. "Well done, Norion and many thanks to Saliq."

"Now then," he continues, spying the spilled coins on the ledge, " best gather up that booty and get out of here before that thing comes back."

Ben drags himself out of the water and gathers his things before going to the tunnel mouth with the treasure. "It seems there's a trail of coins," he says while checking for traps, "shall we follow it?"

OOC: 21:46, Today: Ben Scristos rolled 15,6 using d100,d100. Hear Noise (10) Find Traps (30).

Saliq smiled at the thanks, relieved his trick had worked... and also not a little proud of his ability. He nodded at Ben.

"I agree we follow the trail in - I think we've shown we're better able to handle ourselves than the likes of poor Gerdi!"

Nonplussed by the frogs, Ravick draws his sword and keeps his back to the wall of the ledge.  "I agree that we should hasten before the foul croaker rears his fleshy head once again."

The companions gather several hundred copper and silver coins, mostly of Stormhavian mint, from the cavern floor. The short sword is of functional build, but no great craftmanship was invested in its construction.

The trail of coins continues a few feet into the north-most tunnel and seems to end just before the tunnel sweeps around to the right, out of view from the ledge.

Ben faintly hears the sound of a slow moving current echoing through the three north-most tunnels, suggesting that they each lead to an underground river or stream. No discernible noise emanates from the two southern-most tunnels.

Five tunnels, perhaps each leading to even greater riches deeper within the bowels of the Dark Gaping Maw...

OOC: 245 copper pieces and 125 silver pieces were collected.

"Hmmm... about ten or fifteen gold pieces in small change, a statuette and a placard for the Nine Vee." Ben muses for a moment.

"What do you think we'll get for the placard from the Nine Vee? Do you think they'll want it back?"

Ben scouts ahead in the northern most tunnel, to look round the bend.


OOC: 00:04, Today: Ben Scristos rolled 1,91 using d100,d100. Move Silently (20) Hide in Shad (20).

Ben floats like a butterfly and glows like a glowworm!
This message was last edited by the player at 23:08, Sat 18 Feb 2012.

After kinking to the right, the tunnel leads ahead about 30 feet before it opens to what appears to be one of the many sewer canals that snake beneath the sprawling city of Stormhaven.

"So that's what the smell is. I thought it was me," whispers Ben to himself and motions for the others to follow as he moves on ahead to the sewer tunnel.

OOC: failed at everything I rolled ...

After emerging from the water with his trophy in hand, Norion was pleased with himself until he saw the various expressions of relief, approval, surprise and concern on the faces of his companions. Looking over his shoulder, Norion yelped in surprise at image of the giant frog lurking in the water behind him. Splashing his way out of the water, he retrieved his Greataxe and was pointing at the illusion shouting "Monster!" in his native Dwarvish. Not until the rest of the party explained everything to him did he finally look away from the water and lower his axe. It seems he doesn't really like the water, so the shock of something in there with him really upset him.

---

After sufficient coaxing from the rest of the party, Norion follows behind with his Battleaxe and Shield equipped. Grumbling to himself, he won't be caught off-guard again!

Ravick begins to swoon as Ben's noisome aroma mingles with the foulness of the sewer.  He crushes his nose against the rim of his shield, but doing so offers no reprieve.  Finding no other recourse, the homely acolyte swallows audibly and beseeches his deity to intervene on his behalf.   The only thing that distracts him is the memory of the awful frog lurking in the pond back yonder.  He twists his neck and peers back through the darkness, half-expecting to see the wretched creature bounding slimily towards them.

The party makes their way through the tunnel's narrow confines and eventually arrives at a wide underground stream. The smell of raw sewage is not overly thick, but it is certainly present, though perhaps a bit overwhelmed by the earthier smell of bog.

This subterranean waterway must run underneath much of Stormhaven, for several signs of the city's refuse is washed up along a mucky shore on the side closest to the tunnel which you emerged. Tattered rags cling to rotting chair legs jammed against the rocky shore. The remnants of a leather boot drifts by and bobs up and down as it makes its way through Stormhaven's bowels. The river is choked with such items, the unwanted garbage of the city's denizens.

To the right, one can see what are probably the other two tunnels from which you heard flowing water. Further down still, you see a pile of rocks where the first two tunnels probably once emerged onto the underground sewer stream, but have since collapsed and are unpassable. The underground river continues beyond the ambit of your torch.

To the left, the direction in which the current flows, a rocky shore bends around a corner to the right. On a small promontory at the apex of the bend, a motionless humanoid figure is lying face down atop a pile of rags that has washed ashore.

OOC: I used ambit in a description. Gary Gygax would be proud. :)
This message was last updated by the GM at 05:11, Sun 19 Feb 2012.

Ravick points at the humanoid.  "One of us should inspect, I think."

Sularius nods at the priest's words, "I will go."

His sword at the ready, Sularius slowly makes his way to the promontory, keeping his eyes out for any movement from the body, or the waterway beyond.

Saliq watches carefully, a long bladed dagger in his hand ready to be thrown at a moments notice. "I don't know about you gentlemem but I'm glad I didn't chose to come alone."

"I second that, Saliq, my friend" says Ben as he places a bullet in the pouch of his sling.

Sularius cautiously walks along the bank toward the prone humanoid, a man it seems, sprawled atop a pile of rags and other refuse. The elf begins to hear high-pitches squeaking and chittering sounds, when he gets to about 20 feet distant from the body.

Then, a flicker of motion to the left of the pile...

A small group of tiny men, perhaps two or three in total, sprint out from behind the rubbish pile, each racing toward the cavern wall just to to the left of the promontory. Sularius only sees them for a brief moment before they disappear into a small tunnel set into the side of the cavern, but he does note the following about the diminutive creatures: they were no larger than perhaps 1 foot tall, had ashy-gray skin that hung in folds that swayed wildly as they ran, were seemingly hairless, unclothed, and each carried a small pike. One of the creatures may have had a small, bulging sack slung over its shoulder.

"Come back here you!" as he rushes to Sularius' side doing his best axe-rattling impression at the tiny theives.

Ravick hisses and folds his lanky body into a crouch as the humanoids chitter and scatter.  "I am thankful that braver folk than I are at the front," he says, flashing a homely grin.

Sularius sighs and glares at Norion, "Well done dwarf, you've done nothing but succeed in scaring them off."  Shaking his head he continues his way up to the body, rolling it over with his foot to examine it.

Shoulders slumped, Norion turns and walks listlessly back to the party. Speaking to himself, "I don't know why, my lad. When I saw them running I didn't think. Yes, I'll appologize later when he isn't so mad." Looking up at Ravick with an expression full of guilt, "They ran away cause I scared em." Norion takes his place at the back of the party to watch for creepy crawly monsters.

Saliq laughed lightly and smiled reassuringly at the dwarf, trying to lift him out of his funk. "No reason to be downcast my friend - whoever they were they might have been hostile. Certainly we haven't met many friends so far!"

The body turns out to be that of Tulemain the Fence, who seems to have just recently met his fate, for his body is still warm though the spirit has definitely departed his crumpled form.

Similar to Gerdi, Tulemain is covered in puncture wounds though his were probably not the result of stirges, rather his came from small javelins. Fragments of dark wood can still be seen in several of the recently slain man's wounds.

A tragic, cheerless place to expire if ever there were one, washed up ashore atop a moldy pile of Stormhaven's refuse as a river of sewage drifts by.

Whatever those creatures were that escaped into the nearby hole, they did not have enough time to completly scavenge the body, for his possessions seem mostly intact. Tulemain has a well-oiled knife in an ornate sheath at his side, a sap, a bulging belt pouch, a coil of rope attached to a grappling hook, a small lamp, two vials of oil, a set of thieves' tools, and a folded burlap sack resting under his belt.

The hole the tiny men disappeared into is about a foot and a half tall and about half as wide. Certainly too small for even a halfling to disappear in. These were no halflings though.

Gerdi and Tulemain must have wasted no time investigating Lhosof's claims. In their greed, perhaps they underestimated the danger in penetrating Stormhaven's underworld. A tough lesson and one neither could recover from.

Fortune had truly shined on Lhosof for him to emerge unscathed, for he made no mention of bloodsucking stirges, giant frogs, or shadowy men. He did however mention the underground river. There was supposed to have been a large cavern somewhere nearby, where treasures were piled high atop a stone slab beside a waterfall. It could not be very far, if the young halfling's story had been true.

OOC: 10 gp, 25 sp, 55 cp inside Tulemain's pouch.

"Buggrit," says Ben when he sees that the corpse is that of Tuleiman, "I guess I'm gonna have to find someb'dy else to pass my gains onto."

Ben looks around, "reckon upstream is the best way to go, if'n this feller washed down from where the treasure is. What do you think?"

Sularius nodded as he bent down over the corpse, "It would seem as good a path as any other."

He started piling the dead man's goods next to him until he found the burlap sack.  Curious, he opened it up to see what was inside.

The sack is empty. Apparently Tulemain the Fence had hopes of returning top-side with it filled to the brim. Hope had betrayed him...

Taking Sularius' response to be a consensus, Norion begins to navigate upstream along the rocky bank of the river. He stops at the collapsed tunnels to see if he can determine when or how they caved-in.

The two collapsed tunnels both appear to have collapsed due to a deliberate attempt to undermine them. In fact, just a few feet away from on of the tunnels, hidden under a mildewy pile of rags, is a rusted miner's pick axe. The tool shows signs of heavy abuse, but is  otherwise functional.

Having agreed that upstream was the way to go Saliq followed behind Norion, weapon at the ready.

Carefully shifting the pile of rags with his boot, Norion uncovers the pickaxe and retrieves it, shaking his head disapprovingly. As Saliq approaches, he points to the tunnels and says, "Whoever did that..." holding up the pickaxe, "...left this behind." Turning upstream, he slowly picks his footing along the bank, ready to stop at the slightest disturbance.

Seeing the collapsed tunnels finally triggered a feeling of claustrophobia in Sularius; this was his first time underground.  He could feel his hands getting sweaty and his breath getting more shallow as his vision began to blur a bit.

Closing his eyes for a moment he tried to calm himself by taking a deep breath.  Once he opened his eyes the others had already begun moving upstream and he followed in behind them.

As soon as the party gets moving again, Ben takes point. He is constantly ducking for shadows and trying to move as quietly as possible, given that he is moving a little in advance of the party and is feeling a little exposed, while always on the lookout for pressure pads and tripwires.

As soon as we get out of here, he thinks, I'm buying some armour. Nuthin fancy, prolly try the second hand market.

OOC: time for the fart jokes:
17:25, Today: Ben Scristos rolled 8,51,34 using d100,d100,d100. move silently / hide in shadows / fart. Succeeds at moving silently, but fails miserably at hiding in shadows and finding traps

Ravick follows along, doggedly.  His lips are drawn back in apprehension, revealing his equine teeth.  A lock of hair as dark as a horse's tail curls wetly across his face.

The companions scavenge what useful gear they can from Tulemain's corpse, he wouldn't be needing it after all, and then continue their journey along the underground river's bank. The river snakes around to the right and then left.

The river is perhaps 20 feet wide now with a narrow, intermittent ledge on either side. Passage along the river is such that one can avoid getting wet with an occasional hop between high spots, but in general the going is fairly easy. Though none can say for certain, it seems as though the river is edging toward the outskirts of the city now, toward the marsh.

***

Meanwhile, still somewhat ahead of the five companions, Eagle has also descended into Stormhaven's undercity, though with a different but not mutually exclusive purpose. The urban druid has come to investigate rumors of a dark cabal whose aim is to summon monstrous aberrations from the churning abyss. The cabal is rumored to be working toward unleashing those forces of chaos onto a city unsuspecting.

The druid has just got his first confirmation that perhaps there was something to his most recent readings of the howling wind and swirling tide: in the form of strange eight-legged, tail-less scorpions with a set of whipping antennas that each glow with a purplish fire. A group of six of these doog-sized beasts now stalk the druid's every step down a dark stairway leading to an underground river. Maybe they would not be able to swim?

***

The five companions notice a wide stone platform ahead, perhaps a long-forgotten access ramp for the city's Sewer Guild? Maybe a quay which the Thieves Guild uses to fence ill-gotten goods?

Whatever the case may be, a set of stone stairs drops down onto the platform, suggesting access to somewhere above. A cloaked humanoid now flies down the steps in a hurry, while behind him a few paces are a cluster of fiendish whip-scorpions, hot on the man's trail.

OOC: The five companions are about 50 foot distant from the edge of the stone platform, which is about 30 feet from the bottom of the stairs. Eagle is about 10 feet from reaching the bottom of the stairs, while the glowing scorpion-spider abominations are 20 feet above Eagle.

Let's go ahead and roll INIT!

---

6 Fiendish Whip-Scorpions
AC 7
HP: 2,6,3,6,3,6

PC          AC    HP      AP    Notes
Ben         7    04/06    2     Surprise +2
Eagle       6    08/08    4
Norion      3    12/12    2
Ravick      3    09/09    1
Saliq       7    03/04    3     Surprise +2
Sularius    8    06/07    3     Suprise +1 while unencumbered or 4 in 6 nonmetal armor & alone or with elves & halflings

STAGE 1: PC's
STAGE 2: Fiendish Whip-Scorpions (Init: 1)

This message was last edited by the GM at 13:53, Thu 23 Feb 2012.

Ravick clacks his sword against his shield and says, "Let us vanquish these foul beasts."

OOC:

20:14, Today: Ravick rolled 3 using 1d6. Initiative.

Norion draws his Greataxe off his back, holding it close and whispering "Come now lad, you heard the man. It's time we earned our keep." Norion squints his eyes and waits as he tries to discern villain from victim.

OOC: Delay Initiative till after the baddies, Norion's AC w/o shield  is 4
This message was last edited by the player at 05:55, Thu 23 Feb 2012.

Saliq grimaced with distate and aimed a throwing dagger. "Truly the vermin grows too big beneath our city my friends."

OOC: 11:11, Yesterday: Saliq Musfara rolled 4 using 1d6. Initiative.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:01, Fri 24 Feb 2012.

Obviously in a blind panic, Eagle bounds down the stairs towards the water. He hesitates for a moment when he sees the group of armed and dangerous looking humanoids - had the scorpions been driving him into the arms of this cabal?

Believing caution is the better part of valour, when he reaches the bottom of the stairs he throws himself to the back wall of the platform, brandishing his spear defensively to try and keep anything that attacks him at bay, while ensuring nothing sneaks up behind. Perhaps he could escape yet.

OOC:13:46, Today: Eagle rolled 6 using 1d6. initiative.
if anything approaches Eagle to attack him he will prod with his spear - if no one bothers him he will wait to see what happens before deciding what to do.
13:51, Today: Eagle rolled 1 using 1d6. spear damage.
13:51, Today: Eagle rolled 15 using 1d20. attack roll. 
This message was last edited by the player at 13:52, Thu 23 Feb 2012.

At the sight of the large, strange looking scorpions, Sularius quickly determined what he needed to do; he wasn't about to subject himself to scorpion venom.

"Everyone, stay back and let them come to us, once they're within about 40 feet I'll take care of them."

OOC:

Basically holding my action until they're within range for a Sleep spell (gotta love the good ole days when Sleep worked on everything, not just humanoids...).

17:43, Today: Sularius Alariel rolled 6 using 1d6. Initiative.

As he was slightly in advance of the remainder of the party, Ben does not notice them hesitate upon sight of the oversized arachnids. He quickly drops a stone in his sling and lets loose...

OOC: 20:43, Today: Ben Scristos rolled 3,6 using d20,d8. attack roll and damage.
Bah!

Seeing Ben resort to a sling, Ravick does the same.  He sheaths his sword and draws for a sling and stone and prepares to cast it at the earliest juncture.

Eagle races down to the edge of the water with one rather large whip-scorpion rapidly closing the distance as it skitters down the narrow stone staircase in hot pursuit. The other five follow as well; however they fan out as the reach the landing, forming a wide arc around Eagle, their glowing whips fanning about wildly.

The lead beast corners Eagle and lashes out at the human with one of its whips. Eagle jabs at the creature and lands an effective blow, but it does little to dissuade its attack. A glowing whip wraps around Eagle's torso and delivers a dizzying shock through the man's body.

OOC: Eagle takes 3 hit points of damage and must now make a Death/Paralysis/Poison Saving throw...

We'll assume Eagle fled to "F8" on the map and that the whip-scorpions are now all clustered around that position.

---

6 Fiendish Whip-Scorpions
AC 7
HP's
2/2; Asleep Zzzzz...
0/6; Dead
3/3
6/6; Asleep Zzzzz...
3/3; Asleep Zzzzz...
6/6; Asleep Zzzzz...

***

PC          AC    HP      AP    Notes
Ben         7    04/06    2     Surprise +2
Eagle       6    05/08    4
Norion      3    12/12    2
Ravick      3    09/09    1
Saliq       7    03/04    3     Surprise +2
Sularius    8    06/07    3     Suprise +1 while unencumbered or 4 in 6 nonmetal armor & alone or with elves & halflings


Round 2. PC's are UP!
STAGE 1: PC's
STAGE 2: Fiendish Whip-Scorpions (Init: 1)

This message was last edited by the GM at 05:20, Sat 25 Feb 2012.

Sularius cursed as the scorpions cornered the human on the stairs; he didn't know who the man was, but nobody deserved to die from their poison.

Making a decision, he started moving along the ledge towards the platform and stair until he was close enough to cast his spell on them.

OOC:

Moving to get within range of the Sleep spell, which is 40'.  With my speed I should be able to do that this turn, but I'm not sure if I can cast after moving.

Sleep spell # of HD affected: 4

14:38, Today: Sularius Alariel rolled 4 using 2d4. Sleep # HD affected.

This message was last edited by the player at 12:39, Fri 24 Feb 2012.

In reply to Sularius Alariel (msg #131):

Seeing that the newcomer is in dire need of assistance, Ravick moves forward and prepares his to hurl a stone as soon as he is in range.  As he does so, he prays inaudibly to Avandra to render his aim true and lethal.

Eagle gasps in pain as the venom courses around his body. Feeling dizzy he steps backwards thinking perhaps he shouldn't have volunteered to enter this foul abyss.

But with the step comes the realisation that his back is against the wall, and now is no time for self-doubt. Shrugging off the poison he again brandishes his spear, scratching at another scorpion, while hoping to avoid another sting.

13:08, Today: Eagle rolled 2 using 1d6. damage.
13:08, Today: Eagle rolled 15 using 1d20. attack roll.
13:04, Today: Eagle rolled 16 using 1d20. save vs poison.

Eagle shakes off the effects of the creature's whip antennae and counters with another well placed blow.

Meanwhile, the fighter mage's magical energies spread through the teeming mass of whip-scorpions, causing four of them to fall to the ground in a dormant sleep state.

Two remaining standing however, one of which is the large whip-scorpion skirmishing with the stranger!
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:23, Fri 24 Feb 2012.

"Die, fiends!" Ravick twirls his sling about his head and lets loose a stone at one of the remaining scorpions.


OOC:

06:58, Today: Ravick rolled 12,1 using 1d20,1d4. Sling attack and damage.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:59, Fri 24 Feb 2012.

Norion inches forward, following Sularius and waiting for the moment to attack. As soon as he sees several of the beasties drop, Norion starts jogging, then running in a full charge to join the fray! He bellows "аклятья!!" wide-eyed and red-faced with a berserk stare. Moving with practiced skill, Norion slices upward catching just the tip of his axe across his foe.

Today: Norion Ironaxe rolled 21 using 1d20+3. Charge attack.
Today: Norion Ironaxe rolled 4 using 1d10+2. Greataxe damage.

Saliq started moving forward as quickly as possible, not wasting his breath on a warcry. As he finally came within range he hurled one of his long bladed daggers at the hideous beasts.

He swore eloquently as his dagger flew well wide of the intended target, clattering harmlessly on the ground.

00:12, Today: Saliq Musfara rolled 9,4 using d20+3,d4. Attack and Damage (thrown dagger).

Norion cleaves open the whip-scorpion who had been engaged with Eagle, rending the creature into two halves and sending a spray of gore onto the stone floor. The creature is very much, no more...

Leaving just one whip-scorpion still standing, the other three having fallen into a deep, magic-induced slumber.

Tumbling forward off balance, Norion tries to reach the other squirming scorpion with one-handed swings that would embarrass his clan. Skidding to a stop he holds his axe low to regain balance. Squaring his footing, he drops his shoulders and glares between the hooded figure and the remaining beastie.

Today: Norion Ironaxe rolled 5,4,5,12 using d20+1,d10+2,d20+1,d10+2. 2attack rnd: Hit, Dmg, Hit, Dmg.

His initial sling shot having gone awry, Ben hurries in to the aid of the newcomer. Swinging his sword wildly, he is amazed to hit one of the creatures.

OOC:
11:04, Today: Ben Scristos rolled 16,3 using d20,d8. attack and damage.

Ben slices through the last conscious whip-scorpion, just as the monstrous insect was trying to escape. The creature drags away its shattered corpse for a few futile paces before it falls apart into two twitching halves. A few violent jerks later, the beast is no more!

Four of the creatures are caught in a magic slumber and unable to effect any sort of defense. A few killing blows later, the threat is no more. The battle was over almost as soon as it started, the fiendish whip-scorpions no match for the combined might of the heroes.

Curiously, the whip-scorpions' antennae still give off a dim violet glow after they are slain.

More importantly, who has the man they had been chasing? Was he a threat also?

Holding his battle stance, Norion's stare does not waver from the unknown man in robes. "My lad says he's no threat. Do you know him?", speaking to the group at large.

Eagle nervously brandishes his spear with his guard up, a mixture of strange relief and continued fear coursing through his body. These strange figures have surely saved him, but to what purpose?

As Norion speaks he raises an eyebrow in surprise, not knowing if he is being mocked, or whether the Dwarf is all there - certainly he hasn't spoken himself. Trusting an instinct that if they wanted to kill him they would, he speaks falteringly to the dwarf.

'I know none of you, nor your business in this. . . sewer, but I give my thanks for your assistance. I serve my goddess Melora, and I long for the open plains and mountains high, but here I find myself for my own good reasons - what brings you to this cess-pit?' Eagle is obviously suspicious and scared.

"In my case, Avandra's will has brought me hither.  May her blessing be upon you."  Pausing, Ravick adds: "I would be remiss if I didn't point out that Avandra never imposes her will on her supplicants."  Ravick smiles.  "You have nothing to fear from us,  lad.   You are among friends."
This message was last edited by the player at 14:43, Mon 27 Feb 2012.

Visibly soothed by the civil exchange of the two wise men, Norion slings his axe over his shoulder and approaches Eagle with hand outstretched, "Pardon me sir, I'm always scaring people I shouldn't. Norion Ironaxe, at your service."

After pleasantries have been exchanged, he begins dragging scorpion corpses into the corner of the platform so people have a place to stand. "Pardon me... there we go... excuse me sir." and such as Norion chastises himself about forgetting proper manners and making bad impressions.

Going to retrieve his dagger and slide it back in his belt Saliq took to the time to walk over to the newcomer and introduce himself: "Saliq the illusionist." He smiled. "A pleasure to meet you faithful of Melora, even in so insalubrious a place as this. As for why we are here... well let us just say we are explores."

Which was true enough - they were explorers, even if they happened to be exploring for treasure.

Eagle visibly relaxes at the warmth of the greetings. He is still scared, but given these strangers have saved his life, and at least one of them follows a diety of good, his instinct tells him he should trust them. Lowering his spear, he smiles. 'Well, thank you again for your assistance. I have heard foul abominations are abroad in these tunnels, and I thought for a moment I had fallen foul of them.'

He stops, hesitates for a moment. 'Perhaps if you and I are both exploring, we could explore together. I would not like to run into more of those scorpions alone.'

Ravick's ugly smile threatens to eclipse his face.  "You are welcome to join us, as far as I am concerned."

Sularius slowly joins the party, obviously a bit wary of this new man.  However danger makes fast friends, so he nodded as Ravick spoke, "Yes, numbers are safer down here than being alone.  These stairs you came down, where do they lead to?"

In reply to Sularius Alariel (msg #149):

Eagle smiles wryly. 'It's a good question - I descended from the city through an old door in the weaver's district. But not 50 yards into my journey I was quickly assailed by these scorpions, and my flight downwards was, ermm, hurried. If we retrace my steps we will surely arrive back in the city, but whether there are any other routes or passageways en route, well that I can't say.'

OOC: Your guess is a good as mine!

Drawing his battle axe with a nonchalant flair, Norion is seen sniffing the stonework, running his hand across the cavern walls, and holding his axe to his ear while he whispers quietly. Such behavior may be common in an asylum, but this dwarf seems to have some purpose in mind...

Today: Norion Ironaxe rolled 5d100 with rolls of 98,20,69,31,78. DwarfChex: Slope Const Slide Traps Depth.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:03, Wed 29 Feb 2012.

OOC: We'll assume that Eagle had been following up on reports from several different merchants in the Weavers' District about hearing strange slurping and croaking sounds coming from a well in the common grounds they shared between their shops. Perhaps Eagle inquired with the local Sewer Guild about where access to the water source might be gained, when he learned of the staircase which led to the underground river. A contact in the guild told him that there were numerous natural springs located along either side of the river and that would be a good place to begin his search.

The staircase leads back up to a sewer grate near an exterior wall known as the Witchlight Wall, named after the expansive marsh just west of Stormahaven, The Witchlight Marsh.

Norion does not detect anything unsual about the surrounding stonework: decent, functional craftsmanship that has stood the test of time, but nothing remarkable.

***

Now that the the commotion of the battle has died down, the party can hear the sound of a waterfall rising above the din of the moving current.

Seemingly catching the scent of his prey, Norion follows the sound of the waterfall to the edge of the platform. "I hear something that way." he says triumphantly as he points along the stream.

"Let us proceed cautiously," says Ravick, his smile curdling into apprehension.  He scratches his head with a freckled hand and draws his sword.

Sularius nodded, "Yes, the deeper we go, the more hazards there are likely to be."

"Well, when you put it like that..." replied Saliq, and smiled in grim amusement. He had his now recovered dagger on hand should the need to use it arise.

From the vantage point of the end of the platform, the party can see a waterfall about 50 yards further down the river. Water spills through a hole in the rock above and just beyond that is an open chamber to bends away to the left. Filtered sunlight spills into the cavern, suggesting an opening somewhere within, or perhaps even outside the city.

The river bends around the open cavern to the right, ending in a rusted and somewhat clogged iron grating.

Ravick peers at the formidable iron grating and feels his joints wince.  "I trust that someone else within our band would like to try their luck at bending those bars.  I myself am about as thin as one of those rusted bands, and would likely buckle if I tried to pry one loose, or, worse still, bend one.  It still baffles me that an army saw fit to draft me."  The acolyte smiles and folds his arms across his lanky body.

The party now hears strange voices echoing off the walls. They seem to originate from the cavern just beyond the waterfall ahead. The voices are muted somewhat by the waterfall, but are clear enough for Norion and Sularius to determine they are speaking the goblin tongue: Gutterblin dialect to be more precise.

Norion and Sularius hear the following, a curious exchange between several creatures:

"Ready to steal more of the shadows! Ready now. I heard someone out on they have come to steal more of the river. Maybe they should come. To they have come to steal more of the river. Maybe they have come to steal more of they should come to steal more of the river. Maybe the Horned One's riches. We will not allow that. No. Get ready now. I heard someone out on the river. Maybe the river. Maybe the Horned One's riches. We will not allow that. No. Get ready to steal more of they should come."

OOC: Gutterblin is the goblinoid dialect spoken by a small clan of goblins that dwells deep below the city's sewers. The clan is derogatively known as "Gutter Goblins". They generally do not come top-side, living their days out entirely under the city, dangerous nonetheless.
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:53, Sun 04 Mar 2012.

Sularius raises his hand to indicate to the others to be quiet so he can listen to the goblins speak.  Straining to listen, he tries to determine how many different voices he hears.

Sularius hears what sounds like five distinct voices during the ongoing conversation.

Saliq - not being blessed with the keen hearing of the Elf - remained as quiet as possible to not disturb the others.

Ravick grimaces as he watches Sularius attempt to listen to the chatter that is barely audible amidst the rush of water.

Equipping his shield and battle axe as quietly as possible, Norion looks questioningly to the rest of the group.

Eagle looks nervously at his new companions, obviously still shaken by his encounter with the scorpions. Anyone who cares to look will spot his knuckles are gripped tight around the shaft of his spear.

Sularius turns back to the group, holds up his hand with his fingers spread and mouths the word, "five."

A look of apprehension distorts face.  He looks around at the rest of group and waits for their response.

"Perhaps we should attempt to take them by surprise," says Ravick, unseating his sword and readying his shield.

"I agree," says Saliq softly, readying his own dagger. "Perhaps I could create a distraction with my magic?"

Eagle licks his lips nervously, 'I don't speak the gutterbin tongue, but they sound scared. Could we not try to scare them or talk to them? I will follow your actions though.'

Sularius shook his head, "No, they didn't really sound that scared to me.  Let me see if I can sneak up closer to them.  You guys stay back here until you hear fighting or something."

Assuming he gets no complaints, he starts sneaking closer to the goblins.

OOC:

23:03, Today: Sularius Alariel rolled 1 using 1d6. Elven sneakiness.

Norion eagerly nods in agreement with Sularius. He stands rigid, not daring to move for fear of spoiling the plan.

Ravick nods and remains poised to assist Sularius.  "I like this not," he says to himself.  "There could be ambush awaiting him."

Sularius pushes forward along the narrow and rocky bank nearest the cavern wall, getting himself into position to peer around the corner. Silently he moves into position and sneaks a peek.

A large chamber comes into view. Sunlight streams in from above, casting scattered reflections off of a large pool in the center of the cave. A group of six goblins stands atop a raised ledge along the far right side of the cavern. None of them are aware of Sularius as they continue to rattle on in the same sort of gibberish that alerted you to their presence. They continue to discuss the same subjects but none of them seems overly decisive on any action to take.

The ratty gutter goblins are armed with an assortment of weaponry: spears, daggers, and clubs and are each garbed in primitively tanned leather armor which is a sort of ashy black with splotches of red dye splashed in a haphazard fashion.

Between their ramblings, the group alternates between laughter, weeping, disinterest, and bouts of frustration. Something is curious about their mannerisms, as though they are not quite in the right frame of mind, possibly even mentally impaired.

Still more time passes and none take any action other than to prattle on. At the far end of the ledge is a darkened portal, though the flicker of torchlight can be seen coming from somewhere around a corner perhaps twenty feet distant beyond the goblins.

Around the portal frame are brightly colored red runes, quite similar to those you first observed when you entered the Dark Gaping Maw. All seem to depict variations of the same theme: a large circle set with a single eye.

Ben readies his sling and attempts to move up quietly in support of Sularius.

OOC: 10:33, Today: Ben Scristos rolled 77,97 using d100,d100. Move Silently (20) Hide in Shad (20).

Ben slinks forward and comes next to Sularius for a look of his own. Ben view the same scene that the elf initially saw. In fact, nit much has changed in the few moments it took for the thief to move forward.

It does not appear that the goblins are aware of either of their presence, seemingly lost in their own maddening debate.

Ben watches, fascinated, as the goblins debate amongst themselves. He wonders how they should proceed.

OOC: how would we gain access to the ledge where the goblins are? What is the range to the goblins (for missile weapons / spells)?

There is  short, easy rise into the cavern the goblins currently occupy. The pool of water in the cavern only covers the center of the chamber, while a combination of rocks and sandy soil completely skirts the pool. The large stone ledge occupies the far right corner of the chamber and is approximately five feet above the pool. A series of roughly worked stone steps allows easy access to the ledge.

From Ben and Sularius' current position it is about 10 feet to the chamber opening. From the chamber opening, the stone steps are located about 20 feet to the right. The six goblins are currently gathered in a loose circle at the top of the stone steps, perhaps another 10 feet beyond the bottom of the steps. The dark portal is located about 10 feet beyond the goblins.

The chamber actually looks like it might be the bottom of a city well, for you can now see several rotting wooden buckets washed up onto the sandy banks and some even floating in the water.

OOC: Goblins total distance from Ben/Sularius ~40 feet. Rough diameter of the chamber ~30 feet (20 foot pool, 5 foot bank which completely circles the pool.

Ravick decides to move forward as well.  He does his utmost to remain silent, and to us the noise of the water to muffle his approach.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:01, Tue 13 Mar 2012.

Deciding there is strength in numbers Eagle too edges forward after Ravick, his fists gripped tight around his spear the whole way.

Sularius sighed as the others came up behind him, he was fairly certain he'd told them all to wait for him to signal them.  This was of course the problem with humans, they had absolutely no patience.  It wasn't lost on him that the only one who hadn't already joined him was the dwarf; at least they understood the importance of patience.

Hlding his hand up to indicate that they should wait, not that it would likely do any good, Sularius tried to sneak across the entrance to the cave to the far wall.

OOC:

20:23, Today: Sularius Alariel rolled 4 using 1d6. Elven Sneakiness.

Sularius clings against the wall of the tunnel leading into the large circular chamber where the gutter goblins are gathered about rambling amongst themsleves. The goblins are still oblivious to his presence and he closes to within 20 feet of the six goblins. To his right, 20 feet distant the stone steps await. The goblins still remain at the top of the steps and have not budged much from their positions.

Oh, what I would give for a bow, Sularius thought to himself as he watched the goblins.  Shrugging, he sticks his hand into the pouch at his side, pulling out at handful of dust and blowing it towards the goblins while chanting in the arcane language.

OOC:
I hate to be a one trick pony but a group of six goblins at range just screams for a Sleep spell...

20:11, Today: Sularius Alariel rolled 9 using 4d4. Sleep Goblins.

The elven swordmage sends a rain of glittering dust over the six goblins, who only became aware of his presence once their lids became heavy and they were well on the way to a deep slumber. One of them yawns something in his direction, but the words are lost in naught but a pleasant moan.

Thud, thud, thud, plunk, plunk, plop!

All six are now lying restfully on the floor.

Creeping forward Saliq observes Sularius' efforsts and shoots the elf a wry smile. "Nicely done my friend - shall we go in?"

Dagger in hand the illusionist moves toward the goblins, though he can't quite bring himself to slit their throats as they sleep. Instead he begins checking their gear for rope to tie them, or at least bind their hands.

Ravick grimaces as he watches Saliq approach the goblins.  He too could not bring himself to slit the throats of incapacitated foes.  He smiles when Saliq rifles through their belongings.   The cleric approaches the illusionist and says, "Perhaps I can help, friend."  As he begins to search the goblins, he adds: "I too could not butcher this lot in cold blood - regardless of the fact that they would probably do so without compunction if our roles were reversed.  Avandra exhorts us to be compassionate to all creatures - even our worst foes."

Ben looks on curiously while the others bind and search the goblins. Then he remembers where he is and moves into what he hopes is a concealed position by the opening in the east wall of this chamber lest more goblins should come out.

OOC: 09:52, Today: Ben Scristos rolled 68 using 1d100. hide in shadows (20).

Eagle breathes out forcibly as Salarius works his magic - he hadn't realised, but he'd been holding his breath. 'Nice work,' he compliments as he begins to relax, and nods in approval at the goblins are bound rather than slaughtered. Seeing Ben duck into the shadows his mind comes back to the present, and he cautiously moves to the side of the cavern, and keeps on his guard while his new companions decide who should scout forward. 'We should douse our lanterns while we establish what is on the other side of this water,' he says softly.

OOC: Presumably someone with infravision should try and see what's through the other side of the waterfall?

Wondering how long he ought to wait for a signal, Norion takes the initiative to move forward at least to the chamber entrance. Shuffling slowly and quietly for a dwarf, he finds the others huddled over a pile of bodies. "I missed the fight? I'm sorry my lad, I didn't see the signal and I couldn't risk shouting out."

Joining the rest of the party, "Did anyone get hurt by these trash-grabbers?" Looking over the rest of his friends for wounds, he realizes something is amiss. "Wait, are they... sleeping?" gripping the handle of his battle axe and shifting his stance slightly.

"Lazy, aren't they?" laughs Ben.

Sularius walks up the steps, watching the others tie up the goblins and then turns to Norion, "Yes, I put them to sleep, much like the scorpions from before."

The heroes are assaulted by the combined stench of mold, sludge and fecal matter as they approach the goblins. This sextet could quite possibly be the filthiest thing any of the heroes have ever had the misfortune to happen upon, even worse than the foul churnage kicked up in the dirtiest corners of the Tanner's Ward. It's that bad!

Still, Eagle and Ben proceed to bind the dozing gutterblins and then proceed to methodically search each in turn. Unfortunately, they are not carrying much of value. These are the dregs of Stormhavian society and as such their possessions are few. Between them, they possess: four spiked clubs, two daggers, a rusted but serviceable heavy mace, two slings, 10 bullets, three small wooden shields, six sets of tattered leather armor, 12 silver pieces, 38 copper pieces, and a set of rusted skeleton keys attached to a large key ring. In total, there are four keys.

Eagle's premonition about searching behind the waterfall pays off, for there does seem to be a small chamber just beyond. One could gain entry into the chamber via a short, but tricky climb.

The dark portal leading away to the west opens into a small chamber dominated by an iron maiden that stands in the center of the room. There does not appear to be any exits from this room, but the room does extend outside of your current vantage point.

"Perhaps we should check that infernal device," says Ravick, pointing at the iron maiden.

'Yes, let's make sure there's nothing in it that needs our help,'says Eagle with a hint of fear in his voice - today had been a strange and unsettling day, and it seemed to only just be starting.

He makes no move towards the contraption though, preferring to let one of his - he assumes - more experienced companions take charge, instead he grips his spear tightly, in case there are any nasty surprises awaiting themWhether anything inside could actually benefit from our help we'll have to find out.

"Could be trapped," muses Ben as he steps forward carefully to inspect the device.

12:20, Today: Ben Scristos rolled 14 using 1d100. Find Traps (30) .

The iron maiden does not show any signs of being booby-trapped. It also appears to be unoccupied. There are no signs of recent use of the ghastly contraption either, for the ground around the device is noticeably absent of any dried blood.

The walls of this chamber are set with numerous iron manacles, but they too are unoccupied. Three reinforced wooden doors lead off of this chamber, one on each wall, and of course the corridor leading back out to the pool.

Eagle looks in horror at the signs of torture, his mind racing at what he imagines the abhorrent cult may have done - or be planning to do - here. As he trys to control his breathing he tunes into the cleansing sound of the waterfall tinkling behind him, washing away the dark recesses of his imagination. Seeking solace in the water his mind snaps to the unexplored chamber behind the waterfall.

'I have a rope if anyone thinks we should try and explore behind the water.'

Shuddering at the sight of the iron maiden - which awoke dark half forgotten memories of the dungeons of Shamazir - Saliq turned to the others. "I don't think any of us wants to stay here long but I agree we should check behind the waterfall."

"Perhaps the water fall is our wisest course of action, though I fear that vile things lurk in the depths of that horrid brine."  Ravick does his best to hide his apprehension, but it is probably obvious by now that he is not the bravest among them.

Still standing guard over the goblins, Norion holds his axe ready. Glancing at the rest of the party as they walk by, he asks; "What about them?"

Sularius glances down at the vile goblins and then turns to the others, "They are cruel, evil little creatures.  It might be best to dispatch them now."

"Wait," says Ravick.  "What if we shackle them in the torture chamber?  There were enough manacles, I think.  We could also gag them so that they don't draw attention to themselves."  He shrugs.  "It this will be too much trouble, then perhaps I should take a quick walk so that I am out of earshot."

"These lot have the look of jailers if I'm not mistaken. I bet those keys fit into keyholes over there. <gesturing to the cell block> Check and see if they do. <tossing keys to Ravick> If they do, we can give them a nice quiet place to think while we move on."

Leveling his axe at one of the goblins, "Best be quick about it, before they wake up."

"I agree," says Saliq, glancing over at the slumbering goblins before looking back at his companions. "I am the son of the Sultan of Shamazir and I won't slit the throats of helpless sleeping beings no matter how dark their hearts. By all means restrain and gag them but there are lines we should not cross if we believe ourselves civilised men."

Raising his eyebrow and giving Saliq a puzzled look, "You would wake a sleeping dragon before attacking? My lad, I don't think you'd like the Underdark." Shaking his head, he refocuses his aim on the goblins.

Eagle watches the debate intently, before offering his own thoughts. 'Norion has something of a point I feel. We should either despatch them while they sleep, or release them while they sleep and move on. What do we do once they're shackled and gagged? Leave them to die miserably and slowly of starvation, or be freed by their friends and come looking for us with fire in their stomachs?' He pauses, before continuing softly. 'Like others I don't want to destroy life unnecessarily; but nor do I want to unnecessarily prolong suffering. If they are too dangerous to free, then we should destroy them quickly.'

Ravick checks the manacles and says, "Perhaps allowing them to die of starvation is as egregious as slitting their throats while they sleep.  At least their fate will not rest as squarely upon our shoulders."

Upon realizing that consensus has been achieved, Ravick says, "For the good of all us, kill those wretches forthwith and be done with it.  They'll wake up before I can drag them in here and secure them."   The cleric moves to the other end of the room and waits for his comrades to finish their dirty work.

Saliq likewise moves away, not wanting to take part in the grisly deed but seeing little other safe option.

After the goblins have been dispatched, the party is left with a few possible choices for further exploration: scaling to the hidden room behind the waterfall or investigating one of the three doors in the chamber with the iron maiden.

The iron maiden looks like a recent addition to the room, as do the line of manacles along the wall.

When the business is finished, Eagle approaches Ravick and places a hand on his shoulder, and speaks softly. 'Do not dwell on this, I think we did the right thing, these manacles bode of ill-will.' With a shudder he then turns back to the matter in hand.

'I am fascinated by this waterfall, and wish to explore the room behind - I realise I am slightly at your protection though, so will not force the issue. However, would anyone care to join me, as I have a rope.' If no one disagrees then Eagle will start investigating how he can use the rope to explore the hidden room - checking whether it's possible to approach cautiously (though if Ben wants to scout he own't object). If the party wants to move on though he will follow the crowd!

"You and I think alike, friend."   Ravick flashes his homely smile at Eagle.  "I would gladly help you search this room.  I agree, too, that these manacles hint of a deeper foulness.  Perhaps dispatching those loathsome creatures was for the best."  Ravick looks around the room.  "Please let me know how I may help, friend."

Ben steps forward and, with a nod, asks for permission to take the rope. He then begins to look for a suitable place to tie it off before commencing the traverse towards the waterfall.

19:41, Today: Ben Scristos rolled 58 using 1d100. climb walls (85% base chance).

Ben scrambles up the short climb to a narrow ledge which allows access behind the waterfall.

A small chamber is dug into the side of the earthen wall and a dozen or small litters cluster around the sides of the room in a sort of haphazard fashion. Rags, scraps of hide, furs, and other clothing items dominate the center of the room, suspended from the ceiling with a series of ropes and metal pins. Beneath the rags are scores of shoes, boots, and sandals, piled up in a sort of pyramid shape. A neat row of covered wicker baskets stand out amongst the otherwise chaotic form of the chamber.

Finally, a small number of chickens scratches at the moist soil, picking their way through the chamber in search of whatever food they can find.

Ben calls out to the others what he sees, hoping that his voice can be heard over the roar of the waterfall. He then ties off the rope to something secure in the room and tells them they can make their way over, if they wish, before examining the suspended bundle of furs for traps.


10:56, Today: Ben Scristos rolled 40 using 1d100. Find Traps (30) .

Sularius watched on as the nimble human scampered up the ledge and disappeared behind the waterfall.  Gripping his sword tightly, he kept his eyes, and ears, open for any threats.

Following Sularius's example, Norion maintains a ready stance watching and listening. With his axe held close, he whispers quietly to it, as if answering questions. Catching Sularius's eye, Norion goes silent, clearing his throat slightly.

Eagle will clamber through the Waterfall, and up the rope to see what has been found in more detail.

Saliq clears his throat and smiles at the others. "My friends I will wait out here and give warning should we be disturbed; I am unarmed so if the fighting is close quarters I'll be more harm than help and I'll use my magic to cause a distraction if needed."

Ben discerns no traps in the cramped goblin quarters.

The rags and furs are probably not worth much; however there is one good quality seal pelt that might fetch 5 gold pieces in the market. Otherwise, the cloth is mostly rubbish and very likely items picked out of the city dumps.

In reply to DM Storm (msg #221):

'I want to see what is in these baskets,' Eagle says to Ben in warning. Assuming Ben doesn't object, he will first listen to make sure he can't hear anything in the baskets, then cautiously prod the wicker baskets open with the point of his spear.

I shall remain here and aid our companions, "Says Ravick," one arm resting on the hilt of his sword.  He hears Norion muttering and wonders who the dwarf is talking to.   He thinks to ask but thinks better of it and shrugs his shoulders.  Instead, he quietly beseeches Avandra for forgiveness and protection.

No sound emanates from any of the wicker baskets, though the smell of refuse is strong near one of them.

Three of the baskets contains various foodstuffs, some of which is in various states of decay, accounting for the foul smell. One of the baskets contains a very large snake. The reptile does not stir when the lid is lifted.
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:42, Fri 30 Mar 2012.

Sularius raises a questioning eyebrow as Norion whispers to his axe, but doesn't say anything.  Patiently he waits for the others to return from the other side of the waterfall.

On spying the snake Eagle looks at Ben. 'I have a way with animals. We could wake this serpent and I could attempt to speak with it and charm it as my companion - it may make a useful ally. Or we could let sleeping serpents lie'.

OOC: If Ben wants to go, Eagle will leave the snake well alone and leave with him - move us all on. Or if Ben doesn't object, Eagle will cast speak with animals and attempt to wake the snake up and ask it politely how it is, and if it can give them any advice on who lives in the caves and where points of interest are. However, before he casts this spell he will wrap the rope around him, and be ready to jump down the hole if the snake looks aggressive.

Eagle begins to communicate with the snake, a process that is foreign to his companions, for no words are exchanged between the two. Still, the reptile and human pass thoughts to on another nontheless.

The snake is not from these lands. It came to the city aboard a ship that traveled far over the ocean. The snake once lived in a warm jungle and was a powerful king in its own lands, or so the snake claims. The snake, which calls itself Emerald-Tail, escaped the ship aboard a wooden crate. A series of adventures later, it eventually wound up captured by the goblins, who have held Emerald-Tail captive for some time now. They have fed the snake and not abused him, but the creature does desire to return home.

The snake claims there are quite a few goblins int he clan, but their ruler is not a goblin. Some other beast, a creature the snake has never seen before: a badly deformed creature that looks like the world conspired against it and hurled all vileness onto it in a single act. The beast is known simply as the Master Who Whispers.
This message was last updated by the GM at 01:06, Wed 04 Apr 2012.

Ben watches with fascination as Eagle communes with the snake. "There's a trick I would like to learn," he says, "time to go."

Ben negotiates the short climb back through the waterfall and onto the ledge where the others are waiting.

With trepidation, Ravick awaits the return of his comrades.  When he sees them, he asks, "What have you learned?"

Eagle listens in fascination to Emerald-Tail's tale, and as he feels his magic fading he quickly concludes the exchange by thanking the snake kindly, explaining that he and his companions won't hurt it, and offering him the choice to go free and try and find his way back to the docks, or accompany the companions to help find the master who whispers - on the proviso that Eagle will help the snake find a ship in due course.

Whether Emerald-Tail accompanies him or not Eagle will return with Ben down the waterfall, recount the tale the snake has told him, and suggest they continue through whichever door they can open.

The party returns to the room with the iron maiden and now has three doors before them, one on each wall. It is silent in the room, save for the sound of the waterfall to your rear. The stone floor shows sings of frequent travel to all three doors.

"I propose that we choose the middle door or the one to our right.  The left-hand path will most certainly lead to ruin."  Ravick peers at the iron maiden and feels his innards congeal.  "Such a loathsome, terrifying apparatus," he says to himself.  "Only the most evil mind could craft such an infernal device."

Stepping in between the middle door and the one on the right, Norion sniffs the air expectantly. "My lad grows restless. Pick a door."

"The right-hand door," says Ravick, rubbing his palms together to generate heat.  "Avandra admonishes us to always choose the right-hand path, whenever we are uncertain or lost."   The ugly cleric smiles and draws the hood of his cloak over his head.

"I believe the right hand door is the divine favourite," Saliq said giving the Dwarf a wry look. "Unless anyone has a good reason against let's try that one."

Sularius shrugs, "Any door is as good as the other given no other information.  If you all wish to go through the right, then the right one it is."

Tapping the stonework around the door, Norion shrugs his shoulders and reaches to open the door instead. With shield ready to blunt whatever surprise awaits, Norion opens the door and braces himself.

Today: Norion Ironaxe rolled 83 using 1d100. Stonework trap finding.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:38, Mon 09 Apr 2012.

Th dwarf detects no traps and then proceeds to throw the door open. The door is unlocked and gives way easily, though the hinges on the door do let out a faint creak, revealing a darkened chamber beyond. A terrible smell wafts out the door and assaults the heroes senses, a smell similar to rendered tallow...but even more horrendous.

The room is small and cluttered with numerous broken bits of furniture seemingly piled in haphazard fashion here and there. A broken table here, five splintered chairs there, a wooden crate filled with straw just beyond, a bucket of rusted nails spilled onto the floor, soiled rags piled in a festering heap in a far corner. The room is absolute chaos and somewhat overwhelming in terms of how much seemingly random objects have been jam packed into the room.

Eagle will cautiously enter the room, brandishing his spear. 'Do you think we should have a poke around?' he asks the companions.

OOC: If no one wants to accompany him, he'll leave with the party, otherwise he'll wait for the others to join him and then poke around the rages with the tip of his spear.

"There may be something of value hidden within these heaps of junk," says Ravick.

The stench of the room overwhelmed Sularius' sensitive elven senses as he turned away, "No, I will stay out here watch our backs."

Saliq smiles in amusement as the Elf suffers from the odour. "Not very salubrious is it? Still I've come across worse - I once knew a fair maiden who insisted she could manufacture her own fragrance. It could fry your nostrils from ten paces."

Nodding at Eagle the Illusionist moves to aid the Druid in his search.

Ravick moves forward into the malodorous room and assists with the search.

Norion hesitantly steps into the room. He gives voice to his confused expression, "I don't know what sort of treasure would be hidden in this rubbish. Just be careful, nasty things have been known to nest in piles like this."

He watches carefully as the party investigates the room. Eventually, he lends his boot to the cause, kicking larger refuse out of the way.

Four of the heroes enter the cramped confines of the cluttered room and begin sifting through the chaos as best they can, mostly looking for anything that looks to be of value. The ground of this room contains a strange white residue, almost like dried salt. The same residue is present on the various wooden items stockpiled inside in the room.

After a few moments, Eagle spots a stoppered vial nestled along the right wall, just behind a splintered cart wheel. It will take some work to get to the vial, for it is blocked by several large chairs stacked atop eachother and a keg full of bits of broken masonry.

Eagle looks at the vial with curiosity, wondering if it is worth trying to receive. Deciding it might be, he fishes in his pouch for some mistletoe, and starts gesticulating and chanting in his strange Druidish cant.

OOC. Eagle will cast detect magic to see if the vial contains anything worthwhile.

Ravick watches as Eagle identifies the strange concoction in the phial, with crossed arms.  After a few moments, the cleric begins to sift through the debris of anything else of interest.

Saliq also searches through the debris, using the tip of one of his daggers to lift up some of the 'salt'. "What is this?"

The party continues to carefully sift through the room's contents in search of anything of real value. Meanwhile, Eagle detects a magical aura around the vial. A potion of some sort!

Saliq bends down to study the salty residue and notices a flicker of movement somewhere beyond the clutter. A tendril of grayish material creeps out from behind a warped barrel and begins to inch its way toward the illusionist...

OOC: ROLL INIT!

"Look there my lad!" Norion shouts as he drops his gear and steps forward to wrestle the wretched creature from it's lair.

Hoping that brute strength can win the day, Norion grabs hold of the appendage and plants his feet against the inevitable tug-o-war which follows.

Norion Ironaxe rolled 5 using 1d6.

Saliq blinks and steps a step back, dagger at the ready. "Careful friend!" he calls to the dwarf. "We don't know what we face!"

02:38, Today: Saliq Musfara rolled 5 using 1d6. Init.

Fascinated by the glowing vial, and the challenge of how to recover it, Eagle reacts slowly as his friends spring into action. When he clocks the danger of the tentacle he will step back towards the door, trying to use his spear to fend off the monster if attacked.

OOC: 09:15, Today: Eagle rolled 1 using 1d6.
Ideally Eagle will position himself in the second rank, behind say Norion, and try and use his spear over the dwarfs head. Is that possible?

Ravick shakily draws his sword and recoils.  He watches the burly dwarf wrestle with the tendril and says, "I second the illusionist, friend.  We have no idea what we're dealing with."

Still standing outside, Sularius began to hear a commotion coming from inside the room, "What's going on in there?"

The glistening stony tendril continues to slither forward toward the heroes. Like a grtoesque snake, the entity slides forward with a wet, sickening sound. Worse yet is the awful smell that now fills the small chamber.

With the exception of Eagle, who had been busy deciphering the magical auras around the potion, the heroes get the jump on the oozing gray tendril...

OOC: Sorry about the delay. I have been away at a military school for the past 7 weeks and will be headed home in 3 days and will be able to post more frequently once my life returns to normal :)

Gray Ooze
AC 8, HP: 16

STAGE 1: Norion, Ravick, Saliq, Sularius
STAGE 2: Gray Ooze
STAGE 3: Eagle

STAGE 1 is up!!!

In reply to DM Storm (msg #255):

Ravick musters the single ounce of courage in his lanky frame and chops at the foul tendril.  "Die, fiend!" he says.

OOC:
15:17, Today: Ravick rolled 1 using 1d8.
15:16, Today: Ravick rolled 19 using 1d20. Melee.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:17, Sun 29 Apr 2012.

Saliq grimaced and sliced at the foul thing with his dagger while trying not to venture too close. What he wouldn't give for a longer weapon!

OOC:
14:25, Today: Saliq Musfara rolled 5,3 using d20,d4. Attack & Damage (dagger).

Norion continues to wrestle the beast out of it's hiding place, providing his companions with a relatively stationary opponent.

Sularius could hear commotion from inside the room, but since it was already cramped with those who were in there, he decided to maintain his watch outside until his help was called for.

Ravic slices into the slithering tendril. The slash sends a spray of gray gore splattering onto the floor, but does little to slow the monstrosity's approach toward the heroes. The oozing beast shoots its tendril at Ravick, but the beast only manages to ensnare a nearby three-legged chair. The force of the blow sends the chair crashing to the ground, but little else of consequence.

The creature has now slithered further out into the cleared area of the tight chamber and is now in a position to attack any of the heroes. Of course, the reverse is true as well.

Gray Ooze
AC 8, HP: 15

STAGE 1: Norion, Ravick, Saliq, Sularius
STAGE 2: Gray Ooze
STAGE 3: Eagle

STAGE 3 is up!!!

In a panic, Eagle prods his spear ineffectively at the ooze.

23:38, Today: Eagle rolled 5 using 1d20. attack.

Despite their best efforts, the heroes have scarcely managed to wound the slithering gray ooze and it continues to lurch forward desperate to sate itself on some organic matter. These were legendary foes of the underdark, renown for their ability to decimate those hapless souls they came across. Hopefully the beast's menacing days would be cut short here, today, now.

Gray Ooze
AC 8, HP: 15

STAGE 1: Norion, Ravick, Saliq, Sularius
STAGE 2: Gray Ooze
STAGE 3: Eagle

STAGE 1 is up!!!

Ravick stifles a wave of nausea as the otherworldly beast twists and writhes towards them.  He steps back, hoping to avoid the beast's sallow tendrils and strikes with as much vigor as he can muster.

OOC:

18:22, Today: Ravick rolled 4 using 1d8.
18:22, Today: Ravick rolled 16 using 1d20. Melee.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:23, Fri 11 May 2012.

Desperately trying to keep his cool the Illusionist slashed out once again with his dagger but to little avail.

23:37, Today: Saliq Musfara rolled 1,3 using d20,d4. Attack & Damage (dagger).

As the sounds of commotion get louder, Sularius runs into the room, and seeing the large grey ooze swings wildly at it, barely missing.

OOC:

00:49, Today: Sularius Alariel rolled 11 using 1d20+3. Attack Ooze.

Norion steps into the fray with his battle axe lifted high overhead, "Stand back lads," he barks, "while I show you how a dwarf deals with these sort of dungeon nuisances!"

With that, the dwarf brings his axe down atop the squirming gray ooze, sending a spray of ichor splattering through the room.

OOC:

10:33, Today: Norion Ironaxe rolled 7 using 1d8+2. dmg.
10:33, Today: Norion Ironaxe rolled 13 using 1d20+2. battle axe.

The gray ooze has now slithered near the threshold of the cluttered room and is positioned directly in front of the dwarf, though still within reach of all the heroes.

The monstrous aberration slides forward toward Norion while manifesting the semblance of an appendage, which it uses to jab at the dwarf's right leg. Norion easily steps aside of the attack.

Gray Ooze
AC 8, HP: 8

STAGE 1: Norion, Ravick, Saliq, Sularius
STAGE 2: Gray Ooze
STAGE 3: Eagle

STAGE 3 is up!!!

Gulping back the panic that is rising through his body, Eagle breathes deeply and tries to focus on the task in hand, trying to find a moment's calm in this hellish room. Unfortunately the rest of the world doesn't stop for him, and as the melee rages, he realises he must act.

Trying hard to control his trembling hand he strides forward defiantly towards the grey ooze, and again tries to stick it with his spear. With his palms drenched in sweat however, the spear slips as he thrusts, and sparks fly as the steel tip clatters into the stone in front of the ooze, jarring Eagle's shoulder back, and almost causing him to slip over himself.


10:19, Today: Eagle rolled 1 using 1d20. attack roll.

The battle wages as on the gray ooze has now moved into striking distance of the heroes. The heroes had thus far avoided being struck by the dungeon denizen, perhaps their luck would hold?

Gray OozeAC 8, HP: 8

STAGE 1: Norion, Ravick, Saliq, Sularius
STAGE 2: Gray Ooze
STAGE 3: Eagle

STAGE 1 is up!!!

Frustrated with his previously inept strike, Sularius grips his sword tightly and swings twice at the creature, both blows finding their mark.

OOC:

21:29, Today: Sularius Alariel rolled 19 using 1d20+3. Attack Ooze.
21:31, Today: Sularius Alariel rolled 4 using 1d8+3. Damage 1st.
21:30, Today: Sularius Alariel rolled 18 using 1d20+3. Attack Ooze 2nd.
21:32, Today: Sularius Alariel rolled 6 using 1d8+3. Damage 2nd.

Ravick swings viciously at the grey tendril with his blade.  "This accursed thing is made of sturdy stuff."

OOC:

17:58, Today: Ravick rolled 12,8 using d20,d8 with rolls of 12,8.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:59, Tue 15 May 2012.

Yet again a dagger thrust of Saliq's failed to find a mark. The Illusionist shot the tendril a look of frustatration and disbelief.

00:30, Today: Saliq Musfara rolled 3,2 using d20,d4. Attack & Damage (dagger).

The heroes finally manage to utterly destroy the writhing gray mass that had slithered out of a dark corner of the cluttered room. The thing convulses a few times, squirting puss here or there, and then expires.

Once the excitement has settled down the heroes can easily get to the potion, the item which initially drew them further into the jumble of chaos. The vial contains two uses of potion of cure light wounds.

Barring any secret or concealed doors which may contain passages leading from this room, there are no other obvious exits other than the one the heroes came through. Clearing the room of debris would require a fair bit of time, but is possible assuming there were no distractions.

The two doors to the left of the cluttered room are also still unexplored.
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:21, Sun 03 June 2012.

As Eagle's breathing returns to normal he looks admiringly around the room at his new found companions - it was only an hour or so ago that he had met them, but the way they all piled into protect each other against the hideous slime left him with a sense of pride in their togetherness.

As the potion is identified Eagle suggests that Ravick take it on behalf of the party, so as to use it when his own magic is exhausted. Looking at the mess that is left, he suggests they look into another room rather than clear this to search for secret doors.

OOC: What are we doing with treasure? Presumably having a party pot and splitting when we return to the surface?

"This will come in handy," says Ravick, tucking the potion into his pack.

OOC:

Sorry, lads.  I was at a wedding and was indisposed for a few days.

Salig glares at the vile gray mass on the floor. "I don't know about you gentlemen but I don't wish to stay here longer than we have too. Shall we search through here?"

The Illusionist gestures at the left hand door.

"We should make haste," says Ravick.  "A malefic aura fulminates from this room."  The lanky acolyte sheaths his sword and wipes imaginary filth onto his cloak.

The heroes opt to not sift through the wreckage of the small cramped room. This was the work of a hoarder of the worst sort and while it was true that perhaps there was some coin to be gleaned from the sale of some of the goods, it was probably not worth the effort involved. It would be quite a process hauling all that junk back top-side after all.

The party had found a useful boon in that room, a magic potion, and there was still an unexplored door leading off the torture chamber. Listening at the door, the companions can now hear incomprehensible mumbling coming from somewhere beyond the door. The sound if muffled by the thick wooden door, but sounds vaguely humanoid.

But, no language that any of the companions are familiar with...

The door slightly ajar. Was it so before the companions had joined battle with the gray ooze?

Eagle glances nervously at his companions - the gloom of being underground was getting oppressive, and he longed to be free for a moment. 'Should we return another way?' he whispers. 'Or perhaps wait here and ambush this creature should it enter this room?'

"I could use magic to disguise myself as a goblin - unless you think whatever is coming eats goblins?" Saliq muses aloud as he checks his daggers.

"Perhaps our fleet-footed elfin companion could check for us," says Ravick, darting his eyes back and forth between his companions.

Sularius winks in response to Ravick's suggestion.

"Right, allow me," he says with a flourish of his right hand. The elf takes the door handle and pushes it open slowly, just enough to peer through.

"Long hall," he whispers back to his companions. "Lighted room beyond. Yes. Goblins." The elf steps away from the door once more.

"They are standing around talking gibberish like the last lot." The elf frowns contemplatively while considering the next course of action.

The goblins in the room beyond do not show any sign of being aware of the companions' presence. They give no cries of alert and make no effort to investigate the ajar door. They seem content to continue talking jibberish and nonsense to one another, just like the six goblins the heroes had first encountered near the subterannean waterfall.

Gutterblins were not known to be so absent-minded, rather their reputation was that of an alert, cunning, and thrifty people. These goblins were something else altogether, almost as though their minds were not totally there.

"Drunk, perhaps?"

"Drunk, no doubt." A nervous smile devours the pocked acreage of Ravick's face.  Brushing the hilt of his sword, with skinny fingers, the acolyte adds, "Should we attack or leave them be?"

Now, a bit of a row can be heard coming from the room beyond as one of the goblin's voice rises above the others, a reproachful tone:

"All He Provides! Gathese we must. We must not fail the Master Who Has Provided That which we must not let any trespassers to our more of golden coins for the Master's abode. Protect the ring is of golden coins for the Master more of the Master's abode. Provides. Ga the Master's delight. Our mission. We must. Ga the Master mission. We must not fail the Master's delight. We must. Ga these we are.  Beautiful stacks of these we are. Protect the Master's abode.  Beautiful stacks our duty is our duty is to these!"

This tirade is met with a chorus of 'ayes', 'nays', grumblings, and curiously, uncontrollabe laughter.

Perhaps even more interestingly, the gutterblins are speaking in the common tongue, not in their native tongue!
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:01, Sun 03 June 2012.

"Kill them all, let Ga sort them out," Ben suggested,  picking his teeth with his dagger, while scratching his hind quarters vigorously.

Eagle regards each of the companions, "Well, unless we can ensorcell this group like the last," he says, referring to Sularius' use of the sleep spell on the previous goblin sentry, "We'll need to think of another plan."

Finally, he faces Ben, "This name, Ga," he says while scratching his chin thoughtfully, "I have heard this name before..."

Eagle relates the tales he has heard about the strange Cult of Ga, a secretive cabal of adepts that purportedly worship at the altar of a mysterious dark entity...the nature of which is unknown, but certainly terrible.

The druid became aware of this cult because of their penchant for collecting diseased and mange-ridden animals. Little is known what fate becomes of these animals once they are taken in by Disciples of Ga.
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:11, Mon 04 June 2012.

"I'm with the cutpurse, lads," Norion rumbled, "Goblins aren't any use to anyone. We're doing a service wiping 'em out. Course, we may want keep one of 'em alive. Find out how they came by the learning to speak our language."

Tugging at his collar nervously at the tale of the Druid, particularly concerned that the Ga collect the diseased and mange ridden.

"Yah, kill'em all, I says, afore they try to collect me, I says."

"The goddess Avandra is benevolent, but she is also pragmatic."  Ravick's sword hisses from its sheath. "Eradicating this filth is certainly less evil than letting it fester."

"It is entirely possible that they might consider the oozing creature a threat or a guard from which this door is slightly open." Considering the ways in and out, Sularius considers the human's idea for laying a trap. "Spells are always appreciated, but maybe unnecessary for this group. They might be apprehensive about charging into this room."

"I think having swords to either side of the door while archery fells them if they charge down said hallway might be sufficient. If any insurance is needed we could spare some oil on the floor near the entrance? Either way, we might be allowing them a chance to flee or alarm others inside, at any rate."

"I likes the way you think, Sully," Benji replied with a smile on his face. Attacking from behind was a hobby of his, but this was a new way to behind folks... he liked it.

Ravick smiles and says, "A sound plan indeed."  His grin reveals equine teeth too large for his maw.  "I shall happily lend my sword-arm, such as it is."

Saliq - who in truth was neither skilled archer nor swordsman - smiled ruefully. "I fear my talents are not best suited but the plan is good all the same. I'll try my best my friend."

Directing the group, Sul orchestrates the plan, "The Dwarf stands here, about a foot back from where the door swings open." He looked up at the small edge of the door. "Ben? Can you hold on top of that small door and drop behind them if and when they enter?"

Moving slightly back from the door but to the far side of it from where Norian stood, Sul pointed to the side location, "Ravick? You are here. The other flank. Eagle to your side to assist you."

Then moving towards the center of the room, her pulled Sal behind him, "If I had remembered a bow, I would have done this part. Instead, you can throw while I am your shield." He readied his sword. "If anyone wishes to toss oil on them, hand it to Eagle or Sal. Keep them in the middle between us and allow Ben to close behind them. Now if there is no other objection, I will call out in goblin for a call of reinforcements."

OOC - Sorry if I missed anyone. Not too sure on who is still here.

[Private to GM: Calling out in goblin. I think Sul has used one Sleep. Does he have another? I'm not sure how you've set up his spells from looking at the character sheet.]

Ravick nods, and is happy that someone with more prowess is directing the group.  He readies his sword and shield and says, "May Avandra guide us."

Ben carefully climbs into position, and eager grin on his unshaven face...

[Private to GM: should I roll, or can I assume that I have the time to get it done right?]

Norion drew his great axe, shifting the weight of the weapon in his hands as he moved into position, grumbling a few words about Sularius referring to him as "the Dwarf" as he went. "Arrogant elf folk," he muttered, "Think they lord over the rest of us." In spite of his complaints, he recognized that Sularius had come up with a sound battle plan.

Taking a balanced stance a short distance from the door, he gripped his axe firmly, ready to cut down the first goblin that moved his way.

Sularius calls out to the goblin's in their native tongue.

The feverish ramblings cease for a moment, replaced by banging, hushes, and whispers.

Finally, the conversation starts once more, now louder, in the common tongue:

"Did you hear this! They need us come to worry over."

"Voices. To arms, one and all!"

"Let us."

"Did you hear that? Our brotheir aid. For Ga, their aid."

"Must we? For riches. Quickly we can!"

"See while the weapons are. Quickly what? Our brothers! They need us. For riches. Did you hear?"

"We must! Ga. For Ga! For riches."

"For what? Did your weapons. To arms, one and all. Let us come to theirs! They need us come to worry while what? Our brothers! They need us. For riches."

"Quickly what? Our weapons. Quickly we must! Ga. For riches. To arms, one and what? Quicly! Ga. What?"

Finally, the companions hear footsteps approaching on the opposite end of the closed door. Perhaps Ben and Sularius can recognize the sound of two goblins making their way to the door, while an unknown number lurks somewhere in the room beyond...

The door swings open! A ruddy gutterblin armed with a spiked club emerges from behind the he door. A second goblin stands just a few feet behind the first. Both gasp as the heroes spring upon them...

OOC: PCs will gain surprise the first round, which means we do not need to roll init this first round. Go ahead and roll init when you post your first action.

PCs are up!

Gutterblins
AC 6, HP 4
#1: 2/4
#2: 4/4

---

PC          AC    HP      AP    Notes
Ben         7    04/06    2     Surprise +2
Eagle       6    05/08    4
Norion      3    12/12    2
Ravick      3    09/09    1
Saliq       7    03/04    3     Surprise +2
Sularius    8    06/07    3     Suprise +1 while unencumbered or 4 in 6 nonmetal armor & alone or with elves & halflings


STAGE 1: Ben, Sularius
STAGE 2: Goblins (4)
STAGE 3: Eagle, Norion


This message was last edited by the GM at 13:14, Thu 07 June 2012.

"Well that didn't work the way it was supposed to," Ben mutters to himself.

[Private to GM:
Ben Scristos rolled 6 using 1d6+2. initiative round one

I really think the plan was to lure them in with flying arrows, then have those of us by the door attack the last ones thru and work forward, no? Anyway, since we didn't do it that way, do I get back-stab dropping from above?]

Seeing that the goblins did not fully charge into the room, Sul almost panicked, instead and put away his sword and weaved another spell of sleep on them. "The plan has failed. Quick, grab those at the front. We might be able to salvage this situation yet."


Today: Sularius Alariel rolled 10 using 4d4. Sleep spell on goblins. Sul would have cast it slightly deeper into the hallway in case others were right behind the front two.

"Ignorant goblins," Norion muttered, "Not even smart enough to fall into a trap." He raised his axe, swinging it in a heavy arc at the nearest goblin.

23:43, Tue 05 June: Norion Ironaxe rolled 1 using 1d6. Initiative.
07:57, Today: Norion Ironaxe rolled 2 using 1d20+1. Attack.

Eagle had readied his spear in an attempt to strike one of the goblins as it charged out the door. He set the spear into place and then gave it a quick, violent thrust as the first goblin appeared in the threshold. It was an effecive blow to the left arm, but not enough to fell the creature.

Nonetheless, the goblin shrieks out in agony as the spear rends through flesh.

Eagle debated whether he should draw his scimitar, but chose to keep the advantage of fighting from ditance for the moment.

07:05, Today: DM Storm, on behalf of Eagle, rolled 1 using 1d6. damage.
07:04, Today: DM Storm, on behalf of Eagle, rolled 20 using 1d20. Strike Goblin. 07:12, Today: DM Storm, on behalf of Eagle, rolled 1 using 1d6. init.
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:13, Thu 07 June 2012.

Ravick clenches his jaw and keeps his shield in front of him; his eyes, wide and alert, peer at his target over the rim of his buckler.  When he finally swings his sword, his aim is far from true, unfortunately.  He grimaces as his swipe misses its mark and clangs against a protuberance of stone.

OOC:

I rolled a 1.  Something dastardly should happen.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:38, Thu 07 June 2012.

Sularius' arcane enchantment drifts down the hallway and into the room at the far end. The swordmage's magic soon fills the chamber with gold shimmering speckles. Despite the goblins attempts to shake off the effect of the spell, their eyelids grow heavy and they soon drift off into a deep slumber.

Perhaps keen-eared companions can even hear the sound of several goblins hitting the floor somewhere in the room beyond.

There is now no chatter coming from the far room. Presumably, the only conscious goblins are the two now standing in the threshold before the heroes.

"Well that was delicious..." Ben mutters appreciatively.

Dropping to the floor, he draws his sword and scurries to the far room to see if any appear to have survived, or escaped.

If it seems safe, he starts slitting the furthest throat first...

Ben hops down from the back of the door, just behind the goblins. The pair of goblins are seemingly unaware of his maneuver, then again, the focus of their attention is the wall of armed top-siders now staring them down.

Ben slinks down the narrow corridor and soon enters a large, sparsely furnished room, where six goblins lay sprawled out on the floor. Some are still clutching weapons as their chests rise and fall, though most of the goblins are now unarmed, their weapons cast aside perhaps when they succumbed to Sularius' sleep spell.

The nearest goblin is just at the end of the corridor. Ben leans down and completes his gruesome task with one clean slice.

A large arched doorway dominates the west wall, while to the south is a large wooden altar. Atop, and all around the altar are uneven stacks of coins of various metals, some already toppled over and most on the verge of spilling onto the floor. Above the altar, painted onto the wall in dark red dye, a sinister-looking face stares out over the room. The creature is a three eyed, earless monstrosity whose mouth is a tangled row of sharp fangs at nigh impossible angles.

OOC: Hopefully Saliq will post shortly so we can resolve this round and move to the next!

Saliq  took out one of his daggers, judged the the distance and with a flick of his wrist sent it spinning through the air towards the nearest standing goblin.


OOC:
02:34, Today: Saliq Musfara rolled 2 using 1d4. Damage (thrown dagger).
02:34, Today: Saliq Musfara rolled 11 using 1d20+3. Attack (thrown dagger).

MEANWHILE, IN A ROOM NOT SO FAR AWAY...

Ben nearly craps his trousers at the leering face.

"Ga indeed," he mutters...

With one eye on the eerily (to him anyway) life like face, he slits throats as fast as he can.

[Private to GM: The stacks of coins isn't wasted on him, but the thought of risking earning the ire of the face-in-the-wall far outweighs his need for greed. A fair share is quite sufficient.]

The goblin pair were unaware that their companions were now lying helplessly on the floor, or else they might not have considered fleeing back to the chamber with the strange altar.

They knew they were no match for six armed top-siders, but perhaps with companions, they could defeat these interlopers?

But not before Ben and Sularius had a chance to have a say in the way things would shake out...


OOC: End of surprise round. Now we are in init stages. Ben and Sul are up!
PCs are up!

Gutterblins
AC 6, HP 4
#1: 0/4
#2: 4/4

---

PC          AC    HP      AP    Notes
Ben         7    04/06    2     Surprise +2
Eagle       6    05/08    4
Norion      3    12/12    2
Ravick      3    09/09    1
Saliq       7    03/04    3     Surprise +2
Sularius    8    06/07    3     Suprise +1 while unencumbered or 4 in 6 nonmetal armor & alone or with elves & halflings


STAGE 1: Ben, Sularius
STAGE 2: Goblins
STAGE 3: Eagle, Norion, Saliq, Ravick


This message was last edited by the GM at 16:56, Sun 10 June 2012.

(ooc - did my post above get taken into account, or is that happening now?)

Seeing the front two goblins standing at the doorway considering their options, Sularius wanted to keep their attention on the room at hand and not look back to see what was happening behind them. His sword swung out just flashing in front of one of the goblins. At least they should consider what is before them now.

Rolled a 13 to hit which would have hit AC 7. Darn!

Ben continues to slit throats...

Ben continues the deadly task with little fanfare, deftly moving from goblin to goblin, dagger in hand.

Meanwhile, the goblins who were fooled by Sularius' ploy faced no better a fate. They were two against five, hardly good odds. Not knowing that a fox was already in the henhouse, they defensively retreat back down the corridor.

"Gerz Ga drak bek-glaz djahrz!" one of them calls out over his shoulder. It was not loud enough a call to wake the few goblins who were still dozing and there were no words which would wake those who now lay in a pool of their own dark blood.

Both goblin retreat back into the room with the strange shrine. Each disappears around an opposite corner once inside the room. One of the goblins nearly trips over a slain goblin as it turns the corner. The goblin glances down at the ground and notices his dead companion and seems confused by this turn of events.

Neither he or his companion are aware that nearby, Ben is hunched over another of their companions, ready to continue his work.

OOC: The two goblins performed a fighting retreat. PCs may pursue and attack them on their turn. PCs speaking goblin will know that goblins called out: "Powerful Ga save us! More have come!"

STAGE 3 is up!

A smile crosses Ben's face as the goblins back into the room, their attention fully on the flashing blades before them.

Drawing his long sword, he deftly and quietly maneuvers to a position from which he will be able to attack the undefended back of the goblin closer to the Shrine, once the opportunity presents itself... should the foe live that long!

Norion snarled a curse and chased one of the goblins. Doing his best to close the distance between them, he swung his axe as soon as he was in range.

OOC: Wasn't sure if I needed to roll an attack roll. If so:

18:44, Today: Norion Ironaxe rolled 10 using 1d20+1. Attack.
18:45, Today: Norion Ironaxe rolled 5 using 1d10. Damage (if needed).

Eagle pursues the fleeing goblins into the chamber ahead, turns the corner, and jabs his spear into the one he had previously wounded. The force of the blow drives the goblin to the ground. The druid sweeps his arms around, freeing the spear tip from the slain goblin.

"Take down the other!" he calls out to his companions.

10:51, Today: DM Storm, on behalf of Eagle, rolled 16,3 using d20,d6. attack/dmg.

Ravick springs forward and slashes at at goblin with his notched blade.  He utters a blessing to Avandra as his blade finds purchase within the the wretched creature.

OOC:

15:59, Today: Ravick rolled 16,8 using 1d20,1d8.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:00, Sun 10 June 2012.

The companions make quick work of the eight goblins, opening up the room with the hideous shrine for further exploration. The three-eyed monstrosity stares through each of the companions, its eyes seemingly able to change focus at will. In truth, the face is inanimte, but its appearance is so unnerving so as to make it seem otherwise.

Several hundred coins are piled up on and around the wooden shrine to the leering figure. The coins are mostly copper and silver, though such a find is perhaps the sort of boon that Lhosof walked away with. Perhaps it was these very gutterblins whom the lame child had robbed?

There was no way to really tell, but it was a decent little start to an adventure that had been quite profitable.

The goblins were armed with an assortment of clubs, short spears, and daggers, all serviceable but none extraordinary.

Aside from the corridor which the heroes entered and the large wooden double-doors set against the east wall, there are no other obvious entrances or exits to this chamber.

Perhaps more riches awaited beyond the next set of doors?

OOC: If the PCs take the time to collect the coins, there are a total of 350 sp, 500 cp, 4 gp, and 1 ep on the altar.     

Saliq sighed and put away his daggers. Next to his well armed companions he was feeling a little superflous. Maybe he should have spent more time training and less time nose deep in a book.

He looked at the shrine uncertainly, venturing a little closer and wondering if there was some form of magic too it. Certainly he could feel the hairs on the back of his neck stand up simply gazing at it.

Taking some of the daggers and spears the goblins had, Sularius moved back to the door
they had charged through. Closing it, he attempted to lock it from the inside (if the
mechanism is on the inside and is clear how it works) Placing a dagger on top of the
handle and some on the floor underneath, he set up a warning sign if anyone attempted
to open the door from the outside. If anyone tried to use the handle outside, the knife would drop and make a loud sound on the metals under it.

Returning, he eyed the door behind the alter. "I don't think that door leads to anyone important but I'd prefer to check to see if it's locked or trapped in anyway. While we are here, lets not get caught with our guard down." Walking besides the walls, he began checking for anything hidden or secretive in anyway.

Sularius examines the room and finds no evidence of secret or concealed doors. Passing by the large double-door, the elf does faintly hear muffled mumbling somewhere beyond. The mumblings do not sound the same as those that were made by the goblins. The elf cannot make out what language (if any) it may be, nor the exact content of the speech. It sounds like a barely perceptible drone through the closed doors.

While the other collect coins, and lock doors, Ben examines the idol more closely. he had heard of idols with gems for eyes... hmmm...

Alas, the idol does not possess gems for eyes!

What terrible demon the idol depicts is still something of a mystery. Perhaps this is the Ga that the goblins were rambling on about? Whatever the creature might be, it is truly a horrific entity. Its three mishapen and lidless eyes are cold and unforgiving. A large bulbous ill-proportioned nose droops over the creature's upper row of fangs (and referring to the jagged line of teeth as a row is certainly a stretch!). The idol has a wild, dangerous look about it, as though it could break out of the stone wall at any moment and devour one's soul.

Upon closer examination, Ben does notice a concealed latch between the creature's row of fangs. The latch is rather small, and were it not for Ben's deliberate effort to examine the idol, would likely have gone undetected.

The latch appears to be a trap release mechanism, though what trap the device holds at bay is unknown.

"Ummm... fella! I think there's a trap here? I'm partial to thinking the trap might hide some better treasure, but who knows. Anyway, take cover, I'm thinking of trying to disarm this puppy. Fingers crossed..."

He gives the others a moment to respond, or perhaps even try to talk him out of it, but he is clearly itching to try.

Backing to the far side of the alter from the double doors, Sularius made ready with his sword drawn, "There's -something- on the other side of those doors. Ben's latch could be the mechanism that releases it. I'd laugh if I didn't think it was Ga about to poke it's head out."

Thinking of the coins, he made a comment about them, >"At first I thought the coins were an offering, I'm beginning to think it was bait to bring us here to be the offering. Ben, make sure the coins and anything else is off the alter before touching the latch. Maybe we can put some of the goblin bodies on top."

"Trap or no I'm not sure Ga - if that's him - would appreciate an offering of dead goblins," Saliq commented wryly. Giving the idol a doubtful look the Illusionist crossed over to the altar and scoops up the coins, retreating away from the double doors as he finished.

There is no apparent reaction to Saliq scooping up the coins on the wooden altar. The double doors still remain closed and muffled mumbling can still be heard near the door.

Feeling he had given everyone fair warning, Ben begins poking and prodding like a poorly trained dentist...

[Private to GM: 18:25, Today: Secret Roll: Ben Scristos rolled 64 using 1d100. remove traps? ]
This message was last edited by the player at 02:05, Tue 12 June 2012.

Norion eagerly assisted in the collecting of the scattered coins. Although he was primarily focused on bagging up the loose treasure, he kept one eye on Scristos, warily watching for what might unfold with the trap.

The heroes collect all of the coins in short order. It was a decent haul that would go a long way toward provisioning future adventuring endeavors, and as all the companions were short on coin, it was a substantial boon to be sure!

Meanwhile, Ben busies himself with examining the lever further, in an attempt to ascertain what it might do, without actually activating. The thief struggles to make any sense of the device. It was a lever, that much was clear, but whether it engaged or disengaged a trap, well that was a mystery. It was even odds either way, or perhaps it wasn't a trap at all, but rather something else.

Barring experimentation, there was really no way to tell, for the device's purpose was lost on the party thief.

OOC: Wonder what that strange lever does?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=csoTb-JWnFs

A tribute to a movie I loved as a child called the great race...

http://youtu.be/7xwkGNVOhNw

Anyway, Ben pulls the lever!!!

Eagle has watched Ben's examination of the shrine with interest. Indeed, after Saliq had removed the coin Eagle crosses to the altar, and taking a piece of chalk from his cloak pocket draws a large cross through the hideous visage of Ga.

As he continues to watch it suddenly becomes clear to him that Ben will pull the lever. Eagle wills him not to, but for some reason (be it fear or just bad timing) the words don't come to his lips. All he can manage is hoarse whisper as Ben pulls the lever. 'Be careful of Ga's gateway. . .'

OOC: fingers crossed Eagle is just being a scaredy cat!

The chamber fills with the slow, grinding sound of a metal gear turning. The walls tremble for a few tense moments, and finally reveal a secret door to the left of the shrine!

The secret door was exceptionally designed, for it was constructed to appear as little more than a fault line in the stone wall. The door leads away down a darkened tunnel that disappears around a corner to the left.

Norion stood from where he was crouched collecting coins and took a few steps toward the opened door. He grinned, glancing back at his companions. "You know, someone went to a lot of trouble to keep that door hidden. Perhaps because there was something valuable they wanted to keep out of sight. I think we should go take a look."
This message was last edited by the player at 02:17, Wed 13 June 2012.

"Agreed." As soon as Sularious said it, he paused and thought about
it. He must have misspoke, "My stomach is grumbling though."

Looking about the room and considered it had three different sets of doors. The one
they just came through, the double doors behind the alter where something still is
making noise, and the hidden one that holds promise.


"Before gaining a possible treasure, could we perchance eat a quick meal?"

As pleased by the thought of treasure as he is with the lack of poison darts sticking out of his corpus after flicking the switch, Ben hops off the altar, and give the elf an incredulous look.

"Eat? There will be plenty of time to eat after we're dead old man, there's treasure down there!" he exclaims, assuming what had only been an assumption, and not yet pondering who and/or what might be guarding the depths, treasure or not.

"Let go now!"

Which he apparently does, though he stops at the edge of the door and peers thru instead, bouncing happily on his toes, his fingers twitching absent mindedly as if counting the imagined loot...

The secret entrance is rather small, just barely large enough for an average-sized man to walk comfortably through. Passage should prove not terrible difficult for any of the heroes, though even the smallest of the group would be hard-pressed to view it as anything but confining.

The corridor smells of wet stone, though there is no sign of water immediately visible. In fact, there ground is quite dusty and there are numerous signs that the passage sees frequent use. The tunnel continues to the south for perhaps 10 feet, before it turns sharply to the east, disappearing out of sight.

A faint, cool breeze filters through the passage, filling the heroes' nostrils with that wet stone smell.

OOC: Updated to fix an incorrect tunnel direction. Tunnel heads south and then EAST.
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:24, Thu 14 June 2012.