Go ahead and make further exploration posts here.

Greyband nods to the hallway. "Does anyone have a ten-foot pole we an use to prod the floor ahead?"

"As it happens, I do.  I can prod ahead if people would like, or if someone else wants to borrow it, that's fine too", he says while producing and putting together the pole.

Greyband nods. "And perhaps the thief can walk next to you searching for traps."

If everyone is in agreement on this, Greyband will walk just behind this pair to step up and attack anything that bothers them.

"Excellent notion!" adds Lanliss, falling into place beside Greyband. His sword or spell will be on hand should the going get tough.

  "I agree as well, please continue, we shall watch the rear".
 Elboc also has the bow and a spell at the ready.

"There will be traps that's for sure. But don't be thinking that those at the back are any safer. I've seen whole groups wiped out 'cause they didn't listen to sound advice." The dwarf adjusted the lantern that he carried and pointed it down the corridor. "And if you do happen upon a trap don't be thinking that you are the only one that saw it. Might be that it is clear as day to some of the rest of us." He snorted and after giving the hobgoblin corpse a kick headed down the short passage in the middle of the group.

At the door he held the lantern high to assist those in front. "Go on listen someone. No dead Hobs to show us the way this time."

Roak had his lantern lit so he first looked over the dead hobgoblin. Mayhaps it had a water skin or some food. He then followed the others in, now placing himself in the middle of the group, after Lanlis and Sherbone. Sjnce his Lantern was already lit the halfling offered it to anyone in front or back that might require the light more than he.

Relieved to get 'inside' from the desert, Sherborne pauses while the hobgoblin is searched and everyone takes their places.  Once ready, he starts to prod slowly down the turning hallway toward the door.  "Here goes nothing.  May the Gods bless us."

With a last glance at the searing desert, Silverglade ducks through the opening. Then, holding his nose is disgust, he steps over the hobgoblin corpse. He draws his sword and readies his shield - if Elboc has his bow ready, then Silverglade will be ready for close quarters action at the back. "Stay near me if the party gets separated," he calls to Roak.

In reply to Silverglade (msg # 10):



  Noticing Sliverglade readying his sword, Elboc rechecks his quivers to make sure of the arrows not being tangled and will be free and clear for quick reloading. He nods to Sliverglade, indicating his awareness of the weapon switch for the business at hand, " If they get close they are yours, I will do my best so that you do not need to busy yourself". Smiling, he readies himself for the movement down the corridor.

Those searching the hobgoblin:

A quick search shows no gear that isn't stained by the seeping putrescence that comes from this too-long dead body.  It is wearing some now ruined leather armor, some type of backpack is on its back (under it), and is holding a serviceable-but-not-amazing iron-banded wooden club.  The stains look unpleasant, but you can do a more thorough search if you like.

All:

Let me know what you do as you approach the next door.  I'll take actions in the order they're posted in.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:40, Thu 07 May 2015.

In reply to Dungeon Master (msg # 12):

<OOC....... Elbow will stand at the corner,(left side of corridor) and get a good aim spot over the heads of those in front, aiming into the center of the doorway, Arrow nocked and pulled back, waiting for the door to be checked/opened.

Vsaati will naturally be searching the hobgoblin for any valuables, she'll prod at the backpack and check for any other traps on its person (13) before flipping it over (if it is danger free) and checking the pack's contents.

Silverglade stands back on the other side of the corridor from Elboc (L18 on the map). He'll keep an eye both in front and behind, ready to charge into combat, cast his spell or switch to a bow as the need arises.

In reply to Vsaati (msg # 14):

You can't find any obvious trap on the body and mostly manage to roll it over without getting the ick on you, although the body does flop in a way that seems to threaten to come apart.  The backpack does seem to have some things in it, and there is the corner of what looks like a crude water bladder (thoroughly deflated) just visible , but you'll have to touch the fluids that are covering it to open it, unless you're using some type of tool to do so.

In reply to Silverglade (msg # 15):

 Standing at the ready , (location J 19).

Sherborne stands to the side ready to prod to the door once this business with the hobgoblin is done.

Vsaati decides further search isn't worth the effort, especially considering the deflated water bladder means the hobgoblin doesn't have water in its pack. She curses under her breath and joins the others at the door, drawing her sword.

Greyband asks the thief to check the door. If the door is declared trap-free, he'll try to open it!

She checks for traps but is unable to find any (62). She then listens at the door for any signs of movement (5) but is unable to hear anything. "I can't find any traps or hear anything, but I'd move cautiously if I were you." She sheaths her sword and draws her bow, stepping to the back of the party formation, nocks an arrow, and aims it at whatever could potentially be behind the door. (I'm assuming there is enough room to shoot into the door way, if not I'll point the bow away from the party members in front and instead watch our flank).

Roak remained in the middle of the group but held his lantern high enough for those looking at the door to see.

"Aye! I'll stay with ya Sliverglade... yet I hope we can all stay together. No water or food I'm guess'n Vsaati?"

In reply to Roak The Quick (msg # 22):

"None that I could see, there was a deflated water-bladder which might potentially mean there's food and water in its pack; but there's some sort of fluid covering everything and I don't trust it. If someone has something to open the pack without getting that stuff on them then they are free to try- though perhaps after we see what's behind this door."

"Well, does anyone have a spear, or a ten-foot pole? We could nudge it from a suitable distance. I have neither."

Lanliss still regards the door carefully, from a discreet distance.

In reply to Lanliss (msg # 24):

"Sherborne? Did you not have a pole earlier"?

"I don't care how long since we ate or drank. No way I am sharing anything with a Hob dead or alive." Albricht turned his nose up at the suggestion of such a thing.

"Do get on with it my belly aches at the tension. As does my arm holding this lantern for you all. The door remains a door until it is opened whether you prod it with a pole or turn the handle."

"You mean this pole?", he winks as he stops prodding the ground toward the door and starts prodding the hobgoblin, slowly at first and if nothing comes of it, he tries to see if it's possible to reveal and/or search more thoroughly.

In reply to Sherborne (msg # 27):

As you prod at the decaying hobgoblin, the body begins to come more thoroughly apart.  The previously-distasteful smell of its putrefaction quickly grows to become almost overwhelming as a portion of the torso breaks open under your prodding.  You catch sight of what looks to be a crudely made iron crow (crowbar) in the backpack as it shifts, but it has a layer of wet rust on it, likely from the fluids seeping from the dead body.

Greyband snorts and shrugs. "Enough. I'll open the other door."

He heads to the door and tries to open it?

"Good move. There's only so much decomposing hobgoblin an elf can watch."

Lanliss turned away from the corpse with distaste.

  "Please accept my apologies for asking his assistance with the pole" Smiling, Elboc, again readies himself for the dor.

Roak stood by as Greyband tried the door. His Lantern held high in his left hand and a dagger in his right. Not knowing what to expect the halfling eyed the door.

In reply to Elboc Ice Eyes (msg # 31):

<OOC...dor, thats how we Elves do it. dor.>

Greyband pushes the door open, which resists just a bit, but swings inward without any apparent incident.

He finds himself looking into the highest tier of the pyramid, which is a single 40' square room.  The rooms smells old and musty, despite the pervasive dryness.  The dust on the floor has been disturbed, although no special details can be made out.  Three huge bronze cylinders reach from the floor to the ceiling in the middle of the room.  In the center of each cylinder, facing him at floor level, is a bronze door.  Each door has a bronze handle that can be used to pull the door open.

(I am assuming that you pushed the door open, but did not immediately enter the room.)

For those in the back:
You each hear the soft sound of the secret door swinging closed behind you.
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:52, Sun 10 May 2015.

In reply to Dungeon Master (msg # 34):

  "Door"!!!
 Jumping back, Elbic tries to stop the door from closing, reaching down to grab the ich covered crowbar, he attempts to stop the door by jamming it in lengthwise to leave a gap open.

<roll needed?? Please advise>

In reply to Elboc Ice Eyes (msg # 35):

<Nope.  You're good.>

Elboc overcomes his elven distaste for the decaying hobgoblin, dropping his bow in his haste, and grabbing the disgusting iron crow.  He is just in time to get the end of it jammed between the edge of the door and its stone frame, before it can completely swing shut.

(You want to wash your hands.  Ewww...)

"Nice catch Elboc," Vsaati compliments his quickness and chuckles at the fact that the ick seemed relatively harmless. She shivered slightly at the thought of being trapped in this pyramid and could only imagine what would have happened if they had been stuck in here.

Roak gave a loud whistle, his eyes wide.

"Yeah! Nice work Elboc! At least we have ah way out if need be."

Roak then peered inside the room with the bronze tubes, holding his lantern before him. He shook his head.

"I've seen naught like these. Mayhaps a way down but if so why three? This room may hide more secret doors I'm think'n. Those three might be ways down or traps for the unwary. Have any of you seen their like?"

Vsaati will go to the front and investigate the first 20' feet of the room for any traps that could be triggered by entering the room (she does not enter the room yet, just looks for traps).

(92 and 10, I'm assuming each 10' needs to be searched for traps so I rolled twice)

If traps are found she will alert the others before attempting to disable or otherwise safely trigger the traps. She will then stay in the front of the formation this time to continue looking for traps since there doesn't seem to be any monsters in the room.

In reply to Vsaati (msg # 39):

As you visually search the room from outside the door, it seems to a surprisingly plain stone room with nothing really jumping out at you, until your eyes glance across the hinges to the door.  Something odd there catches your eye, and as you lean in to take a closer look, you realize that there is a mechanism there that will trigger once the door swings shut.  There is nothing to indicate what it will trigger, but something will be triggered, without a doubt.

"Ewwww", Sherborne says as he tries his best to scrape the muck off on the ground and the nearby wall.  He then moves up behind Vsaati and gestures with the pole.  "Make use of this if you think it will help."
This message was last edited by the player at 02:49, Mon 11 May 2015.

"I could spike the door open if ya want me to?" Roak said looking from the doorway and it's trigger and those big bronze tubes.

In reply to Roak The Quick (msg # 38):



  "Yes, well", Looking at his hands he hesitates before trying to wipe them off on the wall, Looking over his shouder at the group giving congratulatory comments, he says," Well, eehh, wow, that is some slimy stuff", Chuckling he cleans his hands and best he can before retrieving his bow.
   " I guess we can get out if need be. Whats ahead"?
  After retrieving the bow and arrow he dropped, he reclaimed his position in the rear and moved as the group moves.

"When we opened it it the secret door closed, perhaps closing it opens the secret door again? Though that seems entirely pointless considering we managed to keep the door open with the slime-covered crowbar. Let's close it to see what happens."

Vsaati will motion for the party to stand back before closing the doors to see what will happen. (note: she is not yet in the room with the tubes). She will also listen at the doors to see if anything happens in the room itself. (6)

In reply to Vsaati (msg # 44):



 "Wait a second  Vsaati,??? What if whatever is going to happen", he says while pointing to the door," happens on the other side of that door? We won't know".

"That's why I'm listening at the door to hear if anything happens in the tube-room."

In reply to Vsaati (msg # 46):

 "You think you'll be able to hear something on the other side of a stone wall"? I know Humans are wonderfully made creatures, but,.... "??

Vasari suddenly questions her entire life.

In reply to Vsaati (msg # 48):

   Seeing Vsaati's expression change, Elboc slowly and craftily smiles, hoping the others know he was jesting at the human.

Vsaati:

You swing the inner door shut and listen, and can faintly hear a hissing sound start from the other side of the door.

With all the people in the way, Albricht struggled to see beyond the door. He pushed his lantern forward to assist with lighting and listened to everything that was described. "Why are we all standing around? There is no water here?"

After the excitement with the "jamming of the secret door", he became baffled as Vsaati once again closed the door and pressed her ear to it. "How are we to get anywhere if we open and close every door we come across?"

Greyband waits for the others to make up their minds, waiting and watching for the moment.

In reply to Albricht Burghammer (msg # 51):



   Listening to the Dwarf, Elboc replies, "Dwarf, what would you do with the water we find? You certainly aren't going to bathe with it, and I thought Dwarfs always carried a barrel of ale with them  for drinking, didn't think your kind drank water".

"Shush, I heard a hissing sound coming from the room. There must be some sort of gas that got released inside. If we had all been in there and closed the door we could be poisoned now! Is that how you want to die? Hungry, Thirsty, and retching your poisoned lungs from your mouth?"

Albricht shrugged at Elboc. "I am a Finder. It's what I do. We all need to drink water."

"Well I heard the hissing too you know. Could be a bunch of snakes. That would be much worse." He considered for a moment. "Let's say it was gas we heard, How can we open the door without letting it out into this passage?"

EDIT: Spelling!
This message was last edited by the player at 21:05, Mon 11 May 2015.

Silverglade eyes the secret door that they entered by. "If this door closes when we open that door," he muses, "I wonder if we can rig it to open the other door when we open it. That way we could open the new door without anybody standing near it. But then I'm an elf, so I know little of traps and pulleys and suchlike."

(I was the only one who heard the hissing noise as the post says "Vsaati" and was directed at me, also Silverglade the door did not activate the secret door as I originally thought)

"If it is snakes they would not be rigged to the doorway's mechanism, that makes no sense to have a snake-based trap as the snakes would die without food or water as we soon will- I have no idea how to get into that room safely, but at least we are breathing fresh air in our lungs instead of dying by the hands of whatever is behind that door now."

"Well if we open the door and find a lot of dead snakes we would both be right wouldn't we." The dwarf shrugged again as if the science explained itself. "But like the lake in the forest, we will never know til the door is opened. How about we open both doors, get out and wait for all the snakes to leave?"

Greyband strokes his chin. "I like the idea of propping one door open while the other closes. The hobgoblin corpse had a crowbar--we could use that to prop one door."

"Let's force the secret entrance open and spike it that way. Then we can run quickly if we don't like what's behind the second door," suggests Siverglade. "Anyone going to give me a hand?" he asks, as he puts his shoulder to the door.

Greyband nods and assists the fellow.

Roak nodded to his friend!

"Ya boys hold it! one spike come'n up!" the halfling said reaching in his pack for hammer and spike.

In reply to Roak The Quick (msg # 62):

Roak fairly easily manages to push the inner door open and spike it in that position.  The air doesn't smell right at all and he feels a bit woozy, but a quick jog down to the outer door and outside the pyramid leaves him feeling OK.

<sorry if I forced your actions here at all, but I got the fairly clear impression that this is what you intended>

<anyone else who also wants to have exited with him, just say so>

Sherborne follows him outside and wait to see if the gas will clear out.  In the meantime he tries to get a little more the muck off of the end of his pole.

   Sniffing the air, Elboc tries to 'taste' the odor, thinking,'If we can tell what that is, we can hopefully prevent a negative outcome'.


<sniffing, if he starts to feel  a bad effect, he will attempt to leave the room to the outside>

In reply to Elboc Ice Eyes (msg # 65):

<It definitely doesn't smell like something that you would want to continue breathing, and the few diluted breaths that you take of it make your lungs burn a bit.>

Vsaati will go outside for fresh air and to wait the gas out, "What'dai tell ya? Poison gas! Who knows how long that's been waiting there just to kill someone. Perhaps there's another entrance to the lower floor?"

In reply to Dungeon Master (msg # 66):

   Not caring for  what he's feeling, Elboc turns to run for the fresh air thinking, 'Bad Idea'

In reply to Vsaati (msg # 67):

Coughing a bit and then breathing the fresh more deeply, Roak nodded to the thief's words.

"Aye! I nay like those tubes. They may be okay but they seem like traps ta me. I bet there are more secret doors about. Glad we have you along Vsaati! Silverglade, ya alright my friend?"

Albricht took one look inside the room and grunted his acknowledgement of the situation. He then quickly followed everyone else outside into the hot dry air and sunlight.

"It's as I thought. Poison gas for sure." With his eyes adjusting to the glare of the sun he peered back hesitantly into the secret opening. "I wonder how long it will take before we should try and go in again?"

Standing outside in the fresh air, albeit still rather thirsty and weary, Lanliss looked at the propped-open secret door.

"Well, at least with the doors both kept open the gas should filter out. May take a while, but better we find out this way. Let us rest a while then go back in."

If the air does eventually clear enough for the group's return Lanliss makes his way to the inner room and tries the door on the middle cylinder.

Agreeing with the others he nods an affirmative of staying outside for a bit.

Silverglade stands outside with the others. "I'm fine Roak," he says. "What I wouldn't give to be back in the Old Stag tavern now though. Tubby Jenkins would get us an ale each from his deepest, coolest cellar." As he speaks he looks into the pyramid, trying to discern any secret doors in the short corridor they have found.

Greyband heads out with the others until the air is clear, then heads back in to open any door that the party asks him to!

"Well, one thing is almost certain.  No one puts that kind of a trap for something that they don't want to stay hidden.  Hopefully the powers that be are in favor of us finding it," he says as he waits for the gas to clear.

In reply to Silverglade (msg # 73):

The halfling sighed "Don't remind me ole friend. I'd give all the gold in me pouch for one of those ales right now. I'd say give the room a few more breaths to clear and then we search the bronze tube room for other doors be they concealed or secret."

When Sherborne spoke Roak nodded in agreement.

"Yer right cleric. No one goes to all that trouble if something isn't worth much. Right now a well full of water would be ah treasure in my mind."

In just a few minutes the members of the party can no longer smell anything unusual in the air.  It seems that the gas has dispersed.

<I read a few stated intentions.  Lanliss has stated that he will simply re-enter with the gas no longer a threat and open the middle bronze door.  Silverglade mentioned that he would be searching for additional secret doors in the passage (he doesn't find any).  Greyband stated that he would re-enter when the gas was no longer a threat and open any door that he might be asked to.  I understand the desire to push the action along.  Shall I push forward with stated intentions, or wait for a group consensus?>

I'm could with pushing forward unless anyone wants me to check for more traps ;P

In reply to Dungeon Master (msg # 77):

<OOC Sorry I wasn't able to post today, long work day, 4am to 7pm. Im here, and from now on i would like to say that Elboc will follow the group when they are ready, like situations like this, I will make sure I post if I intend differently. >>



 Elboc follows the rest of the group back into the first room, taking weapon in hand,(bow, arrow nocked) places himself towards the rear and covers as many backs as possible , ready to move on with group.

"That it would", he responds to Roak.

He heads back in as the group is ready to move on in a position near the front, pole ready to prod should the need arise.

The dwarf followed Lanliss and the others back into the room with the three bronze pillars. He immediately took charge of the situation. "Okay let's just settle down one minute. It is pretty obvious that there is funny business going on here. Traps protecting all sorts of valuable things no doubt. Best that we be sure we are in fact seeing what you all think we are looking at. Because if anything is out of the ordinary I for one will have seen it first."

Albricht strolled around the room and the three pillars. He didn't touch anything, but pointed his lantern into every corner and crevice. In particular he was making certain that the pillars did indeed start at the floor and finish at the ceiling. "Three doors and three pillars. And there is eight of us. What are the odds of that?"

In reply to Albricht Burghammer (msg # 81):

Albricht does indeed see that the bronze cylinders go all of the way from the ceiling to the floor.  On closer inspection, the middle pillar has some dried blood on the floor in front of it.

Silverglade searches the room for secret doors, hoping he can find one with his sharp elf vision. If he finds none, he'll go on to check the pillars - are they hollow, are there any hidden openings, etc.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:09, Thu 14 May 2015.

Looking at the blood, Elboc tries to determine if its a splatter or a spill pattern.  Also, reaching out to the pillar, he looks closely at the material and goes to feel the surface.

Greyband stands guard and will open any door when asked! He is like a statue of steel, standing at guard, his great-sword balanced in front of him.

Silverglade:

You don't find any secret doors in the walls, ceiling, or floor (rolled in private).  The cylinders are quite heavy, but sound hollow when tapped.  You also do not find any secret doors in the cylinders, just the door in each that faces the entrance to this room.

Elboc:

The dried blood appears to have dripped from above, although you can't judge how high it dripped from, and there is some smearing in no readily discernible pattern.  It does not appear to have sprayed from the cylinder, but is definitely in front of the center cylinder.

  Looking up, can I see how far before there may be a ledge or something on the cylinder?

As stated earlier, Lanliss opens the door on the central cylinder, blood smear or not.

In reply to Lanliss (msg # 88):

Elboc:

The bronze cylinders go up all of the way to the ceiling and down to the stone floor with no changes in the surface other than the doors.

Lanliss:

You open the door without apparent incident and see that the bronze cylinder is hollow, with a ladder leading both up and down from where you are now.  It is fairly dark below, but there is a faint yellowish-orange glow coming from down there.

"Oh, well that is a surprise. Lets take a look..."

With that Lanliss climbs inside, and makes his way up the ladder.

"Seems like as good a path as any", he says as he follows Lanlis up the ladder.

Lanliss:

In short order, perhaps just 20 or 25 feet up the ladder, you find yourself in a tiny room, just barely larger than the inside of the cylinder itself.  You can make out some strange shapes and protrusions around you (perhaps levers and knobs), and there seems to be a little bit of what looks like outside light coming from two closely-set oval holes in the wall.  There is a somewhat largish tube, the end of which projects to a point just inches in front of your face, and the other leads slightly downward and through the wall of the cylinder.

Sherborne:

The inside of the cylinder isn't large enough for both you and Lanliss to be side-by-side, and you come to a stop on the ladder when Lanliss reaches the tiny room above.

Lanliss tries to take a look out of the holes in the wall, to see what he might see.

Sticking his head in, "anything"?

Lanliss:

The two holes match up quite well with the spacing of your eyes.  You find that you are looking out at the sand outside of the pyramid, seemingly a good man-height or a bit more above where the top of the structure would be.

While Lanliss and Sherborne investigate one of the tubes, Silverglade keeps an eye in the main room for anything coming through the other doors.

Vsaati will default stand guard with her bow out- and will look for traps if asked. She will follow to confirmed safe areas.

(Posting default actions because I have work for the next three days and won't be able to post again until Wednesday/Thursday)

Albricht moved to stand next to Elboc and peered up and down the cylinder with his lantern. He whistled softly his approval. "Well made that is. Quality craftsmanship. Would have to test the metal, but melted down would be worth something for sure."

The dwarf then considered his own strategy and leaned in to whisper to the elf. "I would have headed down myself. Far more daring. Top of a pyramid we are so can't possibly be any excitement up there. Far more heroic heading down I say."

Sherborne climbs back down and out so that Lanlis can climb down when he is finished.  "Not much room up that way, but it does appear that he's found something at least worth looking at up there.  I guess Lanlis can report on that once he is done."

Greyband nods. "Makes sense to me,"

  "Dwarf, Daring can get you dead, but if you wish daring,?? you go next".

Albricht nodded to the elf and agreed to the sagely advice. "Tis a shame. Not the kindred spirit I thought you were. I can understand though why you would be so hesistant and insist on others going first while you guard the rear."

He moved to the side as Sherborne stepped through. "It's this patch of blood here that gets me thinking. Maybe Lanliss has come to the same conclusion as I have."

    Not sure if the Dwarf is meaning to imply cowardly actions, Elboc responds....

"If by Kindred you meant Daring?  Dwarf, I am here with people NOT of my people, I am here at the threat of exile FROM my people, I am here with others that fear MY people, others that would would attack and kill MY people on site, out of fear, without learning of us,  I am here to learn of OTHER people's ways and how they live. I am here to live MY life. I wish to live my life with OTHERS.".

  " But, if you think I not give for the group by staying in the rear? I will be the one to see my fellow adventures attacked, and possibly die, because I did not do what they needed at the time of combat. But then... you are not my people, so, ..."

   With  that said, Elboc looks down the ladder to see if he can see anything he would deem danger.... " Are you coming Dwarf? Maybe we should see who has the most daring "?...  and starts to descend the ladder,,

Elboc:

As you descend, you see that the set of glowing points below you are moving a bit.  The appear to be attached to something rounded, a foot or so above floor level.  After a rung or so down the ladder, you realize that they're a pair of luminescent points on the back of a beetle that is about three feet long, nosing around the bottom of the ladder.

In reply to Dungeon Master (msg # 104):


   Elboc stops descending, and tells anyone that may have followed him to hold up.
   " I see a large bug, about 3 foot long, .. it's.... it's got lights on it's back? Anyone have any idea what that is"?

Convinced that Elboc had issues, Albricht watched as the elf took the lead and descended downward. He was about to follow when he heard the call about what had been found.

Albricht repeated the message to the rest of the group. "Elboc says he has found a three foot long bug of sorts. With lights at the back. Any ideas?"

He called down the ladder. "Hold steady. A plan is unfolding. Can you tell what it is doing down there?"

In reply to Albricht Burghammer (msg # 106):

  "It's just hanging around at the bottom, Be ready to go back up if this thing knows how to climb a ladder".

While making his way back down to the main room Lanliss can see someone has entered the cylinder and moved down the ladder. Elboc. Lanliss moved down and re-entered the main chamber to give his report.

"The cylinder leads up into the head of one of the statues outside. You can see quite well through the eye-holes, but there is nothing for us up there.

I'd guess that Elboc has found fire beetles, as those are the only glowing beetles of which I know. Any ideas how to deal with them?"

If the fire beetles are dangerous and unintelligent, I could just shoot them from the ladder. But I won't harm a creature unless I need to. Does anybody know much about fire beetles?" asks Silverglade.

  Hanging on the ladder Elboc looks up at the doorway,  "Any ideas people? I'll go down a little further and get a better look".

Elboc:

<How far do you go?>

In reply to Dungeon Master (msg # 111):

<OOC I think I'll go until I have the scared out of me, or until they seem to notice me and .... do what ever they do..  I don't know how far away they are, but I won't get with 20 feet. unless I'm already there, ........ how about half way from where Im at now and them..

Greyband shakes his head. "If I had to guess, though, it is here to eat something it found. Which means it may attack if we get close, since we certainly smell pungent.

"I recommend Elboc continue down and you, Silverglade, watch the beetle. If it tries to attack Elboc, shoot it. I will do the same."

He pulls out his longbow and nods.

Silverglade climbs down the ladder and readies his bow and an arrow. Anyone who wants to is welcome to steady him, since he can't hold onto the ladder very well.

In reply to Silverglade (msg # 114):

<Are you pushing past Elboc, who is already on the ladder, or are you opening one of the other cylinders?>

In reply to Greyband (msg # 113):

  <OOC does it look like the beetle takes up all the floor space? since the tube is about 3 feet? if the floor is larger than the tube, can I see another way out from there? like if we dropped something on it , it may flee??
wishful thinking?

Elboc:

<The cylinder stops below floor level and only the ladder continues down into the space below.  There is about 10' of ladder below where the cylinder stops.  The fire beetle is hunting about at the base of the ladder.  Since some time has passed, you catch glimpses of two others moving around at the edge of the area that you can see from here.  The floor that the beetle is on is larger than what you can see, and you can see about 10'x10' of floor from where you are.>
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:36, Wed 20 May 2015.

"Well then, if it comes to it, I can go first and smite them with my hammer.  Hopefully the rest of you would then of course follow and finish them off before I would otherwise ascend to the heavens", he says hoping his faith in his armor and hammer would hold true.

Roak nodded to Silverglade

"Elboc is on the ladder but I would go to steady you if needed. What say you all?" said the halfling.

In reply to Roak The Quick (msg # 119):

 "Hey Folks, there are two more bugs down here, they are milling about looking for something, food maybe? I'm not sure, but there could be more. I can see about 100 square foot area they are moving around in, but I'm sure it's a larger floor plan then that. Can anyone else look down the other tubes and see if it's the same area? I'm pretty sure it is. "


 "Hey Dwarf", He says with humor in his voice "How about you and 'Daring' join me down here and we relieve them of their life"??

Albricht called down to the elf, "I assume they are called Fire Beetles for good reason. Unfortunately your cylindar is full right now. I shall check and see if one of the others is the same."

He move to the cylindar on the right of the middle and tapped on the handle. He then turned it and opened the door making sure that he stepped to the side rather than remain in front of the opening (just in case).

Greyband considers and then says, "Why don't Silverglade and I try to shoot them from here instead of putting any of us in danger by climbing down?"

In reply to Greyband (msg # 122):

"I'll climb back up and help shoot them if you want".

  He starts climbing back up to lend a hand.

<I believe Elboc is going to shoot too, so I'll stay above him and shoot with him if I can. If I can't shoot past him, then I'll go down the third tube and shoot from there.>

Greyband would like to shoot as well, if there's room.

"The tube is too narrow to use bow folks, so therefore? Do not attempt to shoot past me. I'll climb back up "

Greyband chuckles. "PIty, I was looking forward to the challenge. I shall go down first, then. I am well-armored and can hold my own against the beasts while the rest of you climb down."

"Have we confirmed that all the tubes end up in the same room?  If so I can go down another as I too am well armored.  Otherwise I can follow Greyband down and hold them off while the rest make the climb," He says with a raised brow.

Albricht:

<As you open the door to the cylinder on the right the floor falls out from under you.  You plummet into the room below and take 3 hit points of damage from the fall.  The three (3) fire beetles scuttle toward you and the noise you made, gently feeling about with their antennae and keeping their distance.  They seem to be looking for something to eat, and you don't seem to be it.

The room is 40' by 40', with two doors in the west wall (one at the extreme north and the other at the extreme south), and one door just north of the center of the east wall.  Three ladders lead up from here into the room above.>

Initially stunned by the turn of events the dwarf rallied quickly and picked up his lantern - checking it to see if it needed relighting. Fortunately his infravision gave him enough awareness of the room. He rubbed his knee and the side of his face that struck the ground during the fall.

"Come on you lot. What are you waiting for? I have tamed these creatures all ready. It is as I thought they are not looking for brave adventurers like myself to feed on"t He moved steadily aside to avoid any contact with the beetles. "I see three doors down here. Does anyone have any scraps of food left to keeps these beetles entertained while we scout about? They look pretty hungry."

In reply to Albricht Burghammer (msg # 130):

  "I thought we had just thrown the best piece down"?? Laughing with the rest of the group, Elboc chooses to remount the ladder and descend to the lower level.

Sherborne gets in line to follow the others down the ladder.  "I guess that's one way to find out if they're dangerous.  Not sure if the powers that be are telling us we are being too cautious or not cautious enough", he says with a shrug.

Silverglade clambers down the ladder. "I'm glad we didn't fight creatures that had no evil intentions towards us," he says. "But we should take care that the less well armed members of our party do not attract their attention."

Roak saw the others clamber down the ladder and took one last look toward the the room where the hobgoblin lay.

"What if we throw the dead goblin down the hole the dwarf fell through? That might keep them bugs busy while we search the room. If nothing else they might get full and forget we're there."

"Interesting idea", he says and thinks for a moment.  "Though as quickly as it fell apart upon our stinky investigation, throwing it down there might just slime the whole room when it hits the ground.  It could be entertaining to watch though.  Just warn me and I will be right up here", he winks pointing back up the ladder.

  Reaching the lower level, he makes sure that the bugs are no where near his ladder before stepping off. after doing so he gathers his bow and nockes an arrow, and ready himself for whatever may happen.


<OOC hopefully they aren't looking for Elvish food>

Greyband follows the others.

As the others gradually climbed down into the room Albricht moved to examine the doors. He continued to avoid contact with the fire beetles just in case. "Well it seems to me we got two ways to go." He pointed his lantern to the West wall. "That way with two doors or the other with only one."

He tapped his head thoughtfully like a bear who loves honey. "Assuming at least one of these doors has hidden dangers behind it. It would seem if we choose one of those two doors we got twice as much chance of picking the wrong one. So I say best to choose that door." He pointed to the single door in the East wall.

Greyband nods. "I agree. Simpler option first. Let our thief check that door and then I shall open it."

Lanliss follows the others down the ladder but stays up it away from the fire beetles, until he sees that there is a means of egress from the chamber.

The fire beetles are staying away from all of you in the lower room at this time.  Those in the lower room see the three closed doors, as previously described.

Greyband waits until the entire party is down and then asks the thief to check the lone door, leaving the wall with the two doors alone for the moment.

Silverglade nocks a white-fletched arrow to his bow and keeps a wary eye on the beetle from the far side of the room, but he doesn't draw yet.

Seeing everyone else cautiously readying weapons, Sherborne holds his hammer in his hand and keeps an eye on the beetles as well.

Roak moved to stand beside his friend Silverglade. The halfling was still holding his lantern high to provide light so the others could see. He too kept his eyes upon the beetles while the others checked out the door.

Vsaati steps up to the east door, spends some time checking it for traps, and finally declares that she couldn't find any.

Greyband tries to open the door.
21:11, Today: Greyband rolled 2 using 1d6. Opening the door!

Greyband:

A hallway stretches before you, 10' wide.  After the first 10' there is a door on the right (south), and in the next 10' there is a door on the left (north).  After this the passages opens into a "T" intersection, with passages going both north and south.

He relays this back to the party. "Which way?"

"South, I say."

Lanliss obviously has no clear preference, but gives a response just to keep things moving - everyone is very thirsty.

"Eh, sounds good to me", he says clearly not feeling strongly about one course of action over another.

Roak saw the doors wondering if unexplored territory should be left behind them.

"What about the doors? Shall we take ah peek or no?"

In reply to Roak The Quick (msg # 152):

"Open which ever you wish, we must find water"

Greyband nods. "I will open one of these doors before we head down this hallway, then. Which do you prefer?"

Whichever door is selected, he opens, though it takes him a couple tries.

Silverglade positions himself just north of the newly opened door, keeping an eye on the part of the corridor that the party won't be exploring. He glances towards Roak every now and again to check that his friend is OK.

In reply to Greyband (msg # 154):

"I believe we said whichever, just do it"?

<Since Silverglade noted himself to be NORTH of the newly-opened door, I'll assume that you're opening the one in the south wall>

The 20'x20' room contains three double bunk beds.  Five men are seated on the lower bunks talking.  Each man wears iron chain mail over a blue tunic.  All wear steel helmets, and each man's face is covered by a golden mask.  All their masks are the same, and depict a long-haired, bearded man with a stern gaze.

<Actions?>

 Since Elboc has his bow pulled with an arrow nocked, he aims at which ever man is not covered, or partially covered, and keeps his eyes and ears open to an order to shoot, or not to shoot. He is waiting for the crowd to dictate his reaction.

Greyband stand up straight. "Greetings! We are travelers in need of water. Can you help us?"

Not having noticed the elf in the back with an arrow trained in their direction, two of the men stand up and greet Greyband:

"Ah!  Greetings travelers!  The blessings of our Father, Gorm, be upon you!  Enter and be welcome.  We have food and water to share."

To Greyband: "You seem to be a man of noble bearing and stout heart, doubly so for having been able to survive the depredations of the desert.  Our Lord Gorm seeks ever for new recruits to do His good work here.  Would you join us?"

The others behind him immediately pass their waterskins forward and begin to welcome the group in a friendly way.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:55, Sat 30 May 2015.

Greyband smiles and accepts the waterskin. "You must have a great master, this Gorm, to sustain you in the desert. Please, tell me of him."

He takes a swig of the waterskin, sighs, and passes it back to the others.
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:46, Sat 30 May 2015.

Silverglade takes the offered waterskin and slakes his burning thirst. He considers that it might be poisoned, but he'll die soon without water. He nods his thanks to the strangers and passes the waterskin on.

Albricht pushed past Elboc and motioned for him to lower his bow. He was satisfied that this group was either daft or so used to strangers that it didn't matter. He entered with the others to greet the armoured men. He approached one of them. "Thank you friend. This oasis is most welcome to our lips. Lord Gorm sounds like a fine and generous man."

Albricht took as much food and water as they were willing to offer.

Sherborne takes one of the skins thankfully and comments "Perhaps we are all blessed today".  He lifts the skin to his mouth and acts like he is drinking it at first even spilling a little on his chin and pulls it away from his mouth for a bit and observes the others who have imbibed to see if they suffer any ill effects before actually drinking any.

Roak moved next to Silverglade, sitting his lantern down as he did so. He studied the guards for a momen as he took the skin from his friend.

"Sum such is strange about these folk." he said in a whisper to his friend so only the elf could hear. "They're suppose ta be guard'n the place and here we come all armed... they just offer us water. Strange... "

"We are but a handful," whispers back Silverglade. "I can't imagine these people consider us a threat. I suspect, and hope since I drank the water, that they are simply friendly to strangers." He thinks for a moment longer. "Maybe you should avoid drinking the water for a little while though, until you see what happens to me."

Lanliss stands at the back, refusing any water or food for now, and silently memorising the words of his spell just in case. He watches to see how his companions react to the refreshments...

In reply to Silverglade (msg # 166):

The halfling shook his head.

"I thirst too my friend. If ill befalls ye then it will me as well. let's hope your take upon these folk is truer than mine."

The halfling then drank, as his thirst drove him. When through he wiped his mouth with the back of his hand and awaited the guards response to his road-companions' questions before he wold speak.

The man smiles at Greyband, saying,

"Gorm is the lord of the lightning-wracked storm, lord of justice,"

and, after a pause,

"but I am a poor source of such teachings.  If you will, come with us to hear of our lord from High Priest Kanadius."

And with this, he gestures toward the door.  He may or may not have an expectant look on his face;  you cannot tells, as he wears a mask and only his eyes are visible.

"Your offer is most kind," responds Silverglade. "But we are weary, hungry and dusty from our travels. Is there anywhere we could refresh ourselves before we enter the presence of such an illustrious personage?"

Greyband nods, encouraging an answer to this question.

 Elboc lowers his bow, but keeps it nocked and at the ready, never taking his hand from the string, neither does he trust such strange folks. Having had their 'abode' infiltrated by strangers and then offering the party food and drink. one does not sit idly by in armor waiting for visitors.

In reply to Silverglade (msg # 170):

"Well said! We need to be our best before such high lords n' holy fathers. What say ya?"

"Alas, the only other resting space that we have available here is just across the hall, and we have yet to get the giant lizard that has made that room its home out of it.  I hesitate to even suggest it, as you are weary, as you say, but we have no other places to rest here."

Greyband smiles. "I cannot speak for my friends, but I am happy to remove such a problem for you in return for the opportunity to rest safely. Come friends, what say you?"

"Well I don't have a problem with that. Seems right to help those that offer their food and drink freely." When he spoke his mouth was full, spitting crumbs of bread onto the ground. "Tell me. You often have giant lizards wandering the halls deciding to squat where they feel like? Seems like we need to get your house in order. And I reckon Grom and Kandius would be mighty happy with us for that eh?" The names was wrong, but not a mistake.

In reply to Albricht Burghammer (msg # 176):



 Looking at the Dwarfs mouth sloppily filled with food, made Elboc think he could not possibly be that hungry, then his own stomach seem to growl in response. Elboc went to try the water, with as much willpower as he could he only swallowed a mouthful. Not trusting the armor clad 'friends' they have found in the pyramid, he still does not trust their motives or actions.Stepping back to his position in the rear, he returns to full alert.

Greyband smiles. "I'll take that as consent, Elboc." He looks at Lanliss, Roak, Sherborne and Silverglade"What say you, friends?"

In reply to Greyband (msg # 178):



   Looking to Greyband after his comment, Elboc nods consent. Then looks back to his vigil of the room.

From his expression it is clear that Lanliss is less than pleased at the prospect, and he is clearly wary of the strangers. But he nods in assent anyway. His eyes never leave the strangers.

 In elvish ..... " I think we both agree".


<OOC.... Does Elboc notice if the strangers appear to know the language? He will pay attention.

Elboc:

The masked men don't appear to make any gestures or motions that would indicate that they know what you said.

In reply to Elboc Ice Eyes (msg # 181):



 While still looking at the men in armor, Elboc talks to Lanliss and speaks to him in Elvish. "If you have any ideas of your targets, let me know so we do not cross each other if need be".

 Again, he looks to catch any notice of comprehension.

With a nod Lanliss replied to Elboc in their mother tongue.

"My Sleep spell should hopefully take them all done, if the need arises. It would be better if we can keep them separate from our group."

In reply to Lanliss (msg # 184):



  Nodding, Elboc accepts Lanliss's idea.

Sherborne readies his hammer. "May our smiting the lizard bring us good fortune", he says hopefully distracting the men from getting suspicious of the elves planning.

"When has anyone ever had good fortune after smiting a giant lizard. That just wouldn't make sense." Albricht was amazed at the suggestion. He turned to one of the food vendors and shrugged. "I mean a dragon maybe with all that treasure. But then again I suppose a dragon is kinda like a lizard."

He thought for the briefest of moments. "Lead on Sherborne. I am convinced. Let the smiting begin."

"Starting small isn't always a bad thing.  Then again, they didn't say what kind of lizard it is", he pauses briefly.  "Sooo, what can you all tell us about this lizard?", he says turning back to the men.

They think for a moment, then one replies, "It is about five feet long, light blue, and has orange spots on it."

After a pause, he continues, "We had considered making the attempt to deal with it ourselves when we first noticed it a few days ago, but it is trapped in the room at the moment, and we are too few to risk at the moment, just to clear it out ourselves."
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:36, Fri 05 June 2015.

"I think we are all in agreement then," says Silverglade. "We will slay this lizard of yours. Please, lead on and show us its lair."

Greyband nods. "Agreed. Show us."

<Hoping for a few more to chime in here.  I'll go ahead with this later today or early tomorrow if I don't get more responses shortly.>

In reply to Greyband (msg # 191):

  Looking at the groups standing together, he says, " Together, we should be more than enough to take the creature. Leas on".

Sherborne grabs his hammer and waits to see if the armored men follow Silverglade's suggestion.

The man gestures toward the door, saying, "It is the room just across the hall.  The door is right there."

He points to the door on the north side of the hall, just a bit to the east of this room.

Silver glade strides forward. "How big is the room?" asks Silverglade, unsure whether to arm himself with bow or sword. Aside to Roak he whispers "Try to keep an eye on our new hosts, heh, old buddy?"

Another of the masked men replies to Silverglade, saying, "About the same size as this one."

A quick look at the room they are in shows it to be about 20' by 20'.

Greyband strokes his chin. "If someone can open the door, those of us with bows can open fire on it as the door opens it and perhaps kill it before it can get to us."

In reply to Greyband (msg # 198):



  "I agree, that sounds like a job for 'Daring Dwarf' ". Smiling as he say this, he looks at  Albricht with a grin and tilts his head a minute while lifting his eyebrows in with a questioning look.

Albricht looked at Elboc and sighed. "Yes I have to agree it probably is. It is only natural for you to turn to me at times like these. Especially after I alone was able to lead the way and tame those fire beetles so that you could pass safely." He finished his food and made his way across the hall to the door indicated by the masked strangers. "You know I do have a crossbow. Thanks for asking."

When the bowmen were ready and in place he opened the door and dropped to the floor out of the way of errant arrows.

OOC: I am assuming that the door pushes inwards.

Lanliss readies his bow, but not before asking someone (Vsaati? Sherborne?) to watch their backs. He has no desire to be ambushed while shooting lizards (in a barrel or not).

In reply to Lanliss (msg # 201):



   In the language of the Elves, "Cousin, I will be keeping an eye on our hosts".

   To Albricht, "Dwarf, I think you are the perfect person to lead the charge. You have the fortitude of a mountain, the strength of granite, and the Daring of a panther. Lead the way Dwarf, you shall come to no harm".

 Readying his bow and arrow, Elboc is standing to the rear and the side, watching the new members of the group and keeping an eye on the new door as well. ready for anything.

Sherborne follows the rest of them, hammer in hand and takes a position to watch the rear of the group.  "Take it down, and I will see our backs covered!"

Greyband gets out his bow and prepares to shoot when the dwarf opens the door!

<The party has surprise.>

Albricht opens the door and moves out of the way.  You all see the giant lizard, as described, and it turns in a startled manner toward the door.

<Give me modified hit rolls (this is short range) and damage at the same time.  I'll let you know if you hit, and how telling the hits are.>

Lanliss gets his shot away first, but with a crowd gathered it isn't easy to get a clear view.


16:09, Today: Lanliss rolled 9 using 1d20+2. attack roll, longbow.
16:10, Today: Lanliss rolled 3 using 1d6. dmg.

<OOC....depends for Elboc „ lizard or new friends as target? Meaning...... are they with us? Or attacking?...... who would be his target?

<Elboc:  The masked men seem to be keeping their distance, staying in the room you found them in.>

Lanliss' shot misses the lizard by a fair margin.

<Greyband and Elboc: I believe that you both stated that you had ranged weapons ready.>

<Silverglade and Roak:  what are your intentions?>
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:22, Wed 10 June 2015.

In reply to Dungeon Master (msg # 208):



21:35, Today: Elboc Ice Eyes rolled 6 using 1d20. Attack, bow.
21:36, Today: Elboc Ice Eyes rolled 6 using 1d6. dmg, if any.

Greyband shoots, but fires wide.

Clear miss with the bow.

14:08, Today: Greyband rolled 3 using 1d20+1. Bow attack.

<Silverglade shoots an arrow and hits:
17:31, Today: Dungeon Master, on behalf of Silverglade, rolled 19 using 1d20+2. Attack Roll (Longbow)
17:32, Today: Dungeon Master, on behalf of Silverglade, rolled 5 using 1d6. Weapon Damage>

<Roak shoots an arrow and hits:
17:33, Today: Dungeon Master, on behalf of Roak The Quick, rolled 22 using 1d20+3. Attack Roll (Shortbow)
17:34, Today: Dungeon Master, on behalf of Roak The Quick, rolled 2 using 1d6. Weapon Damage>

<Vsaati shoots an arrow and hits:
17:35, Today: Dungeon Master, on behalf of Vsaati, rolled 21 using 1d20+4. Attack Roll (Longbow)
17:36, Today: Dungeon Master, on behalf of Vsaati, rolled 1 using 1d6. Weapon Damage>

<Initiative for next round:
17:37, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 1 using 1d6. Monster's Initiative
17:38, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 4 using 1d6. Players' Initiative >

<The party has initiative, coming out of the surprise round.  What are you guys doing?>

Sherborne readies his hammer and if there is an opportunity to strike the lizard, he attacks.

In reply to Dungeon Master (msg # 211):



  If we have initiative.....
Elboc, readies a new arrow and aims for the lizards eye/ear membrane area, which ever is the clearest shot.

Shoots.....

 19:45, Today: Elboc Ice Eyes rolled 6 using 1d6. dmg, if any.
19:45, Today: Elboc Ice Eyes rolled 16 using 1d20+2. shoot.

Albricht rolled to the side of the door staying outside the room for now. "Yes as I thought, the lizard has made it's home by chance. Such is the life of a wandering monster. Keep shooting. He looks weakened." Out of harms way he  stood to his feet and prepared his warhammer and shield for combat.

Silverglade fires another arrow at the beast, but this time his aim is not so good.

08:45, Today: Silverglade rolled 5 using 1d6. Arrow damage.
08:45, Today: Silverglade rolled 7 using 1d20+2. Attack roll (bow).

With arrows flying everywhere Lanliss tries another shot, aiming (hoho) for better results. At best he merely clips the lizard.


11:22, Today: Lanliss rolled 13 using 1d20+2. attack roll, longbow.
11:22, Today: Lanliss rolled 1 using 1d6. dmg.

"I'm supposed to be good with this..."

OOC: Sorry, just realised I'm only +1 with the bow, not +2!

Greyband keeps shooting, but does not distinguish himself with his aim...

Stupid dicebot.
11:20, Today: Greyband rolled 3 using 1d20+1. Arrow at lizard.

<Elboc's arrow makes solid contact and inflicts substantial damage.>


09:42, Today: Dungeon Master, on behalf of Roak The Quick, rolled 6 using 1d20+3. Attack Roll (Shortbow). (CLEAR MISS)


09:43, Today: Dungeon Master, on behalf of Vsaati, rolled 20 using 1d20+4. Attack Roll (Longbow). (SOLID HIT)
09:43, Today: Dungeon Master, on behalf of Vsaati, rolled 6 using 1d6. Weapon Damage.

Peppered with arrow shafts, the giant lizard collapses in a not-even-twitching heap, its once-vital fluids seeping out over the stones of the floor.

Now that the group can take a moment to get a better look at this room, you all see that it contains an old bed, writing table, a chair, and a chest.  From the looks of the furniture, the room has been long abandoned.

<Let me know what you're doing now.>
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:47, Sat 13 June 2015.

In reply to Dungeon Master (msg # 218):

Taking he time to look around, are the other people found anything? The armored fellows??

Sherbrone ruffles his brow after the lizard falls and speculates out loud for a moment, "While it took a few shots to take out, to me it certainly didn't seem beyond the capabilities of those soldiers to deal with, and it just might be good eating for those who need food."

In reply to Sherborne (msg # 220):

<OOC ,  Elboc wants to figure out how this thing if such a size got in here, looking around he wants to see if something isn't entriely impossible..... is this a shaoeshifter and this was its home?

Keeping an eye on the soldiers, he calmly nochs another arrow and makes room between himself and them.

With the lizard dead Lanliss shoulders his bow and then looks back at the armoured figures, to see what they are doing now. Hopefully someone will collect his arrows and bring them back, or at least watch the strangers while he collects them himself.

Greyband will search the furniture and other affects of the room.

Silverglade's eyes light up when he sees the chest. If it's open, he look in it. If not, he'll ask Vsaati to check for traps.

As Greyband enters the room, another lizard drops onto him, from just above the door, on the inside.

13:27, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 11 using 1d20. Attack by Giant Lizard. (MISSES GREYBAND)

Combat ensues, of course.  The lizard literally got the drop on Greyband, taking the surprise round to attack him.


13:29, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 3 using 1d6. Monsters' Initiative.
13:29, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 6 using 1d6. Players' Initiative.

<The PCs have initiative.  Please state your intentions, and be aware that only Greyband is in the room and this point, although Albricht is still just outside the door.>

In reply to Dungeon Master (msg # 225):

Elboc let's fly...


14:16, Today: Elboc Ice Eyes rolled 4 using 1d20+2. attack shoot.

Oh well. Reloads.

Albricht responded to Sheborne, "well now job done looks like. Hard to say what's going on round here." He prepared himself to enter the room and see if he could work out why the lizard chose to make it's home here.

As soon as he saw another lizard drop down onto Greyband, Abricht pushed through the doorway and charged into the room to attack the beast. "Goddam. Knew that would happen. These creatures always nest in pairs. Outta the way, warrior coming through."

OOC:
10:55, Today: Albricht Burghammer rolled 21 using 1d20+2. to hit lizard with WH.
10:55, Today: Albricht Burghammer rolled 7 using 1d6+2. WH dam on lizard.

Sherborne readies his hammer and watches the rear for the guards.  "This is rather suspicious.  They didn't mention two!"

In reply to Sherborne (msg # 228):

"Nor do they seem to be attempting to help."

A shout from the masked me behind the party comes, "We didn't know there were two!"

In reply to Dungeon Master (msg # 230):

   Looking at the men, Elboc doesn't believe them, and he aims at the man closest to him. "I think you should keep your hands away from your weapons please".
  If any of the men make a move to pull weapons or start to possibly cast a spell, Elboc will loose an arrow.

Silverglade puts away his bow and draws his sword, readies his shield and rushes forwards. He doesn't believe he'll be able to get a clear shot into the melee.

<Silverglade and Sherborne:  are you attacking, or just taking positions?  I'll mark you down as being ready for whatever happens if you aren't immediately attacking anyone or anything, but I'll need attack rolls and targets if you are.>

<ooc well, my impression was that it was too crowded around that door to get in anyway so I am watching our backs to make sure the soldiers don't come at us.>

<Sherborne:  Gotcha.  I'll bear that in mind.  I'll wait a bit to see if anyone else is going to try to join in the melee before we try to resolve what is going on (if anything) at the rear of the group.>

Greyband draws his sword and reacts to the assault, slicing at the creature!

Can't remember if STR 16 gives you +1 or +2 to hit and damage. If it's +2, hit AC 7 for 7 hp; if it's +1, hit AC 8 for 6 hp.
17:47, Today: Greyband rolled 7 using 1d8+2 with rolls of 5. Damage.
17:47, Today: Greyband rolled 12 using 1d20+2. Attack on lizard.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:35, Wed 24 June 2015.

(OOC: 16 or 17 Strength gives you +2 to hit and damage:-

13-15: +1 bonus
16-17: +2 bonus
18: +3 bonus

Those bonuses apply to all stats, though obviously with different benefits)

One of the masked me pulls back from the door into the hallway, calling out, "Get that thing pointed away from us!  We didn't know there was a second one!"

The others in the room are all standing now and seem agitated.
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:30, Tue 16 June 2015.

In reply to Dungeon Master (msg # 238):
 "I'll believe you when you lead your men into that room and kill the terrible lizard! We took it out with only a few shots, we are not armored like yourselves, you should be able o kill this one easily".  Still holding the bow at the ready, but it is lowered, not aimed at anyone.

Roak and Vsaati continue to concentrate their attacks on the clear enemy:


06:52, Today: Dungeon Master, on behalf of Roak The Quick, rolled 6 using 1d20+3. Attack Roll (Shortbow) (CLEAR MISS)

06:53, Today: Dungeon Master, on behalf of Vsaati, rolled 20 using 1d20+4 (SOLID HIT)
06:53, Today: Dungeon Master, on behalf of Vsaati, rolled 6 using 1d6. Weapon Damage.

Vsaati's arrow catches the beast directly behind one of its front legs, and dark blood begins pumping out of its side.  It is severely injured, but is still able to try one more attack on Greyband.

<Top of the next round.  It isn't quite dead yet.  I'll keep the prior initiative order, instead of rolling it again.  What are your intentions this round?>

In reply to Dungeon Master (msg # 240):

 Hearing the pain the creature is going through it is clear his companions are doing quit well without his arrows. He will continue to stay focused on the armored men to the groups rear.

With Elboc watching the strangers Lanliss opts for an arrow shot.


18:09, Today: Lanliss rolled 12 using 1d20+1. attack roll, bow.
18:12, Today: Lanliss rolled 4 using 1d6. dmg.

Greyband keeps the thing pinned down so the others can shoot it; he is not able to land a solid blow himself.

10:21, Today: Greyband rolled 6 using 1d20+2. Attack on Lizard.

<We are still waiting on Albricht, Roak, Sherborne, Silverglade, and Vsaati for this round.  I haven't seen Roak or Vsaati post in a while and I have made attack rolls for them, so if they don't post here shortly, I will continue to post for them.>

<I wasn't attacking, I am watching our backs.  do you still need an attack roll?>

<Sherborne: Nope.  You're good.  I was just looking to have intentions reconfirmed.  Thanks.>

Roak shoots at the giant lizard:

21:44, Today: Dungeon Master, on behalf of Roak The Quick, rolled 11 using 1d20+3. Attack Roll (Shortbow). (MISS)

Vsaati shoots at the giant lizard:

21:45, Today: Dungeon Master, on behalf of Vsaati, rolled 6 using 1d20+4. Attack Roll (Longbow). (CLEAR MISS)

<I'll wait one more day for Albricht and Silverglade to chime in before moving on.>

Silverglade slices at the lizard with his sword, but misses.

08:32, Today: Silverglade rolled 4 using 1d20+1. Attack roll (sword).

"Step aside Greyband I cannot guarantee your safety while I prepare my assault."Albricht instinctively launched himself into the 5D Dwarven dance of death.

Dodge. He feinted forward toward the lizard. "You got nothing junior dragon."

Dip. He clashed his warhammer against his shield causing a noise which resulted in no effect to the fierce creature.

Dive. He then rolled unnecessarily to the side expertly avoiding the reaction that never came.

Duck. Countering an imagined response, Albricht used the newly gained leverage to unleash an inspiring attack at the impassive fell beast. Unfortunately his warhammer was unable connect with the animal's thick hide. "Curse you creature. I had a feeling you would apply your distracting magic."

Dodge. Albricht gathered himself, completely unphased by his failure to hit.

He continued to move around randomly for no apparent reason.

OOC: 18:06, Today: Albricht Burghammer rolled 8 using 1d20+2. to hit WH.

Being thoroughly confused by the spastic actions of the dwarf in front of it,the giant lizard must have determined that Albricht is a wounded potential meal, for it lashes out and bites him, ripping and tearing at his flesh, but ultimately doesn't manage to maintain a grip on him.  It may have been better if the lizard had, with all of the additional soft tissue damage done when Albricht manages to squirm free.


20:00, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 16 using 1d20. Attack by Giant Lizard.
20:03, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 5 using 1d8. Bite Damage.

The dwarf squealed in pain and staggered back from the deadly lizard. "I am done for. The dragon has poisoned me. The creature's breath weapon was too much for me to endure." Obviously mortally wounded from his reaction to the bite, Albricht leaned back into a wall and crumpled to the floor not knowing which breath would be his last. He raised a shaken and blooded arm gesturing toward his comrades. "Forgive me my friends you will have to finish the beast without me. I will do my best to lead your actions from here til the last of my blood leaves my body."

OOC: Albricht has 2hp left.

<Since the group only has one active opponent at this time, we are to the top of the third round of combat now.  What are you all doing?>

<If the soldiers don't seem to be doing anything aggressive, and if there is room to get into the room and attack the lizard, Sherborne will try to whack it with his hammer.>

<Sherborne: Despite aggression on the part of the party, the masked men do not appear to be getting into the mix.  Give me attack and damage rolls.>

Sherborne rushes in and swings his hammer at the lizard.  "By the Gods!", he exclaims.  As his hammer catches nothing but air he adds, "eh...or not."

---

14:27, Sat 20 June 2015: Sherborne rolled 3 using 1d20+1 ((2)).

As the armored men are doing nothing, Elboc turns and takes a shot.


14:23, Today: Elboc Ice Eyes rolled 2 using 1d6. damage, if hit.
14:23, Today: Elboc Ice Eyes rolled 18 using 1d20+2. attack shoot.

After his poor last attempt, Silverglade give more attention to the accuracy of his blow, at the expense of putting any strength behind it.

22:10, Today: Silverglade rolled 2 using 1d8+1. Damage.
22:10, Today: Silverglade rolled 12 using 1d20+1. Attack roll (sword).

Elboc's arrow catches the lizard squarely at the base of its skull.  The creature twitches only one time before collapsing hard, in the midst of yet another attempt to bite the wriggling dwarf in front of it.  After a beat or so, it remains unmoving, more blood pooling from the most recent wound.

Wiping his sword on the cleanest looking part of the beast, Silverglade looks around the room for any more missed threats. He's also particularly interested in the chest.

Readying another arrow as soon as he loosed the last, he returns to keeping an eye on the men.

Silverglade looks quite thoroughly through the room and manages to satisfy himself that there are no other monsters lurking about (larger than the average dust bunny, that is).

The chest is covered in mussed-up dust (the recent fight is a likely cause of the disturbance) and seems to lack a lock.  It appears to be made of wood, with small brass accents at the corners that have oxidized a bit and could use some polishing.  It is about 18" deep, 30" wide, and 24" tall.

"If someone wishes to stick an arrow in that idiot dwarf, be my guest. Otherwise, someone might help him up, for I do not believe he is dead yet. And perhaps our 'investigator' would like to check the chest?"

Lanliss smiles, for all his harsh tone, and continues to keep an eye on the masked strangers.

"mmmhmmm, yes, alas, I am not yet worthy of divine healing", he says, his tone somewhat forlorn.  "But I will do what I can to help if possible".  He heads over and kneels by Albricht and does what he can to dress things up.  "Could somone check to see if those soldiers might have a little water and perhaps some cloth to help with this?"

Greyband smiles. "Well done. I shall check with the natives."

He moves back into the other room and nods to the masked men. "We have defeated the second beast as well as the first. Can you spare a little water and, more importantly, some bandages to bind wounds?"

"Many thanks friend Sherborne. The beast snapped his jaws at me so many times I lost count. Anyone would have fallen ahead of such an assault." He rested a shakey hand on the cleric's shoulder. He stretched his neck to peer across the room. "Ahh that is good Greyband is safe. It set upon him with such surprise and ferocity I feared the worst. And the others are well too. That is good. It seems they were able to fell the lizard once I held it's attention no doubt. And what of the treasure. There is always treasure."

One of the masked men, in response to Greyband's request, quickly grabs some cloth and another waterskin, passing them along.  "We are grateful both that none of you were killed and that the beasts have been dealt with.  You fight as well as the best among us, which, sadly, we are not, and we had feared to confront them with that in mind."

After a moment, another seems to continue, saying, "We have only gotten back up to this level of the old ruins relatively recently, and have not had the resources to clear out the threats up here."

Yet another continues, after another pause, "I am sure that Kanadius will look kindly on you and your efforts to aid us here.  Sadly, none of us up here near the emptiness have been blessed by Gorm with the healing touch, but you should be able to rest and heal from your wounds."

 Elboc lifts his head as he hears something that does not fit...."Excuse me? what did you say? you....'feared to confront THEM??? I thought you didn't know there were two of them"? He asks the one speaking, but is looking at the one that had earlier told his companions they didn't know there were two.... Slowly moving to have his bow nocked with another arrow and stands at the ready...
" Mind clarifying that last statement? or revising the one previously stated?  I am really beginning to not trust you folks"..

"Well, you all do seem like you are on the level after all", he nods approvingly as he takes the cloth and water from the guards.  He dresses the wounds as best as he can and pats the Dwarf on the shoulder.  "You will live it seems.  I'm sorry I can't do more at the moment."  Realizing his thirst again, Sherborne finally takes a large drink from the skin he was given earlier and then looks back over the dressing to make sure it's secure.

The man looks to Elboc, apparently flustered, and beginning to get a bit agitated.  "We had no idea there were two.  You seem bound and determined to try and find fault with us.  The rest of your companions have not been so accusatory.  Point your weapons away from us or leave."

At that, the others step forward more assertively and no longer appear to be at ease.
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:20, Thu 25 June 2015.

Albricht nodded slowly to the cleric, "well you have done fine by me, I shall not forget." He pushed himself up to his feet. He bit his lip to mask the apparent agony, but still managed to gather himself nonetheless. He could see some commotion beginning to stir outside the room, his warrior instincts immediately sensing confrontation. "I think you should see to that disturbance. I would, but after that battle with the giant lizard, jealously of my heroics would likely inflame the situation."

The veteran warrior gathered his equipment and moved slowly across the room to make certain the defeated beasts were in fact no longer breathing.

Greyband, for his part, bows. "I am sorry we are causing concern. We are grateful for your hospitality and are happy to help. Tell me, where can we rest now? And where can we go to get more water so we do not have to take yours?"

In reply to Greyband (msg # 271):

 Listening to Greybeard, Elboc lessons the strain on his bow string. Lowers it so as to not seem so belligerent. But stays vigilant.

Glad that the imminent threat of violence with their hosts has been averted, Silverglade enquires further into healing for Albricht. "Our friend has been hurt fighting these monsters for you. Please, may we take him to the healer that you mentioned earlier?"

Albricht stepped away from analysing his triumph and overhearing Silverglade's comment he moved to stand next to the tall elf. "Now, now, I'm sure they don't want us bothering with my troubles. After all I am not one to draw too much attention to myself. But of course if they could assist in my time of need after slaying the beasts it would be welcome." He looked at the masked men expectantly.

"For sure there is more water nearby Greyband. I can sense it." He waved his hand around in a casual yet mystical kind of way.

"Ah.  We don't actually have a healer up here, this close to the emptiness, but Kanadius is the leader of this division of our order, and you should be able to rest and heal in safety with him," one of the men corrects.

He looks over the party and asks, "Are you in a condition such that you can travel?  It isn't far.  It's just around the corner."
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:43, Sat 27 June 2015.

Greyband looks at the others. "I am fine. What say the rest of us?"

"I think that I shall welcome their hospitality", he says as he takes another drink of water.

"I think we should go meet this Kanadius and see what these men are doing in this pyramid. There was scarce anything else around before we found the secret door." Albricht raised a hand to preempt the declarations of concern. "Not to worry my friends I am sure I will be able to walk a short distance. Thanks to the attentions of our trusty cleric Sherborne."

Nods head in acceptance of the others' leadership role of the trek.

"In that case, he is right this way," one of the men says.  He then steps out of the door to the room that you first found them in, gestures to one of the others, and continues to the east.  The other rises and follows him, beckoning to the group to follow.  The men move to the "T" intersection, turn to the right (south), travel about 40', and stop in front of an open door on their right (west).

If you look to the left (north) at the "T" intersection, you see what appears to be a blank hallway that heads straight north for about 50' and ends in a blank wall.

One of the two (and you're not sure which) calls through the door, "It seems we have found some allies, and we're bringing them to Kanadius."  At that, they both continue about another 10' forward to another open door on their right (west) and enter.  The hallway continues for another 10 to 15', then dead-ends, with a gold statue of that same stern-faced, bearded man wielding a lightning bolt that you saw on the top of the step pyramid.

If you glance through the first door as you pass, you see three double bunk beds, with five men seated on the lower bunks, talking.  They are dressed, armored, and masked identically to the four men you already met.  The room is about 20' x 20' and has two doors - both closed - in the back of the room.

In the second room, also about 20' x 20', you see another three double bunk beds.  There are two doors in the back of the room, one of which probably opens into the first room you just passed.  In this room six men stand around talking and greeting the two who just entered, turning their heads toward the group as you enter.  The wear, again, the same iron chain mail over blue tunics, along with golden masks depicting a long-haired, bearded man with a stern gaze.

One of the men is wearing a somewhat fancier helm above his mask, and he steps forward saying, "I am Kanadius and I thank you for your assistance with the giant lizard problem.  I understand that some of you may be injured and require a place to rest, eat, drink, and recuperate.  Please, come in and be welcome.  We really don't get new faces that often and I am eager to hear of you and where you came from."  So saying, he makes a gesture of welcome to the group, indicating that you may enter.
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:27, Sat 27 June 2015.

"You are most generous," says Silverglade to Kanadius. "We will tell you what we can about the outside, or the emptiness as I believe you know it. But I am curious about you and your home. Where do your people come from? Where do you get your food and water? Who is the gentleman on your masks?"

Albricht stepped up beside their resident dungeon ecologist and added his dimension to the discussion. "Tis I that was severly wounded in defence of your home. And I thank you for generous offer. And yes what are the masks for and how do you know whom you are talking to?"

Greyband bows and enters, listening to the conversation.

"Your hospitality is most welcome", he adds and waits to see how they will respond to the others' questions.

Kanadius takes a moment or so to compose his thoughts and then begins to speak, "The people live in the city below.  Long ago we live up here, next to the emptiness, and it is even rumored that some occasionally went out into it, but there is nothing there, as I have seen for myself.  It dizzies the mind to see the world fall apart when looking out there, and I do not recommend it.  We live in the city underneath where we are now, and there is ample water and food there."

After some seconds in consideration he speaks again, saying, "It seems strange to have to explain this to you.  Everyone knows this."

One of the men behind him interjects, "Perhaps it has to do with the clever and strange masks that they are wearing.  Perhaps they are some of the of the dreamers who have made their way up from the city.  Perhaps this ignorance is part of their dreams.  It seems that they even play that they have forgotten how to tell one person apart from another."

Kanadius makes a gesture, as if to brush aside what the other man said, and continues, "Your reasons for being here are your own, and you are welcome to them.  Our lord Gorm, whose visage you see on us, unites us in our desire to oversee and protect the people.  You are welcome to our hospitality, food, water, bunks, and conversation."  So saying, he gestures to the bunks, a small cask of water, and some nearby boxes on a smallish table (which appear to contain dried foodstuffs).

  " But there is something out there, and people, people from different cultures, can you not see the differences among us"?

"Your hospitality is most kind," replies Silverglade. "I must confess to some confusion. But Lord Gorm must be a great man indeed, and I look forward to meeting him. However, for now there was talk of healing our wounded comrade."

"Well this is all very good. Can't see why we wouldn't want to stay and rest here anyway. Not like we got anywhere else to be anyway." Albricht found a chair and sat down to rest his battle weary bones. "Perhaps we can find out more about what lives beneath this pyramid. I am intrigued already."

Greyband listens for the moment, intrigued by this conversation and the odd perspective on the world displayed by these pyramid-dwellers.

Having partaken of no food or water thus far, Lanliss now eagerly accepts anything that comes his way, although he will not gorge himself.

Food and water are passed to Lanliss.

Kanadius replies to Silverglade, "Our Lord Gorm is not a man, but a god.  Mighty is he, both in protection of his people, and in vengeance.  Ever watchful, he seeks to foster the common good against those who would follow a darker path."

To Elboc, "Of course.  We are each different, each in our own way.  There may even be other people, out past the emptiness.  I could almost want to believe that," he says, seeming to have purposely avoided materially answering Elboc's statements and question.

<Crickets?>

Greyband snorts. "You can believe what you like about where we came from. I could just use a bit of rest. Where could my companions and I stay this evening before we explore further?"

  "I thank you for the respite of water and food, and for helping our injured friend". A slight bow from Elboc follows the comment.

"Once we have rested and our colleague has been healed, will you be able to supply us with provisions so that we can explore the emptiness and see whether there truly are people past the emptiness? asks Silverglade.

"I get confused with new things, but I have a feeling we come from the emptiness. Am I right?" Albricht shrugged and rested his elbows on the table. It felt good to be out of the desert sun and under cover. Although the talkings of the pyramid people encouraged more questions by the minute.

Albricht assumed Kanadius was some sort of Captain of this masked group."So Kanadius what is there for us in this pyramid? There are more levels below I guess from what you have said. Is there anything else you might wish us to do for you after we have healed? Perhaps something to keep me well fed and watered."

Sherborne, satisfied with the current line of questioning and happy to have water, continues to drink a little and listens to the conversation nodding appropriately.

Elboc drinks some water, and eats little food. Living where his [people come from, he can withstand the hunger only slightly easier than his compatriots, as his people live underground and have a feast or famine life style in the underground society.
But he does take some, and listens and watches intently.

This message was deleted by the player at 05:30, Fri 03 July 2015.

Kanadius replies to Albricht and Greyband, "You may rest here, either in the next room, or in the one you first encountered us in.  If you wish, we will leave the rooms while you rest.  It is about time for us to go on patrol anyway.  Some of the people from the city below have managed to make their way up here, and this place is neither tame nor safe for them.  Indeed, may of them are like children, and must be regularly saved from their own folly.  When you are rested, if you wish, we would welcome any assistance you might feel like providing, as we root out what evil we can from this place."

To Silverglade, Kanadius continues, "We will, of course, provide you with provisions and water, although I don't know what you would hope to gain by such exploration.  All that is, is here.  But, if you wish it, you may go and find out for yourself."

"So there's a whole city under here?" asks Silverglade. "I wonder what treasures and adventures it contains. Perhaps we could stay a little longer. Let's get some sleep, heal our comrade and see what we can of this city."

In reply to Silverglade (msg # 301):

"I agree, if it's alright with everyone, I shall take first watch."

<Does anyone want to do anything else before getting some rest?>

In reply to Dungeon Master (msg # 303):

no

Negative.

All manage to sleep through the night without problems.  Anyone who wanted to stay on watch, of course, is welcome to.  All hurts are healed.  Kanadius and those with him continue to provide food and water during this time.

<I will assume that you stay long enough for this to be the case, unless someone wants to dash off with party members only partially healed.  With that in mind, what do you want to do when you're fully rested?>

In reply to Dungeon Master (msg # 306):

Elboc stands watch for a few hours, then sleeps. lightly.

I'm happy to heal up, then ask our guests what other adventures there are to take part in. Any other suggestions?

Vsaati threw another knife at the door. It landed next to the other two in a tight group. She slowly walked over to retrieve them. "How much longer do we have to stay here? I mean c'mon the dwarf looks better already."

"There's much more going on round here than they are letting on. I mean Kanadius and the others. Weird or what? Living in this pyramid and not going outside. I'm wondering are they here to protect some civilians from hurting themselves or are they guards making sure people don't get out?" She sat down on the floor and started to scratch the stone with one of her daggers.

"Rested, but wouldn't say better. Those were some ferocious bites I protected you from. Certainly not easy to walk away from I can tell you." Albricht sat in a corner propped up against a wall. His wounds were closing and well bandaged, but they sure felt tender to the touch. He pushed himself up to his feet. "I am ready to go if that's what you are saying."
This message was last edited by the player at 13:03, Sun 05 July 2015.

Sherborne raises his head from his seated position.  "Yes, I think a little patience would be in order for now", He responds.  "No reason to push it if you aren't completely ready.  We seem to have gracious hosts so no need to be in a hurry." He continues turning his head toward Vsaati.  "Hopefully they don't mind a few holes the door", he winks and adds, "Just remember, doors don't hit back."  He remains seated against the wall contemplating their situation.

I'm with Vsaati on this. There's clearly something odd about these people. Let's see if we can't explore more of the pyramid. I want to know what we've walked into.

Greyband nods. "I do not know about these natives, but I am all for exploring further."
This message was last edited by the player at 02:11, Mon 06 July 2015.

"I agree, I am not sure we can totally trust our new friends, but ..... we seem to have no choice. I suppose we should continue."

<Two door remain, exiting to the west, in the room in which you found the fire beetles after climbing down the ladders.  Also, two doors remain in the rooms occupied by the Brother of Gorm, and you've seen neither opened while you've been here.>

Vsaati strolled over to one of the doors that none of the Brothers of Gorm appeared to use. "You know I have not seen this door opened. Or the other in the next room. Why is that do you think?"She put her ear to it and listened skilfully. Stepping away from the door she spoke to the group of adventurers. "I think the time has come that we move on from this place. There is mystery beyond these doors. And who knows what else. Greyband how about you step up and be our trusty door opener once more."

OOC: Vsaati is speaking about and listened at the southern most door in the Brothers of Gorm quarters.

  Nodding in agreement, Elboc readies his weapon and ammo. He takes up a position that allows him to cover both the door that Vsaati is at and the others, just in case they are surprised....

"Yes, I believe it is time to see what fate has brought us", Sherborne ponders as he readies his hammer.

Vsaati hears a steady, but muffled, humming coming from behind the door in question.  Strangely, none of the Brothers of Gorm are immediately present in the room at this time.  They haven't left for long over the last little bit, normally leaving at least one of their number when the others have gone off elsewhere.  You have no idea how long they might be gone.

Greyband moves over and opens the door in his favorite way--with his shoulder!
Success on first try.
22:43, Today: Greyband rolled 1 using 1d6. Door opening!

In reply to Greyband (msg # 320):

Readies an arrow, and stands solidly for the enemy to come forth from the room. "Let us go forward my friends".

Silverglade draws his sword and watches the party's collective backs.

In the center of this 20' (N-S) by 30' (E-W) room you see a 10' tall cage.  In the bottom of the cage is a pile of coins and gems.  Hanging from the top of the cage is a giant beehive.  Several large, 1' long bees are buzzing around the room.  The mesh of the cage is wide enough for them to fly through.  There is also a 1' square hole high in the south wall.

The bees immediately move to attack the group.

<20:06, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 4 using 1d6. Monsters' Initiative.
20:06, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 3 using 1d6. Players' Initiative.>

Three attack Greyband:


<20:08, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 14 using 1d20. Attack by Giant Killer Bee.
20:08, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 10 using 1d20. Attack by Giant Killer Bee.
20:08, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 18 using 1d20. Attack by Giant Killer Bee.
20:09, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 3 using 1d3. Stinger Damage.

Greyband:  Save versus poison.>

One attacks Elboc:

<20:08, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 3 using 1d20. Attack by Giant Killer Bee. (Clear Miss)>

One attacks Silverglade:

<20:08, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 14 using 1d20. Attack by Giant Killer Bee. (Miss)>

<It is the party's turn.  What are your intentions?>

In reply to Dungeon Master (msg # 323):

Loosing the readied arrow at the bee attacking him, Elboc shoot...





21:45, Today: Secret Roll: Elboc Ice Eyes rolled 17 using 1d20+2. attack bee.

21:44, Today: Secret Roll: Elboc Ice Eyes rolled 5 using 1d6+2. attack dmg.



Once the sot is taken, he drops the bow and pulls his short sword, owing to the fact they are in close quarters, he only pulls one. and ......

Elboc's arrow takes the giant bee straight through the middle, passes through, and smashes its point on the wall opposite.  The bee falls to the floor, not even twitching.  Four bees remain.
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:45, Thu 09 July 2015.

Silverglade takes a sweep at the bee that attacked him. He wasn't quite prepared for this attack, and so his aim might be off, but he gets a fair bit of force behind the blow.

07:36, Today: Silverglade rolled 6 using 1d8+1. Damage.
07:36, Today: Silverglade rolled 12 using 1d20+1. To hit (sword).

Albricht spat some bread roll out of his mouth and jumped to his feet. He was obviously not prepared for the action and was still eating some left over breakfast. "What in the...curses you coulda warned me that there might be trouble. Vsaati your ears blocked or what? Anyone could hear that lot buzzing around." Fortunately the dwarf felt much better with all the rest since the incident with the Dragon Lizard. Not bothering with his shield, he quickly gathered up his hammer and joined the battle to save his companions.

OOC: Not going to roll attack this round.

Not expecting a hive of bees on the other side of the door Vsaati fumbled with her dagger causing it to drop at her feet. She was instantly embarrassed by the panicked display and hoped no one would notice in all the activity. "Hells. Greyband move back!"

OOC: 08:10, Today: Vsaati rolled 4 using 1d20+3. to hit dagger thrown. ==> Quality attack by an expert daggermistress.

"What kind of warped menace is this?", he exclaims while taking a swipe at the closest bee with his hammer.

---

07:21, Thu 09 July 2015: Sherborne rolled 11 using 1d20+1 ((10)).
07:23, Today: Sherborne rolled 4 using 1d6+1. Damage.

Silverglade's attack cuts the giant bee completely in half, gooey innards snapping a disgusting line down the wall in line with his sword swing.

Vsaati's dagger pings loudly off of the wall, having missed its target, and clatters to the floor.

Sherborne's swing just grazes the bee, but does no damage.

Greyband staggers back, his neck swelling...

Ruh-roh.

15:29, Today: Greyband rolled 1 using 1d20. Save vs. Poison.

Roak pulls out his bow and shoots at one of the bees...

Hit AC4 for 3 hp.
15:30, Today: Roak The Quick rolled 3 using 1d6. Damage on bee.
15:30, Today: Roak The Quick rolled 15 using 1d20+2. Shooting a bee.

Greyband cries out in momentary pain, then falls to the floor, silent but for a faint gurgling as he quickly turns purple and stops moving.

<Thou art dead.>

Roak pins one of the bees to the wooden door, where it quickly expires.

Lanliss swings a sword and misses, but manages to keep from hitting any allies.


<21:30, Today: Dungeon Master, on behalf of Lanliss, rolled 8 using 1d20+2. Attack Roll (Sword) (miss)>

21:32, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 5 using 1d6. Monsters' Initiative.
21:32, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 4 using 1d6. Players' Initiative.

Monsters attack again.

One attacks Roak:

21:35, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 11 using 1d20. Attack by Giant Killer Bee. (miss)

One attacks Sherborne:

21:34, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 5 using 1d20. Attack by Giant Killer Bee. (clear miss)

And our heroes are now on the attack again.
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:36, Fri 10 July 2015.

Sherborne tries to return the attack but his hammer is just a bit too clutzy today.

---

23:53, Today: Sherborne rolled 3 using 1d20+1. Attack on Bee that just attacked him.

Silverglade leaps forward, his golden sword swinging through the air, keen to slay more of the killer bees.

08:14, Today: Silverglade rolled 5 using 1d8+1. Damage.
08:14, Today: Silverglade rolled 14 using 1d20+1. Attack roll (sword).

"Greyband!" Vsaati lunged forward to catch Greyband as he fell. She then dragged his armoured body away from the battle and did what she could to help him.

The dwarf stepped passed Greyband and Vsaati and swung his hammer hard at on of the bees. It connected solidly. "Beegone!"

OOC:
10:20, Today: Albricht Burghammer rolled 16 using 1d20+2. attack bee with hammer.
10:21, Today: Albricht Burghammer rolled 8 using 1d6+2. dam.

Roak grows very pale at Greyband's death and yelps when a bee tries to sting him. Dropping his bow, he draws a dagger but flails wildly at the closest bee, missing it.

Nat 1, miss.