Provisions collected, and fresh horses saddled, the group readies itself to leave Therion.  Friends old and new are missing, Phineas - and Orissa perhaps - missed most.  Saris and Xar ride on smaller horses, though both apparently can ride well enough.  Xarini is there as well, her modest gear enhanced with a new suit of plated leather.  Mairen, relieved to be off to rescue her son, is packed and eager.  Her time has been spent learning a bit of self defense so that she is not such a liability on the trip.

Dagnir Therion and a few others have come to see the group off: Tierloff, Usigami, and Haverno of the visiting smiths as well as Haethar, the royal gardener.  Hushed conversation around the stable yard is further dampened by the dense fog that has rolled in, signaling the oncoming autumn weather.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:26, Sun 15 Jan 2017.

Ourn shakes the hands of those he does know, gives polite nods to those he doesn't and gives a bow to Duke Therion. He isn't much for words when it comes to farewells, and having recently had so many people come and go from his current walk in life, he doesn't exactly know what to say either. As he saddles up, he gives his equipment a once over, methodically checking each pouch and pocket for its assigned item. He wears his new daggers at his hips, with his long sword and buckler strapped to the saddlebags of his horse.

Ryland is somewhat taken aback at the crowd that's drawn together to see the group off. He admires those he'll be traveling with, for keeping such good and broad company. He feels he's made the right decision deciding to petition them for the right to accompany them. He takes to the saddle of his horse without trouble of hesitation, and then waits patiently.

When the group privately is together, Klale says I have been able to craft two glyphs with my limited skill and experience.  He then proceeds to explain how they work.

OOC:
With thanks to GM. I think full info will serve the party best.

Glyph of the Feather

This glyph makes the armor worn one weight class lighter than normal.  This affects several stats.

-Armor check penalties are reduced by 2.
-Armor proficiencies change - e.g. someone proficient in medium armor but not heavy can wear heavy armor with this glyph and be considered proficient while the glyph lasts.
-Max DEX mod is increased by 3.
-Encumbrance is reduced by 25%.
-Climb, Jump, Ride, and Swim checks are made with no armor penalties.

Once per glyph, the wearer of the armor can activate the glyph to act as a feather fall effect.  The effect lasts until the wearer touches the ground.  Once they do, the effect ends and the glyph is destroyed.

The glyph, one applied, will last for fifteen days or until the feather fall effect is used.
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:43, Sun 22 Jan 2017.

As they leave, Klale has a request to those who wish the group well. There are powers for the Good abroad in the world and it may be powers who can offer help from realms beyond our ken. Please keep us in your thoughts and, if so moved, pray for us.

Then he takes the van save for any scouting.

(Klale has two of the stoutest horses available so that each will be relatively fresh. There are also pack horses.)

Toben bids his farewells to all who arrived to see them off. He stops when he comes to shake hands with Dagnir. "Thank you for everything. Truely. A light in the world such as this is going to bring hope to more than you know. Keep it burning as bright as you can."

He smiles warmly. "Once this is all over, it would be an honor to call this place home."

Toben gives them all a final nod and then makes his way for the road north.

"Klale.  What do ya propose t' do wi' yer new li'l friend all chained up in th' tower.  I imagine th' place won't smell right when we return if we forget 'bout 'im.  Tha' an' I'm not one for cruelty, even t' th' likes o' 'im."

Ano mounts up along side the others making sure he has his few possessions with him.  He bids a respectful farewell to the Duke.

Since the arrival of Ryland Ano has been mostly quiet towards the musician.  He has not been secretive about his distrust for thr man, always keeping a close watch.

With a quiet farewell, the heroes of Arda depart Therion.  They travel north through the duchies to the west, hoping to avoid the most chaotic of them so as not to hinder their progress.

The road, though, is a familiar one at this point.  It leads close enough to Towertown that a stopover might happen the first night.  From there, though, the group will need to travel north rather than west as before.

[forgot all about him. My excuse is (fill in the blank).]

Klale considers the fate of Kark. He offers him choices:

"Kark, you can stay here as a prisoner, treated well. If you do, you will be guarded and either work in the scullery or serve as a sparring partner for older children. You can expect to live a full life with a full belly if we prevail....otherwise, nobody will live except wretchedly.

or

"You can come with us, unchained, to help us against the evil attempting to exslave all, have all in fear...including goblins. If we do our part in stopping this evil, goblins will have a chance to live free as they wish provided they do no harm to others except in self-defense. Be warned. If you try to leave us without permission or try to betray us, you will die...and you may die anyway.

"Before you decide, weigh carefully your ability to withstand temptation, for evil surely will attempt to lure you. (Klale smiles grimly.) As I expect it will try to lure each of us."

Kark does his best to follow Klale's offers.  When the big man finishes, Kark blinks and looks around at all the other heavily armed and armored individuals who took down his army and its four troll mage leaders.

"I can go wid you or stay here wid food ana shelter ana...ana no fightin or beatin?"  He looks over at Therion who nods respectfully.  Then the goblin looks back at Klale.  "I stay."

Klale nods and bows to Duke Therion. Lord, I deliver Kark to your watch and care.

That business concluded, Klale is departed.

With the journey pressing forward, Toben takes the spare time to get to know their new travel companion.

"So, Ryland, where exactly did you say you hailed from?"

"Gondor actually. Though I haven't returned to its gleaming white walls and bastions in quite some time now. I'm from all over, really".

"I suppose that goes for most of us lately. From all over, that is. I've seen more of this land in the past few months than I have in all my years." Toben smirks. "All 17 of them."

"In fact, this area is fairly familiar to me. We passed through here just as we were starting out on our journey. I think perhaps it might be a good idea to see how things are going. Towertown shouldn't be too far ahead"

Saris and Xar have no opinion either way having never been.

Mairen, though, urges speed toward saving her son and avoiding sidetracks.  She suggests visiting after you save her son.

"Towertown? I haven't been through there in ages. I wonder if Marny still runs the Twin Toadstools?".

"I don't know who Marny is, but when last I passed by, the entire town looked to be under some sort of martial law. There were patrols in the streets, archers on roof tops, and a rather oppressed looking lot of common folk. I didn't set foot much within the perimeter of the place. Only enough to see that it wasn't a place for me to be at the time. If things there haven't changed, I don't see us waltzing in and clearing the town out in a days time. Just some food for thought".
This message was last edited by the player at 05:25, Sat 28 Jan 2017.

Considering Marien's words ad Ourn's information, Klale changes his mind. Then we'd better press on.

"Agreed. Even though I'd like to check in on them, we can't afford any delays in our travel."

He gazes out in the direction of Towertown. "North it is."

Destination set, the party continues north skirting between Stharane's duchy and the turtle-shaped forest.  On the north side of the forest, the group cuts through would would be the head of the turtle to avoid entering any dukedoms.  So far, there haven't seemed to be any distractions, but there is something in the air that speaks to tension.  An expectation of violence.  Sure enough, on the fifth day out of Therion, smoke rises on the horizon to the North.  The dukedom is one nestled in some high hills that don't quite deserve the designation of mountain.  These hills are on the coast of the Sea of Ice, south of the Soul's Range and your goal.

Mairen sees the smoke then looks about at the men in the group to see if they will deviate from their stated goal again to help another duchy instead of her son.  She says nothing, though, knowing that one life is difficult to weigh against hundreds, maybe thousands.

We keep going. His need outweighs what may be going on yonder...we don't know who is right or wrong, or both, or neither...and we are few anyway.

"I don't know. I doubt it would hurt anything to spare an hour or so just to see what's going on."

He looks around the group. "Assuming there aren't any other objections, perhaps Ourn or Xar could check it out and report back quickly."

Ourn looks over at Xar and shrugs. "If only for a short time, I suppose".

"Of course, I don't think we should devote more time than is necessary. Perhaps it's a selfish curiosity." He thinks back to the destruction of his own town. "I feel it would weigh heavy without knowing one way or the other."

Saris and Xar look at each other for a moment then Saris turns to Ourn.  "Xar will go with Ourn to scout.  The rest of us can continue on and they will catch up."

Toben nods in agreement. "Seems fair." He looks to Ourn and Xar. "Do be careful, and hurry back."

He whispers something to Ferb, and the ferret leaps from Toben's shoulder and on to Ourn's.

Klale exercise his dour glower power, to no effect; so he has a drink. The water hadn't turned to wine either.

Minus Ourn, Xar, and the ferret, the group turns west along the border of Callord's domain.  Soon, the low-lying foothills of the Soul's Rest Mountains begin to roll.  They are gentle, empty, and covered in autumn grass.  Three hours in and the sun has set.

For the few hours the group travels north, Toben seems slightly distracted. Like his attention is only half focused on the path forward. Once the sun starts to dip below the horizon, he urges the others to find a safe spot to break for camp.

"Probably best not to get too far ahead. With any luck, they're already trying to catch up."

Klale, while having no particular talent for camp-siting, has been on the lookout for leas by streams.

As feeble of an attempt as it is, Toben tries to help set camp. Once things are settled, he chimes in with as much of an update as he can. "As best I can tell, things feel rather uneventful from our scouting party. No sense of danger, so far."

Ryland settles down in the tall grass and lies back. He summons a lute again and begins to softly strum. He plays a mellow tune, fit for camping.

Klale's face clears when he sees the scouts return. What news?

"The city is completely razed. Its very walls have been torn down, and the only building left intact was a keep in the center. The whole of the thing was charred black and covered in soot. There was some sort of... shadow there. Like apparitions without bodies, skirting between swathes of darkness".

"That's terrible", Toben says as he shakes his head in sorrow. "Thank you, both, for checking that out. At least we know there wasn't anything we could do to help."

He thumbs through his journal for a moment. "These bodiless shadows, has anyone ever seen or heard of them before?"

Ano shakes his head They are unheard of to me.  Are we sure there was no one left there that needed assistance?"

"Shadow stalkers, the elves used t' call them.  Ghouls.  They're fast and deadly, but they don't normally go inta battle unless cornered.  Their main purpose is t' pick through th' dead, which they eat.  Th' Valaraukar use them mainly for destroyin' morale."  She shakes her head sadly, likely remembering something specific about them, something she'd seen.
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:51, Wed 08 Feb 2017.

Ryland ceases his playing and sits up. "You mean to say cannibal ghosts are around?".

"They aren't ghosts, lad.  They've got flesh, and a foul, black blood.  Hard as anathin' to kill, too."

"Sounds like it's better to avoid them. Plus, it doesn't sound like much could survive with that many infesting the city."

He puts his journal away and starts to settle in for the night. "Hopefully they won't wander out this far, but we should probably set up watch just in case."

"As grim as this may sound, let's hope they don't run out of dead to eat then".

Klale frowns in thought. Why hard to kill...or what kills them? What will fire do to them?

Saris scratches her chin and looks at Xar.  Then she turns to Klale.  "I've not seen fire used against 'em, but Xar thinks it didna have much effect.  What makes them hard t' kill is tha' they don't feel pain.  Ya hafta practically dismember 'em t' slow 'em down and even then they writhe around tryin' t' bite ya.  They're wicked fast and can climb most anathin'."

"Are they anything like those walking dead we faced a little while back?  You seemed to deal with those quite well."

"I'm curious of that too. Though we didn't see the dead you all fought, Phineas and I dealt with reanimated bodies in S'tharglo as well. I'm seeing a theme among our enemies".
This message was last edited by the player at 00:38, Thu 09 Feb 2017.

"I cannae tell ya, lads.  Th' last time I faced them, I didna have these powers from Nestael."  She shrugs.  "Only thing I can tell ya is tha' if they show up, I'll figure it out."

With everyone on edge now, a guard is set up for the night.  Nothing disturbs, though, and in the morning the journey continues.

A few more days brings the group to the mountains proper.  There the climbing is slowed somewhat, but there is a road that leads up into the mountains.  Mairen says it leads to the fortress where she was held, where her son is being held.  There are other ways through, and possibly other routes to the fortress, but they will take more time to scout.  The window is already closing if it isn't shut already.  However, if the road is taken, it's almost certain that the group will be seen.

"I can't say that I like the idea of taking the road directly to the fortress. They'd see us coming a mile away, and while I can shroud our approach temporarily, I can't maintain it indefinitely."

He looks to the other members of the group. "Sadly, we may not have the time to scout other options. Any other thoughts?"

"Our enemies won't expect a full frontal assault. However, we have no way of knowing their number. Even with a group of our size, rushing in head first could prove to be suicide. All the combat prowess of the world isn't going to do us much good if we end up fifteen to one. I know time isn't on our side, but if Xar and I scouted ahead, we may be able to find a path that leads to our mark. It's a gamble, but it could prove to be the lesser time sink".

Those we approach may not know our intentions, and all ways may be watched. But if you wish to spy out possibilities, go do so.

Ano asks Mairen"Any idea how many people might be at the fortress?"

"Toben if you could make me invisible then I could get a good look at the fortress and their defenses.  I'm pretty sure I could get in side if I needed to."

"They come and go, so a set number is difficult to give.  A solid twenty five, but I've seen upwards of eighty."

"If one of us could sneak into the fortress and lower the gate, then thr rest of us could make our approach using the shield of Arcane dome."

"If that's what we need, then consider it done".

Toben nods. "Yes, I can help with the invisibility. It's the duration I'd be concerned with. You'd only have seven, maybe eight minutes max."

"I still have that potion of spider climb, could be a quick way to get in."

"How often do these parties come and go? If we could somehow disguise ourselves in their uniforms, then perhaps we'd have a better chance of going undetected on the main road."

"I wasn't there long, but most of the time they are in the mine.  Only once did they receive new troops from outside."

"A mine? are they looking for something specific? "

"Seems like a frontal approach might arouse more suspicion then. I know we have a lot of pressure in regards to time, but getting caught seems like it would slow us down more."

He looks over to the scouts. "Perhaps an alternate route is necessary."

"If subterfuge is in need, I have a few tricks up my sleeve that could help. Maybe we could break off in to two groups and search around? I mean to say, if you're all comfortable with that, especially our scouts here. I can be quiet as a mouse and pass unseen if I choose to".

Saris and Xar have kept to the side during the discussion.  No words pass between them, but Saris nods from time to time.  Eventually she speaks up.  "There's one thing tha' we need t' consider, somethin' we should have considered afore we left the tower.  We need a leader, someone t' hear all th' options and make a decision.  Otherwise, we'll spend all our time considerin' th' options and never act."

Ourn let's his eyes wander in Toben's direction.

Ano sees Ourn's eyes move towards Toben and he quickly speaks up.  "I second the motion"

Ryland puzzles for a moment before catching on. "Sorry, no say here. I'm just the bard".

"Xar and I will support Toben as well."

Toben gives Ourn an upwards nod as if to say How you doin'. However, as the others speak up, his reaction takes a more serious note.

"Thank you all. Your votes of confidence are both humbling and inspiring. Know that any decisions I make are with the intents of keeping our objectives, and those executing them, safe above most other things. With that said, I feel it is probably best to avoid the main road. Remaining unnoticed as long as we can seems paramount." He taps on the side of his travel pack. "With that goblin hole we acquired a while back, we'll be able to make an entrance from just about anywhere."

"We just have to find a suitable location to use it then".

"I think, for now, we should stick together until we get inside. Abandon the main road and find an alternate path in. Marien, you've been inside before. Can you recall anything about their patrols, maybe a part of the fortress they pay attention to less than the others?"

Mairen thinks for a moment, then shrugs.  "They didn't do much upstairs.  Nothing up there and it's half-collapsed.  Their focus was the first floor and the mine entrance in the back of the tower fort."

Toben nods and then glance back up at the fortress. "Ok, I think we can work with that. Let's try to come at this from the side. Maybe we can find a ledge or something to get us up to the second floor and punch a hole in the wall up there."

"Sound reasonable?"

Reasonable or not, it's a decision. Let's move. I might not be able to climb and may have to act as a diversion.

"Sounds like a good plan"

It takes a few minutes, but the more nimble members of the group find a pathway on the west side of the road that leads up into the difficult areas around the fort.  The dwarves seem to have no trouble climbing, almost as if they can meld their hands into the rock to gain purchase.  Klale is the most troublesome, but with patience and not a little help from the others he is brought up off the trail.

Once the group is above the road, having worked their way up through a switchback of crevices and fractures in the rock, they find a small natural stairwell leading up, nearly to the fortress.  Only once does a patrol pass by heading down the road where the adventurers came from.  Ryland's sharp ears hear them first and warn the group to freeze in time, and there is no incident.

Just before reaching the tower, the natural path swings west around a tall jut of rock.  The sidetrack seems interminable, but after almost an hour, the group finds its way back to the tower, now more north than west of it.  There is no direct connection from the ledge to the tower itself, but the ledge overhangs by a good fifty feet.  The wind is sufficient up here that it is highly unlikely that anyone below will hear unless they are in the top of the tower and listening for intruders.

"That's quite a drop." Toben looks to the group. "Those capable of climbing should be able to repel down easy enough so long we tie off a rope up here."

His gaze fall upon Klale. "Those less inclined will need to find a more graceful way down. Ourn, do you have any tricks up your sleeve for something like that?"

"I may have something too. Let me see", he says as he starts flipping through his spell book.

"I can make him and one other light as a feather, for a time. The drop will be no issue for those affected".

"That's a good backup plan, should anyone slip and fall off the rope." Toben nods over to Ourn. "Let's tie a rope off up here and let everyone go down one by one. Klale might have the hardest time, so he ought to go first."

Ourn produces a 50 foot rope from his pack and begins anchoring it. "There's a shortage of about five foot at the bottom, so a small drop. I can cover a slip off the rope as far as about halfway down. From the latter half, the rappeller is on their own".

Klale calculates. I probably have the strength and enough skill to make it down even with all this stuff I carry. But Probably I'm the one most at risk. Still, if I'm light, somebody can grab hold of me, and I can deal with their weight, even you're Xarini. Whoever it is will need to hold on tight...I'll only need to use my arms...or mayube there's a way to be tied on. The descent will be quick.

"Ok, let's do it. Once we're inside we can figure out how to best split up. Moving around with this large of a group is bound to draw some attention."

Klale grunts. Best we hang together, or we'll hang separately.

In one famous story, John Hancock supposedly said that Congress, having signed the Declaration, must now "all hang together", and Benjamin Franklin replied: "Yes, we must indeed all hang together, or most assuredly we shall all hang separately."

It is without mishap that the group finds its way down the rope and into the tower.  There is laughter and no little ambient commotion down in the lower floors, enough to cover the little noise made by the infiltrators.

After a brief bit of scouting by the appropriate people, it is discovered that the upper floors are completely unused and have been that way for some time.  It is also discovered that there is no way down to the first floor from inside.  The second story, an old wooden floor and little else, has one large door leading outside.  None ha e chanced the wooden floor as of yet.  The group has gathered on the third floor at the top of the stairs leading down.

"I'll creep ahead out the door and down the stairs a ways to check and see if we're clear to move".

Take 10, stealth, 28 total

Toben nods in agreement.

Ourn slips down the stairs outside.  As soon as his foot silently hits the ground, ten creatures step from behind walls, crates, and other obstacles in the courtyard.  They are distinctly reptillian in nature, though they stand upright like men.  Each wields a polearm, mostly hooked spears.  A few also wear short swords.  None wear armor, but their skin looks tough.

As Ourn looks around, they siss with sinister laughter.  "Aukssasi tissani wa nassi sssayn, man."  The last word is said with difficulty as if the word is both foreign and difficult for their mouth to form.

http://orig06.deviantart.net/5...te_by_benwootten.jpg
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:22, Sun 19 Feb 2017.

Ourn slowly raises his hands. "Gentle...ah...things? Quite a welcoming party for a lone and lowly thief such as myself".

12:59, Today: Ourn rolled 10 using 1d20.  Bluff Roll".

They siss in laughter again.  "Sossua si nedana?  Iss no kanin, man."  The speaker shakes his head, his shoulders shaking a bit in a very human imitation of chuckling.  "Tol sis cotanian ada pas."  He points inside with his spear.

"You don't want to go up in there. The floors looked completely rotted out. What have you all been doing around here anyway? The place is a mess".

About that time, a human soldier dressed in black armor steps out from the first floor room of the tower.  His voice is loud enough for all to hear.  "Enough of this.  Tell your friends to come down.  We have a proposition for you.  If The Dischord has to wait, the proposition will expire and she will simply destroy you."  He does not wait for an answer, but steps back into the tower's first floor.

"So much for the element of surprise." He motions to the rest of the group. "We ought to head in, lest Ourn end up skewered."

Toben starts to make his way down the stairs.

"Well then, if we must". Ryland follows Toben for the door.

The dwarves and Marien follow as well, though Marien looks ashen.

Toben makes his way down the stairs but stops halfway down when the lizard-men come into view. "New friends of yours, Ourn?"

Klale moves so he's by Ourn. Xarini is behind him. Their swords are held in the carry sword position (pint near floor).

"You know me.. I meet them everywhere I go..whether I like it or not" he finishes with a frown.

Ano follows the others silently.

When Klale enters the main room, he looks each warrior in the eye and gives that warrior a nod. He says Hearing a proposition is better then finding out, maybe, who destroys whom. Let's move along.

Once all are inside, the lizard creatures form up in front of the door to prevent escape.

There are ten other warriors inside, two more of the lizards, five men, and two orcs that look more than competent in arms.  The last warrior though is a woman.

The first feature of the woman before you is her skin.  It is unmistakably black.  Not the dark brown skin of those from the far south, but the black of charcoal primed for being lit.  Next is her hair, an ashy white as if it had once been as black as her charcoal skin, but lit on fire and now only the white ashes remain.  The hair is dried out and hangs heavy on her head.

Beyond that, she wears a beautifully styled chain shirt with some kind of studded black leather extremities, including her boots.  Behind her there is an odd bulky cloak covered in white, ashen feathers.

"Welcome warriors, I am Delunaur, Dischord of Fire."  Her voice is soft and airy, barely above a whisper.  Her men stay absolutely silent as she speaks.  Occasionally her voice cracks as if she has some sort of ailment.  It reminds one of a gentle campfire with the occasionally crackle.

Thank you. Klale Tsolo, blacksmith.

"A blacksmith?  Then you have a mind of flame and metal.  It is always a pleasure to meet a kindred spirit.  Well met indeed.  Tell me, Klale, do you lead this party?"  Delunaur's smile seems genuine and her words carry no undertones of hostility or double meaning.

Toben steps forward. "My name is Toben. Most consider me a scholar, of sorts. I guess you could say I've been leading this group thus far."

Delunaur frowns for a split second in disappointment, but quickly returns to her amicable expression.  "Toben.  Well met, then.  Are you prepared to hear my proposition?"

Mairen shoves her way forward.  "Where's my son?!  Give me back my son!"

The Dischord turns to Mairen and tsks.  "Ah, Mairen.  We had an agreement which you did not fulfill.  Unfortunately, when I heard, I had to carry out my end.  Your son is dead, Mairen.  I'm truly sorry."  For all the horror of her words, her tone indicates that she truly does feel sorrow for the death of the boy.

Mairen screams and lunges at her, but the human warrior from outside steps in the way and grabs her.  He does not harm her, but his grip is steel and she is unable to move forward or pull away.

Ourn stands dazed, feeling he was just hit in the gut by a punch dagger. The bitter taste of bile rises in the back of his throat.

Ryland places a hand over his mouth, grasping the terms of this situation. A pang of sorrow washes over him. He bites his tongue for the mean time and listens.

00:13, Today: Ryland Vance rolled 13 using 1d20+1.  Sense Motive.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:37, Sun 26 Feb 2017.

[Wanted to make sure nobody was going to make a post.]

Puissant Delunaur, as you can tell, I am no leader with control such as yours. Yet at times my thoughts carry most weight. Each of our party, depending on the situation, could be the leader. Perhaps less effective, but more versatile. And I have little ability to ease a mother's sorrow...but some to fathom the depth of her gratitude were her son still alive.

You have a proposal, and, I think, reasons that time is of the essence for whatever is afoot.

Toben stands beside Klale and watches the interactions before finally speaking again, through pursed lips. "I can't guarantee how well it is received, but speak your proposal."

Klale laughs shakes his head. Perhaps everybody could take a deep breath and be calm...except our bereft mother. It may be we all have some common interest, unless there are those here content to be slaves to another's will.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:36, Mon 27 Feb 2017.

Delunaur looks between Klale and Toben, then settles on Toben as at least the speaker for the group.  Her voice remains soft and difficult to hear if there is much movement.  Thankfully, her minions seem to realize this and remain perfectly still.  "My proposition for you is one of mutual benefit.  Buried within this old mine is an artifact of significant value to me.  It is something my...associates have had difficulty procuring because of the dangers of the mine.  With your unique set of skills, you may have better fortune.  If you retrieve the artifact and return it to me, I will release Gwaelind from his prison."

Toben's eyes quickly dart to Saris and back to Delunaur at the mention of Gwaelind. His level of tension relaxes, but only slightly. "And what exactly is this artifact? Obviously, it holds immense value if it's worth releasing the Song of Wind just to get it."

He stares at her a moment, judging her reaction. "Besides, what assurance do we have you'll hold up your end rather than just kill us, take the artifact, and keep Gwaelind under your control?"

Delunaur gives Toben a nod and a polite smile before answering.  "Valid questions, to be sure.  What the artifact is, is no concern to you.  It is not a weapon, nor anything I can use against the forces of the Creator.  It is a personal thing.  You don't have any assurances other than that I haven't killed you when I could have and I have always kept my word."

She looks knowingly at Mairen who breaks down into sobs.

"Also, if you refuse my proposition, I will allow you all to leave here, no harm done.  However, if you return before I am done and gone, I will be forced to destroy all of you."  Her tone remains quiet, even, and polite as if she were discussing a marketplace transaction over a trinket rather than threatening death.

Toben smirks a little as if she replied precisely as he expected. "One never truly knows what lies in the heart of another. All we have is our word. However, if we were to accept this proposal, we would need a lot more information as to what we're looking for."

He looks over the henchmen surrounding them. "Which raises another question. If you can't retrieve it with your resources on hand, what exactly is stopping you?"

"Of course I will provide a description.  You are looking for a historical tome.  It has nothing of magic to it, no treasure maps to secret weapon caches, or recipes for the likes of the Uruk-Hai of old.  It bears the inscription ' Taurue' o i Ainur, galue' o i Valar, braig toglheithia '.  This tome is deep within the mine, in a ruin of ancient days and protected by three guardians.  My minions cannot defeat the guardians, and I have other priorities than to expend myself upon these relics of the past.  You have the power and now the motivation to do it."  Her voice thunders like the low rumble of thunder from a distant storm at the word 'power'.

During the conversation, Ourn quietly draws Mairen away, to console and comfort her in her grief. The edges of his eyes look watery.

"Hmm, a peculiar title. What does it mean?"

Toben scribbles a few notes in his journal, trying his best to entertain the Dischord's proposal. "What do you know of these guardians? Why are they so difficult to defeat, or circumvent?"
This message was last edited by the player at 15:14, Tue 28 Feb 2017.

Delunaur frowns.  "This is a pointless waste of time.  The tome is of no value to you and is not a weapon I can use against 'your side'.  Do you accept or reject my proposition?"  Her voice is no longer a whisper and there may be a slight glow to her eyes.  It is difficult to tell in all the torchlight of the chamber.

Taking note in her increasingly aggressive tone, Toben responds to her more combative side.

"The amount of danger and risk we would have to assume is clearly a factor as to whether we accept this proposal. Are we expected to fight a few rogue uruk-hai, or are we supposed to take on Durin's Bane? The more we know, the more likely we are to be successful. I would expect one as well versed in tactics as you are to see the value in knowing their enemy."

"I have already told you that your group is capable of handling the gate-keepers.  I will not answer any more questions.  Accept or leave."

Toben frowns, then looks over to his group. "Give me a minute to confer with my colleagues and make sure there are no major objections."

Delunaur's countenance quiets again.  "Of course."

Ano steps up beside Toben and leans in to speak in a low but audible voice.  " We all trust your judgment.  That is why you speak for us.  I know all of us will follow with your decision.  We seem to be out of time for discussion on the subject.  If we want to save the star we must act swiftly" he places a reassuring hand on Toben's shoulder.

Then in a louder voice speaks to Delunaur "The stars safety is top priority, I will go, provided you can prove to us the safety of the wind song"

Ourn remains silent to the group, speaking in hushed tones to Mairen as she sobs.

Toben nods to Ano. "I agree. We've already failed at saving Mairen's son, and freeing Gwaelind is a priority. This may be our best chance without direct confrontation."

He takes a thoughtful moment, then looks back to the Dischord. "Ok. We'll do it. You'll get your tome, Gwaelind will be released into our charge, and we'll all have safe passage out of here afterward. Deal?"

Ryland steps towards Toben. "I've not known you long, but the mystery of the falling stars isn't a mystery to me at all. I've encountered one before, a shirtless man, who allowed me to live on the grounds that I spread the word of his dark master. Though I doubt the likes of anyone in this room needs to be informed of the stars". Ryland gets a slight smirk on his face.

Bluff check for next paragraph, take 10 = 23 total "

Speaking a bit louder, Ryland muses "Though I will say I like this current star much better than the one I've encountered before. He was quite full of himself honestly. Didn't speak very kindly of the other stars when I asked were there more like him either. Something about being unfit to serve their master. But I digress. I say let's go for it, what do we have to lose? Our lives have been garuanteed, and I'm sure a being of such admirably unmeasurable power is true to her word ". Ryland finishes with an eyebrow slightly arched and smile, daring to make brief eye contact with Delunaur.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:02, Tue 28 Feb 2017.

Toben nods, "Yes, we've run into that one. Basarshakath, I believe. He had quite the ego", he pauses for a moment. "Prior to our meeting, that is."

Klale gestures for Xarini to confer with Toben and the others. Seems like this is something to do. Wondering though. Would you care to...ask...one or more of your associates to accompany us. 'Twould, for example, help us find the most expeditious way.

"No.  I have wasted too many of them on this errand as it is.  You are more than qualified to handle this on your own.  They have other business I need to direct them to."

Xarini goes over to comfort Mairen as well, but her words are directed to all.  "Mairen has neither the skills nor the mindset for such a quest.  Someone should take her to a safe place to grieve."  The eastern smith/warrior does not look comfortable with the situation either.

"I will see to it Mairen is delivered safely. It is the very least I can manage at this point".

Saris and Xar nod at Toben, expecting him to take the lead.  They will follow whatever he decides.

Klale is unperturbed.

"Is there anyone else in your ranks we can speak with to gain more information about these guardians? Also, I doubt this will be a short expedition, do you have a quartermaster with which we can resupply?"

The obsidian woman takes a deep breath and lets it out evenly.  "Torak will address those details.  I have things to attend."  She whirls away in a flurry of feathers from her cloak and steps outside and out of sight.  There is a whoosh and a burst of orange light as if from a giant, sudden fire followed by the beating of enormous wings.  Ambient heat from her departure blasts through the room, kicking up dust and debris and stirring everyone's loose clothing.

The human that had first called Ourn and the others inside steps up.  He seems somewhat relieved that the Dark Star is gone.  "I am Torak, the Dischord's captain and commander of this operation.  If you need supplies, lay out what you need and I will give you a working price.  Worry not.  The Dischord requires us to be honorable.  I will not cheat you."

He looks over at the lizards.  "âdhn'âdhûn."  Torak waits for the creatures to completely leave.  "I cannot say the same of the troglodytes.  Filthy vermin, leeches the lot of them."  He looks over his shoulder out the door Delunaur used.  "There are three guardians.  They will test the body, mind, and soul.  All three must be defeated within a day or they will all return.  We cannot pass the last for reasons that will be obvious."

"The first guardian will remind you of Basarshakath, except without the arrogance.  It is not a man, though it has the shape of one.  His test is always different, so I cannot give you much, but it will have something to do with a test of your bodies.  The more of you that participate, the harder the test."

"The second guardian will test the mind.  He is like Empavausan-hugi, who you may not have met in person yet, and may never meet that way."

"The third," he shivers with the memory, "I cannot even bear to speak of it."

"Empavausan-hugi? Is he the one attempting to control Mairen's actions back at the farm?" He rubs his temples. "Yes, I remember him."

"What is so terrible about this third test?"

Torak frowns and shakes his head, refusing to speak further on it.

Ano looks Torak over and what of Gwaelind, what assurance do we have that your master has not already taken the stars power and disposed of it?"

Toben raises an eyebrow. "Surely the Lady Delunaur wishes us to be successful on our trek into the mines. Is there any among your men that are courageous, or foolish, enough to tell us about the third guardian?"

He shifts his weight a bit. "The Dischord seems to have a lot of confidence that we will be able to get this task done. What exactly would give her that notion? Gossip perhaps?"

Torak seems relieved to switch topics.  He even chuckles a bit.  "The Dischord of Fire has no interest in the paltry power of a mild breeze.  Gwaelind is a self-absorbed blowhard with a narrow vision.  The Dischord will be glad to be rid of him."

Torak returns his gaze to Toben.  "Reports have come in of your successes.  It is a war, after all.  To call such things 'gossip' is to belittle them, to devalue them in a way that is dangerous to you and yours."

Toben nods. "We live in strange times, of late. It's difficult to know what's true and what's embellished. Some things are down right unbelievable." He motions to the others. "However, I have the utmost confidence in those that I travel with. If there is a way, we will find it."

"Are there any needs to be met before we leave? A forge, perhaps, Klale?"

How soon do we leave, and what is the route?

Mairen rips her arms from Ourn's gentle grasp.  She stalks up to Torak and slaps him.  Hard.  "What did you do to my son, you flaming son of a whore!"

Torak shakes his head and has the audacity to look sad.  "She fed him to the dragon at the bottom of the mine."

A dragon, eh? Ever seen it or know anything about it?

Ourn whips out his daggers and glares at Torak "You hold your tongue!".

Torak ignores Ourn and answers Klale's question.  "I've seen it.  Or, rather, I saw the egg.  It was brought down into the mine by an old hermit years ago, before the stars fell and the dark hearts rose.  Crazy old coot with delusions of grandeur.  He made a nest for the egg down there and took all the precautions as if he were a dragon himself.  The troglodytes say that after the dragon hatched, the old man disappeared, left the dragon to lair down there like it owned the place.  The dragon started a small hoard even, loot stolen from troglodytes it hunted for food.  It's a young dragon, but it got too big to venture far into the mine from it's lair.  The Dischord went down a year ago and chained the beast for her purposes.  She intended to train it for the war, but it has proved troublesome.  It eats the troglodytes we've sent down to tend it.  These days she uses the dragon as a means of discipline for her troops."  A brief looks of apprehension flashes across Torak's face before he controls it.

"The bottom of the mine was opposite the ruins where the guardians are, so you won't encounter the dragon unless you get turned around and end up in its lair.  It's chained to the walls with mithril chains, so there is no chance it could escape.  We stopped sending trogs down about three months ago so when the boy was taken down, it wasn't surprising that none returned."  His voice is calm and steady, as if discussing his day today.

The tone, as much or more than the words, stuns Mairen.  She stumbles back and collapses to her knees in a heap.  Sobs wrack her body and she cries uncontrollably.

"Ourn, lad," Saris' voice is gentle.  "Take 'er out o' here.  Take 'er back t' Therion an' let her grieve among friends."

Ourn smolders and seethes at how casual Torak talks of the events. He collects Mairen, going at her pace to stand and get her legs underneath her. He ushers her slowly towards the door, and bids a brief farewell to his party. "I'll get Mairen back, and then catch up. Eru be with you, friends"

"If this beast is chained up, then it wouldn't be able to pursue any sort of quarry would it? How long ago was this boy taken down there?"

Before they part ways with Ourn and Mairen. "If there's any chance your son is still down there, we'll find him. I don't want to give a false sense of hope, but I promise to do all I can."

With an arm around Mairen, Ourn looks back over his shoulder once more. "Daven. His name is Daven". The pair exit.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:18, Wed 01 Mar 2017.

Thank you, Torak. One detail...what color is the dragon?

Torak furrows his brow at Klale's question.  "Uh, it's dark green in places, some greys on the underside, orange highlights?"  He seems slightly uncertain, but it's clear the dragon isn't just one color.

"How large would you say this dragon is, since last time you saw it? The size of a large dog, horse, house?". Toben tries to build a mental comparison relative to Kornari.

A "colorful" being then. Somehow, it doesn't sound like anything comfortable to be next to. Well, maybe the mithril chains will hold or it will starve to death. Maybe. Thanks again, Torak. You take care.

Torak shrugs.  "Last time I 'saw' it was never.  We sent the trogs down there to deal with it.  I am not foolish enough to go near a dragon."

After Torak helps the group supply with a few torches and some spare rope, a miniscule resupply at best, he leads the group to the entrance to the mine.  The mine itself is very old.  All of the timbers at this point look as if they have fossilized.  Torak says nothing and leaves as soon as everyone has passed the entrance.  There are troglodytes about in case anyone gets some funny ideas.

The main shaft leads back into the mountains with a fairly level grade.  Approximately 100 feet in, there is a three-way junction.  Per Torak's initial instructions, the ruins are to the right.  He did not comment on the other two directions.  Both go down, though the left has a series of natural steps leading into a more natural cavern area and straight only slants slightly before it comes to a T.

Toben looks right, then looks left. "Guardians to the right and he said the dragon was at the bottom, opposite the guardians, so I guess that would suggest left."

He sighs a moment as he thinks. "I for one would like some closure on Daven and time is against us if he is still somehow alive. The guardians don't seem to be going anywhere, so I suggest we try to find this lair."

"Any objections?"

"I wish I could say I've knowingly walked in to worse scenarios... well there was that time in Karkand with the overly infatuated tavern maiden.. ah but nevermind. This group has elected you to lead, and that makes me one who follows. No objections here, though reservations a plenty".

Ano nods "Dragon first, I have some questions I would like to ask.  I suggest someone take the shield of Arcane dome,  it may help shield us if there are any nasty supprises."

"Agreed. My dealings with dragons are somewhat limited. Maybe we'll get lucky, and the reason the Dischord couldn't control it was because its morals were not aligned with hers."

My shield is masterwork, but I'll take a better shield. What are the properties of this Arcane dome?

Klale will, except for any scouts, will take the van. He will need somebody with a torch behind him.

"These mines are likely to be wrought with pitfalls and trap. Who best to scout and detect them? Xar?"

Klale takes the shield and gives his to Xarini.

Xar nods and takes lead to the left tunnel.  He moves ahead a bit, to the edge of the light.  His shadowy form barely discerned in the penumbra.  His movement is steady and sure for three hundred feet.  The tunnel winds back and forth but ever down.  Some parts are steeper and harder to traverse, bit for those who understand, the natural formation actually makes it easier to detect artifice like a trap.

After three hundred feet, the tunnel opens into an open cavern that the edges of the torch light do not reach.

Ryland cracks his knuckles. "Not to worry, allow me". He weaves his hands together briefly and speaks "Arcaniss mitneic", and four small globes of light materialize from his finger tips. He allows them to lazily hang in front of him for a moment, and with a flick of his wrist, they travel off in to the darkness to explore how far the cavern goes.

Thank you.

Toben smiles. "Neat trick."

As the lights spread out and illuminate the cavern, Toben keeps an eye out for movement. "Tread lightly, there's no telling what could be out there."

As the lights spread out into the cave, it becomes apparent just how large this cave is.  It is irregular, but at it's widest dimensions it is more than three hundred feet across.  The irregularity of the area would not make for a great dragon's nest, but it makes a perfect place for an ambush.

Directly in front of the tunnel the group arrived in, there is a small underground lake.  The lake is on an upper layer of the cavern area.  To the right, a column splits a shelf that is about a 10 foot drop to the lower areas of the cavern.  The floor of the lower area is uneven, but not really different levels or stair-stepped.  There are four smaller columns in the north area of the lower area and one larger column more to the south on the opposite side of the lake.

Ryland's dancing lights reveal to tunnels leading back up on the northern wall.  Three shelves to the south have openings that could also be tunnels, but it is difficult to tell what direction they go.  The shelves are reachable, but not something anyone but possibly Klale or Ano could leap and catch hold of alone.

At the moment, the cavern seems quiet and still.

"Well now.. That certainly is quite the package of options to choose from".

Carefully eyeballing the lake that's illuminated, Ryland pipes up.

23:37, Today: Ryland Vance rolled 28 using 1d20+8.  bardic knowledge check - cave lakes.

"That lake would be the perfect spot for an ambush indeed, Master Toben. Troglodytes congregate to them after all. I strongly caution against getting anywhere near water down here if we can help it".

Toben nods. "It wouldn't be the first time either. We should keep clear of them and see where those other passages might lead."

Let's move. If there are troglodytes present, I hope for their sake they prefer fish.

Xar makes some motions with his hands to get Toben's attention.  Saris translates:

"The two tunnels t' th' north head back up.  Th' two t' th' south on th' far side go down much like th' tunnel we jus' came from.  Tha' south tunnel closest t' us?  It doesna feel righ'.  It ends, but there is still a stirrin' o' air out of it."

Then I suggest we take the other. Klale flexes his shoulders.

Toben nods. "I trust your intuition. Since it's closest, let's take a look at this dead end. Maybe there is a secret passage hidden near by."
This message was last edited by the player at 05:24, Mon 06 Mar 2017.

Investigate the one that Xar says doesn't feel right? Why the curiosity?

I took that to mean that it ends unnaturally. Their kind are masters of stone work, and if something is out of place that would cause a disturbance in the air, it seems to suggest that there is a draft coming from somewhere behind the walls. Perhaps a hidden passage?

He looks over at Xar. Does it appear to be a trap?

Xar shakes his head.  He walks to the south edge of the high shelf the group emerged onto from the tunnel.  The dwarf keeps his distance from the lake.  A moment later, he reverses himself, drops down behind the shelf and is gone.

After several minutes of tense silence, Saris motions the group to follow.  "Xar says there's no hidden passage, no' exactly.  He says there's a hole tha' leads down, likely t' th' dragon's lair given th' smell comin' out o' the hole."  Her voice is quiet as she approaches the edge of the shelf.  The drop to the lower floor is a good fifteen feet.

"If th' legends o' dragons are true, then this one likely already knows we're comin'.  However, as young as tha' Torak fellow says it is, maybe not.  Let's act like it doesn't and assume tha' it does."  With that, she turns and drops off the ledge, catching herself at the last moment by gripping the rough edge.  Her soft armor and cloth make no significant sound, but in the caverns it still sounds like a shout.  Then she lets go and drops the rest of the way to the ground with a soft thud.

Following Saris' example, Ryland follows down, glancing around as he descends.

Toben follows the gonnhirrim and bard down the ledge. As the party makes their way to the hole in the cave floor, he follows closely behind.

Klale, with thanks, takes advantage of the rope, thus minimizing the noise he makes. He hurries to get behind Xar.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:38, Tue 07 Mar 2017.

Ano takes a moment to tie off a rope to the nearest solid structure before he slides down smoothly and quietly with the others taking the tail end of the rope with him.

This message was deleted by the player at 01:55, Wed 08 Mar 2017.

The last person to the edge of the shelf is Xarini.  She turns around to slip over the side, but there is a muffled scream and she disappears.  A few moments later, no less than ten troglodytes poke their heads over the shelf.  Off to the northwest, a larger number of troglodytes steps from behind boulders and out of depressions or other hiding places.

They are all wielding crude spears and have one or more pouches or packs on their persons.

Toben spins around at the disturbance, and his eyes widen as the troglodytes come out of the stonework.

"Xarini?"

Klale starts climbing back up the rope.

The troglodytes move to the edge of the shelf, spears pointed in Klale's direction.

[To climb back up, Roll Climb DC 16.  Don't forget armor check penalties.]

Klale doesn't climb.

Saris and Xar go stand next to each other slightly away from the shelf and facing the group.  "Ano!"  Saris and Xar plant themselves and lock their fingers ready to boost Ano up and over.

Ano nods and takes a step back before sprinting towards the pair.  He smoothly leaps and lands in a low crouch with both feet planted in there hands

With perfect timing, the Gonhirrim boost Ano into the air, over the heads and spears of the troglodytes on the shelf and into their midst.

[Roll Jump or Reflex Save, whichever is higher, to land on your feet with initiative.  DC is 20 to land on your feet.  25 to land and attack first.]

19:22, Today: Ano rolled 17 using 1d20+10.  Jump check.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:02, Thu 09 Mar 2017.

As Ano rises above them, the troglodytes are stunned by the acrobatics.  However, Ano's Lansing is less than stellar.  He over balances and hits too far forward, requiring him to roll once.  This gives the troglodytes a moment to recover.

They strike at the Monk in rapid succession, but only two score hits. [DMG = 6]

"Stay back!"  Xarini yells.  Her voice is controlled, commanding not frightened.

Toben scoops up a fist sized rock from the floor and starts whispering words of power. In an effort to avoid Xarini and Ano, he focuses his spell on the troglodytes appearing on the bottom floor. He lobs the rock and awaits its destructive power.

Toben casts Exploding Stone centered on the concentration of trogs on the bottom level. Reflex save DC 17, save for half.
22:41, Today: Toben Ironsprings rolled 26 using 7d6.  Exploding stone damage.

This message was last edited by the GM at 12:25, Fri 10 Mar 2017.

Still down below, but hoping Ano can hear him, Ryland produces his lute and begins to strum furiously.

Inspire courage. Duration - As long as ally can hear the tune, and 5 rounds after it has ended. +1 moral bonus to saving throws against charm and fear, +1 moral bonus to both attack and damage rolls.

Klale doesn't succeed in climbing.

Ano drops into a crouch and sweeps out a kick at one of the lizard creatures.  The move drops the creature to the ground with a solid CRACK of its head.  [DMG = 5]

Only 4 out of a large number of troglodytes on the bottom floor manage to drop to the ground or dive out of the way to avoid the majority of Toben's spell [DMG = 13].  The rest are not quick enough and suffer the full force of the blast. [DMG = 26]  Those who did not move quick enough are turned into ground reptilian.  The others are slow to rise and are a bloody mess.  Two of them slump back down and succumb to their wounds.

Thirty or more, not hit by the blast advance on the group below the shelf dividing unequally between the members of the party.

The fast moving Ano is able to weave through a series of jabs from troglodyte spears.  However, one troglodyte times its downward thrust perfectly and stabs Ano in the foot.  The spearhead goes straight through to the stone below.  [DMG = 10]

Continuing their concerted attack against the legs and feet, two of the Troglodytes attacking Xarini manage to connect.  One sweeps its blade across her thigh [DMG = 8] while the second stabs down and catches the inside of her foot through the boot [DMG = 3]

[Troglodytes are grouped with the individual they are engaged with.  Roll initiatives (or take X).  Post your initiative in the OOC thread then I will update this post and move forward based on initiative.]

Init    Name                Health     AC   Special                                  .
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
17      Toben               42/42      15
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD

20      Troglodyte          16/16      14
12      Troglodyte          16/16      14
11      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 9      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 7      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 5      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 5      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 4      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 3      Klale               84/84      24

19      Troglodyte          16/16      14
17      Ryland              49/49      18
16      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 9      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 8      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 2      Troglodyte          16/16      14

21      Saris               96/96      14
19      Troglodyte          16/16      14
14      Troglodyte          16/16      14
11      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 4      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 3      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 2      Troglodyte          16/16      14

19      Xar                 80/80      17
15      Troglodyte          16/16      14
10      Troglodyte          16/16      14
10      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 6      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 5      Troglodyte          16/16      14

12      Troglodyte          16/16      14
11      Troglodyte          16/16      14
10      Troglodyte          16/16      14
10      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 9      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 5      Ano                 67/77      17   Immobile; Crit to foot

14      Troglodyte          10/16      14
13      Troglodyte          16/16      14
11      Troglodyte          16/16      14
10      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 4      Xarini              67/78      18

This message was last edited by the GM at 02:04, Sun 12 Mar 2017.

Troglodytes

The lizardmen swarm Klale stabbing and swinging, but few connect and none get through the armor.

Info:
Cleave: Extra attack if atack drops for.

Improved Melee Combat Focus - Instead of taking 15, you may take 20 in melee
combat attacks.  This allows you to roll critical chance automatically*.
First Attack. Don't know here this came from.

When this weapon deals at least 1 point of damage to any creature
of any type, that creature must roll FORT save vs. DC 17 or be frozen for 1
round/point of damage.


Any baddie damages id held.

Hope my 1s mean somebody gets better rolls.

15:01, Today: Klale Tsolo rolled 3 using 1d20+2.  Initiative.

Distracted by his attempts to climb, Klale finds himself beset on all sides before he can react.

When he does, however, He demonstrates that he'll not be easy prey.

15:07, Today: Klale Tsolo rolled 15 using 2d6+7.  Damage. Attack 2 With all the baddies, should hit something.

15:05, Today: Klale Tsolo rolled 12 using 1d20+4.  To Hit.

15:05, Today: Klale Tsolo rolled 15 using 2d6+13.  Damage. Aack 1

15:03, Today: Klale Tsolo rolled 15 using 1d20.  Improved Critical.

Though he is slow, the mighty warrior's attacks are devastating.  Two troglodytes are destroyed by precisely placed attacks.  Their bodies freeze up in paralysis, even as they die by Klale's enormous sword.

Init    Name                Health     AC   Special                                  .
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
17      Toben               42/42      15
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD

--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
11      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 9      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 7      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 5      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 5      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 4      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 3      Klale               84/84      24

19      Troglodyte          16/16      14
17      Ryland              49/49      18
16      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 9      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 8      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 2      Troglodyte          16/16      14

21      Saris               96/96      14
19      Troglodyte          16/16      14
14      Troglodyte          16/16      14
11      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 4      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 3      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 2      Troglodyte          16/16      14

19      Xar                 80/80      17
15      Troglodyte          16/16      14
10      Troglodyte          16/16      14
10      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 6      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 5      Troglodyte          16/16      14

12      Troglodyte          16/16      14
11      Troglodyte          16/16      14
10      Troglodyte          16/16      14
10      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 9      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 5      Ano                 67/77      17   Immobile; Crit to foot

14      Troglodyte          10/16      14
13      Troglodyte          16/16      14
11      Troglodyte          16/16      14
10      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 4      Xarini              67/78      18

This message was last edited by the GM at 02:14, Sun 12 Mar 2017.

Saris sees the approaching horde of troglodytes and begins whirling her staff.  As the first troglodyte approaches, she whips her staff underneath its legs and trips it up.  Two other troglogytes go down with it in a tangle.

They spend precious seconds attempting to stand.  However, three others weave around the mess and attack.  The first swings high for the healer's head, but swings far too early and wide.  The second thrusts toward her stomach, but doesn't get much closer that the first.  The last of them spends as much time ducking the first attacker's spear as he does going for Saris' feet and almost trips himself.  His spear glances off rock and does nothing.

Init    Name                Health     AC   Special                                  .
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
17      Toben               42/42      15
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD

--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
11      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 9      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 7      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 5      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 5      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 4      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 3      Klale               84/84      24

19      Troglodyte          16/16      14
17      Ryland              49/49      18
16      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 9      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 8      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 2      Troglodyte          16/16      14

21      Saris               96/96      14
19      Troglodyte          16/16      14   Tripped, but back on feet.
14      Troglodyte          16/16      14   Tripped, but back on feet.
11      Troglodyte          16/16      14   Tripped, but back on feet.
 4      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 3      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 2      Troglodyte          16/16      14

19      Xar                 80/80      17
15      Troglodyte          16/16      14
10      Troglodyte          16/16      14
10      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 6      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 5      Troglodyte          16/16      14

12      Troglodyte          16/16      14
11      Troglodyte          16/16      14
10      Troglodyte          16/16      14
10      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 9      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 5      Ano                 67/77      17   Immobile; Crit to foot

14      Troglodyte          10/16      14
13      Troglodyte          16/16      14
11      Troglodyte          16/16      14
10      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 4      Xarini              67/78      18

This message was last edited by the GM at 02:06, Sun 12 Mar 2017.

Seeing how effective the first spell was, Toben reaches down to pick up another stone. Though they don't look it, the troglodytes are smarter than they appear and begin to fan out a little as to avoid another such blast.

With some quick thinking, he hurls the stone towards them but doesn't release concentration over it. In mid-air, it splits into four smaller stones which fan out in a similar manner as the troglodytes. Each one lands and explodes in its own distinct area, covering all six bearing down on his position.

Toben casts Exploding Stone modified by Sculpt Spell. Reflex save, DC 17.
20:21, Today: Toben Ironsprings rolled 29 using 7d6.  Exploding stone damage.

Init    Name                Health     AC   Special                                  .
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
17      Toben               42/42      15
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD

--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
11      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 9      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 7      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 5      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 5      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 4      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 3      Klale               84/84      24

19      Troglodyte          16/16      14
17      Ryland              49/49      18
16      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 9      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 8      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 2      Troglodyte          16/16      14

21      Saris               96/96      14
19      Troglodyte          16/16      14
14      Troglodyte          16/16      14
11      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 4      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 3      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 2      Troglodyte          16/16      14

19      Xar                 80/80      17
15      Troglodyte          16/16      14
10      Troglodyte          16/16      14
10      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 6      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 5      Troglodyte          16/16      14

12      Troglodyte          16/16      14
11      Troglodyte          16/16      14
10      Troglodyte          16/16      14
10      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 9      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 5      Ano                 67/77      17   Immobile; Crit to foot

14      Troglodyte          10/16      14
13      Troglodyte          16/16      14
11      Troglodyte          16/16      14
10      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 4      Xarini              67/78      18

This message was last edited by the GM at 02:07, Sun 12 Mar 2017.

Ryland vanishes from sight. As soon as he disappears, the music ends.


The five troglodytes that had broken off of the main group down below and headed for Ryland are distracted by the blasts that destroy their fellows.  When they turn back to their own prey, they are bewildered to find that he is no longer there...or anywhere.  Their surprise costs them precious seconds before they decide to fan out and search for him.

Init    Name                Health     AC   Special                                  .
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
17      Toben               42/42      15
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD

--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
11      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 9      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 7      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 5      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 5      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 4      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 3      Klale               84/84      24

19      Troglodyte          16/16      14
17      Ryland              49/49      18
16      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 9      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 8      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 2      Troglodyte          16/16      14

21      Saris               96/96      14
19      Troglodyte          16/16      14
14      Troglodyte          16/16      14
11      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 4      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 3      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 2      Troglodyte          16/16      14

19      Xar                 80/80      17
15      Troglodyte          16/16      14
10      Troglodyte          16/16      14
10      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 6      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 5      Troglodyte          16/16      14

12      Troglodyte          16/16      14
11      Troglodyte          16/16      14
10      Troglodyte          16/16      14
10      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 9      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 5      Ano                 67/77      17   Immobile; Crit to foot

14      Troglodyte          10/16      14
13      Troglodyte          16/16      14
11      Troglodyte          16/16      14
10      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 4      Xarini              67/78      18

This message was last edited by the GM at 02:08, Sun 12 Mar 2017.

Ano let's out a long uncomfortable grunt as the spear passed through his foot.  His face shifting from its normally passive state to one of anger.  He grabs the head of the troglodyte and pulls it down ramming the knee of his good leg into its face twice.  After he let's it go and attempts to pull the spear from his foot.

Ano takes 15 on two flurry of blows attacks.  Total to hit is 23.

00:48, Today: Ano rolled 22 using 2d8+10.  Flurry of Blows  attacks damage
Attacking the Troglodyte that impaled him

Troglodytes

The troglodyte goes down completely limp.  If it is not dead, it is certainly out of the fight for good.

The rest are undeterred.  However, even with the wounded foot, Ano is nimble and able to evade all but one of the spears.  That one connects with his lower torso with a sweeping slash. [DMG = 4]

Init    Name                Health     AC   Special                                  .
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
17      Toben               42/42      15
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD

--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
11      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 9      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 7      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 5      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 5      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 4      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 3      Klale               84/84      24

19      Troglodyte          16/16      14
17      Ryland              49/49      18
16      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 9      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 8      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 2      Troglodyte          16/16      14

21      Saris               96/96      14
19      Troglodyte          16/16      14
14      Troglodyte          16/16      14
11      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 4      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 3      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 2      Troglodyte          16/16      14

19      Xar                 80/80      17
15      Troglodyte          16/16      14
10      Troglodyte          16/16      14
10      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 6      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 5      Troglodyte          16/16      14

--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
11      Troglodyte          16/16      14
10      Troglodyte          16/16      14
10      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 9      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 5      Ano                 63/77      17   Immobile; Crit to foot

14      Troglodyte          10/16      14
13      Troglodyte          16/16      14
11      Troglodyte          16/16      14
10      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 4      Xarini              67/78      18

This message was last edited by the GM at 02:09, Sun 12 Mar 2017.

Xar waits for the troglodytes to come to him, but is ready when they reach him.  His first strike aims for the neck of one of the creatures, but it only bloodies the skin [DMG = 3].  The second glances off the troglodyte's scaly skin without doing anything.

In response, the five attackers swing with varying degrees of failure.  Only one manages to hit the nimble dwarf, but it's spear only finds armor.

Init    Name                Health     AC   Special                                  .
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
17      Toben               42/42      15
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD

--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
11      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 9      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 7      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 5      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 5      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 4      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 3      Klale               84/84      24

19      Troglodyte          16/16      14
17      Ryland              49/49      18
16      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 9      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 8      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 2      Troglodyte          16/16      14

21      Saris               96/96      14
19      Troglodyte          16/16      14
14      Troglodyte          16/16      14
11      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 4      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 3      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 2      Troglodyte          16/16      14

19      Xar                 80/80      17
15      Troglodyte          13/16      14
10      Troglodyte          16/16      14
10      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 6      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 5      Troglodyte          16/16      14

--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
11      Troglodyte          16/16      14
10      Troglodyte          16/16      14
10      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 9      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 5      Ano                 63/77      17   Immobile; Crit to foot

14      Troglodyte          10/16      14
13      Troglodyte          16/16      14
11      Troglodyte          16/16      14
10      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 4      Xarini              67/78      18

This message was last edited by the player at 02:21, Sun 12 Mar 2017.

Xarini whirls her blade again, this time slicing a deep gouge right up the middle of the enemy she hit last time.  Another of them looses and arm and falls back. [8 DMG]

In retaliation, the three remaining attackers swing hard at the female blacksmith.  The one reeling from Xarini's attack does not connect, but the other two hit exceptionally hard.  Xarini cries out in pain, but she is still standing, barely avoiding serious damage to something vital. [12 DMG]

Init    Name                Health     AC   Special                                  .
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
17      Toben               42/42      15
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD

--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
11      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 9      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 7      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 5      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 5      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 4      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 3      Klale               84/84      24

19      Troglodyte          16/16      14
17      Ryland              49/49      18
16      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 9      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 8      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 2      Troglodyte          16/16      14

21      Saris               96/96      14
19      Troglodyte          16/16      14
14      Troglodyte          16/16      14
11      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 4      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 3      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 2      Troglodyte          16/16      14

19      Xar                 80/80      17
15      Troglodyte          13/16      14
10      Troglodyte          16/16      14
10      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 6      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 5      Troglodyte          16/16      14

--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
11      Troglodyte          16/16      14
10      Troglodyte          16/16      14
10      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 9      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 5      Ano                 63/77      17   Immobile; Crit to foot

--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
13      Troglodyte          8/16      14
11      Troglodyte          16/16      14
10      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 4      Xarini              55/78      18

This message was last updated by the player at 02:31, Sun 12 Mar 2017.

Troglodytes

Three of the troglodytes fail to connect.  Two more beat on Klale's dwarven-made armor like a drum to no effect.  However, the last finds a seam and strikes home with its stab. [15 DMG CRIT!]  Klale rewards him with death.

Klale

[Forgot last time to add Ryland's +1s]

Klale essays a third stlah but merely makes the troglodytes pause. However, his next attack  against a moving target is like knife through soft butter. His backstroke at least damages another.


21:14, Today: Klale Tsolo rolled 14 using 2d6+5.  Damage Attack 2.

21:14, Today: Klale Tsolo rolled 15 using 1d20.  Confirm Critical.

21:13, Today: Klale Tsolo rolled 23 using 1d20+5.  Attack 2.

21:13, Today: Klale Tsolo rolled 8 using 2d6+5.  Damage Extra.

21:12, Today: Klale Tsolo rolled 12 using 1d20+5.  Extra Attack Rnd 2.

21:11, Today: Klale Tsolo rolled 24 using 1d20+5.  Critical Rnd 2.

21:11, Today: Klale Tsolo rolled 11 using 1d20+5.  Extra Attack round 1.

Init    Name                Health     AC   Special                                  .
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
17      Toben               42/42      15
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD

--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
 7      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 5      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 5      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 4      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 3      Klale               69/84      24

19      Troglodyte          16/16      14
17      Ryland              49/49      18
16      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 9      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 8      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 2      Troglodyte          16/16      14

21      Saris               96/96      14
19      Troglodyte          16/16      14
14      Troglodyte          16/16      14
11      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 4      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 3      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 2      Troglodyte          16/16      14

19      Xar                 80/80      17
15      Troglodyte          13/16      14
10      Troglodyte          16/16      14
10      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 6      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 5      Troglodyte          16/16      14

--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
11      Troglodyte          16/16      14
10      Troglodyte          16/16      14
10      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 9      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 5      Ano                 63/77      17   Immobile; Crit to foot

--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
13      Troglodyte          8/16      14
11      Troglodyte          16/16      14
10      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 4      Xarini              55/78      18

Throwing the spear to the ground Ano lashes out with quick brutal punches at the chests of two more Troglodytes.

Ano takes 15 on 2 flurry of blows attacks.  Total 24 to hit each enemy.

00:20, Today: Ano rolled 13 using 1d8+5.  Flurry of Blows attacks damage.
00:20, Today: Ano rolled 6 using 1d8+5.  Flurry of Blows  attacks damage.


Troglodytes
Ano's attack devastates one of the troglodytes, which only manages a weak return sweep.  However, the others realize that Ano is very dangerous and redouble their efforts.  Two almost connect with disabling strikes, missing vital organs by a centimeter.  [13 DMG]

Init    Name                Health     AC   Special                                  .
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
17      Toben               42/42      15
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD

--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
 7      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 5      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 5      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 4      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 3      Klale               69/84      24

19      Troglodyte          16/16      14
17      Ryland              49/49      18
16      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 9      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 8      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 2      Troglodyte          16/16      14

21      Saris               96/96      14
19      Troglodyte          16/16      14
14      Troglodyte          16/16      14
11      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 4      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 3      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 2      Troglodyte          16/16      14

19      Xar                 80/80      17
15      Troglodyte          13/16      14
10      Troglodyte          16/16      14
10      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 6      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 5      Troglodyte          16/16      14

--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
11      Troglodyte           3/16      14
10      Troglodyte          10/16      14
10      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 9      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 5      Ano                 63/77      17   Immobile; Crit to foot

--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
13      Troglodyte          8/16      14
11      Troglodyte          16/16      14
10      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 4      Xarini              55/78      18

This message was last edited by the GM at 19:43, Sun 12 Mar 2017.

Saris is still doing her best to stay standing.  She drops two more to their backs with her tripping tactic, one of them just barely.  Their heads hit hard, thankfully and they are both slow to rise.

Troglodytes
While Saris focuses on the two she lays out with her whirling staff, the other four coordinate an attack against her.  Two go low, feinting their own trip attacks, which the Gonhirrim bats away, but the action leaves her open to attacks from behind.  The first brings its spear down hard on her hand, trying to dislodge her staff. [16 DMG]  Saris screams and lets go with the one hand as blood sprays everywhere in the poorly lit cavern.  The last troglodyte seizes the opportunity for a cheap shot in the back. [8 DMG].

Init    Name                Health     AC   Special                                  .
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
17      Toben               42/42      15
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD

--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
 7      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 5      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 5      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 4      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 3      Klale               69/84      24

19      Troglodyte          16/16      14
17      Ryland              49/49      18
16      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 9      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 8      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 2      Troglodyte          16/16      14

21      Saris               72/96      14   Off hand useless
19      Troglodyte          13/16      14   Tripped, prone
14      Troglodyte           9/16      14   Tripped, prone
11      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 4      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 3      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 2      Troglodyte          16/16      14

19      Xar                 80/80      17
15      Troglodyte          13/16      14
10      Troglodyte          16/16      14
10      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 6      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 5      Troglodyte          16/16      14

--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
11      Troglodyte           3/16      14
10      Troglodyte          10/16      14
10      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 9      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 5      Ano                 63/77      17   Immobile; Crit to foot

--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
13      Troglodyte          8/16      14
11      Troglodyte          16/16      14
10      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 4      Xarini              55/78      18

This message was last updated by the GM at 11:01, Mon 13 Mar 2017.

Used to attacking from the shadows, Xar is barely able to scratch the troglodytes in straight melee combat with his knives.  His concern for Saris draws him closer to her with only a small slash in the arm of the troglodyte he wounded previously to show for the effort. [3 DMG]

Troglodytes
Xar is a master at weaving in and out of the spears, but the overwhelming numbers game is not one he can win.  When Saris is hit, Xar loses a bit of his focus.  While dodging one spear, he spins into the sweep of another which catches him in the thigh. [5 DMG]

Init    Name                Health     AC   Special                                  .
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
17      Toben               42/42      15
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD

--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
 7      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 5      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 5      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 4      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 3      Klale               69/84      24

19      Troglodyte          16/16      14
17      Ryland              49/49      18
16      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 9      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 8      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 2      Troglodyte          16/16      14

21      Saris               72/96      14   Off hand useless
19      Troglodyte          13/16      14   Tripped, prone
14      Troglodyte           9/16      14   Tripped, prone
11      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 4      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 3      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 2      Troglodyte          16/16      14

19      Xar                 75/80      17
15      Troglodyte          10/16      14
10      Troglodyte          16/16      14
10      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 6      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 5      Troglodyte          16/16      14

--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
11      Troglodyte           3/16      14
10      Troglodyte          10/16      14
10      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 9      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 5      Ano                 63/77      17   Immobile; Crit to foot

--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
13      Troglodyte          8/16      14
11      Troglodyte          16/16      14
10      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 4      Xarini              55/78      18

Troglodytes
The troglodytes double their efforts against their prey on the top shelf.  One slashes Xarini across the arm, drawing her sword away from protecting her middle. [4 DMG] Another takes full advantage and slashes deep across her gut. [CRIT! 18 DMG] Blood sprays everywhere.  The last however misses completely as Xarini reels back from the devastating blow to her midsection.

Xarini
Xarini screams in pain.  The reeling, however, is a calculated feint which draws her around to trog that hit her first and opened her stance up.  She slashes down across its torso in a diagonal slash that opens it from collar to opposite hip [9 DMG].  That troglodyte staggers back and falls from the shelf into a crowd of his brethren below.  Three of them attack Saris go down in a heap with the dead body from above.

Init    Name                Health     AC   Special                                  .
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
17      Toben               42/42      15
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD

--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
 7      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 5      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 5      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 4      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 3      Klale               69/84      24

19      Troglodyte          16/16      14
17      Ryland              49/49      18
16      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 9      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 8      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 2      Troglodyte          16/16      14

21      Saris               72/96      14   Off hand useless
19      Troglodyte          13/16      14   Tripped, prone
14      Troglodyte           9/16      14   Tripped, prone
11      Troglodyte          16/16      14   Tangled, prone
 4      Troglodyte          16/16      14   Tangled, prone
 3      Troglodyte          16/16      14   Tangled, prone
 2      Troglodyte          16/16      14

19      Xar                 75/80      17
15      Troglodyte          10/16      14
10      Troglodyte          16/16      14
10      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 6      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 5      Troglodyte          16/16      14

--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
11      Troglodyte           3/16      14
10      Troglodyte          10/16      14
10      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 9      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 5      Ano                 63/77      17   Immobile; Crit to foot

--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD; Fell to lower floor
11      Troglodyte          16/16      14
10      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 4      Xarini              35/78      18   Serious wound to gut, bleeding

This message was last updated by the player at 17:47, Mon 13 Mar 2017.

The cries of pain from Saris and Xarini catch Toben's attention, but he is too far to help in the way that would be most effective. Instead, he focuses his energy based on the teachings of Nestael. Each hand begins to glow with a soft white light. At their pinnacle of brilliance, a white ray springs forth from each hand and reaches out to both Saris and Xarini.

Bathed in the healing light of Nestael, their wound begin to close [HEAL 15 & 13] . With the spell complete, Toben moves in to close the gap between himself and the allies on the ledge.

Toben casts Ray of Healing, 2 rays. One for Saris and one for Xarini.
08:57, Today: Toben Ironsprings rolled 15,13 using 2d8,2d8.

Init    Name                Health     AC   Special                                  .
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
17      Toben               42/42      15
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD

--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
 7      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 5      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 5      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 4      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 3      Klale               69/84      24

19      Troglodyte          16/16      14
17      Ryland              49/49      18
16      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 9      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 8      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 2      Troglodyte          16/16      14

21      Saris               85/96      14   Off hand useless
19      Troglodyte          13/16      14   Tripped, prone
14      Troglodyte           9/16      14   Tripped, prone
11      Troglodyte          16/16      14   Tangled, prone
 4      Troglodyte          16/16      14   Tangled, prone
 3      Troglodyte          16/16      14   Tangled, prone
 2      Troglodyte          16/16      14

19      Xar                 75/80      17
15      Troglodyte          10/16      14
10      Troglodyte          16/16      14
10      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 6      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 5      Troglodyte          16/16      14

--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
11      Troglodyte           3/16      14
10      Troglodyte          10/16      14
10      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 9      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 5      Ano                 63/77      17   Immobile; Crit to foot

--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD; Fell to lower floor
11      Troglodyte          16/16      14
10      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 4      Xarini              50/78      18   Serious wound to gut, bleeding

This message was last edited by the GM at 17:51, Mon 13 Mar 2017.

As Ryland is still unseen, a thick, greasy sheen forms on the floor between his group of trogs and the ones attacking Saris.

Troglodytes
The two closest to Ryland and farthest from the rest of the battle lock clawed feet down as the grease rapidly spreads.  They do not seem bothered by the substance.  In response, they leap beyond the effects of the spell and away from the embattled adventurers.

The next one in line is facing the dwarves and so is caught unawares.  It takes a step into the viscous material and goes down immediately in a heap.

The last two in the line hear the other fall and immediately lock down as well.  However, they do not leap as the first two did and are now surrounded by the liquid, susceptible to its nature.

The grease reaches the two troglodytes closest to Ryland that surround Saris.  One sidesteps the far reaches of the slick, but another is not so fast and goes down.  Saris uses that opportunity to crack it in the head.  There is a pulpy crunch and the troglodyte lays still.

Init    Name                Health     AC   Special                                  .
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
17      Toben               42/42      15
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD

--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
 7      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 5      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 5      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 4      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 3      Klale               69/84      24

19      Troglodyte          16/16      14
17      Ryland              49/49      18
16      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 9      Troglodyte          16/16      14   Slipped; supine
 8      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 2      Troglodyte          16/16      14

21      Saris               85/96      14   Off hand useless
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD; Fell to lower floor
19      Troglodyte          13/16      14   Tripped, prone
14      Troglodyte           9/16      14   Tripped, prone
11      Troglodyte          16/16      14   Tangled, prone
 4      Troglodyte          16/16      14   Tangled, prone
 3      Troglodyte          16/16      14   Tangled, prone
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD

19      Xar                 75/80      17
15      Troglodyte          10/16      14
10      Troglodyte          16/16      14
10      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 6      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 5      Troglodyte          16/16      14

--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
11      Troglodyte           3/16      14
10      Troglodyte          10/16      14
10      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 9      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 5      Ano                 63/77      17   Immobile; Crit to foot

--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
11      Troglodyte          16/16      14
10      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 4      Xarini              50/78      18   Serious wound to gut, bleeding

This message was last edited by the GM at 03:20, Tue 14 Mar 2017.

The troglodytes are cunning, but they seem driven.  No matter their losses, they fight on.  Something drives them, no doubt.

Troglodytes
Klale's four attackers slam spears down on his hard shell in vain, which only opens them up to the warrior's blade.  Only one does not hit and his wide swing leaves him the only one standing once Klale's blade sweeps through his companions.

Klale
Klale fails to strike with his extra blow, but his body u adjusts to its damage for one good strike, and one at-least-I-didn't drop-my-sword hit. He recovers for another swing, with doubtful results.

16:18, Today: Klale Tsolo rolled 7 using 2d6+5.  Damage Round 2. +1 = 8 (and held)
Took a 15 for attack
16:17, Today: Klale Tsolo rolled 22 using 2d6+13.  Damage 1. +1 = 23 Probably killed, so extra attack *

16:16, Today: Klale Tsolo rolled 10 using 1d20.  Confirm Critical Attack 1.

16:15, Today: Klale Tsolo rolled 10 using 1d20.  Confirm Critical .

16:15, Today: Klale Tsolo rolled 9 using 1d20+5.  Extra Attack from Round 2.

 *
16:23, Today: Klale Tsolo rolled 14 using 2d6+5.  Damage, if any.

16:23, Today: Klale Tsolo rolled 13 using 1d20+5.  Extra Attack.

These extra attacks...too much air, not enough flesh.

Init    Name                Health     AC   Special                                  .
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
17      Toben               42/42      15
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD

--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
 4      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 3      Klale               69/84      24

19      Troglodyte          16/16      14
17      Ryland              49/49      18
16      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 9      Troglodyte          16/16      14   Slipped; supine
 8      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 2      Troglodyte          16/16      14

21      Saris               85/96      14   Off hand useless
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD; Fell to lower floor
19      Troglodyte          13/16      14   Tripped, prone
14      Troglodyte           9/16      14   Tripped, prone
11      Troglodyte          16/16      14   Tangled, prone
 4      Troglodyte          16/16      14   Tangled, prone
 3      Troglodyte          16/16      14   Tangled, prone
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD

19      Xar                 75/80      17
15      Troglodyte          10/16      14
10      Troglodyte          16/16      14
10      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 6      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 5      Troglodyte          16/16      14

--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
11      Troglodyte           3/16      14
10      Troglodyte          10/16      14
10      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 9      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 5      Ano                 63/77      17   Slowed; Crit to foot

--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
11      Troglodyte          16/16      14
10      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 4      Xarini              50/78      18   Serious wound to gut, bleeding

This message was last edited by the GM at 03:39, Tue 14 Mar 2017.

Saris
Saris brings her staff down on to the most injured of her foes, a light seeking tap the first time, then a deadly thrust with the butt into the creature's sternum.  It spasms and dies. [3 then 8 DMG]

Troglodytes
The one remaining attacker that stands against Saris swings his spear about in a backhanded thrust, but the healer spins away from the thrust with practiced grace.  The attacker then falls in the grease that it had stood in moments before.

The three others who had fallen in the heap due to the body from above or from Saris' efforts to trip them up rise and shake off their confusion.

Init    Name                Health     AC   Special                                  .
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
17      Toben               42/42      15
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD

--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
 4      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 3      Klale               69/84      24

19      Troglodyte          16/16      14
17      Ryland              49/49      18
16      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 9      Troglodyte          16/16      14   Slipped; supine
 8      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 2      Troglodyte          16/16      14

21      Saris               85/96      14   Off hand useless
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD; Fell to lower floor
19      Troglodyte          13/16      14
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
11      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 4      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 3      Troglodyte          16/16      14   Slipped; supine
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD

19      Xar                 75/80      17
15      Troglodyte          10/16      14
10      Troglodyte          16/16      14
10      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 6      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 5      Troglodyte          16/16      14

--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
11      Troglodyte           3/16      14
10      Troglodyte          10/16      14
10      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 9      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 5      Ano                 63/77      17   Slowed; Crit to foot

--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
11      Troglodyte          16/16      14
10      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 4      Xarini              50/78      18   Serious wound to gut, bleeding

This message was last edited by the GM at 03:39, Tue 14 Mar 2017.

Xar
Xar brings both daggers down into the shoulders of his most injured adversary.  The creature screams its final protest and goes down. [6 then 4 DMG]

Troglodytes
Two of the troglodytes, standing opposite one another, attempt to catch the fast moving dwarf in a double thrust maneuver.  Instead, Xar spins allowing the spears to glance off his armor and into the guts of the opposing attacker.  They end up killing themselves instead.  [CRIT Fail x2!]

The other two are much luckier.  They only miss.

Init    Name                Health     AC   Special                                  .
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
17      Toben               42/42      15
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD

--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
 4      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 3      Klale               69/84      24

19      Troglodyte          16/16      14
17      Ryland              49/49      18
16      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 9      Troglodyte          16/16      14   Slipped; supine
 8      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 2      Troglodyte          16/16      14

21      Saris               85/96      14   Off hand useless
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD; Fell to lower floor
19      Troglodyte          13/16      14
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
11      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 4      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 3      Troglodyte          16/16      14   Slipped; supine
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD

19      Xar                 75/80      17
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
10      Troglodyte          16/16      14
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
 5      Troglodyte          16/16      14

--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
11      Troglodyte           3/16      14
10      Troglodyte          10/16      14
10      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 9      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 5      Ano                 63/77      17   Slowed; Crit to foot

--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
11      Troglodyte          16/16      14
10      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 4      Xarini              50/78      18   Serious wound to gut, bleeding

This message was last edited by the player at 03:40, Tue 14 Mar 2017.

The ground around Saris and between her and Xar begins to tremble ever so slightly. Pebbles and dust quake and stir as the vibrations grow more intense. As the spell comes to fruition, four distinct columns of small rocks and debris begin to rise up all around Saris, engulfing the troglodytes while she remains untouched in the center. Once the dust settles, the troglodytes around Saris lay motionless.

Toben casts Spattering modified by Sculpt Spell. DC 15 reflex save for half.
20:08, Today: Toben Ironsprings rolled 16 using 5d6+1 (fudge factor).

Init    Name                Health     AC   Special                                  .
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
17      Toben               42/42      15
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD

--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
 4      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 3      Klale               69/84      24

19      Troglodyte          16/16      14
17      Ryland              49/49      18
16      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 9      Troglodyte          16/16      14   Slipped; supine
 8      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 2      Troglodyte          16/16      14

21      Saris               85/96      14   Off hand useless
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD; Fell to lower floor
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD

19      Xar                 75/80      17
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
10      Troglodyte          16/16      14
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
 5      Troglodyte          16/16      14

--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
11      Troglodyte           3/16      14
10      Troglodyte          10/16      14
10      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 9      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 5      Ano                 63/77      17   Slowed; Crit to foot

--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
11      Troglodyte          16/16      14
10      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 4      Xarini              50/78      18   Serious wound to gut, bleeding

This message was last edited by the player at 13:31, Tue 14 Mar 2017.

The last two troglodytes on Xarini lunge at her in a desperate bid to take her out.  They miss, the one on her left terribly.  Xarini slides underneath their spears and rises behind them with her sword slashing upwards across one of the creature's backs.  Her follow through swing carves its way down the other's back to finish off her adversaries.  The first troglodyte falls to the ground, passed out from the pain of the deep wound in its back.

Init    Name                Health     AC   Special                                  .
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
17      Toben               42/42      15
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD

--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
 4      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 3      Klale               69/84      24

19      Troglodyte          16/16      14
17      Ryland              49/49      18
16      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 9      Troglodyte          16/16      14   Slipped; supine
 8      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 2      Troglodyte          16/16      14

21      Saris               85/96      14   Off hand useless
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD; Fell to lower floor
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD

19      Xar                 75/80      17
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
10      Troglodyte          16/16      14
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
 5      Troglodyte          16/16      14

--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
11      Troglodyte           3/16      14
10      Troglodyte          10/16      14
10      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 9      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 5      Ano                 63/77      17   Slowed; Crit to foot

--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
11      Troglodyte           2/16      14
10      Troglodyte           9/16      14
 4      Xarini              50/78      18   Serious wound to gut, bleeding

Ryland is still out of sight.


Ryland stabs at the western most trog with his rapier, exiting his invisible state. He misses. Somehow.

08:40, Today: Ryland Vance rolled 9 using 1d20+7.  Melee attack with rapier
Ryland's takes dodge (+1 AC) versus the trog he missed

Init    Name                Health     AC   Special                                  .
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
17      Toben               42/42      15
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD

--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
 4      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 3      Klale               69/84      24

19      Troglodyte          16/16      14   Still standing and unharmed because bards.
17      Ryland              49/49      18
16      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 9      Troglodyte          16/16      14   Slipped; supine
 8      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 2      Troglodyte          16/16      14

21      Saris               85/96      14   Off hand useless
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD; Fell to lower floor
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD

19      Xar                 75/80      17
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
10      Troglodyte          16/16      14
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
 5      Troglodyte          16/16      14

--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
11      Troglodyte           3/16      14
10      Troglodyte          10/16      14
10      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 9      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 5      Ano                 63/77      17   Slowed; Crit to foot

--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
11      Troglodyte           2/16      14
10      Troglodyte           9/16      14
 4      Xarini              50/78      18   Serious wound to gut, bleeding

This message was last edited by the GM at 12:56, Tue 14 Mar 2017.

Troglodytes
The troglodytes continue their efforts to take Ano down, but it is comically futile.  Two swing and miss.  Two more thrust their spears from opposite sides.  Ano spins and guides one of the spears into the opposite troglodyte, which happens to be one of those Ano had already drawn blood from. [7 DMG - Crit fail!]

Ano
Ano follows up with two precise strikes against the two wounded troglodytes surrounding him.  A crunching of bones and gouts of blood sound their deaths before the hit the ground. [8 DMG, 7 DMG]

Init    Name                Health     AC   Special                                  .
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
17      Toben               42/42      15
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD

--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
 4      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 3      Klale               69/84      24

19      Troglodyte          16/16      14   Still standing and unharmed because bards.
17      Ryland              49/49      18
16      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 9      Troglodyte          16/16      14   Slipped; supine
 8      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 2      Troglodyte          16/16      14

21      Saris               85/96      14   Off hand useless
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD; Fell to lower floor
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD

19      Xar                 75/80      17
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
10      Troglodyte          16/16      14
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
 5      Troglodyte          16/16      14

--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
10      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 9      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 5      Ano                 63/77      17   Slowed; Crit to foot

--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
11      Troglodyte           2/16      14
10      Troglodyte           9/16      14
 4      Xarini              50/78      18   Serious wound to gut, bleeding

Most of the troglodytes are dead.  The few that remain are starting to realize they are beat and try to retreat.  Only those that sought the bard initially are unscathed, though a little more slimy than usual.

Up top, the four remaining troglodytes continue to to engage Ano and Xarini.

Toben witnesses a number of troglodytes slipping and sliding in a thick viscous liquid far to his left. With Ryland's recent appearance, he is able to deduce the greasy patch was magically laid down by him and given the smell, could possibly be flammable.

Quickly, he reaches into his components pouch and produces a small piece of flint and steel. He whispers a few words of power and they magically begin to rise from his hand. Carried by an unseen servant, the bits of flint and steel move over to the grease patch and begin striking each other until finally a spark is created. The grease catches fire and those still trapped within it.

Toben casts Unseen Servant and orders it to strike the flint and steel over the grease until it catches fire.

Init    Name                Health     AC   Special                                  .
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
17      Toben               42/42      15
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD

--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
 4      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 3      Klale               69/84      24

19      Troglodyte          16/16      14   Still standing and unharmed because bards.
17      Ryland              49/49      18
16      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 9      Troglodyte          11/16      14   Slipped; supine; on fire
 8      Troglodyte          11/16      14   on fire
 2      Troglodyte          11/16      14   on fire

21      Saris               85/96      14   Off hand useless
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD; Fell to lower floor
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD; on fire
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD; on fire
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD

19      Xar                 75/80      17
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
10      Troglodyte          16/16      14
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
 5      Troglodyte          16/16      14

--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
10      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 9      Troglodyte          16/16      14
 5      Ano                 63/77      17   Slowed; Crit to foot

--      Troglodyte           0/16      10   DEAD
11      Troglodyte           2/16      14
10      Troglodyte           9/16      14
 4      Xarini              50/78      18   Serious wound to gut, bleeding

This message was last edited by the GM at 18:21, Tue 14 Mar 2017.

A this point, it takes little work for the adventurers to mop of the few remaining troglodytes.  Saris and Xar finish off Xar's assailants below.  Toben's fire takes out three more covered in Ryland's grease.  Xarini makes quick work of her two while Ano downs another, then together they finish off the last.  Klale's last foe lies in three pieces on the ground before the big man.

The two remaining troglodytes near Ryland finally decide enough is enough and fade into the shadows of the cave.

Ryland wipes his hands. "Well then.. since I'm apparently quite rusty in a scuffle, I suppose I can find use for myself in other ways". He goes about the party as they regroup to lend healing to those in need.

Ano limps his way over to Xarini and upon seeing her wounds asks " Do you need assistance?"

Ano will do what he can to help with her wounds first and foremost.

Klale cleans his sword; then the big man sits; then he lays himself down on his back.

Saris moves over to Klale as quickly as she can through all the dead and burned troglodyte bodies.  "Klale, lad, are ya hurt bad?  Where's th' wound?"

Xarini slowly lowers herself to her knees then to her bottom and leans against a wall.  Her hand holds her stomach and blood spreads across the front of her banded mail.  She winces as she speaks.  "Got through the armor.  Don't think it made it through the muscle."

]
This message was last edited by the player at 11:13, Thu 16 Mar 2017.

While Saris tends to Klale, Xar leaps to the ledge above and grabs it with his hands.  He pulls himself up to the shelf where Ano and Xarini are and keeps watch.

"This may hurt, but I have to get a better look at the wound" he tells Xarini.  He begins to remove her armor and gently as he can, and begins to bandage the wound.

08:08, Today: Ano rolled 26 using 1d20+6.  Heal check.
Removing the armor first to make the DC 15.

08:12, Today: Ano rolled 9 using 2d8+6. Health back for her

Xarini winces as the armor comes off, but once Ano's ministrations are done, she sighs in relief.  "Thank you!  That feels much better."  She closes her eyes and leans her head back against the rock wall.  Her breathing is steady and even.

Toben scan the cavern, all the carnage a few seconds caused. "We'll probably want to do something with all these bodies."

He looks back at the hole in the floor. "If that is indeed a way down into the dragon's lair, perhaps a peace offering of a meal will help. At the very least, it wouldn't be hungry enough to want to eat us. With all the noise we've been making, it'll certainly know we're here."

Klale points. One stab got through here. Fortunately, the wound went along the flow of the muscle. Are you all right, Lady Saris. You first; you're well-being is paramount.

In reply to Toben Ironsprings (msg # 240):

"Seems plausible, though I can't imagine the taste of trogs would put the beast, much less any beast in a very hospitable mood. Then again, it may very well live on the repugnant salamanders".

Ryland grabs the legs of the trog nearest Toben. "Either way, any plan is better than none. Mind grabbing the arms?".

Toben just stares at the dead troglodyte for a moment before bending down to grab its arms. "I suppose it could be worse. It could be me on the ground."

He helps toss the first one down the hole before looking back at the rest of the party. "Perhaps we should make sure everyone gets patched up before stirring up another hornets nest."

Ryland looks up from rubbing his hands profusely on his trousers, attempting to get the eau de troglodyte off of him "Of course, pardon my haste".

Saris looks down at her hand and the wound there.  It is already sealing up, her fingers wriggling about normally.  She smiles at Klale.  "I'm just fine, lad.  Now, show me where it hurts."  A few moments later, Klale's wound is nothing more than a slightly bloody stain on the clothing under his armor. [HEAL = 15]

"Now, ya better get over t' th' shelf and help yar lady friend down.  No doubt she's not happy tha' you left her t' go last."
This message was last edited by the GM at 11:35, Fri 17 Mar 2017.

Xar scoops up Xarini to only mild protest and carries her over to the edge of the shelf.  He squats down, waiting to hand her off.

After Xar has taken Xarini to the ledge Ano sits on the stone ground and uses the new quiet to concentrate.  He focuses on the wound in his foot for a short time and works on cracking open the second door, the door of thr body.  As he does the wound in his foot begins to close up and return to a more normal state.

Ano uses his wholeness of Body  ability to heal 14 hp

Once back with the party, Toben paces the perimeter circling the party while whispering. "Salt di wer edar, irisv wer ezoukeic"

Waves of restoration and revitalization flow through them.

Toben casts Mass Regeneration. Each target gains 50 hps over the next 2 1/2 minutes (2 hp/rnd over 25 rounds or until fully healed).
08:36, Today: Toben Ironsprings rolled 6 using 1d4+2.  Number of targets.

A reinvigorated Klale, after checking on Xarini,, says So you folks are bent on seeing this dragon. Maybe it's a good idea, but I'd like to hear your reasons.

"I'm not that interested in seeing the dragon, per se. I'd more like to get closure on Devan. If he's down there, somehow alive, I mean to get him out."

"I agree. That and, well I'm not going to bluff you, I'd really like to see a real, live dragon. But the child first of course".

Since there is none to offer assistance, Xar hops down with Xarini himself and sets her on her feet.  Toben's healing takes effect and Xarini gives Xar a brief side hug for the help.

Xar hops back up to the ledge above where Ano is now fully healed.  He pats the monk on the shoulder and begins tossing troglodytes over the edge to the area below.  Once he has finished that, he takes a vial out of a pouch at his waist and dumps the entire contents into the water and steps back.  After a silent count of ten, he nods and moves on to check the rest of the shelf.

Finding no hidden assailants, Xar disappears over the ledge on the far side away from the rest of the group.  There is no sound coming beyond Ano at this point.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:43, Sat 18 Mar 2017.

"I've no seen a dragon save for our friend, Kornari, if he even counts.  However, t' hear tale of our people from th' age afore last, a great dragon once laird in th' mountain kingdom of Erebor.  'Twas said t' be th' mightiest o' beasts.  Smaug by name.  So terrible and powerful 'e scattered th' whole kingdom in a day.  Tha's no somethin' I want t' be messin' with terribly bad if I don' hafta."  Her piece said, Saris checks Xarini over for good measure.

Xarini looks at Toben and pointedly ignores Klale.  "I agree with Toben.  If there is even a chance this boy lives, we must do what we can to save him.  Though, if this dragon turns out to be beyond us, I'm not committing to suicide either.  At the very least, we'll know for certain and poor Mairen may find closure in the knowledge we bring her."

After helping Xar with the troglodytes, he watches the dwarf disappear and knows he is doing his own thing.  Ano drops of the ledge and joins in the conversation "personally I would like to meet this dragon.  I have gained some measure of power from the time I spent with Kornari.  I would be interested to see if there is something to that"

"There is wisdom in Saris's words. We don't yet know the temperament or disposition of this dragon. If we can find out what we can about the boy without running into it, I'd consider that a victory."

He slowly drags another troglodyte to the opening in the floor. "Who knows, perhaps a full belly will put it right to sleep. If we're lucky."

Klale, making sure his sword is clean, sheathes it. He secures his shield. Then he hoists one troglodyte over each shoulder and says Lead on.

After each has carried a number of troglodytes that they could carry once, ten of the lizards have been dropped down the hole.  A spontaneous bucket-line forms and soon the stench of dying trogs wafts up the hole from over thirty of the foul things.

Xar appears and Saris reports that there are no more ambushers waiting within the cavern.

Once the way is clear, Toben makes his way a little closer to the hole in the floor. He kneels down, "This will just take a moment."

He starts to perform a fairly familiar spell to most of the group. His eyes begin to glow a soft white and he scans the area below him as if looking through the floor.

Toben casts Earthen Detection to pick up on any other living entities within the spell's range.

Toben stands back up. "I'm not picking anything else up, however, that pit goes down farther than my spell can reach." He glances back at the hole. "Straight down is the fastest way to get there, but I'm sure there's a less disgusting way of doing so."

"How would you propose we all get down then? Not that I like the idea of jumping down a hole of course, but I'm more than willing to hear out the man voted to lead".

"There are two other tunnels on this side o' th' chamber.  Th' one farthest from us should lead us down t' where we wanna go."

"Saris and Xar are far more experienced at underground architecture. I'll take their word for it."

Xar shows up from the west side of the room out of the shadows.  He beckons everyone over to the far entrance on the west wall.

Saris does one last mental sweep of the group then follows.  Xarini is on her heels.

Once again, Klale takes the van behind Xar.

As the group starts to peel away from the alcove, Toben lingers a moment. He kneels down and starts moving his hands in a waving motion as if wiping dust from the pages of an old book, but instead, wipes the hole away. With each gesture, the edges of the hold pull closer and closer to the middle until it disappears completely.

"No more sacrifices.", he whispers.

When finished, he rejoins the group.

Ryland falls in the line towards the front, where he expects Toben to be. He has his lute in a carry position across his front.

The tunnel twists and turns about with multiple forks and deviations.  However, Xar and Saris never hesitate.  They choose a path that leads ever downward.  About twenty minutes into the descent, the tunnel starts to widen.  Then a familiar, pungent odor slams into the group as they round a curve.

Once again they find themselves on a shelf overlooking a much broader cavern.  However, this time there is light enough to see as well as a chill as outside air circles sedately through the cavern.  There is even a snowdrift at the largest hole.  It is night outside.

As the silent group scans the vast cavern for signs of the dragon, they see what might have been it's typical resting place, a flat stone with a slight depression in it sits atop a ledge slightly higher than the one the group is on now.  The stone is enormous, suggesting a dragon large enough to swallow even Klale whole.  Along the wall behind the flat stone are a series of thick chains and manacles strong enough to hold the most powerful of human or humanoid dinner for the dragon.  There are some that are larger, perhaps for trolls or the like and some that are perhaps too small for a human.

One set of manacles is currently occupied by a human male.  It is difficult to tell if he lives from this distance, but he is most definitely unconscious and unmoving.
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:33, Thu 23 Mar 2017.

"Well this certainly feel ominous" says Ryland, dryly. "Didn't Delunaur say something about this dragon being trapped down here?".

"Aye, lad, she did.  There are more than one kind o' prison, though."

"I know what it's like being trapped inside my own mind. I guess it's not too far-fetched to be trapped in a different body." He tries to peer over to the man shackled to the wall. "Could it be that this dragon is trapped in the body of a man?"

"I've ne're heard o' such a thing.  I only meant t' suggest th' dragon is trapped here by a different kind o' chain.  Maybe th' man is part o' that.  It ne're occurred t' me that 'e could be th' dragon.  Does nae look like 'e could eat many prisoners in tha' form chained in those manacles.  They're all powerful artifacts."

Ano starts to make his way quietly over towards the person in chains.

Klake follows, sword and shield ready.

Xarini follows as well as do the dwarves.  The going is slow and very cold.  However,the rock on which the manacles lie and the man stands is warmer than the room.

The man is powerfully built, but thin as if he hasn't eaten in a few days.  He hangs limp, his breath shallow from the awkward position but steady.  His hair is long and sweat stained, the dark facial hair obscures most of his features.  There are old wounds, signs of torture days, maybe weeks past.  How he has survived down here without water is nothing short of miraculous.

This close to the chains, ancient runs can be made out.  They are in a flowing script, too beautiful to be the guttural language used by the Valaraukur.  They are ancient, made of some strange dark black metal with something of a blue sheen to it.  There is definitely an aire of magic about them.

Tne runes catch Toben's attention. He moves up closer to take a look and perhaps decipher origin or meaning, but keeps enough distance so that any sudden movements don't compromise him.

He spends a few moments examining the runes, but almost as if an unseen force pushes him back, Toben's eyes widen and he recoils. "We can't do anything for this man right now. The magic woven into these shackles is, without a doubt, beyond me and perhaps even that of the Maiar. I can't dispel it, but there is a lock for the shackles, which suggests there may be a key around here somewhere. Perhaps we'll find it during our exploration here."

He turns back to the group. "We should look for the boy and go, before the dragon returns."

10:04, Today: Toben Ironsprings rolled 27 using 1d20+9.  Decipher script check.

Ryland peers around warily. "The fact that the beast isn't in plain sight unnerves me more than the mystery captive. But you're right, we should make haste in searching for the child".

Ryland places himself next to Toben again. "I'll be right behind you. Just in case you need the moral support" he says, trying to hide the quiver in his voice

DRAFT: I think Klale has the brains to make this conjecture, but maybe not.

Should we leave him food and water? Klale asks. Or do you think he's in an enchanted sleep. Then he snaps his fingers. Wait a bit! The dragon was supposed to be in chains; this man is. From the look of things, he's been here for some time...could this be the dragon enchanted?

Xar points out (through Saris) that there are recent scratch marks, gouges really, on the stone.  The manacles the man wears do not look big enough to accommodate a dragon big enough to eat people-sized meals.

Ano looks down at the quiet form "Perhaps we should try and speak with him.  If the boy was here then he might have seen him"

"That won't do any good, I'm afraid. The magic of the shackles is rendering him more or less unconscious. We can't help him unless we find the key, or a few Maiar to break the enchantment."

Xar and Saris start to look around the cavern for any sign of the boy or his remains.  There are a number of corpses in various states of mutilation, most only skeletal remains.

[Everyone roll Search checks.  You are welcome to take 10, but given the perception of a time crunch, taking 20 is not allowed for this check.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:47, Sat 25 Mar 2017.

Xarini begins to look around near the entrance the group used.  She thinks she sees something important and leans forward to get a closer look.  Just as she touches a skeletal finger, the whole pile slips and crashes toward her for a second.  It doesn't move much beyond that, but the creep factor, being in a dragon cave, and the general dimness all serve to spook her.  She stumbles back in a moment of fear and catches her foot in a crevice.  Xarini cries out in pain and drops to her bottom, holding the foot, which now seems to be caught.

22:48, Today: Xarini rolled 3 using 1d20+2.  Search.
CRIT FAIL!!!
22:48, Today: Xarini rolled 3 using 1d20.  Crit fail check.

Klale is saying I think it best if we get on...when Xarini gets caught. He strides over to look at the situation. Avoid tugging he advises. If it seem practical, he sheathes his sword and sets his shield along Xarini's leg. He takes out his hammer. Hold still he commands. Then he aims a blow at the rock next to the shield, swinging parallel to it.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:55, Sat 25 Mar 2017.

Ano searched around but is unsure if where to look.

08:55, Today: Ano rolled 7 using 1d20.  Search check

Toben searches around, thinking he's done a fairly good job, until his attention is caught by a cry of pain from Xarini. He quickly heads her direction, where he finds Klale hammering away at a chunk of rock that has trapped her foot.

He cringes a bit as the first blow lands. Klale raises his weapon over his head for a second strike. "Woah, woah. Just a second. I may have a less violent method. I don't doubt your strength, friend, but I fear the impact might cause further damage."

Toben kneels down and begins to cast. Beneath his hands, he stone softens to something more like clay. He pushes and pulls at it to give her foot room to move. He looks up and nods at Xarnin. "Ok, give it a try. See if you can pull free."

07:59, Today: Toben Ironsprings rolled 15 using 1d20+5.  Search check.

Thne smith starts to say something, but his mouth closes as Toben acts. The smith's hammer now rests on a shoulder.

Xarini winces a little but is able to pull it free.  A brief glowing touch from Saris and she is as good as new.  Xarini berates herself for her stupidity, but all is well.

Klale acts and ends with sword and shield once again ready.

Seeing others looking around, Klale does also to no effect.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:38, Sat 25 Mar 2017.

Ryland also begins poking around the area, looking under and over everything he can see.

17:53, Today: Ryland Vance rolled 16 using 1d20+1.  Search Check

Xar returns to the entrance to the cavern where the group has congregated after all the drama with Xarini is long past.  His search was likely the most thorough, but what he relays through Saris is no more heartening than any one else.  He found absolutely no sign of a child despite numerous goblin corpses and skeletons.  If the chill was down here it is likely the dragon swallowed him whole.

Then the heroes hear it.  Over the howl of the wind.  At first it is faint.  Just a single thwup, the flap of wing of a giant airborne creature.  Yet the flap is longer in duration than any bird they know of.  Another comes, stronger in sound this time.  Such strong languid beats indicate something massive is coming.

Just outside the cave, a powerful roar heralds the return of the dragon.