The initial surprise goes to the skeletons. LOL!

Round 1

Dugger leads off: his attack hits, but doesn't seem to damage the skeletons as much as he thought it would. On the other hand, Kullonar has a solid swipe with his morning star.

Then Bruno ruins the party by turning the skeletons. They skitter, slip and slide though the muck, until they disappear back the way the party came.

The crypt descends into silence once again.

Party's actions!

Kullonar moves forward, following the path of the retreating skeletons.
"Are ya coming with or am I going alone again?"

"No! Hold, Kullonar! The skeletons might not need their heads, so they can toss them around, but I think ya need yours!" Bruno replies brusquely.

"Let's continue on and we'll fight them as they straggle back, if they manage to do so."

In reply to Bruno Rhunthane (msg # 264):

Ulrich detects evil and begins to follow it.

"Yes, please do not get ahead of us," Selene said. "We saw how that worked out the last time."

In reply to Selene (msg # 266):

"Aye, I remember lady mage. The smell of my charred flesh still lingers in my nose."

Myrrick held his sword ready, and joined his companions as they continued along in the crypt.

Dugger did a double take, Kullonar and Selene were conversating.  "Will wonders never cease"

Following the skeletons proves to be problematic as some flee back the way they came while others stand and huddle before a curtain of bones. The water is icy cold, enough to make you shiver. It is also quiet, too much so for your liking. Upon first glance there does not seem to be a way out.

ooc: Everyone make a constitution check please (similar to the dex check - roll lower than or equal to your constitution score.)

18:43, Today: Kullonar rolled 1 using 1d20.  CON check (16).

23:14, Today: Dugger Naderwash rolled 3 using 1d20.  con check.

Dugger will start checking around for another possible passageway

In reply to Dugger Naderwash (msg # 272):

08:20, Today: Ulrich Aelgrimm rolled 13 using 1d20.  con check. made it by the hair of my chinny chin chin!

OOC: 11:22, Today: Bruno Rhunthane rolled 13 using 1d20 ((13)). Whew!

Hardy as elves go, Gildan isn't too bothered by the icy water. He tries to help Duggar look for another way out but the cold bothers him just enough to keep him distracted.

12:06, Today: Gildan Stalker rolled 10 using 1d20.  con check.
12:07, Today: Gildan Stalker rolled 2 using 1d6.  Secret doors check.

10:08, Today: Myrrick rolled 12 using 1d20+1.  CON save.

Myrrick notes the chill of the water, but otherwise is unaffected by it's temperature.

Dugger, Gildan and Selene all take note of something strange about the bone screen, although Selene's teeth are chattering so bad that she can barely speak. "T-t-t-he s-scre-een hides a p-por-t-t-al.". Selene and Kullonar lose 1 point of constitution for as long as they are in this area. That includes loss of HP due to loss of constitution.

OOC: Side note: Kullonar also fails on a natural 1. There are some moments where I really shake my head regarding 1st edition rules. This is one of them. d20 is a much cleaner mechanism for things like ability scores and saving throws. The 1st edition rules DMG says specifically that 1 is a failure everytime. FYI.

In reply to The Seer (msg # 277):

You're the DM, and they are NOT rules, they're guidelines!

Thanks. I do understand that. I want to make sure that I am fair to everyone. And, frankly, some of the rules for 1e were half baked.

In reply to The Seer (msg # 279):

Agreed.

Bruno manages to 'shake' off the chills as he eyes the terrified skeletons and when Selene sputters out her warning he nods and begins to move forward, "Come, lads, let's warm ourselves up."

As he speaks he moves toward the skeletons with his blade drawn to attack, "The Soul Forger compels you on your proper path, creatures!"

OOC: I'm presuming roll requirements here and added an Initiative for next round, etc... If I've totally misunderstood things, mea culpa, and please ignore them!

23:30, Today: Bruno Rhunthane rolled 17 using 1d20+5. +1 Short Sword Attack.

23:30, Today: Bruno Rhunthane rolled 12 using 1d6+7.  Short Sword Damage.

23:29, Today: Bruno Rhunthane rolled 2 using 1d6+1.  Initiative.

In reply to Bruno Rhunthane (msg # 281):

08:15, Today: Ulrich Aelgrimm rolled 8 using 1d8+3.  damage.

08:15, Today: Ulrich Aelgrimm rolled 20 using 1d20+3.  to hit.

Ulrich quietly moves in and destroys one!

Kullonar feels a chill deep in his bones as if his energy is being sucked from him.
He backpedals until he is out of the water; his breathing labored.
"What...d-do we...where do we go from here?"

"T-the bones, l-look at the bones!" Selene said.

Bruno's attempt to turn was successful, as was his hit on the nearest skeleton. Unfortunately, a couple of the animates move to attack the cleric in turn.

ooc: when you turn, you are using the force of your deity to push undead away. When you then attack the affected undead you break the mechanism used for the turn, thus the undead get to counter-attack. fyi.

OOC: Yup!