The party once again climbs the crumbling remains of the ancient statue. What once was a sandaled foot still functions as a staircase leading up to the now-severed ankle, where a spiraling staircase leads up to nowhere and down into the rooms below and the catacombs beneath that.

In reply to DM (msg # 1):

Brodd lit his torch as he descended into the dark. He stayed close to Alietra and Pock, his closest friends. The whole party was his friends now after all they had been through together. He hoped the chasm where the fire beetles were was dark and quiet.

Sticking close to Brother Brodd, Alietra focuses on trying to hear what might be ahead, as the darkness was impenetrable to her human eyes.

Durek advances...a little ahead of those with torches...using his infravision. As they come nearer to the fire beetles' lair, the dwarf looks for any signs of life...hoping that it remains lightless and empty.

Lady Starshell dismounts and whispers in Trixy's ear. The warhorse slowly trots away and the Lady says a brief prayer for his safety. "Gods' speed, old friend." She then descends with the others.

"I'll take the rearguard for now," says Starshell. She regrets not bringing a lantern, or at least some torches, as the darkness quickly closes in behind the party.

In the middle of the party Travis kept a short distance from Durek, letting the dwarf scout ahead but prepared to back them up.

Near the middle of the party, Paxton had his lantern lit and providing illumination.

Pock kept at the edge of the light, using his infravision to peer past what some of the taller folk could see.

Manaku sneaks behind Durek, also ahead of torchlight relying on his infravision. The elf has an arrow readied at the bowstring. As powerful as The Wand of Magic Missiles is, he has stuck the wand under his belt for now. It can be used against the dragon or another powerful foe they may encounter.

The demihuman wing of the party approaches the crevice where they saw the terrifying insectoid shadows against the far wall, but aside from a faint smell of burnt rodents this section of the hallway and the crevice that was their lair is still empty.

Relieved, Durek continues on...re-tracing their steps to the hall of corpses.

In reply to Durek Stoneshield (msg # 11):

Pleased that the burning bugs were not about, and hoping they had moved on for good, Alietra sticks close to Brother Brodd as they advance behind the others.

Pock keeps at Manaku's heels, acting like his tiny shadow.

Glad to see no firebeetles Travis carried on following the others.

Starshell squints at the area beyond the pool of torchlight and continues to follow the others at the rear.

In reply to Starshell (msg # 15):

The party approaches the ares where the goblins and their weasel were slain, along with the undead nobleman.
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:31, Fri 11 June 2021.

Durek grits his teeth at the increasing stench of death...and carries on.

Dwarghar carries on moving steadily forward.

In reply to Dwarghar Stoneblood (msg # 18):

Brodd continues to hold the torch high and shield Alietra as best he can.

It seemed they were getting closer to the treasure and the dragon. It made Travis sweat "so far so good" he remarked to his companions.

Biting his lip Manaku scans the darkness within range of his infra-vision looking for movement and signs of ambush.

In reply to Manaku (msg # 21):

"The dead will give off no heat, so if there are undead, we could be in trouble"

The thought of more undead caused Alietra to shiver. The dead were unpleasant companions at the best of times, when they could walk around and try to kill you it was even worse.

Starshell shivers. "This place has been tainted by wickedness."

"The last time we were down here," Alietra whispered back to the Paladin, "some of these dead rose up and attacked us. So yes, wickedness indeed."

"Don't just rely on your eyes," Paxton hissed in a whisper.  "Try to listen, and not make so much noise.  Pay attention if you scent rotting death."

Pock stepped forward uneasily, weapon at the ready.

The party descends down the rough hewn stairs into the catacombs, where they are greeted by the stench of death. The remains of the deceased, from ancient bones to to somewhat recent victims, are scattered about it morbid piles. The mounds where the undead abominations lay dormant previously are of course erupted open from within.

Manaku follows Durek down the stairs. There is an urge to glance backwards but the elf restrains himself. If he looked into the torchlight now, his infra-vision would be ruined for a while. That he can't afford here, in the catacombs where the undead attacked them previously. So Manaku keeps his eyes forward, peering into darkness ahead for any sign of movement.

Durek trudges warily onwards...the stench no more bearable the second time around. This time he avoids the chambers off to the side and makes for the other end of the room.

At the stench of the dead Travis pulled his neckerchief up to cover his mouth and nose then continued to follow the others.

Paxton moved cautiously, wielding his lantern and brandishing his shield emblazoned with his holy symbol.

Dwarghar, having been rewarded in the past examine carefully any side openings they hadn’t searched before.

Pock kept up, not putting his neck on the line by moving too far forward, but keeping himself just close enough that he could help if anything happened.

Starshell takes up the rear, drawing her sword. She looks back every now and then to squint into the darkness for signs of motion. She opens her mouth to comment, then thinks better off it.

In reply to Dwarghar Stoneblood (msg # 33):

Dwarghar, make a Search roll please.

Sorry I didn’t post it.


21:17, Yesterday: Dwarghar Stoneblood rolled 3 using 1d6

In reply to Dwarghar Stoneblood (msg # 37):

Dwarghar runs his bare hands along the cavern walls, trusting in his experiences and inborn talents. What he does feel is not with his hands but with his beard. A faint current of air flows through towards the south.

Whoah now… what’s tic in’ my whiskers? Dwarghar pauses living to and fro left and right to narrow down. On the source of the current.
Cousin he says in Dwarvish then he speaks to the others buddy particularly the roguish woman and the elves in addition to the other Dwarf. Come and help -I may have found something. 

"Can I take a look?" Alietra says, as she steps over and attempts to figure out what the dwarf might have found, and if there is a way to open it.

"What have you found?" asks Durek, joining Dwarghar and the others...his senses prickling as he tries to ascertain what the Dwarf has found.

Manaku stop as the dwarfs and Alietra stop. The elf tilts his head sightly in attempt to figure out what they've noticed. All he sees is stone walls.

"What is it? A secret passage?" He asks quietly.

There was a hustle towards the interesting thing Dwarghar had discovered. Travis kept his eyes trained outward to let his companions focus. He kept his bow at the ready.

Pock, like Travis, kept his eyes forward for any signs of danger.

Starshell stands back, letting the experts investigate the anomaly.

Dwarghar stands up straight and looks up, turning his head to and fro. With his head turned sideways, he humphs triumphantly, then brushes down his beard with pride.

"Air currents!"

He points southward, deeper into the caves.

"Ah."

Manaku's voice betrays little disappointment and he stands up into more straight posture from his slightly crouched one. He was expecting they'd found a secret door or similar. Something more interesting.

"There must be another opening or a hole then which allows air to move through the tunnels..."

In reply to Manaku (msg # 47):

"I think we should explore the possibilities of another exit maybe, but we have a mission! Gold and a dragon!"

"Maybe it's a short cut? Never hurts to check. Besides, I like to know how many ways monsters can pop out behind us." Alietra gives Brother Brodd a smile over her shoulder, then returns to checking out the area, while staying out of the way of the dwarves.

"Well, the draught seems to be coming from the way we're heading..." says Durek. "Let's hope it's not the dragon breathing!"

Dwarghar does indeed ready himself and move carefully toward the air currents he listens and feels carefully and watches with his darkvision for heat gaps and cool spots.

Aye I hopefully it may help to learn any tricks of these passages. 

In reply to Brother Brodd (msg # 48):

"Another exit might be a shortcut to the location the gold and the dragon. The beast might use that exit itself, since we haven't seen any claw marks or scales yet...

Alas, this is all speculation from my part. We should go forward and see ourselves, yes?"

In reply to Manaku (msg # 52):

"Lead on! and he heads in the direction of the air in his face.

Starshell still could not feel any air current, but she clearly also was not a dwarf. She kept her hand on the pommel of her sword and let the experts feel the way ahead.

A heavy thump and a groan echoes from that same direction.

Dwarghar continues shield and sword at the ready. He watches and listens carefully.

Durek walks by Dwarghar's side, battle-axe ready. On hearing the groan and thump, he strains to see where it came from with his infravision.

The noise ahead had Travis take a step back before he resumed following the others towards it. The scout had his bow in hand.

Alietra retreats to Brother Brodd's side, eyes straining into the darkness nervously.

As the party cautiously moves southwards, the air current is more noticable. You might even catch a whiff of the outdoors. In the small chamber there is a sharp angle of glaring sunlight from a hole in the ceiling.

And basking under that ray, or should I say dazed and confused, is an elf in muddy chainmail, with his possessions scattered around him.

A tinderbox falls from the opening and bounces off his chest as he groans again.

In reply to DM (msg # 60):

Brodd moves up and checks the elf out.

"Urrrrgh..."

The tinderbox bouncing off his chest felt like the final insult, but bearing in mind what Vanomir had just witnessed somewhere up above being down here felt like a safer option, even if the method of descent left much to be desired. A quick inventory of his limbs and other body parts told him that - thankfully - nothing was broken, and somehow he had escaped with just a collection of cuts and bruises, none of them serious. And so he sat up, slowly, with more effort than he expected and a good deal more discomfort.

He was still a little dazed, but knew if he got moving he might begin to gather his possessions together. The tinderbox was obviously easy to find, and his backpack was still intact, his sword close to hand and his bow over...

Wait.

There were people to one side of the cavern, a mixture of them from what he could tell. Hopefully they were friendly, otherwise his day was about to get a whole lot worse. One of them began to approach, a cleric from the look of him.

"Uhm...greetings, priest. Hopefully you are a servant of some good faith, as opposed to one who is just about to introduce me to my maker..."

In reply to Vanomir (msg # 62):

"I am Brother Brodd of the Church of Law, Are you all right? Who are you? What happened?" Brodd about exploded as he knelt beside the fallen man to look for broken bones!

"Well met then, Brother Brodd. Despite any appearances to the contrary, I am fine. My name is Vanomir."

The elf looked around and spotted some more of his possessions half in shadow - a small box of paints, lying open, with a few paintbrushes scattered beside it. His small canvas had to be somewhere too...

"I was travelling along a trail on the cliff face above, on my way to paint what is left of the colossus up there," and he paused to indicate his paints lying over yonder, "When I saw a reddish dragon flying overhead. Needless to say my pace quickened appreciably upon seeing that, but I must have taken my eyes off the path when checking for the dragon and slipped and fell down here. It was a fair distance, but the Lady of Fate must have favoured me.

I feel fine. Unless you have noticed something about me that I have not?"

In reply to Vanomir (msg # 64):

"A red dragon? We seek to slay such. How big was it? Did you see where it went? His treasure is down here somewhere! We seek it too."

"The dragon..." exclaims Durek, eyes glinting. "And so its treasure is currently unguarded!"

"Forgive me!" the Dwarf says a moment later, approaching the battered Elf. "Durek Stoneshield, at your service. Let me help you gather your things...but tell us...was the Dragon flying away from here? Or returning?"

The bewildering questions came thick and fast, and Vanomir did his best to keep up.

"It was....dragon-sized? I am not sure, being unfamiliar with the size of dragons in the flesh. I'd say it was quite big. I didn't come here seeking treasure, but I would not be averse to joining you in your quest, now that we have met - if you will have me.

And well met, Durek Stoneshield! I think the dragon was flying away...at first. It may simply have been circling overhead, for I saw it more than once. But I cannot say for sure, the fall has left me somewhat disoriented."

Vanomir finally rises to his feet, collects his things and begins to take inventory.

Watching the questioning, Alietra stands slightly behind the good Brother, an glances up at the hole thru which the newcomer had fallen. She wondered if it could somehow be turned in to a new entrance for their delving, one that by-passes the fire bugs.

It was a surprise to find an elf that fell from the sky but all seemed well as introductions were made.

Perhaps fortunate would favour them "mayhaps the dragon is out hunting and will return to sleep soundly when her hunger is sated."

In reply to Travis (msg # 69):

"We will have to kill her sooner or later, when she finds she has been robbed she will wreak vengeance on all!"

"This is an opportunity that shouldn't be wasted, I reckon," says Durek. "We should push on. And I..for one...would welcome another comrade-in-arms. These halls...as you can probably gather from the stench...have their fill of horrors."

In reply to Durek Stoneshield (msg # 71):

"Amen Durek, shall we move on now? You got everything now Vanomir?" he turns and puts his free hand around Alietra's waist on her back.

"I'm ready, let us delve deeper."

Stench? Vanomir wiped some of the mud off his body, mud gathered on the slide/fall down and now covering half his form. Tentatively he smelled it...Just mud, thankfully.

"I am ready, although if I hear that dragon roar again like it did up there...I might be less sure of myself."

The elf strapped on his shield and drew his sword, ready for now.

In reply to Vanomir (msg # 74):

"Good dwarves, will you please lead on?"

Durek nods, returning to Dwarghar's shield-side.

"This is only gonna end in tears," Paxton groused.  Readying his lantern, he moved with the others, sticking to the middle of the pack.

OOC: Glad to be posting again, I've had some tech issues over the last week.

Pock welcomed the newcomer cautiously. They had had great success with strangers found in dungeons thus far, but one never knows when it's one stray too many.

"Hail, Vanomir, they call me Pock Oneshoe. And if I hear that dragon roar I'm probably going to lose control of my bladder, so...if that's true, you're more than brave enough to join with our group."

"Well met, Pock! Tell me, though doubtless you've been asked before...Oneshoe? I cannot help but notice you are wearing boots, and a pair of them."

In reply to Paxton (msg # 77):

"Most likely Brother Paxton, most likely. What do you suggest, turning our friend over to die?"

"Indeed, if the dragon is outside we should proceed without further delay. I'm Manaku. Always nice to meet kinfolk out here in the world."

The Moon Elf greets the other elf using Common language and with little nod. Manaku's demeanor is polite and his smile warm, if somewhat reserved. He quickly finds his place behind Durek again and readies his bow.

Starshell observes the serendipitous meeting with mild amusement, loosening her grip on her sword as the intruder proves to be merely an armed painter.

"Lady Starshell, at your service."

In reply to Starshell (msg # 82):

Brodd follows the dwarves deeper into the tunnels!

In reply to Brother Brodd (msg # 83):

Alietra follows Brodd deeper into the tunnels.

Dwarghar nods at the elf and bolstered by Durek moves back on their path.

Join us or no - elf. It’s good you survived so far.

"Ah, it's a rather long story of my ancestors involving a sick mule, a flood, and three sheafs of poorly-harvested wheat, but I can tell you all about it another time, when we're not in this situation."

Pock presses on.

With further introductions made Vanomir nods in turn to each and every one. There would be time enough to get to know each of them better, hopefully, providing their new venture went well. His possessions were now gathered together, a lot of the mud had been wiped or fallen off, and now he could proceed. He waved his sword around in a practiced if rather artistic manner, then moved into position with the rest of the group.

The cavern path follows serpentine in what ultimately must be a southerly direction, past more wreckage of bones and tatters across the stone beneath you, and more alcoves which you by now watch warily as you pass. About 200 paces later you face east, and you can hear the moaning of the wind. Is it the sound or the breeze itself that chills your bones?

"The wind comes up from the lake" Travis said, whether to reassure himself or the others was undetermined.

He watched and waited for the others to lead them into the darkness.

With a sigh Alietra followed along.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:24, Sat 03 July 2021.

"Lake?" asks Durek in a low voice. "Is that after the Hall of Bones and the pots of Electrum Pieces?"

"The lake is outside the caves. There's another entrance into the caves down there" Travis answered Durek "the wind must be passing through from the entrance at the lake to the entrance at the fort" he guessed "the dragon must use the cave mouth at the lakeside to enter and exit the caves."

In reply to Travis (msg # 92):

"That makes sense. I already thought the passages here where we are, these are too narrow for such a beast move about regularly. Do you know the way down there, to the other exit?"

There was a shake of the head from Travis "nay. I stumbled upon the cave in the dark whilst fleeing other dangers" he confessed "I wouldn't be sure of finding it again."

Paxton snorted in response to Brodd's query, not having any particular solution between 'abandon a comrade' and 'die a stupid death'.  Shrugging, he soldiered on.  When they encountered the newcomers, he introduced himself briefly as a Cleric of the Unified Faith.

A sudden wave of cynicism came over the Lady. What were we doing down here? What hubris made us believe we could face a dragon? "We are the gods' madmen..." she muttered. The sensation passed her by and she continued to follow the others, the anticipation of the encounter to come gripping her heart.

Dwarghar continues on in silence looking out for other opportunities before they reach the end.

In reply to Dwarghar Stoneblood (msg # 97):

Brodd advances in silence as well, in thought but not distracted.

Lake? Caves? Wind? Although he had only just joined these new companions there was a definite sense of foreboding as they moved on. It was clear that they were looking out for the same dragon he had seen not long before, though just why they would do such a thing was beyond him - dragons were best left well alone as far as he could tell, unless...

...Unless they had become too much of a nuisance. But would a group as apparently inexperienced as these be up to the task? Vanomir certainly hoped so, because he was quite certain he was not up to it. Not yet.

Taking note of the feeling about the group, Pock's steps grew shaky, yet somehow no less certain for that.

In reply to Pock Oneshoe (msg # 100):

"I wish I could say I have no fear, but I'm scared witless!"

"Well according to our friend here..." Durek says in a low voice, looking over his shoulder towards Travis. "We should be coming up on the Hall of Bones...and the pots of Electrum Pieces. With a bit of luck the dragon is still away and we shall be able to find enough coin to pay the ransom without ever having to fight it. Though I do wonder why it is called the Hall of Bones...."

In reply to Durek Stoneshield (msg # 102):

"My guess is it is home to the dead! I hope the fort holds up against the dragon if it attacks! I'll protect you Alietra, if I can." he says to Alietra

"And I, you" Alietra replied.

Mentally she was struggling with trying to figure out how many Electrum would be required to pay off the bounty hunter, and how many trips it would take, even for the massive hoard they had become.

"Well, if we are headed for a home for the dead, we should be ready with the holy symbols and turning and stuff. Perhaps also sharpen a few stakes."

"St-stakes?" Pock shivered, stepping along nonetheless.

[Brodd. roll a D6 please]

In reply to DM (msg # 107):

09:38, Today: Brother Brodd rolled 2 using 1d6.

As the party enters the next chamber, they are startled when some of the skeletons pushed into the crevices fall to the cavern floor, bones scattering everywhere.

"Did you say the pots of Electrum pieces were buried under the bones, Travis?" asks Durek, voice low as he scans the room for any more signs of movement.

Dwarghar steps in and investigates for threats , secret passages and money.

08:48, Today: Dwarghar Stoneblood rolled 1 using 1d6.  In case
This message was last edited by the player at 15:49, Wed 07 July 2021.

"Nay, I never checked under the bones. The amphorae and electrum coins are in the next hall" Travis replied to Durek. He kept a wary eye on the bones, who knew what evil spirit may animate them.

"Then let us make for the next hall before the dragon returns..." replies Durek, moving cautiously forwards...still keeping an eye out for any signs of movement.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:57, Wed 07 July 2021.

In reply to Durek Stoneshield (msg # 113):

Brodd, one hand on Alietra, other holding the torch high, staff on his back!

Alierta examines the ceiling in the dim light of the torches to see if she can figure out what caused the bones to drop. She will go out of her way to not walk under that spot.

In reply to Dwarghar Stoneblood (msg # 111):

As Dwarghar steps forward to examine the crevices the skeletons fell from, one of the skulls arcs away.

He must have kicked it?

No. Wait. He didn't.

Why are the other skulls jumping around?

[Brodd, roll initiative]

Dwarghar swings wildly as he often does when startled.

20:39, Today: Dwarghar Stoneblood rolled 5,4 using D20+2,d8+1.  Attack

Pock scuttles back into what he deems a better position, and with his bow drawn waits to see what happens, and if he might get off a shot before anyone else is too much in the line of fire.

In reply to Pock Oneshoe (msg # 118):

08:08, Today: Brother Brodd rolled 3 using 1d6.  initiative.

"Aw, here we go again..."

Manaku shoulders his bow, thinking it won't be effective against animated bone. He draws his shortsword and is ready to swing at any threat venturing too close.

In case this is needed, an attack roll: Manaku rolled 4 using 1d20 ((4)).

"We don't have time for this..." grumbles Durek, moving into position on Dwarghar's shield-side.


If Durek gets a chance to attack, he misses:
Today: Durek Stoneshield rolled 6,4 using 1d20+2,1d8+2.  Attack and Damage.

In reply to Durek Stoneshield (msg # 121):

I'm having a senior moment, what do I roll for a turn check?

In reply to Brother Brodd (msg # 122):

2d6 then if successful 2d6 again to determine no of HD affected.

"Typical," Paxton groused.  He set his lantern down and drew his mace, presenting his holy-symbol-emblazoned shield.  Brodd had point, but with Paxton around, he also had backup.

The jumping skulls were a mystery to Travis. He'd not seen these before. He gripped his bow ready to fight if the situation became dangerous.

Alietra jumped back as well, and made sure to keep out of the way of those better suited to combat. Her skill set was more about observation, so she picked a flank and kept her eyes open for threats from unexpected angles.

In reply to Alietra (msg # 126):

07:42, Today: Brother Brodd rolled 3 using 2d6.  turn check. FAILED

Manaku and Durek take swings at the skulls, but their leaps are still too random to predict. Brother Brodd presents his holy symbol to no visible effect.

Two of the skulls jump at their attackers...

19:49, Today: DM rolled 2 using 1d8.  bite. – 2

19:46, Today: DM rolled 17,13 using d20,d20.  attacks. – 17,13

One of the skulls leaps on Manaku and something inside of it bites into his shoulder [2pts.]

The other one bounces off the dwarf's armor.

The rest of you besides the three above may make your move.

"Back in the name of The Light!" Paxton growled, presenting his holy symbol.

18:23, Today: Paxton rolled 11 using 2d6.  Turn Undead.

Back on his footing Dwarghar swings again at the nasties.


22:21, Today: Dwarghar Stoneblood rolled 15,5 using d20+2,d8+1.  swing away.
Hit AC 4, 5 damage

As the skulls started biting his companions Travis raised his bow and drew his string. He then let loose an arrow at any jumping skull that was yet to join the fray.

OOC Hit AC 13 for 4 damage. A miss.

"Abominations," Starshell says through gritted teeth and puts her sword to work, slashing at them in a wide arc.

Hit AC 8, 9 damage

Jumping skulls? Whatever next?! Vanomir did not waste his time pontificating on the matter though, and drew his sword. Like most of the others, he found them hard to contact.


00:46, Today: Vanomir rolled 10 using 1d20+2.  attack roll, sword.

[Goal to hit is AC 6]

These skulls are fast and unpredictable, the way they bounce off the cavern floor and walls. One of them even gazes down at you from the cave ceiling before jumping back at you!

Dwarghar manages to make a solid strike on one with his sword, splitting the cranial shell and revealing the misshapen insect underneath, writhing too fast to focus on save for glints of deepest black and deep iridescent blue. With an inhuman shriek t jumps back into one of the crevices and into the skulls of another dessicated corpse.
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:27, Mon 12 July 2021.

In reply to DM (msg # 134):

Brodd swings his mace and smashes a chunk out of a skull!

11:24, Today: Brother Brodd rolled 2 using 1d6+1.  damage.

11:24, Today: Brother Brodd rolled 19 using 1d20.  to hit.

In reply to Brother Brodd (msg # 135):

A freshly worn skull fales to protect the bug as is leaps towards Brodd, only to be hit with a mace in a clean cut towards center field.

In reply to DM (msg # 136):

"Home RUN!" he shouts!

Paxton rolled pretty well on his turn undead; was it ineffective?

In reply to Paxton (msg # 138):

They're 'bugs'

There had not been much time for Travis to practise with his borrowed bow however his natural skill and aim prove more than capable. At the sight of the bugs, scarabs perhaps, Travis loosed an arrow from his bow to fire straight through the eye socket of a skull.

OOC Rolled a 20, Hit AC -4 for 4 damage

"Stay...still...damn you!" growls Durek, swinging again with his battle-axe.

Durek probably misses again should he get an opportunity to attack.
Today: Durek Stoneshield rolled 11,7 using 1d20+2,1d8+2.  Attack and Damage.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:23, Mon 12 July 2021.

Well the fact that they could be hurt was all Vanomir needed to know. He swung again, but apparently hadn't packed his paints properly and they moved in his backpack, causing him to lose balance and miss completely.


00:42, Today: Vanomir rolled 7 using 1d20+2.  attack roll, sword.

Creston takes careful aim before letting loose an arrow and blasting a few chips of rock from the wall.
17:42, Today: Creston Fairwood rolled 5,5 using d20+3,d6 ((2,5)).

Getting the hang of whackamole Dwarghar swings again. Ha!


18:33, Today: Dwarghar Stoneblood rolled 14,7 using D20+2,d8+1.  Sword attack

Pock tried to get an angle, failed, dropped his bow and drew his sword, and badly missed his first swing at a skull.

OOC: Very poor roll!

"01:24, Today: Pock Oneshoe rolled 5,2 using 1d20,1d6.  attack on bug, shortsword for once."

Alietra continues to keep an out out for threats from another direction.

Travis shoots one of the Skull Bugs square through its borrowed eye socket. The arrow's nock orbits madly about as as it keeps trying to evade, but that only makes it an easier target for Dwarghar, who bypasses the bone shell with an upwards thrust.

08:40, Today: DM rolled 9,10,11 using d20+1,d20+1,d20+1 ((8,9,10)).

Manaku manages to pull the skull bug off his shoulder without losing any more elven flesh to its mandibles and hurl it away.

The bug Dwargar just stabbed is still trying grab a bite of adventurer, arrow and all.

Add to this chaos one more skull dodging and lunging among your ranks.

In reply to DM (msg # 147):

08:50, Today: Brother Brodd rolled 7 using 1d6+1.  damage.

08:50, Today: Brother Brodd rolled 18 using 1d20.  to hit.

"Home Run!" Brodd shouts again. "This would make a great game with a ball!" he shouts as he crushes another! A crazy glee in his eyes!
This message was last edited by the player at 12:52, Wed 14 July 2021.

"I'd be better throwing paint at these things than this sword. Stay still, damn you!"

Vanomir might be strong and nimble, but so far he can't get his eye in at all.

14:49, Today: Vanomir rolled 10 using 1d20+2.  attack roll, sword.

Durek...clearly frustrated...is growling and cursing as he tries to connect with one of the skulls.

Grrr. Curses.
Today: Durek Stoneshield rolled 8,9 using 1d20+2,1d8+2.  Attack and Damage.

Starshell growls in frustration, swinging widely, tripping over a stone and nearly falling flat on her face.


12:42, Today: Starshell rolled 3 using 1d20.  Attack skull buggers.
Hit Armour Class 13!
This message was last edited by the player at 17:43, Wed 14 July 2021.

After what had been an expert marksman's shot Travis fumbled his next shot. The arrow flying well wide of any target.

OOC Miss

Staying clear of errant arrows, Alietra hopes Brother Brodd manages to avoid getting pierced as well. She had learned of that possibility the hard way!

"Well that's not very damn funny," Paxton soured as he realized these flying skulls weren't undead at all.  Brandishing his mace, he swung...


18:09, Today: Paxton rolled 10 using 1d20+1 ((9)).
This message was last edited by the player at 01:10, Thu 15 July 2021.

Manaku hurls the one biting him away in disgust and checks his wound worriedly.
"Some kind of flesh eating insects! Anybody know if they're poisonous!?" He asks and makes another weak swing, or more like a feint, against one of the fast moving enemies.

Manaku rolled 3,2 using 1d20,1d6.

In reply to Manaku (msg # 155):

ooc - how many are left?

Dwarghar keeps up his relentless thrusting and swinging. We’ve got em now!


13:49, Today: Dwarghar Stoneblood rolled 13,5 using D20+2,d8+1.  Sword attack .

Hit AC 6 with 5 damage magic

I believe there are only two left if there are more I might try oil and flame…

Pock took another swing!

OOC: "02:55, Today: Pock Oneshoe rolled 16,3 using 1d20,1d6.  attack + damage ."

In reply to Pock Oneshoe (msg # 158):

"Good shot Pock!"

Creston sticks another arrow into the wall.

05:49, Today: Creston Fairwood rolled 8,4 using d20+3,d6 ((5,4)).

In reply to Creston Fairwood (msg # 160):

08:55, Today: Brother Brodd rolled 4 using 1d6+1.  damage.

08:55, Today: Brother Brodd rolled 17 using 1d20.  to hit.

"Another Home Run, THREE in a row!"

In reply to Creston Fairwood (msg # 160):

Brodd and Dwarghar get solid hits, smashing another skull. Pock also gets another solid shot on one of the two still jumping around.

09:14, Today: DM rolled 12,19 using d20+1,d20+1 ((11,18)).

09:17, Today: DM rolled 1 using 1d8 ((1)).

One of them lands on Brodd, attempting to bite through his chainmail and leaving a nasty bruise.

Brodd immediately swipes it away with swing of his mace.

[Don't launch another attack until the enemy goes again, Brodd :D]
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:40, Fri 16 July 2021.

The air turns blue around Durek's head...

Today: Durek Stoneshield rolled 8,9 (again!!!) using 1d20+2,1d8+2.  Attack and Damage.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:34, Fri 16 July 2021.

A cry comes from Alietra as she sees the nasty bug hurt Brother Brodd.

"I got your back, Brother," Paxton said, moving to interpose and smite the flying menace that plagued Brodd.

19:07, Today: Paxton rolled 19 using 1d20.  Mace attack... +1 = 20.
19:08, Today: Paxton rolled 5 using 1d6+1.  Mace damage.

This message was last edited by the player at 02:08, Sat 17 July 2021.

The dwarven onsloght begins to faulter as Dwarghar tries to eliminate the creatures.

23:29, Today: Dwarghar Stoneblood rolled 5,3 using d20+2,d8+1.  attack.

As the skull bugs continued to harass the party Travis put another arrow to his bow and fired. The shot missed, the bugs wouldn't stay still.

OOC Hit AC 10.

Pock takes a swing and misses.

OOC: "02:24, Today: Pock Oneshoe rolled 9,1 using 1d20,1d6 ((9,1))."

In reply to Paxton (msg # 165):

With a CRUNCH and a SPLAT, the bug is toast. You are left with a mace oozing stolen blood and insect parts.

"I think...<huff>...I need...<puff>...something bigger to hit!" pants Durek, continuing to swing at the blasted skull, "A dragon, maybe...<huff>...surely I can't miss...<puff>...a bloody dragon!"

Today: Durek Stoneshield rolled 12,9 using 1d20+2,1d8+2.  Attack and Damage.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:20, Mon 19 July 2021.

Well that’s that.

Dwarghar continues to examine the room moving forward.

In reply to Dwarghar Stoneblood (msg # 171):

"I'll have to invent a new game! I'll call it Batball! The kids will love it! Is everyone alright? How bad are you hurt? You okay Alietra?"

As introductions went, Vanomir's had been beyond bad. Falling down a cliff and surviving was arguably his biggest contribution thus far, and nobody had even witnessed that. He stood back a bit and kept quiet, quietly resolving that his moment would come eventually.

"What a mess," Paxton said sourly, regarding his mace.

"You all right, Brodd?" he added.

Pleased to see the combat end without anyone wounded bad enough to send them all back outside again Alietra gives Brother Brodd a hug. "I'm fine, thank you. How about you?"

She glanced up into the hole the skulls had fallen from, hoping that no more of the bugs were up there.

In reply to Alietra (msg # 175):

"I am fine sweet one, thank you for asking Paxton, I am unhurt." he wraps his arms around Alietra and gives her a hug.

I have to admit as the DM this is the first time I've seen a romantic interlude in the middle of combat. There is still one skullbug left!

In reply to DM (msg # 177):

ROFLMAO! Can I try to hit it? Or is it going first?

Distracted by the romancing couple Travis loosed another arrow but it went wide of his target, the last skullbug.

In reply to Travis (msg # 179):

09:48, Today: Brother Brodd rolled 8 using 1d20.  to hit. MISSED Strike 1!

Startled, the young female jumps back getting out of the way of the others.

In reply to Brother Brodd (msg # 178):

You are at a -4 to hit while hugging the Thief.

In reply to DM (msg # 182):

Just a quick hug, ;-) 10:17, Today: Brother Brodd rolled 6 using 1d6.  initiative.

Wait, what?! There was another left yet! Vanomir aimed for redemption...well, perhaps aimed was not the word.


23:01, Today: Vanomir rolled 12 using 1d20+2.  attack roll, sword.
23:01, Today: Vanomir rolled 3 using 1d8+2.

"Damned critters..."

Manaku takes few quick steps and tries to split the last remaining skull-bug into pieces.

Manaku rolled 18,1 using 1d20,1d6.  attack. Does 18 hit?

With Manaku in combat with the last skullbug Travis had an arrow nocked but held fire until he had a clear shot.

In reply to Manaku (msg # 185):

Manaku manages to peg the eyesocket, but it's still attacking.

Which way around does this sword work, again? Maybe this way, thought Vanomir.


13:01, Today: Vanomir rolled 13 using 1d20+2.  attack roll, sword.
13:01, Today: Vanomir rolled 8 using 1d8+2.  dmg.

Creston shoulders his bow and tries waving his sword around in the general area of the bug.

15:03, Today: Creston Fairwood rolled 3,1 using d20-1,d6-1 ((4,2)).

20:32, Today: Paxton rolled 8 using 1d20+1 ((7)).

Vanomir finally gets the hang of this sword slinging and cleaves the bug in half with a shower of bone fragments.

Save for the sound of your crew catching its breath, all is quiet.

"Ha! Have at thee...erm...foul...erm...spawn!"

Not the most inspiring of victory cries, but Vanomir didn't really care, for he had finally connected with a swing and ended the last threat. And by the Seldarine, it felt good. He waved his sword around a few more times in exultation then lowered the point toward the ground.

"Now what shall we do? Press on? Or does anything catch our eyes around here..."

That’s the spirit

Dwarghar notes Brother Brood.

Oh my . You don’t look too good   Dot you need to go back up?


If the coin room is next carrying coins would be a good reason for all to go back up.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:51, Tue 27 July 2021.

The skullbugs defeated Travis went to gather up his arrows. Whilst he navigated the room he examined the skulls and bugs, wondering where they had come from or what they were. They did not have treasure to burden themselves with but there seemed a need to return to camp after the battle.

OOC Are we now returning to camp to make things easier for party organisation and running of the game?

"I think we should head back up before long--I'm quite tired, and I could use a spot of rest, you see."

Brodd looks around, still holding Alietra's hand, and nods silently.

"Alright. We go back to surface, regroup, and consider this a successful scouting run. Step by step we will conquer this maze."

Manaku sheathes his sword and picks up a bow again. "I'll take the point and go 20 paces ahead of the group."

"Aye" Travis agreed with Pock and Manaku then turned to head for the camp.

Durek says, "We can go back to camp if you want. But honestly aren't we tough enough to go on a bit longer?"

======
OOC: My first post here, having just adopted Durek, so just dipping toe into the water..
Is there a listing somewhere for how damaged folks are?
Edit: @GM - TY, just seen your post below and I now feel dummb. Doh!
This message was last edited by the player at 20:37, Fri 30 July 2021.

In reply to Durek Stoneshield (msg # 199):

We're supposed to keep track of our HP totals in our profiles

Not to be out-toughed by Durek, Dwarghar says I'm comfortable moving on - at least to the coin room.

Brother Brood, if you intend to return - can you give me one more of your healing prayers first?

Not wishing to start a Who's-Got-The-Biggest-Beard compoetition, Durek backs down a little, "But of course, if Brother Brood intends to return then we must do the right thing and escort him back to camp."

[GM]

The cleris nods, and lays hands on Dwarghar's wounds, returning him to full health.

11:01, Today: Brother Brodd rolled 7 using 1d6+1 ((6)).

"Back to camp then!" says Durek with a whiskery smile. "See what's in the cooking pot!" His stomach rumbles.

The party warily backtracks, shuffling quickly through the catacombs and up both flights of stairs, then down the remains of the stone sandal to join their companions.

[Please continue in the Fort Hope thread]