25 Patchwall, YR 1 of The Seer's New Greyhawk Orthodox Calendar.  Time: approximately 0730 in the morning on the revised 24 hour-segment clock.

Weasel's efforts successful, the party reenters Quesqueton. It is quiet, the same quiet as you found the prior day. Morning light floods into the passage, providing useful illumination for about 40 feet before tapering off. Vaguely you can see the door ahead, the first defensive break - it is closed.

Party's actions, please: I'll assume the same order as before.

"Same order as before," the dwarf voices gruffly. "Stick together and be prepared, we know we can be flanked beyond the door."  He looks to both Zan and Weasel as they approach the second door thinking it might be trapped this time, but letting those that might really know do their bit.

Bruno grunts in agreement with Uthecar, "Right. Hold, though... Are we returning to where we were or going to try this differently.

"Let's keep in mind that they're probably going to come at us a bit differently. It seems there's a greater intelligence working here than we might've first thought."

Myrrick shrugged, "Perhaps we should take this slowly, stay together, and move as a group. Let's move down the main hall and see what's what."

Kullonar nods as he grips his morningstar tightly. "Lead on."

"Recall the booming mouth spell," Weasel offers. "Can't think of a better alarm if I tried."

"Move slowly and stick together..., Uthecar nods in agreement, ".. but I do not like the middle path.  We get deep quickly, but scum can flank us from all sides and we might become trapped deep in the bowels if faced with stiff opposition.  I think better to pick a side and systematically sweep it out.  That way if we are faced with overwhelming opposition we're not too far from the exit for strategic withdrawal.  The sides might also skirt the alarm.  Below ground not the same as scrub fighting," he continues this time more respectfully looking to Myrrick to see if he follows his train of thought.

As the group entered the entrance once more Ginger flew down and joined the group landing on Zan shoulder.  "I like the side approach as well.  If you're invited you come through the front door.  I don't recall receiving an invitation."

"We can even set a few traps of our own to help if they do decide to try and flank us."  Zan looked to Weasel for assistance.

OOC: So review the map for the current situation:

Bruno's lantern offers a ghostly light as the party reenters and makes its slow way up the passage to the closed door.

Weasel examines the door then listens closely, looks at the others and whispers, "Don't see or hear nothin'."

His grin indicates that he's put the past behind him.

Current situation:

Currently in the entryway, sixty feet into Quesqueton on the 2nd day. You know beyond the door are three alcoves: In the first, the alcoves appear to be just what they are. In the second set of alcoves you found secret doors left and right. In the third was the alarm system, a magic mouth issuing dire warnings of impending doom to all who enter. The three alcoves are nearly, but not quite, equidistant. At the end of that central passageway is where you found the scene of battle. It was not recent, the bodies dessicated, stripped of most of the valuables that they had in life.

The corridor continues forward, left and right; of course, Zan and Weasel found that the corridor looped around to the top of the main corridor, something all of you figured out when taking on the ghoul. On the other side, where Uthecar and Myrrick made a fine stand against the goblins, the corridor appears to do the same.

In the alcove w/ the secret doors: to the right, the corridor turns right or stays straight (as well as going the way Zan/Weasel took toward the encounter w/ the ghoul). This corridor is silent.

to the left: Uthecar/Myrrick's path leads to the ghoul encounter - turning left from the secret door, the corridor retreats into darkness.

I've updated pretty thoroughly - there are some hints here about each section - good luck - looking forward to moving things along - My next post will be Thursday or Friday.

"Don't mean there ain't nothing there," Uthecar grunts.  "Open it and let's get it done."  He checks cautiously with Brother Bruno, as he twirls his battle axe, the only sign of possible nerves.  "Best you have your oil and holy water at the ready priest."

Without further direction, Uthecar will go the way he has already been, keeping to the left.  He will make progress a little slow and painfully maybe, but he will use the brief familiarity of the stone he's already traveled over given that it provides one less element of uncertainty that he needs to think about.  He is hair trigger.  If anything moves, his axe is the right solution.

Bruno nods with a grin, "I'm always ready with oil and holy water...

"And a hammer.

"As you said, let's get this done."

Myrrick follows on Uthecars heels, his sword at the ready, "We are better prepared now, but we must remain vigilant..."

With the certainty of youth, Weasel reaches out and opens the door. Then he ducks and covers.

Kullonar tenses as Weasel opens the door...ready for whatever may come charging through from the other side.

Weasel opens the door, but nothing immediately happens. The light from Bruno's lantern extends up the corridor, illuminating the first set of alcoves(see Game Map). Silence and darkness beyond the reach of lantern light greets you.

Without further comment the dwarf begins trudging inside, his axe held before him as if itching to be used.  He will follow a path that thoroughly explores the left hand side of the complex.

OOC:  Travelling over the weekend and mostly posting through phone.  Shouldn't be a problem, but if it is you have the reason why.

Bruno says nothing, but agrees with the path Uthecar starts them on. His loaded crossbow is at hand and having been through here before he is as ready as he may be for ambush.

Looking left, Kullonar brings up the rear, hoping for no surprises.

Myrrick has his sword ready, following his dwarven companions.

Zan and Ginger will stay toward the back ready to react should the need arise.  His keen ears listening for possible sounds that may alert the group that someone is coming.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:35, Tue 11 Apr 2017.

Uthecar and Myrrick move forward one and two, with Bruno and the rest falling in behind. Quickly you pass the first set of alcoves, moving forward to the second set of alcoves and the secret doors therein.

Uthecar heads into the niche, finds the doors much the same as they were the prior day. Impetuous as always, the dwarf fighter opens the door. Light bleeds into the adjoining corridor, and the loamy smell of fauna once again greets you. Per your memory, you can go right or left in the adjoining corridor (runs parallel to the middle corridor).

Actions?

"ACCKKKK SCUM, DWARVEN DOOM" Uthecar grunts in a surprisingly deep voice so the sound reverberates down the corridors into the darkness.  He stomps forward to the left so his boots also echo into the darkness as he scraps the end of his axe's haft along the wall to cause a high pitched screech of protest to issue from the metal upon stone.

He then holds up his free hand the fist bunched as he cocks his head to one side as he looks to Zan and Ginger in particular.  He is obviously listening, looking to the elf to report any sound of movement that might be beyond his hearing. He waits for any indication from Zan to say if he has or has not heard anything.

Bruno sighs quietly, but does not speak his thoughts on the theatrics as he waits for Uthecar and Myrrick to decide which direction to take.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:34, Tue 11 Apr 2017.

Kullonar takes a deep breath and releases it slowly at the brashness of the dwarf. He waits like the others, listening for whatever may have been alerted by Uthecar's disturbance of the silence in these halls.

Weasel scoots forward through the mass of armor and attitude.

"Hush, lemme do my thing."

He pokes his head around the corner and looks both directions of the left side corridor. Seeing nothing of note, he takes a step within - a nervous step within - and listens carefully.

After a minute, he retreats back to the alcove and says, "Can't hear a damn thing over the dwarf's breathing. Close your mouth next time, warrior. It'll keep the flies out."

The grin on his face is genuine, though and when Uthecar offers a scowl, Weasel returns a wink.

Myrrick will assist Weasel if he needs it, otherwise he keeps his sword at the ready.

The initial inspection reveals much the same as the prior day, without the goblins. The quiet on this side is not the total stillness you discovered on the right side. To Myrrick's ears comes the slight sound of dripping water...or at least something he hopes is water. That seems to come from somewhere along the southern reaches of the left hand passageway.

ooc: i'll assume standard marching order unless told otherwise.  Actions please.

Either completely oblivious to the disapproval of Bruno and Kullonar or not caring once nothing stirs from his sounds Uthecar stuffs whatever debris he finds available into the hinge of the secret door so it no longer closes properly.

He turns to the south (left) sniffing the air before proceeding forward.  "Watch our behinds," is all he grunts as he goes.

The smell of loamy fauna is it stronger in the direction he is heading back towards the entrance?  Is it a smell any of them would be more familiar with, as in a particular type of animal?  Is it strong enough for Uthecar to believe he is potentially heading towards the latrine?

ooc - I'm sorry, folks. I meant flora, though loamy still stands. Carry on with that clarification.

OOC:  Okay in that case, is it a heady smell as if it might become overpowering?

If Uthecar notices it getting stronger to the point that it might become a problem he will wrap material across his nose and breath through his mouth.  Otherwise, he will continue to the end of the corridor, checking the ceiling walls and floor carefully as he goes.

Kullonar follows his companions, guarding their backs, hoping for some open air (or at least a large cavern) soon.

Myrrick sticks close to his dwarven friend, sword ready should the need to use it arise, senses always reaching out for anything unusual, at the sound of dripping he will stop the dwarf briefly. "Anyone else hear that drip...?"

"Yeah, I hear it.  Could mean a lot of things, can you tell if it is a stead drip?"

Zan is on full alert,  "Ginger if you smell or hear anything that seems odd to you be sure to let us know."

He follows along with the others.

It just touches the edge of perception. As the party moves down the corridor, it becomes stronger.

"The older the complex the more likely it is water will find a way. I can hear it now."  Uthecar is not overly alarmed at this stage, moving forward without making any changes to his cautious pace.

25 Patchwall, YR 1 of The Seer's New Greyhawk Orthodox Calendar.  Time: approximately 0755 in the morning on the revised 24 hour-segment clock

Uthecar leads the way from the second set of alcoves in the middle hallway and heads through the secret doors, then down the corridor, away from the undead menace. Myrrick is right behind him, along with Kullonar and Bruno. Bravely guarding their backsides are Weasel and Zan and his dragon.

The party travels along the passageway some eighty feet when it turns a corner.

Two things are immediately apparent:

1- there is a door leading further south.

2- it is open, and three hobgoblins stand staring at you.

ooc: see map in the MAP THREAD - it isn't in the 'Game Map' because the file was too big. AGAIN - MAP THREAD IN THE GAME MENU, NOT THE GAME MAP LINK.

ooc2: Both party and the hobgoblins are surprised.  Roll initiative as usual.

Hobgoblins initiative: 1
Hobgoblins suck.


This message was last edited by the GM at 14:23, Tue 18 Apr 2017.

13:55, Today: Uthecar Hornskin II rolled 5 using 1d6.  Initiative.

Initially surprised Uthecar breaks into a running charge even forgetting to yell as soon as it dawns on him what he is facing.

14:02, Today: Uthecar Hornskin II rolled 20 to hit.
14:02, Today: Uthecar Hornskin II rolled 14  Damage.

Following Uthecar's lead, Kullonar silently rushes the Hobgoblins, attacking one with his morningstar.

22:26, Today: Kullonar rolled 14,6 using 1d20+1,2d4+1.  Morningstar attack.
22:25, Today: Kullonar rolled 5 using 1d6.  Initiative.

Zan is quick to react and makes ready to fire arrows provided he has a clear shot at the hobgoblins


23:02, Today: Zan rolled 5,10,4,19,2 using D6+2,d20+4,1d6,d20+4,1d6.  Init  arrow attacks

The shock of seeing the hobgoblins out of nowhere leads Myrrick to miss his swing badly... "No good at all." he says dryly



05:32, Today: Myrrick rolled 2 using 1d20+1.  hit em.
05:32, Today: Myrrick rolled 3 using 1d6+2.  init.

You don't have a clear shot

Bruno Rhunthane rolled 6 using 1d6+1.  Initiative.

Bruno Rhunthane rolled 3 using 1d20+2.  Crossbow v. Goblin.

Bruno Rhunthane rolled 4 using 1d4+1.  Crossbow Damage.

Good thing my Initiative is high...


The appearance of the goblins take Bruno off guard despite his readiness for them. That is the peculiar nature of these situations: one walks into them preparing oneself for the enemy's sudden appearance, but after a while it is easy for one to fall so deeply into one's prep that they may still be surprised.

Still, he recovers and takes a shot with his prepared crossbow.

Zan realized that there was too much of a risk of hitting his comrades in arms, so decided that it was best not to fire his arrows.  A sleep spell was another option, but it didn't seem prudent to use it just yet.

There is a pregnant pause as the two parties stare at one another in shock, then all hell breaks loose:

Bruno, the first to react, fires high and wide, the quarrel shattering against the stone wall above the door's mantel.

Uthecar, recovering quickly, destroys the first hobgoblin with a well placed blow to its chest.

Kullonar knocks the second hobgoblin senseless with a well timed blow to the other's head. The gobbler falls, but seems still to be breathing.

Myrrick flails about, nearly decapitating Uthecar in the process. (Fumble: miss one round of attacks).

Zan holds serve, waits for an opening to fire his bow.

Weasel slides the blade of his short sword into the last standing hobgoblin, who then falls dead on the floor beneath him.

"Holy crap," he mutters for good measure, as if surprised by his success...

ooc: the tally is pretty clear - two dead, one unconscious hobgobbler.  Actions, please...

Uthecar moves to check the room, and if he sees no further danger he will look to stem any blood flow from the unconscious hobgoblin while he removes his weapon.  "We can use this one for questioning."

Myrrick picks his sword up shaking his head and muttering a few choice words under his breath, "Almost got you Uthecar, sorry about that."

Bruno glances up at the quarrel above the door's mantel as he pulls his shield around and places the crossbow back over his shoulder thinking that as bad as his shot was he may as well leave that one where it is, I'd offer it to you Soul Forger, but 'twas such a bad shot I fear you'd be right to sense some falseness in the offering.

As he takes the hammer from his belt he says, "Seems as if we caught this lot off guard..."

Giving the positions the corpses lay in and the situation the party just stumbled into he continues his thought, "Were they standing guard or on some other mission? Since this door was open, shall we continue through this passage?"

A quick glance shows that beyond the doorway is more corridor (New Map forthcoming - I will try to post it tonight). fyi.

Uthecar acknowledges Myrrick and the wayward stroke that had just missed him. "We have all been there," he says in simple acceptance of the apology.

"Through the passage," he echoes the brothers thoughts as he peers at the hobgoblin that is unconscious.  He does a quick assessment to see if it might be of some use given its state without the need to administer cures.

If it looks doubtful he will lift the creatures chin and run the blade of the axe across its throat to provide the coup de grâce as he quickly checks the body for any item that might be of interest before standing up from it without a second thought and moving to point again.

'They looked to be off guard as you say brother, he continues, "so were probably from elsewhere and up to no good."

"Humm... not bad work, might even be inclined to say good handy work"  Zan remained alert at rear guard

Kullonar tries to stay Uthecar's hand. "He may be useful for questions first, brother. Let me rouse him and see what we have."
Assuming the dwarf holds off on slicing the hobs throat, Kullonar takes a piece of cloth and gags him before placing an empty sack over his face. "Anyone have rope for his hands?"

Bruno had missed the fact that one hobgoblin survived the melee and moves quickly to help Kullonar by passing him rope to bind it with.

"I think that he would make great bait for whatever, fun surprises this place has."

It's not hard to stay Uthecar's blade, since he was only going to finish off the Hobgoblin if he was beyond use.  While the others take over trussing it up, Uthecar moves to guard their position and corridor beyond.

Myrrick will let the others do the questioning, readying his sword once he's gathered it up. "If he knows nothing, I'm for gagging him and keeping him bound... put him out front to find traps or worse, as Zan said."

Once the Kullonar has the hobgoblin tied up and moves back Bruno steps forward and says in goblin, "You have a choice: answer my questions without lying and then we might let you live... Or refusing and we will use you as a living shield. Do you understand?"

"Leave him here tied up, from what we found in here so far, he wouldn't last long anyway.  If he were smart and valued his life, he might be willing to offer information for his life."

The hobgoblin seems disoriented, confuses and quite scared as he looks around at the party. As Bruno explains his options, the hobgoblin nods his head vigorously, offers a helpful smile.

With a glance at Kullonar Bruno leans forward and carefully removes the gag, but as he does so he says clearly to the Hobgoblin, "Right. You will answer each question you are asked. If you yell or make noise above a speaking voice it will be the last time you ever do it again. You have been warned."

When the gag has been removed he picks his hammer up again from where he had leaned it against the side of his booted calf, "Now then, tell us where you lot were going when we attacked you and where you were coming from toward that place."
This message was lightly edited by the player at 14:49, Fri 28 Apr 2017.

The hobgoblin replies immediately. "We were fleeing this place. It is cursed."

Quite so!, thinks Bruno as he nods and glances back at his comrades, "Is there a ruler or chieftain of this place?"

Uthecar does not interfere but suggests to Bruno in dwarven from where he stands guarding the unexplored corridor,  "Tell him to explain what he has seen of this curse.  We have no need for superstitious mumbo jumbo."

Myrrick waits quietly, letting those doing the talking do just that, he keeps his eyes and ears peeled for any sign of movement.

Bruno is certain that the hobgoblin is describing not only whatever magic and magical traps Zelligar left behind, but the undead or other creatures left behind by him and his partner or that have settled in since their deaths.

Still, it pays to be clear in such an interrogation...

Turning back to the hobgoblin he continues, "And when you say 'cursed' what do you mean? Did you live here or only come to raid the place?"

Zan just rolls his eye, "He's just delaying. Wasting our time. Cause he doesn't have any beans to spill, and he's to dim witted to come up with a believable story."

"I think the pin cushion is about the only thing useful we will get out of him."

Kullonar nods and hauls the hobgoblin to its feet.
"You're going to lead the way, my friend. For your sake, it better be trap free."

In goblin Uthecar whispers loud enough for everyone to hear.  "We expect a quiet commentary of the dangers ahead as we go or you're dead.  Try to warn anyone as we go and you're dead.  Lead us into a trap and you're dead.  You are in fact going to have a great deal of trouble staying alive, but it is possible."

The hobgoblin's expression is hopeless as he replies, "I am dead either way. So close to freedom, too."

It is an insightful despondency, and he squares his shoulders.

"I will not go back. Slay me as you will. However, I would bargain with you for my life and freedom. I have much to tell, and will offer this bit as surety - the passage you follow leads to a amphitheater of sorts, with many plants and fungi within, all over grown. 'Tis said there is great evil within, and a rich prize.

"My folk stay away."

Bruno had hoped to avoid pushing their captive into a zero sum position, but now they were there.

"So, you and yours come here to raid this place? How do you know that there is a rich prize here and what do you know about it?"

The hobgoblin shrugged.

"We came here led by our hetman, who had a vision. A great chieftain followed him, my tribe followed the chieftain. Once here, the hetman met the 'Lady' (he stresses this word as if it is a title), and we found rooms in the right side of the keep.

Occasionally, our chieftain sends us through the keep on patrol. In this lower left region, we were set upon by the evil ones. Their touch is foul, and most of the patrol fell to their predations. It is said one, a great one among them, rules them, though I have never seen this 'great one'. Still, they are vile, ravenous and insane, and their eyes burn with fire. They have slowly been adding to their ranks - as one of us falls, we become them from their bite - those of us who they don't devour, that is."

"My two comrades," he looks down at the bodies, "and I have had enough. We were making way to the exit and the freedom of the wilderlands when you came upon us. Fortune, apparently, is fickle."

"I do not know if their is a rich prize. I think, now, that perhaps it was a lure to bring us here."

"The 'Lady'? Did you ever see her? What did she look like?"

Uthecar moves past the hobgoblin as Bruno continues his questions.  By the gruffness of his last warning it was obvious he found talking to the creature far harder than axe play upon it.

He stands in the corridor beyond facing out to the unknown patiently waiting on those with the better temperament for such tasks to gather the information.

"Your name and the name of your hetman, and the name of your chieftain?"

Zan seemed disinterested in further questioning of the hobgoblin, It was clear to him that he would be of little to no help.  He focused his attention on making sure that area was safe.

"I've caught a glimpse of the Lady," he replied to Bruno, settling his focus on the dwarf and replying to his queries in a quiet, reserved fashion. "She seems elf born, or like unto your elfin companions, though she is far more beautiful...even in my eyes who scorns the fey bloods. Yet she is different from them (your companions) as well."

"The name of my Hetman is Coorglob, my chieftain is the mighty Gulmdum. He has ruled over our tribe for nearly forty seasons (10 years), a great accomplishment. Now, though, I fear he's losing his sanity. We've been here for months since coming up from the Bone March, but have yet to sortie out to raid."

"This is a fortress, a place of war, yet we've done nothing but patrol and wait...and, some of us, die."

Bruno turns to the party, particularly the elves, "This business about a Lady ought to tell us something about what's going on here. Does it suggest anything to anyone that knows anything about this place?"

Overhearing the Hobgoblin Uthecar can't help bark out.  "The lady.  She dark skinned with pale hair?"

OOC:  So, I'm going to let that question stand by Uthecar. I doubt, however, that a Mountain Dwarf's going to know much about a nearly mythical elvish race.

To that point, I'm going to limit further questions regarding the drow to the elves and half elves.

"Her hair is varicolored, the tips a deep violet slowly growing lighter to a pale blue near the roots. Such skin as I've seen is tattooed with bright colors, like some sort of jungle bird. They seem iridescent. She is very exotic."

OOC: I consider Hobgoblins the 'humans' of the underworld. They are of average intelligence, which puts them on par with humans. They are fine warriors, strategists and politicians. Since they are lawful evil, they are structured and organized. Food for thought...and since they're one of the 'giant class' monsters (to use the term loosely), they should be of interest to the ranger, at least.

While he knows something about different types of orcs and goblinkind from his training as both a dwarf and a priest of Moradin, he knows little of elves and their kind despite the fact that there are several. This variety reflects, in his mind, the chaotic nature of elves, but he is wise enough to know that as right as this feels it is probably not the actual reason for it. Maybe.

So, Bruno looks at the elves present hoping that they will have insight not only given what they know of their kind, but their knowledge about this fortress.

"What Color are her eyes?"  Zan already knew the answer but wanted the hobgob to confirm it.



Zan hisssed, "Drow, only good Drow is a dead one"

He looked to the others, "They are tainted elves, who's souls are as black as their skin and will no think twice about carving out your heart and serving it to their evil god"

OOC sorry kids, working like crazy over 100 hours in this pay period. Moved an entire hospital.

Myrrick eyes the hobgoblin with disdain, "You wish to earn freedom with words. You will travel to this amphitheatre with us, if you speak truly and my friends wish it... you will go. If not, I will sever your head myself."

Zan muttered, "not that I have actually encountered one before, but stories I have heard plenty of them"
This message was last edited by the player at 20:40, Fri 12 May 2017.

The hobgoblin shrugs in resignation.

"I will do what you ask. All I ask is that if the evil ones bite me you burn my body," he said.

OOC: Party actions? You could let the hobgoblin lead, you could let him go and continue on the current track or you could do something unexpected, which, after all, is what most parties do in order to infuriate DM's who've prepared particularly gruesome ends to the party...I'll be around this weekend to update maps.

In reply to The Seer (msg # 86):

Kullonar shrugs at all of this talk and speculation about multi-colored elves. "You're free to go...as far as I'm concerned. We know what we need to move forward. Let us go and face the vile ones while we are fresh."

He gives the hobgoblin a nod and turns away, checking his gear, preparing to move ahead.

Bruno nods in agreement with Kullonar, "I still don't understand this elven business, but I don't see what use this beyond what one is beyond what he's told us.

"And I'm not a torturer, so let's let him go."

Myrrick grunts, "As it were then, it seems my friends are kinder than I. Should I see you again, I will separate your head from your neck."

"Maybe then the roles will be reversed," the hobgoblin said with a grin, though he offers a small bow of thanks to the group.

With that, the hobgoblin departs up the corridor.

ooc: updated map coming today.

The map, as it stands is updated. Uthecar has wandered as far down the corridor as he can. From where he stands, it makes a sharp right into darkness. Vaguely, he can see a doorway some forty feet away, on the upper wall of the left/right corridor, which he relays to the rest of the party.

The hobgoblin, given a reprieve, doesn't hesitate. He moves swiftly up the up/down corridor to the secret door (alcoves) and disappears.

The party stands at the open door, two dead hobgoblins at your feet.

ooc: actions, please.

Kullonar drags the bodes of the dead hobgoblins out of the way and then opens the door. Or, at least he tries to open the door.

Uthecar watches the hobgoblin disappear with a not altogether approving look on his face.  "That better not come back and bite us in the bum."

"Let's go.  Consider everything in here hostile, and don't get bit.  Let's shoot or strike first, ask questions second." 

Unless there is reason to delay, he trudges forward towards the door.

Bruno ignores the comments and the departing hobgoblin as he hefts his shield and checks the armed crossbow slung over his should (one can never be too sure about such things) before picking up his hammer, which he had leaned against his leg and stepping forward.

"Let's get moving."

The party discards the bodies against the wall, in the corner, then make their way down to join Uthecar where the corridor turns right. As mentioned, a door stands closed some forty feet away, and the corridor continues straight ahead, as well, into darkness.

Actions, please.



OOC: I misunderstood - I thought Uthecar already went down through the passageway to the end of the corridor - recall, the hobgoblins opened the door, so it is already ajar.

From the 'P' and 'H' (party/hobgoblins) on the map, you go straight down, then the corridor turns right. hopefully that's pretty clear.

Easing up at the door, he questions if anyone has good hearing.  He's wearing a helmet so probably isn't the best to listen.

If anyone can listen, while the are, he will stand facing the unexplored passage, standing guard.

Myrrick sticks close to Uthecar, per usual when exploring the fortress. Myrrick will listen for any sounds.

pm

Kullonar slowly approaches the door in the hallway, pauses to see if he can hear anything on the other side, and if not, he tries to open the door.

at this point Zan will follow along near the rear, heading up to front to help check on doors and possible traps as needed.

Bruno stands ready as well with shield and hammer to hand.

PM

Weasel scampers down the corridor, through the door and makes a right. Passing Uthecar, he gives the dwarf a grin, and makes his way to the door on the north wall of the left/right corridor. He blends into the shadow very well, and those closest can hear minute sounds of him working on the door.

A minute later, he returns to the party where they await him.

"Seems clear," he whispers in a low voice. "A normal door, reinforced with iron bands like the rest of the place. Don't hear nothin' on the other side."

Weasel's report in, the party has some options.

1- Open the door and see what awaits.

2- Follow the corridor past the door and see where it leads.

"Get ready to go through then," he says to everyone, "I'm not leaving this unopened behind us." With that said he will turn the knob and open the door, letting it either swing in or outward while stepping to one side to avoid any immediate possible missile fire from within.

With that accomplished, and no immediate threat becoming obvious he will then peer in.

Myrrick readies his sword and nods to Uthecar.

Bruno agrees with Uthecar's thinking and nods indicating that he stands ready.

Kullonar stands ready.

Uthecar makes ready to open the door as Weasel looks on from behind. The two priests, gripping weapons and holy symbols tightly, stand near to offer support. Nearby, Myrrick awaits fell portents as Zan whispers calmly to Ginger, though she seems alert and quite at ease.

The door opens silently - workmanship and fresh oil keep the doors quiet...good for preservation, not so much for alarms. On the other side of the door, the corridors split in three directions.

The main corridor runs left, parallel to the corridor you were just in (left/right). A second corridor runs perpendicular to the twin corridors, straight up into darkness. A final, small corridor heads right for a short distance, than turns.

Some observations: the fresh, flora smell is quite strong here, suffusing the entire area so that you're not quite sure where it's coming from. A cursory check offers no hint of sound, nor can you see any light beyond what your lantern offers.

Actions!

OOC: a new map is up that highlights the above description. If any of you are stumped as to where you are, let me know and I'll do my best to help. Use the 'P' and 'H' letters as your guide, then follow the main passage and that should take you to the open door and the new space you've now discovered.

Allowing whoever to look or smell around if they want, Uthecar will then pull the door closed as he speaks so his voice does not carry.  "Too many options, too easy to get lost, too easy for attacks to come from behind.  Let us check this passage to the end first.   (The one they are currently standing in before they go through the door)

"This door seems to be frequented often.  Not stiff or squeaky."

Uthecar will stand and wait for agreement or alternative feedback.  He isn't actually dictating their actions, only suggesting a systematical approach that won't miss anything or get them lost. To be honest he doesn't really give off the impression he is open to other suggestions given he is muscle bound, gruff and about as tall as he is wide.

Kullonar nods. "Your wisdom is reasonable, friend. Lead on."

Bruno nods, "Or, perhaps it has been ensorcelled to keep it in such good condition?"

Following his nod with a shrug he continues, "I agree with Kullonar that your plan seems good, though something tells me that eventually discovering the source of that scent is going to be key here."

Uthecar nods agreement with Bruno's wisdom.  He doesn't wait for anyone else to speak, leading on towards where the passage turns to the north.

25 Patchwall, YR 1 of The Seer's New Greyhawk Orthodox Calendar.  Time: approximately 0820 in the morning on the revised 24 hour-segment clock

The party has been in Quesqueton for roughly a half hour thus far.

Uthecar leads the way left to the end of the corridor - the passage turns right (upward on the map) and disappears into darkness.

Both dwarves, please roll an idea roll (intelligence x3)...

In reply to The Seer (msg # 114):

This dwarf rolls:
22:01, Today: Bruno Rhunthane rolled 44 using 1d100.  Ideas... Desperately looking for ideas... .

Intelligence x3 = 36

OOC: If I've misunderstood what I ought to be doing [please, please, please!] let me know and I'll re-roll.

14:08, Today: Uthecar Hornskin II rolled 33 using 1d100 for an awesome idea.

Intelligence is a surprisingly high 11, so 11 x 3 = 33.

Huzzah!! A successful save is equal to or less right?

I've likewise got no real idea of what I'm doing, but Bruno's method looks sound...., especially since it appears Uthecar is successful.

ooc: Who would've thought the dwarven fighter was the smartest one of the group. LOL.

Btw: yes, successful idea rolls are less than or equal to your intelligence x3

Kullonar watches the dwarves pause as the corridor turns north, and he waits behind them; holy symbol and morning star at the ready.

As Uthecar walks forward along the passage he relates what he feels about the place, running his free hand along the stonework as he does so.  He speaks in more articulate terms than most would think.  It appears he knows a little more than just swinging an axe.  "The way this place appears to be set out is grid-like, possibly cut into quarters.  We appear to be in the lower left part of the complex, and as we see it looks to be labyrinth-like to a degree.  Moving up to the right will probably reveal more habitable chambers, but to my mind, learning by experience rather than my hunch is probably best."  He lapses into silence as he continues to walk forward up to the north.
This message was last edited by the player at 09:33, Thu 25 May 2017.

Impressed with the dwarf's reasoning, Kullonar asks, "Who could have built such a place, Uthecar? Seems odd to build halls within halls." The priest of St. Cuthbert wipes the sweat from his eyes and tries to still the pounding of his heart.

The question appears like it is going to be ignored, or it isn't heard, until finally the dwarf answers, "I don't know yet, but something tells me we will have an idea before we get to the end."

Bruno had heard a statement rather than a question from Uthecar and what he had said made sense to him given what they had seen so far. Since they were already moving through the halls he had seen no point is speaking.

When Kullonar speaks what is definitely a question he shrugs, "Well, we know that Rogahn the Fearless & Zelligar the Unknown built the fortress. Whether this was all here already when they built above is a possibility, but I suspect it wasn't...

"The place sort of wreaks of weird wizardry to me even without the big talking lips back there."

As Kullonar and Bruno ask and answer questions, Uthecar posits a reasonable, albeit pithy, explanation of his thoughts.

His thoughts shared, the intrepid warrior-dwarf moves up the straight tunnel that leads into darkness. The two priests slowly follow behind while in discussion, and Zan, Myrrick and Weasel bring up the rear.



Updated Map this weekend.

Weasel follows behind Uthecar to where the tunnel curves in odd fashion to the right.

"Should we keep going, or go back and check out what's below?" he asks.
This message was lightly edited by the GM at 01:39, Wed 31 May 2017.

With Weasel softly spoken question coming from behind, Uthecar stops his forward march and turns to discuss things with the group in a hushed tone.

"Makes little difference when we don't know what's in either direction, but I don't like leaving things unchecked.  Like it less when things unchecked between us and exit.  Perhaps we should explore around exit more before getting too far in?"  He looks to his companions for the overall feel of the group.

OOC:  Lots of open tunnels means lots of different angles to defend if the nasty stuff hits the fan.  Getting to 2nd level is always easier when you are still alive.  I'd be for returning to the start, to explore more thoroughly around the exit before getting too far in.

Zan asked of Ginger, "be sure to let us know if see or smell any trouble".

"We should all agree upon a fall back point, should we find ourselves in a spot"

Myrrick nodded, "I agree with Uthecar, and Zan."

PM

"I got a bad feelin'," Weasel whispers, retreating a few steps back toward the main left/right corridor. "We keep standin' around, and something nasty's gonna come our way."

As if to make a point, he draws his short sword.
This message was last updated by the GM at 14:24, Sun 04 June 2017.

Bruno gives a clearly annoyed look at the thief, "If you think so, why do you keep bringing up alternative moves?"

Hefting the shield in his left hand to settle it better on his arm he shrugs, "We're going to meet bad things regardless of the direction we take, but if we're going to head back, let's do it. Otherwise, forge on."

"You're both right," Uthecar grunts.  Given he wasn't prepared to squeeze his way past everyone so he could lead the way back, and not prepared to be behind anyone, he forges on saying, "Shut up and stay ready," as he looks to Weasel and continues up to where the passage bends.

The corridor twists a bit left, then curls up and around to the right like a pasta noodle. It straightens out about 60' later, heading into darkness, straight up.

(map forthcoming).

"You din't almost get et by the walking dead," Weasel murmured a bit defensively.

"Shall we proceed forward?" Kullonar asks, ready to keep moving.

Unless there is anything on the map that would cause concern or alert us to a different tact, Uthecar will lead into the darkness. The pace is not overly quick, allowing a decent inspection of the walls, floor, and ceiling as they go.

myrrick will help Uthecar search for traps and hidden doors.

Zan will help look as well.

From the point of the intial curve, the party travels at a slow rate (3") around the first curve, over to the next curve, then straight up some 40' to a wider (15') corridor heading diagonally to their left (see map).

No secret or concealed doors or traps were discovered or tripped. No monsters were encountered either.

ooc: see updated map (today) for clarification.

Expecting the unexpected Uthecar continues along.  He is keeping a look out for any signs of other creatures passing, as well as anything unusual in the passageway.

Kullonar follows Uthecar, hoping for something besides this endless maze.

Zan reassures Ginger, "It's ok, we're just having a look around.  Besides, you see better than I do down here.  We just need to stay sharp and everything will be fine."

Zan comments to the others, "This passage seems to be taking us away from the underground structure.  You think it may circle around and connect back to it somehow?" 

The tedium of exploration is starting to take its toll. Labyrinthine corridors have, ostensibly, led you into the heart of Quesqueton. With each step you feel closer to some certain doom, though who yet can say what type of doom each of you shall find.

Where, yet, is Rogahn's armor, Zelligar's workshop? Where yet is the treasury?

----------------------------------------------------------

The party has made its way around the curved corridor, following straight up into the heart of the keep when they come to a diagonal turn up, to the left (see map). Some 75 feet, the diagonal turns, as if forming half a diamond (see map).

As the party continues up this second corridor, both dwarves and those with elvish blood halt. Perhaps it is a faint smell, or a small zephyr of air hardly noticed. Or perhaps it is a slight difference in the construction of the wall, but something doesn't look right. Bruno, Myrrick and Uthecar are nearest, with Zan providing further confirmation. Sure enough, after a closer look, the four agree that there is a secret portal waiting to be explored!
This message was last edited by the GM at 10:19, Sun 11 June 2017.

Myrrick will check for traps on the secret door, allowing Zan and Weasel to as well, before attempting to open it.

The relief that Bruno feels as the discovery of the secret door is not expressed.

Rather he continues to stand ready as Myrrick, Weasel, and Zan check the door.

Uthecar had moved past the secret door, facing outwards towards the unexplored corridor as he waited for the specialists to address the door.

Kullonar stands with his back to the wall, facing the newly discovered secret door; this allows him to look left and right and still watch the progress on the door.

Weasel makes his way through the crowd until he is near the door. Quietly, he asks Bruno and Uthecar to show him the outline of the door. Once he notes it in the thin glow of the lantern, he asks for silence and listens carefully.

After about a minute, he shrugs and whispers, "Don' hear nothin'."

Then he examines the narrow crack in the wall for any hidden traps.

His grin is wide when he stands from the door. "Definitely don' see no traps here," he says, nearly bouncing on his toes in glee.

"Not the same as there being no traps," Uthecar offers gruffly.  "Let's get on with it.

The party has identified a secret door. Weasel seems pretty certain that he didn't find any traps, though there are other folks who can find traps in the party. What's the party going to do next? Be specific please.

ooc: a new map is up...but play out the decision in the corridor real time - your choices here will either have consequences or none...

:)

Kullonar gives Weasel a nod of trust and tries to open the door.

Having seen no movement down the dark corridor uthecar turns to face the secret door about to be opened.  He stands in a predominant position that allows him to defend anyone opening the door, or to offer a disincentive to anything that might think to come through uninvited.

The door opens outward (into the corridor). For a moment, it is stuck, then 'pop' and a rush of foul air enters the main passage, making those with lower constitutions sneeze and cough.

As the light from Bruno's lantern filters in, it becomes pretty apparent that the room was used for storage of some sort. There is shelving along two walls, boxes stacked one atop the other along the third wall (though several have experienced dry rot). You can see material upon the shelves and haphazardly sticking up from the boxes...

Oh, and a small (approx. 3'), dark pool of what looks to be greasy water near the center of the room.

ooc: actions, please.

Standing where he is Uthecar asks, "What's that?  It looks like greasy water, but probably isn't." he states as he points to the water with a stubby finger and looks up at the ceiling to see if he can see where it might have dripped from.  "Someone wanna to fire it up to see if it reacts?"

myrrick stands ready with his sword, fighting the urge to cough at the smell.

Bruno moves forward to direct the lantern light to the ceiling so that it may be more easily determined whether or not there is a rational reason for a pool of 'water' here. The lantern is in his shield-hand and as he does so his hammer ready in his hammer-hand.

The pool is about 12' away from the open door. It reflects light in a translucent sort of way, diffusing it in small motes throughout the room.

Everyone who is looking into the room please make a saving throw vs. paralysis, adding any dexterity combat bonuses you may have (Uthecar, Kullonar, Myrrick and Bruno).
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:46, Fri 16 June 2017.

09:27, Today: Uthecar Hornskin II rolled 7 vs. paralysis with dexterity combat bonus.  Half what he needed so easy fail.

OOC: Bruno Rhunthane rolled 8 using 1d20+6.  Saving Throw vs. Paralysis.

Myrrick watches.

11:20, Today: Myrrick rolled 18 using 1d20.  +2 versus paralysis.

Kullonar steps into the room with Bruno, giving the glistening pool a wide berth to the right.

12:57, Today: Kullonar rolled 19 using 1d20+1.  save vs. paralysis.

Bruno and Uthecar suddenly feel dizzy and sway on their feet.

At the same time, Myrrick and Kullonar notice the black pool start to move in their direction.

Initiative and declared action, please.

"By the Cudgel!" exclaims Kullonar, who then dashes to grab Bruno (or Uthecar, whichever is closest to him). "Myrrick! Grab him and let's get out of here! Weasel! Quit picking your nose and help us!"

10:43, Today: Kullonar rolled 6 using 1d6.  Initiative.

Bruno finds himself somehow ensnared by something in the pool. The thing starts moving, though, and while it triggers something in his mind his body does not seem to want to respond. Still, he attempts to bring his shield and hammer to bear exerting his will as he may.

Myrrick snags Uthecar and pulls the stout dwarf from the room, "How do you fight a puddle?!"

12:58, Today: Myrrick rolled 8 using 1d6+2.  init.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:59, Wed 21 June 2017.

Reeling a little the only thing that had kicked into Uthecar's head was battle training.  Trying to clear the cobwebs from his mind he brought all his concentration to bear on the situation at hand.  Puddle bad. Through the fog his training suggested he couldn't attack a puddle of water with a sharp ax, so he swiveled the blade so the flat of the ax was ready to slap down on the water failing any other noteworthy enemies being present.

He wasn't prepared to be yanked backward, so his arms flail about as he tries to retain his balance only able to answer Myrrick's rhetorical question with a "Smack. Smack." as he tries rather hopelessly to demonstrate with his ax.

As the puddle moves noiselessly toward the open portal, the party takes swift action. Kullonar grabs Bruno as Myrrick grabs Uthecar...both members of the party are pulled back from harm's way.

Meanwhile, as Weasel takes a closer look, the watery thing moves swiftly through the door and...disappears?

Weasel's head is on a swivel, as he searches for whatever the watery thing was...but he can't seem to find it.

When he was dragged out of the way Bruno was still attempting to prepare for a fight, but had not managed to regain control of his senses.

However as the thing slinks (spills?) out of the room those return. He shakes his head glancing around again, "My thanks, Kullonar."

With the thing gone he scans the room again.

From the earlier post describing the room:

As the light from Bruno's lantern filters in, it becomes pretty apparent that the room was used for storage of some sort. There is shelving along two walls, boxes stacked one atop the other along the third wall (though several have experienced dry rot). You can see material upon the shelves and haphazardly sticking up from the boxes...

The biggest difference is the lack of a pool of water. What an odd thing???

The good news - the musty smell seems to be clearing out - apparently the door's been closed for some time.

Somewhat nervous about entering the room again, Kullonar do so slowly, looking all around, including the ceiling!
He then moves to the shelves and begins to poke around the open boxes.

Myrrick waits quietly while the others search the room, constantly looking around for the puddle. That made him nervous.

There was nothing in the room of interest to Uthecar, and he stands outside as he continues to shake the fuzzy from his head as he waits for the room to be inspected.

Having not been attacked and regaining himself Bruno takes a deep breath, "Well, whatever that thing was it did not attack, so maybe if we just stay out of its way we'll be okay?

"Or maybe it's just a scout for some larger 'body of water'?"

With a laugh he continues, "Whatever the case it seems likely it was in here for some time... If there is no other door here, then we've got to return and follow it, I suppose."

By the time Kullonar is finished checking the room, Uthecar's head is clear and he is ready to lead the way forward down the corridor.

Myrrick takes his place beside his intrepid dwarven friend, leading the party back.

As the party slowly enters, they note that the room has likely stood closed since Zelligar and Roghan left the demesne. A thick coat of dust has gathered over everything.

As the party looks about, they determine the room's dimensions are approx. 25x25.

To the dwarves delight, it is obviously a supply room. Although mostly empty, there are some items one normally finds on a construction site that might prove useful.

The party takes roughly a half hour to look about. An eyeball inventory of the room identifies the following items:

(1) coil of very heavy rope 200' long - looks to be in usable condition.
(1) box of iron spikes (in reasonable shape, though layered in a powdery, white coat of fine dust-like material.
(1) box of metal nails - also covered in the dust-like material.
(80) planks of wood: 10' long, 6"x6" wide (there is quite a bit of dry rot in the wood, also some evidence of termites.
(1) sack of mortar (almost empty) - some evidence of mold inside).
(1) stack of stone blocks: 6"x6"x12" (80 total).
(6) wooden doors. Again, some dryrot, perhaps 4 are serviceable.
(1) Large chest filled with hardware: locks, door hinges, clasps and hasps, door handles, metal bolts and screws and other, similar items. More of the dust-like material.

Party's actions?

Uthecar is not overly interested in any of the items, though the spikes might be useful.  Without a hammer even they are questionable.

"Too bad we don't have a mule," Kullonar says, then sneezes from all the dust and mold.

Zan nodded to Ginger as if having a private conversation with her.

Zan looked over the items found, He could help himself as he helped himself to a couple of locks and a pair of metal spikes.  "Good for practice"

Weasel enters the room like he owns the place, begins looking in corners, at the ceiling all around the floor and walls.

After about fifteen minutes, he sniffs and shakes his head.

"No secret compartments or traps," he declared.

"Oh yes, forgot to mention that there is some sort of enchanted phantasm so what you may think that your seeing may be misleading"

His interest piqued at the gray elf's words Uthecar continues, "So what are we actually seeing then mage?

Weasel's curious, too.

"What's a phantasm?" he asks.

Myrrick waited for Zan to elaborate on his statement.

You all have surmised that there are no other secret doors or hidden compartments and that the inventory taken is 'what you see, is what you get.'

You've been in here a good half hour now. Zan's made an observation, unremarked on. Other than that, the surrounds are silent, and the silence is oppressive. You each get the feeling that something is pending. What it is, and from where it will come, is anyone's guess.

ooc: thoughts or actions. I hesitate to push this along given Zan's information, so I'll leave that up to you.
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:08, Sun 09 July 2017.

OOC: Sorry, I thought I'd posted earlier in the week. Doh!

Bruno found the building supplies interesting, "At least this proves that this place was a 'working' fortress once," he mumbles to himself, but shares the party's general disinterest in the stuff in the room.

When Zan makes mention of phantasms he looks at the elf, "So... You are saying that what we see here is not what is actually here? It's an illusion of some sort? Can you see through it yourself?"

"I'm still trying to make sense of it all, the phantasm is strong so seeing through it is a bit of a challenge."

Mostly for Weasel benefit Zan walked up to an area where the Phantasm was and slowly passed his hand through it. "A phantasm is a form of magic where someone would like you to see something a certain way, where the reality could be quite different.  More of a half truth."

With the copper coin dropping, Uthecar adds, "So this phantasm of mundane non-threatening items could actually be hiding something quite lethal.  Can you make the correct image show so we can tell if any of us have been placed in danger?"

Kullonar searches through his acolyte training memories to see if there is anything about exorcising a phantasm or ghost.

ooc:

"The puddle that we thought we saw moving to the portal, was put there to make use think that the thing went through the door.  I would suggest that we make sure that the door is safe before attempting to go through it."
This message was last edited by the player at 20:54, Mon 10 July 2017.

"If there is some sort of illusion here is it this pile of building supplies or something else? Was the puddle an illusion?"

Scanning the room, "Regardless, before you said anything I was convinced there is nothing interesting here. Now we know that there is a phantasm trying to trick us. Does it not make sense that we were supposed to follow the puddle? That the whole point is to keep us from whatever the phantasm is hiding?"

ooc: Everyone roll your saving throws vs. magic in effort to disbelieve.

"It all looks the same to me.  Telling me it is different to what I see makes no difference at all.". The dwarf strokes his axe obviously uncomfortable.

10:26, Today: Uthecar Hornskin II rolled 13 using 1d20+4.  Save verses spells. FAIL

In reply to The Seer (msg # 193):

OOC: Bruno Rhunthane rolled 15 using 1d20+8 -- I suspect this is a fail, but dunno...

Myrrick studies the scene before him carefully.


10:28, Today: Myrrick rolled 16 using 1d20+1.  vs magic.(beat my 15)

Weasel looks around at the others, says, "I don't know what y'all are going on about. Room looks the same to me as it did when we walked in, though dust has been stirred up."


He turns to Uthecar and points to the box full of locks and door handles (he picks up one of the lock mechanisms and stows it in his pack for good measure).

"What do you see here, big feller?"

Weasel's save: natty 20, so he's good. One of the goofier components of EGG's ADD is the saving throw table. I'll leave that for an OOC conversation though...
This message was last updated by the GM at 16:46, Tue 11 July 2017.

OOC: wasn't sure if Zan needed to roll or not, so I did anyway.
14:57, Today: Zan rolled 20 using 1d20.  vs magic.   (success)


Zan scratched his head trying to figure how to help the others understand.  It seemed that Weasel had figured it out.

Based upon Zan and Weasel's interaction with the rest of the group, it seems the only illusion was the water puddle. It doesn't really make sense why such an illusion was there - at least, not to the party. Everything else, however, seems kosher.

That said, the silent labyrinth awaits. What will the intrepid party do?

ooc: you can go back or move forward, or close the door and hang out awhile - I'll double check, but it should be about lunchtime.

ooc2: Still waiting on the part for my printer. Sigh. Killing me at work, too. Sigh...
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:42, Tue 11 July 2017.

Having lost interest in the room some time ago Uthecar stares at Weasel, and then the box before grunting, "Let's get outta here."  Uthecar will move the party forward into unexplored tunnel.

Kullonar follows Uthecar deeper into this maze of confusing corridors and rooms...

"Right. So, let's hold off with the door as that is most likely a trap."

He nods in agreement at comment as the warrior begins to move, "If 'they' were trying to lure us into a trap or convince us that interesting things were that direction, this should be interesting.

Zan adds "If we have to open the door, we can do it from a distance"

"Then open it from a distance, let us see what's there and move on."

Bruno has no idea what it means to open a door from a distance, but Zan is an elf and only their gods know what they can truly do, so he pauses and gives Zan an expectant look.

ooc: sorry, this made me laugh! printer part expected today - if I get the printer fixed, I will post a new map tonight. If the part doesn't come in, I'll let you know.

With a grin and nod, Zan got out an arrow and tied his silk rope to its end.  Loaded it into his bow took aim at the door and let the arrow fly.  The expected thud never happen as the rope didn't uncoil as expected and fell short of its target.  Not to be put off, Zan pull out some additional rope for additional length, gathered up his arrow and fired once more and was rewarded with the desired thunk as the arrow sank into the door.



OOC: dang door moved the first time    lol
17:34, Today: Zan rolled 22,6 using d20+4,1d6.  Again, Lol.
17:33, Today: Zan rolled 6,4 using d20+4,1d6.  Da Door.

OOC:  I think if we pick up from post 200 we'll be about right.  The only door we have is already opened and leads into the room.  Let's push on.

"Lead on, Uthecar," Kullonar says, ready to be moving.

Quoting myself, a sure sign of wisdom from the battle dwarf.

OOC: I'm really unsure what to post. Feel free to move us along, GM.

25 Patchwall, YR 1 of The Seer's New Greyhawk Orthodox Calendar.  Time: approximately 0930 in the morning on the revised 24 hour-segment clock

Synapsis: After the brief skirmish with the hobgoblins, the party followed a corridor to port (left) for 40', coming to a door on the northern wall, which they briefly inspected.

Eschewing a search of the loamy surrounds, the party followed the main corridor left another 60 or so feet where it turned upward. The dwarves, Bruno and Uthecar, both noted a certain labyrinthine feel to the place thus far.

Following the passage roughly another 100 feet, the party was met by a pseudo 'S' turn which straightened out first on a northerly course (some 40' or so) and then diagonally to the left, than right (I urge you to look at the map in the map thread for clarification).

Mid-wall on the right leg of the diagonal run, the party discovered a secret door. The room within appeared to be a store room of sorts, filled with esoteric material typically used in construction. Also within were what seemed to be some sort of dweomer of a wet pool that suddenly moved with purpose toward the party, then disappeared upon leaving the confines of the room. Zan confirmed knowledge that the pool of water seemed to be some sort of phantasm.

Party is currently in the passageway now, outside the door, and typical of the rowdy dwarf, Uthecar says, "Let's go!"

He then leads the way forward.

From the secret door to the storeroom, the party travels some 45' to an open space that measures 20'x20'.

It's not really an antechamber, rather it seems more of a crossroads, with two tunnels moving parallel toward the right of the map, with a 2' wide wall separating them, and another passage leading down the map, some thirty feet into darkness.

ooc: printer scheduled to arrive this week. You guys can discuss, however my next post might wait for the printer delivery, as this area can be confusing without a map.

Everyone please roll a d6.

Thanks

OOC:
10:27, Today: Bruno Rhunthane rolled 1 using 1d6.

Better luck with the printer, GM!

13:47, Today: Kullonar rolled 5 using 1d6.

07:20, Today: Uthecar Hornskin II rolled 6 using 1d6

07:55, Today: Myrrick rolled 6 using 1d6.  hmmmm.

13:45, Today: Zan rolled 1 using 1d6.  rolling.

"Ginger, stay alert girl.  This is not a very welcoming place and we need all the help we can get."

Just in case
11:31, Today: Zan rolled 2 using 1d6.  roll for Ginger.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:32, Wed 19 July 2017.

The party has four choices: retreat back toward the secret storeroom. Move to the right, to the upper tunnel leading into darkness. Move to the right toward the lower tunnel leading into darkness. Move down the map into darkness.

OOC: Thanks for the rolls. They will be relevant shortly, one way or another.

OOC2: I will keep tabs on the map for the time being until my printing situation resolves itself. If need be, I may post the entire map of this level - there's some merit in that it will move things along a bit quicker, even if it steals some of the suspense...

Uthecar ignores the passages going up and down continuing on into the darkness.

OOC:  Unless anyone objects he plans to clear out this level before going further.  Hopefully everything on this level is about equal in difficulty, and until we get some XP under our belts we all have a pretty tenuous grip on staying alive, so personally I think let's stick to what might be easiest.

Kullonar follows the leader...

Myrrick stays near Uthecar, helping the dwarf check for traps etc.

OOC: Uthecar, which tunnel leading to the right are you taking - there are two tunnels that run parallel and are separated by only 2' of masonry (as a dwarf you would recognize such) - an upper tunnel and a lower tunnel.

He wasn't planning on taking any tunnel that leads up or down.



By your description, he was heading down the map into darkness but with the thought of staying on the same level.  Am I getting this right or is down the map, down in levels?

The party heads 'down' the corridor, 40' - you're not sure if it's an odd puff of air, a strange echo, or just blind luck, but Bruno hisses a quick warning and halts to study the wall before him, on the right side of the passage.

At the same time, Zan feels along the 'seams' in the blocks that construct the place, as if looking for something.

The rest of the party halts to see what the two are up to.

Kullonar waits and wipes the sweat from his face, his mind running through the disciplines of St. Cuthbert; doing so seems to calm his nerves, help him focus. This maze of corridors has him completely turned around. By the Cudgel, he hopes Uthecar knows the way back out!

"There's a door here.", Bruno says has he stands before the wall.

Looking around the party, "Am I the only one to see it?"

Moving closer he taps with his hammer the door's outline to indicate where it is and looking for some means to open it.

Uthecar steps up to Bruno.  "If you say there is a door there, there is a door there."  He will look himself to see if he can see the door.  If he can't he will get Bruno to show him the outline clearly and look to force it open by whatever means.


01:22, Today: Uthecar Hornskin II rolled 1 using 1d6.  find door.  Raw score equal success unless there are other reasons it might fail.


01:23, Today: Uthecar Hornskin II rolled 5 using 1d8.  open door.  Raw score equal success unless there are other reasons it might fail.

Weasel finds himself near Zan.

"What'd ya find?" he asks in a loud whisper.

Secret door, trying to figure how to get it open. Maybe you could lend a hand
This message was last edited by the player at 03:37, Mon 24 July 2017.

Uthecar, Bruno, Kullonar and Myrrick hover at the right wall, studying where Bruno is pointing. Uthecar spies the thin crack the wounds its way first up, then across, then down.

"If you say there's a door here, there is a door here," he says with complete confidence. With sudden, violent motion, he kicks the alleged portal, and smashes it open.


On the other side of the hall, Zan calls Weasel over for assistance.

"There's a secret door. I'm trying to figure out how to get it open. Maybe you could lend a hand."

Weasel grins, points to a small lever cleverly hidden in the frame. A quick pull opens the portal and within is darkness...and the stench of death.


All of you roll initiative, please.

PM

19:54, Today: Kullonar rolled 1 using 1d6.  Initiative.

Kullonar steps back when he hears the sound of rats and readies his morningstar.

12:58, Today: Uthecar Hornskin II rolled 3 using 1d6.  Initiative.

Uthecar has his axe out and ready to swing as soon as the door splinters.

(Given our environment would we really be opening 2 doors at the same time?  I can't vouch for Weasel's wisdom, but on finding the lever would he really pull it open when Uthecar had just kicked the wall in opposite?  Given the potential danger, I think we would be operating as a more cohesive fighting unit than the uneven posts seem to indicate.  Is it possible to deal with the open wall as a single event, before Weasel triggers the latch, or make Weasel save versus wisdom to see if he does still pull the lever down?  It probably isn't going to change anything anyway, isn't wisdom the dump stat for thieves?)

OOC: Yeah, well, tactically, I don't think any of this makes sense; however, it is a great/weird scene. Part of the problem is that I don't think Zan/Weasel realizes everyone else was at a separate door.

Whatever! This is going to be fun.

21:58, Today: Bruno Rhunthane rolled 8 using 1d6+3.

09:40, Today: Myrrick rolled 5 using 1d6+2 ((3))

Weasel's fast on his feet, and let's out a shout, "L'il help here, please!"

His sword is freed in swift motion, and he prepares to strike at something that is coming at him and Zan. Despite his quick reaction, his blow goes awry.

Initiative: 7

On the other side of the corridor, the party members note that the (really big) rats seemed disinclined to pursue conversation. As a matter of fact, you can no longer see any of the things moving about, though two eyes glow evilly as from a sentry keeping watch.

Upon hearing Weasel's shout, they turn and see the bold, young thief fencing with a dull, shadowy blade, against a foe that has yet to exit the room.

ooc: Waiting on Zan's initiative and actions. This should be a good fight.

Initiative:

Uthecar 3

Bruno 8

Kullonar 1

Weasel 7

Myrrick 5

Zan

---

baddies

Giant Rats - 5

Big Bad Bogeyman - 3

OOC:  could have sworn that I replied to this, but not seeing the post
21:54, Today: Zan rolled 9 using 1d6+3.  reaction roll.
21:54, Today: Zan rolled 6 using 1d6+3.
09:59, Today: The Seer, on behalf of Weasel, rolled 7 using 1d6+1.  initiative.
08:52, Today: Zan rolled 5 using 1d20.  save vs poison.

If Zan is able to act he will pull the secret door closed again  "A Ghast"
This message was last edited by the player at 14:43, Wed 26 July 2017.

Group 1: Uthecar, Bruno, Kullonar & Myrrick:

Abridged description of the interior of the room:

Hidden Storeroom: Irregularly shaped in a sort of a triangle, contains mostly empty shelves though some canisters, jars and other containers are still present, littered throughout. There are also approximately 60 small casks, those nearest the door (and Bruno's light) have what appear to be runes atop. Toward the back of the room, there is a large pile of rubbish and rubble where most of the rats seem to have congregated.

If you desire further descriptions through exploration, I am happy to oblige.

------

Group 2: Weasel and Zan

From the darkness comes death personified. Zan attempts to close the door - although he's successful, he's overcome by a powerful stench and cannot reset the lever. The Ghast pulls the door back open with ease.

Meanwhile, Weasel makes his save, but fails to land a blow against the beast. Since surprise was neutralized by Zan's initiative, the next round begins with Zan taking initiative. However, Zan attacks with a -2 penalty to hit.

Bruno casts in his inititiative Protection from Evil uncertain whether it will help against the rats, but figures better safe than sorry.

Zan looked at Weasel and shouted the obvious, "RUN"  As he knew his spell was useless against the ghast and neither was standing toe to toe with it.

Taking off at a sprint, Zan made for the others.  He moved surprisingly quick.
(OOC: if there is anything to knock down to slow down the ghast he'll pull it over to help buy a bit more time)

Not sure what they were facing but a stinky smelling ghast was not his idea of fun.  "Uthecar, Incoming"

Zan will cast his sleep spell upon the rats if the round allows for it

myrrick readies his sword and slashes at whatever comes near him and his friends, hopefully it was only going to be the rats...

"One door at a time from now on." he remarks dryly.

In reply to Myrrick (msg # 246):

"Agreed," Kullonar replies, gripping his morningstar, awaiting the rush of rats or whatever else might be in the room. Then he hears Zan shouting and says, "Our companions need help. We can kill rats later. C'mon!"
Kullonar turns and hurries out into the hall to see what is going on...

The door is slammed shut, then slammed open again within the same breath. With a quickness born of desperation, and fighting down the nausea threatening to overwhelm him, Zan departs the scene. Suddenly alone, Weasel has just enough time to mutter, "Uh, oh," before the ghast attacks.

It is a startling display. The ghast moves with a speed and fury born from hell. Still, the young thief has terror, and not a small amount of good fortune, on his side. The ghast lunges in effort to bite Weasel, but he ducks. The ghast grasps at his opponent with the sharpened talons of a left hand, but he dodges. And finally, the ghast swings a heavy blow with his right hand, but Weasel manages to dive beneath the beast's intent.

As he does so, he pirouettes back around and finds an open spot on the ghast's back that he might tickle with his sword. Alas, fortune has failed him. As he makes to strike that vital area, sweat causes his sword to slip from his grasp and fall uselessly to the floor.

"Shit," he mutters in frustration.

Party's actions puh-leeze.

OCC: I feel like the master of melodrama today, though a hat tip to the young thief for even surviving a round.

Uthecar wheels from the rats at the warning sound of "Uthecar, Incoming." Like a frantic dog chasing after its favorite toy he moves at speed screaming like an enraged maniac towards whatever is attacking the Weasel.  He doesn't stop to consider the situation simply swinging his axe at the vile form.

09:22, Today: Uthecar Hornskin II rolled 19 To hit.
09:22, Today: Uthecar Hornskin II rolled 14 Damage.

Given it is probably cold down here, and Uthecar is using a non-magical battle axe, that would consist of roughly 97.9% iron, with the other 2.1% made up of carbon, does that constitute an iron weapon?  Why do I ask?  I recall ghasts take double damage from iron so 14 would be 21hp damage. *grinning* Always looking for the edge.

See below (after much searching):

Cold iron, mined deep underground, known for its effectiveness against fey creatures, is forged at a lower temperature to preserve its delicate properties.

I am thinking yours was a typically made weapon (though, of course, with consummate, dwarven skill).

Hell no, cold forged, folded 600 times I swear!!!


I suppose it was a long shot

OOC: LOL - I'll never fault you for trying - you'll even win one now and again, as I tend towards rules 'light.'

Myrrick will slash at the ghast with his sword, unsure if it will actually hurt the creature, but it will distract it in the very least.


09:51, Today: Myrrick rolled 5 using 1d20+1.  hit.

Seeing the undead creature, Kullonar grabs the holy symbol around his neck and brandishes it before him.
"BACK! IN THE NAME OF THE CUDGEL, BACK TO THE DARKNESS WHERE YOU BELONG!" roars the priest of St. Cuthbert.


20:56, Today: Kullonar rolled 17 using 1d20.  Turn undead.

With Uthecar charging to deal with the ghast, Zan pulls up seeing what the others had discovered, "RATS".  His only spell close at hand, he squeezed the sand between his fingers and uttered an arcane word.  (Sleep)


08:51, Today: Zan rolled 7 using 1d6+3.  reaction roll.

Having cast Protection from Evil and noting the thing that his priestly training tells him that the Ghast is too great an evil for his training and his warrior's training tells him that there is no space around the thing for him to join that fight, so he focuses on the rats.



10:28, Today: Bruno Rhunthane rolled 13 using 2d5+6.  Damage with Hammer.
10:27, Today: Bruno Rhunthane rolled 20 using 1d20+3.  Attack with Hammer.

Ooh. A critical? Does that double the damage? (I can't recall.)

Uthecar's charge has the desired affect of damaging the ghast, but it is Kullonar who scores the greatest hit when he brandishes the Unforgiving's holy symbol.

"BACK! IN THE NAME OF THE CUDGEL, BACK TO THE DARKNESS WHERE YOU BELONG!"
he shouts, and indeed, the damaged undead flees with great wailing and gnashing of teeth into the room across the way from where Kullonar stands.

As the creature passes by, each party member gets a wack, including Weasel, who has since recovered his weapon.

Bruno scores nicely, and Weasel finishes him off with fine aplomb.

The ghast lies dead, its florid gaze gone dark.

ooc: actions!

After smashing the Ghast with about as mighty a blow as his broad shoulders will permit and knowing that it was well done  Bruno gives the young thief a nod and wink when he finishes the foul creature off, "The Soul Forger blessed me and yours was a good one as well, lad"

"Now, let us finish off those rats before they perk up!"

So saying, he quickly moves to the other doorway and begins bashing the heads of the sleeping giant rats.

Kullonar sighs in relief, wiping the sweat from his forehead, as he prays silently to St. Cuthbert; thanking him for his divine power and grace. Then, the half-orc priest gathers his morning star and follows Bruno to the "rat" room and helps with the bashing of heads.

Bruno enters and finds quite the horde of giant rats still very much active. A swarm of them head first for Bruno, then they split into two groups, the second aiming for Kullonar, Scion of St Cuthbert.

In the pell mell race to protect their nest, three of the critters are thrown by their comrades in the melee - it takes them a couple of seconds to recover, so they are unable to attack. Of the others, only one doughty fellow is able to score a bite on Kullonar for a mere (1) point of damage. The critter squeals with delight on his success. Smelling blood, the rest of the next makes ready to follow suit...

ooc: Party's actions, please.

Lying on top of the nest are several snoring critters...
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:55, Sat 05 Aug 2017.

Erm... Initiative and then smash a bunch?

I've corrected this, because I realized I gave myself the wrong bonus -- it should've been +1 not +3: Bruno Rhunthane rolled 2 using 1d6+1.  Initative.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:43, Sun 06 Aug 2017.

"Gah! I thought most of them had been put to sleep!" Kullonar says, smashing the rat that bit him.

01:16, Today: Kullonar rolled 16,7 using 1d20+1,2d4+1.  Morningstar attack.
01:16, Today: Kullonar rolled 5 using 1d6.  Initiative.

Myrrick will join the melee if there is room.

Uthecar takes a moment to stand in the room that the ghast fled from, using what light was available to check there is nothing else moving.

OOC:  Just for certainty of understanding, the stinky ghast fled from this room and Kullonar, towards the room where the rats are, but was killed as it made its way passed each of the characters who gave it a tap with whatever they had handy, right?

ooc: No the ghast exited the room that Zan & Weasel checked out, missed Weasel during it's attack, was hit by Uthecar outside the door that Zan opened up, then turned by Kullonar, who was standing less than 20' away. It tried to disengage and retreat back into the room, but both Bruno and Myrrick indicated an attack, both hit, and added to Uthecar's damage, did away with the fiendish undead bastard.

ooc2: there is plenty of room for the entire party in the triangular room where the rats reside. It appears to be a storeroom of sorts, hidden like the prior storeroom you most recently visited.

Please roll to hit - I am using the original initiative to keep track.

Bruno was as surprised as anyone else that the rats were not sleeping, but he wades in regardless his hammer smashing anything that tries to attack him rat or otherwise.

OOC:

21:59, Today: Bruno Rhunthane rolled 19 using 1d20+3.  Attack with Hammer.
21:59, Today: Bruno Rhunthane rolled 14 using 2d5+6.  Damage with Hammer.

ooc: To clarify, Sleep spell affects from 4-16 creatures of less than 1 HD.

In reply to The Seer (msg # 267):

OOC: Clarification unnecessary for me as Bruno knows nothing about Magic User spells, nor did he have an idea of how many there were. I just meant to post his general shock that the rats were still there to fight.

ooc: No worries, Bruno. I was clarifying for those who have magic user abilities, for their future reference.

ooc2: Things starting to get interesting now.

:)

Zan will help the killing of the rats. "Ginger you can help anytime that you would like"


10:49, Today: Zan rolled 8,14,9 using d6+2,d20+1,1d8+1.  sword attack.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:50, Mon 07 Aug 2017.

Ginger is delighted with the snack food, darting from Zan to prod a couple of rats with her tail. Both fell comatose, and she proceeded to begin snacking on the hapless rodents as the others continued the fight.

11 rats sleeping,

16 rats have been culled down to 9 rats (including Ginger's contribution).

ooc: I'm using DM caveat to accelerate this combat unless someone finds giant rats particularly compelling.

In their round, (1) rat hits Bruno (natural 20, double damage) for 2 points of damage

(1) rat hits Myrrick for 2 point of damage. Just a flesh wound.

(1) rat hits Zan for 3 points of damage. ouchie!

Bruno swings again, this time at the one whose teeth managed to get through his defenses.


16:24, Today: Bruno Rhunthane rolled 11 using 2d5+6.  Damage with Hammer.
16:21, Today: Bruno Rhunthane rolled 15 using 1d20+3.  Attack with Hammer.

Kullonar takes a whack at another giant rat, but the beast evades his morningstar.

They were only big rats, hardly worth any effort, but Uthecar found it hard to stand by while others were enjoying a fight.

He moves to where he can be of some assistance, or to take over from someone not so enthused about fighting.

Uthecar Hornskin II rolled 19 to hit.
Uthecar Hornskin II rolled 13 Damage.

Myrrick swings back at the creature.

08:24, Today: Myrrick rolled 5 using 1d20+1 ((4)).

Zan continues to attack with his sword.

13:07, Today: Zan rolled 5,13,4 using d6+2,d20+1,1d8+1.  r2.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:08, Wed 09 Aug 2017.

9 rats have become six after two rounds of fighting. Uthecar, Bruno and Zan all find a mark, and each target dies.

The rats, their numbers falling faster than a shooting star, offer one more round of attacks in attempt to protect their nest. They are unsuccessful.

The sleeping rats are still asleep.

Party's initiative.

(on a side note: there are times (like this one) where running the party on the best initiative is easier than trying to keep track of individual initiatives. That said, most times I will use individual initiatives during fights).
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:02, Fri 11 Aug 2017.

Now roused Uthecar continues his attack.

Uthecar Hornskin II rolled 20 using 1d20+3 to hit.
Uthecar Hornskin II rolled 8 using 1d8+7 damage.


OOC: For the additional complexity/potential slow down from a missed roll, that individual initiative rolls create I do question their worth.  It is a random role, that sometimes screws with intelligent planning and for my part, I'm totally happy with a single party role.  Mind you in this game I do not have a high dexterity and though the dexterity reaction adjustment is only meant for 'surprise' situations, I do agree with the more common way of playing it as a bonus to initiative.  Potentially it unfairly skewers the game in the characters favour, but NPC villains are notorious for not complaining about their raw deals.

OOC:
12:42, Today: Bruno Rhunthane rolled 13 using 1d20+3.  Attack with Hammer.
12:42, Today: Bruno Rhunthane rolled 13 using 2d5+6.  Damage with Hammer.


I'm uncertain that I've rolled duplicate numbers like this before or at least in recent memory. That's kinda cool.

Bruno is relieved that the seem to be winning, but knows the old adage about rats, backs, and walls and presses the attack to avoid this situation falling into that problem.

It's a scramble to kill the nimble rodents, but at last the party kills a few more. The beleaguered rats, those still alive, depart in fear, dashing into various hidey holes around the pile of refuse, leaving their sleeping mates to their fate.

The party is barely out of breath from the effort - despite the relative ease, no one has forgotten the dead ghast out in the hallway.

"That dead thing stinks," Weasel said, standing at the doorway and looking into the room. "Made me kinda sick. What're we gonna do now?"

ooc: You'll recall this is a storeroom similar to the other secret room you found, though much of the area is covered with rat guano, so I'm not sure how much poking around you'll be doing. Also, you have enough time to do away with the 'rat problem' as they say - if someone so desires to do the grisly work of extermination.

Uthecar is happy to see the rats off, either by killing or chasing them away since he doesn't care.  Covering his hand he will drag the dead ghast back into the room that it came from after the room has been checked over.

When the non-sleeping rats flee, Bruno quickly moves to finish off the sleeping ones with strong, but rapid pops to their 'giant' rat heads.

As he does so he says, "Something tells me that despite the stench whatever is in the room the Ghast came from is worth investigating. But let's do that together, eh?"

Myrrick nods, readying his sword and covering his face with a piece of his traveling cloak.

Zan scratched the back of his neck, "Umm sorry about that.. Uthecar thanks for your help back there."  He took his sword and started skewing the sleeping rats.

OOC: LOL might have helped if we had realized that we were investing two separate doors.

Kullonar looks around the room, making sure there are no more surprises, before slipping his morningstar through a loop in his belt. "Anyone get bitten? We must be careful about rat bites. They are known to carry any number of diseases and even plague."

So, while others are investigating and bashing heads, Kullonar cleans the minor wound he received from a rat, making sure the wound doesn't get infected as he wraps it up.

The group briefly catches it's collective breath after dispatching most of the remaining rats - a few of the nest managed flight, and you suspect the rodents will breed a new crop of healthy critters through the next cycle, but for now, they'll likely keep a low profile...

The group gathers, briefly discusses the next stage. Outside the door that Zan opened, then cagily ran from (LOL!), the corpse of the ghast casts its stench.

ooc: I'm assuming, based upon various posts, that you'll want to disregard the rat room and focus exploration in the ghast's room. That said, marching order and actions as you enter, please.

;)

Changing my previous post.  After a quick once over in the rat room, which would probably involve Uthecar pushing some of the debris to one side, Uthecar will grab the ghast by a covered hand dragging it into the area where the rats were.  That way the room can be investigated without the stench being so powerful.

What do we see in the ghast room?  Have we been given a description?  What does Uthecar see as one of the first into the room to pull out the ghast?

Zan couldn't help himself as he pulled up his shirt to use to keep the pungent odor from assaulting his sense of smell once again.  "It'll take weeks for that smell to go away"

"Yup, and spreading it around won't help much either."  Uthecar replies appearing slightly amused at Zan's obvious discomfort.  "At least it's now closest to the most likely source of creatures that'll eat it if they come back."

Kullonar gags at the stench and tries not to think about it else he might actually spew. Instead, he covers his nose, breathing through his mouth, and walks into the ghast's lair, one hand on his holy symbol, the other on his morningstar.

The party enters the darkened room. Sprawled before them is a 50' wide x 40' tall room, with the secret door on the left side, 20' down from the upper wall (this is where you are standing).

A few things stand out immediately, as shone by the light of Bruno's lantern (useful thing, light):

First, there appears to be two prints showing the pictures of two maps. The lefthand print is notated beneath as 'Q' Upper Level, the right hand print says 'Q' Lower Level (see updated map thread).

Second, both prints are to the left of a door centered neatly in the north wall. It is closed.

Third, the room's description is as follows:

This workroom is a facility designed for various purposes related to the study of magic. There are several large wooden tables within the room, one of which is overturned. There is also a central table made of stone, the top appears to be stone of some sort, though it is covered in a thick layer of dust. Along with the tables are several chairs, scattered about, most in disarray and suffering from severe dry rot.

Along the north wall, are the aforementioned prints, along with a series of hanging cabinets and wooden shelves. The shelves appear to be filled with oddments a reclusive mage might collect (a human skull, a black cat in preservative in a glass jar stoppered with a cork, etc.). The cabinets are closed.

Parties actions please...
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:40, Mon 21 Aug 2017.

Bruno moves into the room with his very useful lantern and scans, "Something tells me that wizards will find more of utility in here than anyone else."

The sentence is said in something slightly louder than a mumble as he stands ready for something or other to occur.

With there being no arms or armour in plain sight, nor sign of anything hostile to hit, Uthecar is bored with the room almost immediately.  He stands guard at the door in the hope that something is foolish enough to come long and look threatening.

Zan interest is peaked, the zest for magical learning.  He soon finds himself looking through the shelves studying the ingredients as well as looking for any books or manuals

myrrick, having no magical talent, keeps watch while those skilled in the arts have a look at what's around.

Kullonar walks into the room and begins looking through the strange array of glass jars, things on the shelves, and such like. He will also open the cabinets to see whats inside.

A few additional notes, as you've begun to search:

Within the closed cabinets that hang on the upper wall to the left of the door in the center of the upper wall are earthenware and glass containers of various sorts and sizes. Kullonar is the first to open them, followed closely by Zan - both open one each: Kullonar finds sand, Zan finds what may have once been wine, still sealed.

There are numerous other containers for the party to search.

For his part, Weasel is strangely silent as he stares at the large jar with the dead cat in it.

"It moved!" he called out suddenly, pointing at the jar.

Axe up Uthecar turns his head to look inwards after Weasel's surprised admission.  "The cat or the jar boy?  If it's the cat it's unlikely it can get out given the time it's been there, so don't touch it."

"Hells, Uthecar, damn thing right grinned at me. I didn't know, I'd think it was me lookin' back at me. Quick and nimble as a cat, I am."

Weasel grinned in the dwarf's direction, one eye still aimed at the jar.

Given what it is, Bruno is not surprised by what might be found here in a wizard's laboratory. That does not make him any more comfortable. He continues waiting for the investigation to end, ready for anything that might occur.

Kullonar continues his perusal of the shelves and cabinets. He doesn't know what he is looking for; maybe some kind of clue as to what the wizard is doing in here.

As those looking through the cabinets continue to search, they find their discoveries to be predominantly worthless.

Weasel has grown bored and ambled to the door in the middle of the upper wall.

ooc: waiting for posts from Zan and Myrrick.
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:02, Thu 31 Aug 2017.

Myrrick paused in his watch, "Weasel, do not open that door until everyone is ready." his voice stern.

Weasel looks over his shoulder with a sheepish grin and says, "Who, me?"

"Yeah boyo hold your hand," Uthecar answers joining in as he becomes less concerned with looking out the door and strolls over.

Seeing that the search of the cabinets and shelves is useless, Kullonar exits the room to see what Weasel and the others are up to.

Bruno gives Weasel a bemused look, but holds his place waiting for everyone to finish their searches with the intention of joining everyone else at the door when the time comes.

To recap - party entered the room where the ghast once was. Once within, they found the upper wall replete with cabinets, shelves and two prints of what appear to be blueprints or maps. At the bottom of the first print it says Q- Upper Level. At the bottom of the second it says Q- Lower Level.

Along with various storage containers found within the cabinet (mostly old stores), Weasel found a jar with an apparently dead black cat within. I say apparently because Weasel claims it moved.

Bored with waiting - and a bit spooked by the cat - Weasel starts looking about the door that sits in the middle of the upper wall, just beneath the two prints. Myrrick and Uthecar warn the young man against pushing on.

In the meantime, Zan seems to have found something that has caught his attention.

OOC: I'll give Zan another day or two before moving on - thanks for your patience.

OOC: Bad Zan.  Apologies my work is going through a security audit, time-consuming process.

Zan took the sand that Kullonar found as well at the jar of what appeared to be wine.  He made sure to secure the lids back on both. "I should be able to put these to use" He continued his search through the remaining things in the room.  He came across an open box about the size a pair of shoes could fit in.  "Whoaa, now what do we have here." He looked for a lid but didn't find any, carefully he lifted it up and brought it out and placed it on the counter time to allow for more room to examine it.  "There are plenty of cobwebs, but there is something at the bottom of the box."

He pulled an arrow from his quiver and use the pointed end to slowly remove the cobwebs to find out what was within.

Zan's eyes are intent as he searches the box.

With the cobwebs cleared Zan took note that there was a clink or two as the tip of the arrow made contact with the something.  He trace the arrow along the edge of the object and then carefully reached in and removed the object to have a better look.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:08, Fri 01 Sept 2017.

The party waits as Zan inspects his find.

ooc: I am around this weekend and likely to be posting. fyi.

Zan pulls out the contents,  a silver ring and a crystal flask.  "Humm...  They have ancient encryption on them". He studies them a bit further to see if there is anything further that he can determine by observation.  Additionally he took the box and carefully flipped it over makeing sure that there was nothing overlooked

Dust bunnies and cobwebs spill from the box as Zan inspects it. The crystal flask and the ring sit quiescent upon the shelf as he does so.

The rune upon the face of the flask is the stylized 'Q' you've all become familiar with. Within the flask sloshes a clear liquid.

The runes on the ring are a bit harder to discern, although the glyph for a tail feather from a bird of prey is notable on the top of the ring.

After a thorough search of the rest of the room, there is not stone left unturned, nor further secret or concealed portals, nor secret passageways nor nothing else of interest in the room.

The party can exit the room from whence they came, or they can open the door that sits in the middle of the upper wall.

Actions, please.

"Tis a nice map," Weasel said, fascinated by the print of what apparently looks like a vast labyrinth.

Noting it's modest size (perhaps 3'x 2'), he wonders aloud, "I wonder if it might be worth something?"
This message was last updated by the GM at 15:43, Mon 04 Sept 2017.

"Humm.. hard to tell if the ring is magical or not but these etched runes, hint at the possibility, as for the liquid." Zan held it up taking a long look, "Odds are good that it is magical in nature, not quite sure what it might be at the moment.  When we get a chance to rest I can test to see if either of these are magical but right now I wouldn't want to use a spell when we might need it else where"

"Nothing else left in here as far as I can tell."  Zan was ready to head on as well, he decided it was best to remain with the others and not split the party.  They were lucky the last time and he was thankful for it.

Ready to move on, Kullonar walks over to the door in the upper wall and tries to open it.

Uthecar stands ready, not sure what to expect.

Kullonar opens the door to darkness, broken once again by Bruno's trusty lantern.

Laid out before you is a chamber similar to the last, the biggest difference being 10' - the room is 30' tall x 50' wide. It has an immediate feel of a laboratory of some sort, though, undoubtedly magical.

It is a strange, fascinating place, at least to those with quick, imaginative intellects. The first thing of note is a huge, apparently human skeleton suspended from the ceiling by wire in the northeast corner of the room - it is hard to tell, but through the shadows it seems the skull has been fractured...

About the room are several tables similar in fashion to the room you most recently searched. Utilitarian, if a bit old, and the wood somewhat dry. There is also a heavy stone table. All the tables are bare, except for a single, stoppered glass bottle sitting atop the table nearest the party (to their right).

Beneath that table are several pine logs, stacked neatly.

To the party's left, along the left wall, is a rack of some sort, perhaps the type used for torture.

Along the lower wall stretching left and right above you like a banner, is what appears to be a skin of some sort. There are glyphs written upon it, though what they might say is unclear to any of you.

The centerpiece of the room is a sunken firepit, blackened and cold, 4' wide and some 2' deep or so, though uncleaned ashes remain at the bottom. Above it sits a large cauldron suspended from a brace. Beside it sits a similar, but smaller pot.

In the lower left corner sit two wooden vats of approximately 100 gallon capacity. Nearby, maybe a stride away is a smaller version of the two. A stone table is next to the vats, situated against the left wall. Upon it are more of the containers found in the room to the south, with similar markings.

What appears to be a coffin stands upright in the upper left corner. It is closed.

Wooden shelves run along the upper wall, and two kegs rest beneath them midwall.

A more detailed description awaits, should you enter further. (Queue the Vincent Price laughter).

Weasel, ever precocious, enters the room and makes a beeline toward the table with the stoppered glass bottle. Although there is no cat this time, he seems enthralled by something within...

Kullonar eases into the room behind Weasel, weapon in one hand, holy symbol in the other. "Careful my friends. This is a dark and evil place."

Kullonar watches the corners of the chamber while making his way toward the coffin.

Bruno moves forward in his place attempting to use his lantern to give the best light and view of the room. Otherwise he stands nervous, but ready.

With no enemy to attack Uthecar stands unsettled, axe ready.  The room didn't hold anything of immediate interest to him, so he waited for his companions to check it out.  Of anyone he followed Weasel's movements most.

"Well. Shall we move on?"

A couple of pms:

To his eyes Bruno's light brings no significant answers.

When Myrrick asks his questions he shrugs, "I don't see much interesting in here, so I suppose that there is little point in mucking about here."

Myrrick points out the tracks, "Maybe that ghast, but something has moved back and forth between these rooms, doesn't seem a pattern though. Close them up, and move on, I say."

"Hold up a minute or two.  Don't be getting your britches in a wad." Zan looked over to Ginger, "You mind helping Weasel look around.  That way we can search the room much faster"  He started making quick work of checking out things in the room.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:45, Wed 13 Sept 2017.

Holding his holy symbol in front of him, Kullonar opens the coffin...

Uthecar moves to a position where he is able to beat the life out of anything that might try to come out of the coffin.

OOC: Sorry, I seemed to have missed the reference to the coffin in the Seer's post. duh.

I'm adjusting my previous post with this one.

Bruno had been so distracted by the cauldron and fire pit that he had missed the coffin and made his previous comment.

When Kullonar moves forward with his holy symbol he realizes his gaff and moves up behind him with his own holy symbol ready in the hand attached to the arm his shield is on and his hammer ready.

Kullonar, followed by Bruno, approaches the coffin, both are supported by Uthecar. Myrrick follows tracks in varied patterns along the floor.

Suddenly, all in ready, Kullonar rips open the coffin. From within jumps an emaciated figure with glowing eyes that exudes the rank smell of death. It looks to be a bigger version of the last beastie you all tangled with.

Saving throws first to everyone within 20' of the coffin: Kullonar, Bruno and Uthecar.

Initiatives next.

Attacks next.

Suddenly a quavering voice that sounds suspiciously like Weasel calls out from behind, "Oh, shit!"


This message was last edited by the GM at 02:04, Mon 18 Sept 2017.

15:40, Today: Uthecar Hornskin II rolled 20 Sv paralyzation .

15:41, Today: Uthecar Hornskin II rolled 4 using 1d6.  Initiative.

15:42, Today: Uthecar Hornskin II rolled 18 using 1d20+4.  To hit.

15:42, Today: Uthecar Hornskin II rolled 9 using 1d8+7.  Damage.

Expecting the unexpected Uthecar actually handled the wave of undead stench issuing from the open coffin without a blink, swinging his axe up to slay the the creature bursting forth properly.

I should have clarified - save vs. poison - Uthecar saves regardless, rockin' the 20.
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:07, Mon 18 Sept 2017.

Given he is a dwarf he would also get a further +4 on that save.  Crushed it!

OOC:


07:48, Today: Bruno Rhunthane rolled 24 using 1d20+5.  Save vs. Paralyzation. (Poison)

07:50, Today: Bruno Rhunthane rolled 9 using 1d6+3 ((6)).

Action: Cast Protection From Evil on self

When the creature burst from the coffin Bruno steps back, but silver holy symbol of Moradin flashing in the dim lantern light he summons the protection of the Forger of Souls against this horrible, souless thing before them.

A moment after Weasel's shout comes the sound of breaking glass.

In the upper left corner, the skeletal figure has disentangled itself from the string and gathers a halberd that had been hidden from sight beneath a table. It's empty sockets fall upon Myrrick.

"Double-shit!" he cries in further alarm.

"Dammit Weasel..." Myrrick states as he lunges to action, sword slashing at the skeletal figure, "Zan, the shadow... do something!"



22:23, Today: Myrrick rolled 7 using 1d8.  hurt.

22:22, Today: Myrrick rolled 17 using 1d20+1.  hit.

22:22, Today: Myrrick rolled 8 using 1d6+2.  init.

Kullonar shouts in alarm and jumps back as the stinking undead leaps from the coffin. Choking down the bile, the priest of St. Cuthbert swings his morningstar, but misses the nimble creature.


11:06, Today: Kullonar rolled 7,5 using 1d20+1,2d4+1.  Morningstar attack.

11:05, Today: Kullonar rolled 4 using 1d6.  Initiative.

11:05, Today: Kullonar rolled 15 using 1d20+1.  Save vs. Poison.

"Working on it" Zan take a few quick steps backward readying his bow with a few arrows and lets them loose at the smokey bandit.  "Holy Mother of Pearl"

13:21, Today: Zan rolled 5,22,4,22,2 using d6+2,d20+4,1d6,d20+4,1d6.  init / attacks / damage.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:40, Tue 19 Sept 2017.

A symphony in 3 parts:
Part I

As Bruno calls for aid from Moradin, Kullonar takes a swipe at the ghast with his mace. He's game, for a priest, unfortunately the blow misses wide. Despite the stench, they both manage to fend off any ill affects.

Calling upon his ancestors, Uthecar charges forward into the fray, also unaffected by the stench (which compares favorably to his own stench after two days in armor) and nearly dancing with joy at the opportunity to split a skull. Leveling a blow at the undead beastie, he scores a fine hit, causing the creature to react with malice and intent.

Flexing fingers tipped with black, razor-like nails, the ghast counters, leaping forward with vicious quickness, swiping with both claws followed by a nasty bite at the end.

20:46, Today: The Seer rolled 3 using 1d4 with rolls of 3.  damage - 1x claw.
20:45, Today: The Seer rolled 27 using 3d20 with rolls of 18,6,3.  tho hit: claw, claw, bite

Two of the attacks glance harmlessly from Uthecar's armor, but the ghast manages to hit with a quick swipe with the tip of his claw for 3 points of damage.

Uthecar, please roll a saving throw against paralyzation this time. Good luck!