Darratheir was not good at hiding or with magic so when Gromley offered to go spying for the group, the Dragonborn nodded in acceptation. Then, whispering, he said : "I'm ready to run at your go if you think a surprise attack might be doable."

Gromley sends his consciousness in to take a peek.

Gromley, make an Arcana check and a Perception check.

In reply to EpicOne (msg # 496):

Ooc-30 on arcana, 36 on perception
15:51, Today: Gromley Underhill rolled 30 using 1d20+26 with rolls of 4.  Arcana.
15:50, Today: Gromley Underhill rolled 3936 using 1d20+2219 with rolls of 17.  Perception.
This message was last edited by the player at 10:07, Tue 22 Nov 2016.

As Gromley scouts Martha discreetly covers the party with her cloak of courage, and checks everyone has their backpack straps correctly fastened, fretting particularly over Harald's notoriously chaotic approach to his packing.

Gromley sees something...

In reply to EpicOne (msg # 499):

The group gets a telepathic message, and Gromley's normally smooth mental tone sounds a bit more nervous.

My friends, I am seeing what looks like a very, very, VERY big hydra. It reminds me of the legend of Morgol the Undying. Some sort of Gargantuan immortal beast in the service of Tiamat. I think its one of those heads grow back type of Hydras...not sure if fire prevents that.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:13, Tue 22 Nov 2016.

Gromley also shares that it appears to be blocking the way further into the complex. Forgot to mention that to Gromley.

Agon or Zog can make an Arcana check for more info on Morgol. If he makes it, he can share with everyone else.

What do you do?

Darratheir turned toward Gromley and, trying to be the less noisy as he could, asked : "What would happened if we cut all the heads of an hydra at the very same time ?"

In reply to Darratheir Burnedbear (msg # 502):

No idea. Normally losing one head is enough for almost everybody else...Gromley mentally said. Shrugging.

"Do you fill adventurous ? We could try it and report our finding." he answered with a large grin proving he was mainly joking.

'If it is a servant of Tiamat, it will have to be put down' Martha declares mentally to the group. 'Many hydras are in Tiamat's service. Nasty creatures.'

'I worry about the implications of such an elder servant of the Glittering Bitch here - what does it mean?' she ponders aloud.

"That's a good point" said Harald.  "But we didnae ask thae Titan lads whether they worked for Moradin or Timat, did we?

"The more we know about the beast before we battle it, the better the outcome in our favor it will be." Sonliin said as he tried to remember if he had heard anything.

"Hydras are fearsome foes, but everything that lives has a weakness." Agon said. He searched his massive memory for legends of this specific beast.

22:15, Today: Agon rolled 39 using 1d20+34 with rolls of 5.  arcana.

Agon immediately recalls details about the beast.

Details sent by PM.

Zog scratches his chin. "Heard of it, don't know a lot about it. Agon, what have you got?"

"Morgol the Undying is relatively simple, as far as brutal creatures from before the dawn of time go. He has five heads, and will regenerate more as he is harmed.  His wounds bleed, and he is particularly deadly against those who engage him in close combat while also being able to lash out up to 20 paces away." Agon shrugged, trying to figure out what else to say. "He has no particular weaknesses or strengths, aside from innate toughness. And while despite the name, he can be defeated, a new Morgol arises every generation or so."

'Hmmm. I had heard legends talk of this beast, but had always assumed they were exaggerated. This will be a powerful foe.'

OOC: Cloak of Courage on everyone before battle - surge worth of temp hitpoints each.

Zog nods. "Agreed. Well, at least we have the people to take it on. Harald, Darratheir, lead the way. We have your backs."

He smiles--it was a remarkable feeling to receive the blessing of courage from Martha. He had absolutely no clue how her "cloak" worked, but he was glad for it.

Looking at Zog, Darratheir smiled in return. "I will show this Morgol who is a real threat in melee combat!" Then, looking at his spear, he added : "What do you think, Arrow of Fate ?"

He finally moved in front position, ready to go when it would be the good time.

The entire party gets a sense of enthusiasm from the Arrow on the topic of attacking a bastard spawn of Io like this hydra.

Do you try to sneak up on it? Or just charge in?

Either way, everyone roll initiative.

Harald looked around at his companions.

"We hae come a lang way thegither an' Ah am proud tae be numbered amongst ye.  Even if Ah fall this day, it will no' hae been in vain.  Ah salute ye a'.

With that he strode forward to stand beside Darratheir.


03:02, Today: Harald Gaptooth rolled 28 using 1d20+20 with rolls of 8.  Initiative check.

"We didn't come this far to be eaten by some lizard, no matter how tough." Agon said. He rolled up his sleeves, read to unleash the maximum of arcane firepower.

INIT +28
Using Mnemonic Staff to switch Oppressive Force for Wizard's Fury

The Arrow answered in his own, particular way but it was enough for Darratheir to know he could go now. When Harald stepped beside him, he looked at the Dwarf and tapped his shoulder. "Don't worry, our time didn't came yet."

09:43, Today: Darratheir Burnedbear rolled 30 using 1d20+16 with rolls of 14.  Initiative roll.

Martha strode to the front, her eyes glittering with old wisdom.

10:02, Today: Martha rolled 41 using 1d20+27 with rolls of 14.  Initiative.