As the party enters the massive cavern the numbers of bats seem to increase. Furthermore, behaviour becomes erratic as they fly toward the light source and into the various party members without rhyme or reason. Your pace slows (10' per round) as your mauled by the flying rodents. You swat at them with weapons and anything else you might consider using, but to little effect. Tis a whirlwind of bats unlike anything you've seen before.

Worse, their maddened behavior hurts...a lot. You each take 1 HP of damage per round that the bats fly into you.

Everyone roll a saving through vs. paralyzation.

ooc: Welcome to the new chapter. :)

For my use:

Double - File
Uthecar/ Bruknar

Bruno /Kullonar

Gildan /Zan

Myrrick

Single-File

Uthecar

Bruno

Bruknar

Gildan

Kullonar

Zan

Myrrick
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:17, Tue 17 Mar 2020.

18:50, Today: Kullonar rolled 3 using 1d20+1.  Save vs. Paralyzation (10).
FML!

OOC: I believe I've got a lantern. I've also got one more Light spell, the first of which we had on a copper that we were tossing before us at one point, but that's probably gone now. Rather than having cast the second at this point, I'll have given the lantern to Uthecar since it makes better sense for somebody in the first row to bear it.


12:07, Today: Bruno Rhunthane rolled 19 using 1d20+5.  Paralysis.

Bruno sucks in his breath in surprise when the bats begin to whirl maniacally around them, but he holds the Elemental Shield of Moradin in front of helm, close to his body and manages the buffeting the stupid flying things cause. With this he is able to move through them even if their numbers do bruise him.

Gildan swats uselessly at the bats before suddenly stiffening and slumping to the ground.

OOC: 13:37, Today: Gildan Stalker rolled 3 using 1d20.  Save vs paralyzation.

Zan was caught holding his bow, he tried to cover as best he could.


18:17, Today: Zan rolled 2 using 1d20.  save.

I AM UTHECAR!!

Uthecar swipes his battle axe backwards and forwards, trying to beat and slice the bats out of the air but there are simply too many.  In no time he realises his actions are pointless and he moves to the side of the passageway instead, holding the blade of the axe sideways up close to his head to hide behind and offer some protection, as he holds his arm with the lantern out from his body.  He is shouting to the others though his words are lost amidst the noise of bats screeching and beating wings.  The lantern is swaying around in all directions as the bats bounce off it and fly about, throwing up crazy dark confusing shadows.

16:50, Today: Uthecar Hornskin II rolled 7 using 1d20.  Save vs paralyzation. FAIL

Bruno - Uthecar has the lantern you have the shield.

OOC:  Guys the Seer has been looking after Uthecar for just on a year, so I don't know why I don't see a magical battle axe added to my character sheet yet?  What's the story?  I know this is fantasy but a dwarf without a magical axe is pretty far fetched isn't it?

Seer I'm still back reading but thought to jump in at the start of this new chapter.  I hope you don't mind.  Looking forward to gaming here again.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:24, Sat 21 Mar 2020.

OOC: I think The Seer would have to confirm, but couldn't a hooded lantern be worn on one's belt/girdle and then used by hand if one wishes to actively use it, etc?

Or maybe I'm thinking in terms of 5E rules, etc? Whatever the case, we've got that between us and I've got one more Light spell in case we need it.


Great to have you back!

So far everyone fails their save except Bruno - waiting on Myrrick, I think?

Anyway, everyone who fails has to make another save, this time vs. Poison to avoid a deadly disease (rabies).

Because Bruno saved, he doesn't have to roll vs the disease.

07:26, Today: Uthecar Hornskin II rolled 11 using 1d20+4.  Rabies save FAILED.  Needed 14

22:00, Today: Myrrick rolled 9 using 1d20.  save against paralyzation. needed 13.

OOC: 09:56, Today: Gildan Stalker rolled 8 using 1d20 ((8)) Unless I have a +6 hiding somewhere I don't know about, Gildan is rabid.

Gildan lies on the ground, unable to stop the disease that is coursing through his blood. He can't smile at the moment but he wants to as he stares helplessly at the ceiling. The gods are just. They will see to it that I am reborn as an avenger. What predators eat bats? That is what I will be in the next life.

Everyone make an idea roll: you may recall and idea roll is each character's Int + Wis. You have to roll beneath that total to have an idea. Cleric's add +10 to their roll.

See how nice I am as DM.

;)

Is that one 4 sided die we roll then or do you want a percentage dice rolled?

4:12, Today: Uthecar Hornskin II rolled 25 using 1d100.  Give Uthecar idea.

Well what do you know, Uthecar almost had an idea that didn't include hitting something with his axe, but sadly his INT+WIS is 25 so his roll wasn't below that.

OOC:
11:36, Today: Bruno Rhunthane rolled 83 using 1d100.  Idea Roll.

INT + WIS + 10 = 39

OOC: 12:47, Today: Gildan Stalker rolled 57 using 1d100.  INT + WIS = 29.

I'll wait on the others to make their rolls. I knew this cavern was gonna be tough for y'all. We'll see how the rest of the rolls go...gotta love this game!

20:09, Today: Kullonar rolled 84 using 1d100+10.  Idea roll.

OOC I didn't pass my roll... it was a 94...

As if touched by the SoulForger, Bruknar shouts above the noise of the bats and cries out, "Keep moving for'ard, lads! Keep moving forward, don't stop til I tell ye!"

As sick as several of you are, you follow somehow in Bruknar's wake, stumbling and crying out with each strike made by the batty, well, bats. After what seems an eternity of swallowing bat quano and getting struck by the little critters, you come to a place of sudden calm. It is what appears to be a small shrine, one not located on the map, but big enough to hold the entire party. A wooden door with gilded fittings opens to you and seems to allow you egress. Once each of you is inside, you fall to the floor & into a deep, deep slumber.


Each of you pass into a dream state that is at once healing and curing. You've regained all yoru strength, gone are any illnesses. At last, your benefactor whispers to each of you, "Hell is coming. Be ready."

You wake refreshed, but aware of the warning given. It is sobering after the ordeal of the bat cave, followed by the boon of what surely was a greater power of some sort. Despite that, you each are also aware of some sort of boon that's been given, ostensibly by your benefactor. As you mull over the portents of the prior night's dreams, you make ready for the next step in your exploration.

DM Note: each of you awake with a new boon as indicated above. The appetizer is complete. Onto the main meal of this grisly feast.

Kullonar awakes from a dream of hearing the voice of his god...a dream he does not really wish to wake from.
Seeing his companions awake as well, he wonders if they too had such dreams while in this place.
"I feel right as rain," he says, looking around at his companions. "How about the rest of you? Did you...dream?"

Bruno comes to, sits up and takes a sip from his skin washing the various flavor out of his snore-dry mouth. When the half-orc speaks he shrugs, "I... Well, not really. The last thing I recall after being free of those damned bats, though, is the heat of the All Father's forge. A warm, soothing glow. A cleansing heat that has left me feeling far better than I did even before we were swarmed...

"And... I heard a voice. It may have been Hist. He warns of oncoming 'Hell'."

"Yah, the same. 'Hell is coming' is what my dream said. Wonder what that could mean?"

Uncertain how he escaped certain death, Gildan sits up and looks around, "Wha....? What?" then he turns to the others, "I believe we have come to our destiny, lads."

He looks around the room for a moment then pulls out his bow and begins to inspect it.

Zan had failed his poison save
13:14, Today: Zan rolled 15 using 1d20.  save vs poison.


Recovering, Zan looked at the back of his hand and moved it around as if it was in slow motion.  "Hell is coming, sound like a warning that we need to be more prepared."

"Did any of you experience anything more?  I know something new today that I didn't yesterday."

"That is the only message I received and... Well, I do not recall anything else from the time I was out."

He looks around the space they find themselves in attempting to figure out where they fled to.

Myrrick simply slid the gloves on, giving them a careful look as he did so. "I heard a voice, I can't describe it. But the message was the same. Hell is coming. We will face what we must. And yes, I too feel as good as I did the minute we entered this place."

OOC I gotta update my sheet lol.

Uthecar shakes his head looking at the axe in his hands frowning.  "The Soul Forger has reached out to me.". He gives the axe a few practice swings and seems happy with its motion, flicking his thumb across the blade to test its sharpness with a wry smile.  "I am ready for Hell.". The axe does not look the same as before, but what has happened is anyones guess.

If the upper level was filled with various feats of derring-do, the caverns below have offered a hint of the super-natural as the party tries to reconnect with the ongoing operation beneath the Rakers. Still, a sense of purpose fills their hearts as somehow, beyond hope, the party members stricken with disease find themselves hale and whole once again. Myrrick takes a quick peek beyond the chamber; infravision tells him that that bat cave is empty of the flying rodents. An old saying from his father comes to mind: Make hay whilst the making is good.

Whatcha gonna do?

OOC: I'm a bit confused about where we are... Are we still in #53 or did we move elsewhere in the bat-tornado?

Tentatively, Kullonar steps out into the bat cave. When (if?) nothing jumps out or flys at him, he turns to his companions and says, "Let's get out of here! Quickly now, before they return."

Uthecar quickly steps out after Kullonar, axe up and ready.

Bruno adjust his gear, loads his crossbow and replies to Kullonar, "As you say, though it seems we've got more than bats to be ready for. Let's form up, shall we, Brother of the Cudgel?

"We can't be too far from where we were swarmed."

OOC: Just noting that we're using the same marching order as before to save you having to ask, Seer!

In reply to Bruno Rhunthane (msg # 32):

Kullonar nods to Bruno. "Sounds like a good plan."
The nervous half-orc takes a couple of steps back.

"Not one to look a gift horse in the mouth, let's leave the crazy bats behind us." Zan will head out taking the lead to moving silently and checking for hazards as he went

Uthecar will wave Zan off.  "Trouble's coming, they know we're here, It's axe-work time."

OOC:  Uthecar is wearing non-magical plate, so for anyone in front of us to not hear us coming Zan will need to be at least 60 if not more feet before the dwarf.  Do you really want to be that far ahead?  Scouting is still a good idea for traps, but trying to move silently and expecting an advantage is probably redundant.  Just so you know and aren't caught unaware thinking you aren't heard Zan.

Thanks for keeping things organized!

The party moves out, standard marching order except Zan volunteers to act as scout. Uthecar offers up a suggestion to counter Zan. The party halts to discuss.

ooc: I'd like to get this interplay resolved. It feels important to me, philosophically.

"And I am about as quiet as a hog rooting for truffles. So, friend Zan, stay close...if something happens to you out in front of us, we may not arrive in time to save you."

Gildan simply stands with his bow ready, "Wherever we go brothers, that is where we are meant to be. No need to argue about destiny." Though he says nothing in support of him, he looks ready to follow Uthecar.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:03, Wed 08 Apr 2020.

"Good to scout for traps and such, but stay close and be ready.  You are silent we others are heard, there is little doubt in that."

In reply to The Seer (msg # 37):

Bruno sighs, "Uthecar, this tactic is one we've used since effectively since we entered Quesqueton both above and since we've entered the depths. You're beginning to sound like a grandfather.

"Shall we be moving?"

"First time we've heard trouble coming for us Brother, it suggests a change of tactics and grandfatherly caution wise."  He replies somewhat gruffly as he looks to Zan.  "He is unarmored and vulnerable whereas you speak from second ranks and behind dwarven armour.  My words stand, we were almost wiped out.  Now something is awake and unlikely to be taken by surprise.  We move, hell is coming for us."  Uthecar will begin to stomp forward as is his way, whether Zan stays out front or not.

Most everyone's had their say. Zan takes point, but only a short distance ahead (25'). Behind him, Uthecar stomps along like a pit bull off his leash. The rest of the party forms up in typical formation, two by two mostly.

Around you, the great cavern, now silent but for the party, offers mostly soft echoes of their passing. The place, so full of flying rodents what seems a moment ago, now seems empty. It is a vast space, stretching wide and open despite the lack of light. As you all walk, you come across normal denizens of the dark: small insectoid creatures praying one upon the other. Small fungi and mushrooms bloom on every slick surface. And the occasional skittering followed by a loud, sharp cry that indicates that the ecosystem is quite robust down here.

As for the group, you are left alone to your own devices. Zan halts, retreats to confer with the rest of the party.

Description: From right to left the cavern traverses some 180'. From top to bottom some 70'. You all are traveling left to right. Fortunately, you have no stinky humans who have no night vision skills. Stupid humans. That said, it's seems an interminable trek across the cavern, taking nearly a full hour to complete. As you draw near the end of the cavern you all note a couple of areas of interest.

1. At the far left, in the lower left corner of the cavern is a series of warrens.
2. Leading to the left above the warrens is an unformed corridor, similar to all the passages you've traversed so far.

What would you like to do?
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:35, Wed 08 Apr 2020.

OOC: I'm assuming that we note option #1 (the lower left) before #2. If that's wrong and correct info would change what I post below, let me know and I'll edit.

When Zan reports what he has seen Bruno says, "Let's avoid the 'warrens' for now. If something lives in them we're likely to get dragged into deep, erm, doo-doo, and given what we've seen so far it's unlikely anything useful is there.

"Instead, let's investigate the corridor and we'll come back to the warrens if we need to. This may even lead back the way we came. Even if it doesn't, at least we'll be in more familiar territory."

Myrrick nodded at Bruno's suggestion, "Agreed, but we should also be wary of being caught between anything down the corridor and something coming from the warrens."

OOC working from home Friday, will work on getting sheet updated as well. Hospital has been hectic last few weeks. not that I was caught up before that lol

Uthecar turns ready to proceed into the corridor, waiting for everyone to be ready.

ooc: to clarify: Bruno, you'll note the warrens first because it's a much bigger area than the passageway. However, as you all look around, a couple of you note that there seems to be a recess that leads into the wall, which is familiar to you (kind of like a concealed portal). With all the bonuses for elves and dwarves, I'm pretty sure you all take note.

Also, go ahead and look at the cavern map. Don't metagame, but use it to get a sense of space and where things are.

This is an important moment. Take time to plan accordingly (that includes you Uthecar!) I'm not going to be so leniant if you guys go charging in piecemeal.

Good luck. We are finally near the end of Quesqueton!!!

OOC: I'm actually uncertain what room we're in right now, so even if I wanted to I couldn't metagame! ;)

(Is it room #55?)

Are you saying that the recess that might be a concealed portal if we investigate with our Elf and dwarf eyes is the same or different from 'unformed corridor' we've noted in this room in addition to the 'warrens'?

OOC:  To me it seems like we are in cavern #53 as the points The Seer made below seem to match up to that cavern.

1. At the far left, in the lower left corner of the cavern is a series of warrens.
2. Leading to the left above the warrens is an unformed corridor, similar to all the passages you've traversed so far.

The cave with the various filled in spots on the map would make it warren like but the uniform corridor made in point '2.' above looks to be the one shown on the map as having a secret or concealed door at both ends.  I think this is seen by us at our end as ' a recess that leads into the wall'  Investigation will probably allow us to discover the corridor that leads to cavern #55.


Uthecar plans to fight, most other sorts of planning are against his nature, though bravely charging into battle, and conquering would be his bag.

Uthecar has it right. Area 53 heading right to left. Warrens below (on the map), concealed passage up and to the left of the warrens by some 40ish feet. Hope that helps.

Having spoken Bruno catches a glimpse of some something, "Wait...."

Turning back in the direction of the warrens he points past them, "Perhaps I misspeak. Do you see that location -- the recess in the cavern wall there?

"I'm still leary of those warrens, but there is something about that recess is peculiar. I'll buy the first round if I'm wrong to change my mind here, but let's investigate and confirm that it is not of note. Let us keep an eye on those warrens, though, so as not to be surprised by a swarm of giant mosquitoes or worse given what we've seen so far."

"Check the wall," Uthecar nods with his head as he turns to face the warrens watching for anything that might emerge.

As Bruno makes a quick inspection he does indeed find a somewhat narrow passage up and left of the warrens. Other than Uthecar who stands before the warrens, everyone seems to agree that there's a concealed passage.

For Uthecar's part, he can hear skittering and squeaks, but nothing seems to want to leave the lair to investigate.

After further discussion, they wave Uthecar over and said, "Concealed portal, doesn't appear to be any traps (if anyone wants to roll to be sure, have at it. I won't be posting again for a couple days).

Bruno turns to Zan, "Why don't you take a look? You'll probably be better at figuring out how to open it than I."

Myrrick shrugs after a quick look at the newly discovered portal.


7:47, Today: Myrrick rolled 97 using 1d100.  find traps. this is a fail... wow.

Kullonar waits patiently while his companions figure this out.
He wonders how far down they are and considers asking...but then decides he doesn't want to know.

Uthecar wanders over to give the portal the once over.

Detect traps involving pits, falling blocks and other stonework
50% probability (d4, score 1-2 or d6, score 1-3)

21:29, Today: Uthecar Hornskin II rolled 1 using 1d6.  Detect traps 3 or lower.

Uthecar meanders back to the party, takes a look at the concealed portal, doesn't note any traps.

"There's nothing that's going to slide, fall or move there, so unless it's some sort of spring-loaded poison needle trap I can't see why we wouldn't open it. "  He looks to the others prepared to open the portal.  "Ready?

Bruno takes another look at the portal, "Whomever created this was clever enough I wouldn't put it past them to put in a more subtle trap.

"Let's let Zan have a go at finding something like that just to confirm."

OOC: I've dug through prior threads to confirm or deny my (admittedly lousy) memory, but I'm pretty sure that Zan is a MU/Thief. If I'm utterly wrong about this, mea culpa.

Given how long we've been together it seems rather unlikely that we wouldn't know each other's classes, so if it's the case that I'm wrong about Zan's Thiefliness then please read this post as:

"Okay, let's open the door!"

I'll edit it to say something like this later. :o

OOC I'm a ranger thief, I just suck at the die roller. Also, still have to go update my sheet soon. I know, I suck.

No worries...but except for a brief hiatus in DragonMount, you're probably not gonna have time to do paperwork.

ooc: If the characters haven't come out and said it, you all still have a pretty good idea of what skills you all possess.

-----

The party gathers in the passage, gets ready to open the concealed door.

I know the party order, but who's opening the door?

Uthecar is good at opening doors.

05:38, Today: Uthecar Hornskin II rolled 5 using 1d8.  open door 7 or less.

OOC: Check my bio...

Kullonar stands behind Uthecar as he opens the door, morningstar in hand.

Bruknar steps in front of Kullonar, mutters, "Pardon, yer grace. I'll watch Uthecar's back if you'll watch mine."

The passage runs down then to the left approximately 60' when both Uthecar and Broknar stop.

Broknar turns around, says to the rest of the party," another portal.

ooc: another concealed portal, closed and easily identified. Actions?

Uthecar opens the portal.

09:20, Today: Uthecar Hornskin II rolled 1 using 1d8.  Open door 7 or less.

Uthecar is successful, although the reward for success is somewhat dubious: a veritable horde of massive wolf spiders goes on the attack. They seem hungry for a reason.

Roll initiative & Attacks please.

There are 7 spiders.

20:09, Today: Bruno Rhunthane rolled 7 using 1d6+1 ((6)).


09:34, Today: Bruno Rhunthane rolled 4 using 1d4+1.  Heavy Crossbow Damage.

09:34, Today: Bruno Rhunthane rolled 21 using 1d20+1.  Heavy Crossbow Attack.

Erm... Wow! I couldn't have rolled much better than this on either roll. I can't recall how/if we're doing Critical Hits, so please adjust or whatever for me.


Bruno fires his crossbow at the awful spiders.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:36, Mon 20 Apr 2020.

Uthecar put a lot of effort into opening the door, and it resulted in a slow recovery as the spiders closed.

14:01, Today: Uthecar Hornskin II rolled 1 using 1d6.  Initiative.

04:53, Today: Uthecar Hornskin II rolled 19,14 using 1d20+6,1d8+10.  to hit and damage.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:53, Mon 20 Apr 2020.

Zan will search around.

Seeing the advancing spiders he fires off a few arrows.

17:07, Today: Zan rolled 6,13,6,24,6 using d6+2,d20+4,1d6,d20+4,1d6.  Arrows.

OOC: My bio, as well.

Gildan tries to find some room to fire in the corridor but his first shot is dubious.

OOC:
12:43, Today: Gildan Stalker rolled 4 using 1d6+2.  Damage on attack that rolled 20.
12:42, Today: Gildan Stalker rolled 7 using 1d6+2.  Damage on attack that rolled 10.
12:42, Today: Gildan Stalker rolled 20 using 1d20+7.
12:42, Today: Gildan Stalker rolled 10 using 1d20+7.
12:42, Today: Gildan Stalker rolled 5 using 1d6+4.  Initiative.

"Gah!" Kullonar gasps, recoiling a step...before smashing the shit out of a hairy arachnid!

14:31, Today: Kullonar rolled 7 using 2d4+1.  Dmg to Spider.
14:30, Today: Kullonar rolled 21 using 1d20+1.  Morningstar attack on spider.
14:30, Today: Kullonar rolled 5 using 1d6.  Initiative.

ooc: Dang, Kullonar, spider go crunch!

Post forthcoming in the next day or two. might even be today if I finish running proposals at a decent hour.

Thanks for your patience!

Bruno looses and a quarrel pierces the fearsome spider's center eye, then traverses the spider's body and exits on the back end. The beasty slumps dead.

Unfortunately, two of the beasties leap to attack the doughty cleric/fighter! Bruno's up to the task: the first spider bounces harmlessly from Bruno's breast plate. The second gives a better chase, but scrabbles helplessly against the dwarf's armor.

Zan looses two arrows, plays a bit of Gildan's tune as he scores two hits on the beastie heading his way. 'Woosh, then Whoosh again, the arrows fly true and another spider goes down!'

Heedless of their size, Kullonar steps forward and smashes another spider into pulp! (3 left).

Gilden puts an arrow in one of the remaining spiders eyes - ichor splatters, and another dies (2 left).

Uthecar is late to the party, but he attacked with extreme prejudice. Another spider goes down in a spray of ichor.

The last spider attacks Bruknar to no avail. Swarmed by the party, it falls dead to the ground.

Panting, you look around at each other, your grins wide as you just faced down giant brown recluse spiders. Before you, the passage waits, though there is a large swath of cottony webbing that covers much of the end of the passage.

Everyone make a wisdom check, please! Score below your wisdom

OOC:
11:36, Today: Bruno Rhunthane rolled 16 using 1d20.  Wisdom Check.

If I've screwed up and this ought to have been a d100 roll, mea culpa! I'll reroll...

If not, success!

The relief and joy Bruno felt when his bolt flew so true was delayed by the immediate attack of two of the remaining. Lucky for him, though, the terror he should have felt was delayed by the need to defend himself and the quick death they were dealt by his comrades.

He whispers a prayer of thanksgiving to the Soul Forger and takes a deep breath, "Well, done and thank you my friends!"

Uthecar wipes his axe blade on one of the death hairy bodies echoing Brunos words of praise to Moradin. "Praise to the Soul Forger."

06:49, Today: Uthecar Hornskin II rolled 16 using 1d20.  Wisdom is 14 so FAILED

Myrrick nodded, his friends were formidable indeed. He stared blankly at the webbing...

21:32, Today: Myrrick rolled 20 using 1d20.  WIS check.
This is annoying...

A couple of you have insight: Bruno was first to note a small recess in the passage covered in haphazard strands of web. Within, there seems to be a small silver box with a clasp in the closed position.

"Careful there, friend Dwarf! Might have spidery poison on it."
Kullonar says, shaking the ichor off his morningstar.

OOC: Sorry, successfully made my roll but forgot to post it.

Gildan, having also noticed the box, says "Perhaps we should prod it with something and make sure it's not trapped?"

Bruno puts down his crossbow, draws his sword and clears away the webs and nodding in response to Kullonar and Gilden looks towards Myrrick and Zan, "Perhaps one of you would like to take a look?"

He then turns back and looks the box over in light of his lantern looking to see if he can see signs of poison or other stuff on it.

Uthecar continues to watch head whilst the others deal to the box.

Myrrick cracks his knuckels and examines the box and clasp.


10:21, Today: Myrrick rolled 23 using 1d100.  trap finding/removing.
PASS finally.

ooc: Blind squirrel finds the nut...

The box in itself is worthy: 90gp value

Stuffed inside the box is a small bag...within the bag are four gems of blue color (sapphires x4 worth 100g each).

After the discovery of the box and gems, you come to another another secret door that descends. The door is closed.

You also can continue to the left of the map where you've also discovered another secret/concealed door.

Which way would you like to go?

Bruno admires the box and gems and looks about the room, "It seems there is another door down there... Anything somebody tries to hide is more interesting to me than one they don't, eh?"

Clarification: You guys are in the tunnel where you fought the spiders. As you move left along the map, you find another concealed/secret portal that travels down, or you can stay on the current path heading left.

Uthecar agrees and will turn to head down the hidden passage once everyone is ready.

Gildan follows Uthecar, giving the dwarf plenty of space to navigate the narrow passage.

Kullonar follows Uthecar's lead farther down into the tunnels...

OOC: sorry guys, work be crazy.     Please assume that Zan will use his thief skills to help check out things as needed.

Zan will check the box for any hidden compartments as well as scouting ahead for the group so that we don't have to unnecessarily blunder into troubles that can be more easily avoided.  Checking for traps and things hidden.  He mumbled, "I'm so ready to be done with this place"

Zan is no doubt echoing what most of you feel, although the dwarves don't seem to mind much (HiHo, HiHo...).

Uthecar takes the lead, followed by Gildan & Bruknar, then the rest of the party in normal order. The passage snakes downward for about 70' in a gentle curl, then opens into a narrow cavern that runs approximately 15'x45'.

The cavern is unfinished. It has that moist smell to it that you've become familiar with during your sojourn in the dark. You note a few things as you peruse the surrounds:

There appear two large statues, one in upper portion of the cave, the other in the lower portion of the cave. They are human sized, but not human. They depict some sort of fiendish, or perhaps demonic figure, both with four arms instead of two, in each hand is a weapon. The statue at the entrance carries two short swords and two daggers. The statue at the top end wields a great sword two handed, and twin throwing axes. But they are only statues...

Other items of interest include:
A tapestry hanging on the wall that's covered in mold.
Twin coffers that sit beneath the tapestry; both are closed and appear to be locked.
Various coins and a few odd gems scattered about the floor of the cavern.
What appears to be a small vein of silver running through the wall across from the tapestry.

The dwarves seem particularly interested in the vein. Bruknar ambles over for a look...

What do the rest of you?

OOC: So, is this room #54 on the map? It's about 50' long and 10' wide? I'm basing my assumptions here on that room, so if anything I write doesn't actually make sense given those assumpions, mea culpa and I'll edit!


Taking in the cavern and the wealth of interesting things it contains Bruno decides this is a good place for his final Light spell. Since he has a lantern and the spell's radious is insufficient to light the entirety of the room from a single location he casts it upon the blades of Myrrick's halberd, "Here's a bit more light, eh? Let's you and me keep to either side of the party to better enlighten our investigation of this place.", he says to the elf.

He then follows Bruknar, but while he is certainly interested in ascertaining the mineral nature of the vein in the wall, he is even more focused upon the tapestry. He will stand across the room from it near the silvery vein and see if he can not make out what is upon it.

Likewise it is the vein of silver that most interests Uthecar initially, though he is content to see it gleam in the brilliance of the new light spell cast by Bruno rather than approach it for a closer look.

Given the additional light Uthecar moves to the statues, picking up a gleaming gem or two from the floor as he goes not being able to help himself.  Such little delights, he places them in a belt pocket almost absentmindedly.  Once he draws closer to the statues he inspects the stonework and detailing closer.  How life like does the work appear and where does he see the makers mark upon them?

Kullonar struggles a bit to take it all in.
And then he says, "Why would they leave coin just lying around on the floor?"
He walks around the trove, stooping to pick up and examine a gem or two.
Kullonar watches the statues and then looks to the tapestry and the coffers beneath. Standing, he wanders over to examine the coffers.

ooc: yes, 54 is where you're at. I apparently am having trouble conveying directions. Given that the passage isn't linear, rather it winds a bit, that adds several feet to the dimensions.

Myrrick will check the coffers for traps and try to unlock them.


OOC they are not just statues. who you tryin' to fool?

10:28, Today: Myrrick rolled 29 using 1d100.  open locks.
PASS
10:28, Today: Myrrick rolled 49 using 1d100.  open locks.
FAIL
10:28, Today: Myrrick rolled 20 using 1d100.  find traps.
PASS
10:28, Today: Myrrick rolled 58 using 1d100.  find traps.
FAIL

The coffers pop open without hurling poison or fire, happily for you. Inside are copper bits (half a copper piece each). There are perhaps a handful.

However, seperate from the coffers, you hear a grinding noise like stone on stone from both sides of the cavern. Those looking toward the entrance to the cavern see the statue with two short swords and two daggers step off the pedestal and start in your direction. The same occurs with the statue with the great sword and hand axes. They wear grim visages as they draw near.

Statues' initiative: 5

Party members roll your initiative/attack and damage rolls, please.

Side note: Statues are average human sized 5'10 or so.
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:30, Sun 10 May 2020.

06:30, Today: Uthecar Hornskin II rolled 6 using 1d6.  Initiative.  Man I'm glad Uthecar rolled that given my intended post.

Uthecar suspected something fishy with the statues hence the look for the makers mark.  As soon as he hears (if not beforehand) any sort of grinding noise or a flicker of movement he'd look to break/snap the weapons of the nearest statue, or preferrably if possible use his prodigious strength to topple it before it was rightly formed into a more fluid form.  In my minds eye he doesn't really have the bulk for a running charge to knock it over, so maybe grabbing a leg and using the strength of his own leg muscles to lift and topple the thing before it is fully aware of what the situation is that has automated it.

If that is not possible then he goes to strike with his battle axe.

Today: Uthecar Hornskin II rolled 8 to hit (doesn't even make the combat table)

Bruno gasps when he sees the statues move and he grabs his holy symbol and begins to ask for Moradin's blessing.



16:20, Today: Bruno Rhunthane rolled 3 using 1d6.  Initiative.

Casting Bless

+1 Attack, y'all!!!

"Cuthbert protect us!" Kullonar mutters upon seeing the statues come to life.

He takes up his morningstar and prepares to attack the first one that comes near him.

14:17, Today: Kullonar rolled 3 using 1d6.  Initiative.
14:17, Today: Kullonar rolled 15,5 using 1d20+1,2d4+1.  Attack on statue.

Bolstered by the bless spell, Gildan's fires two perfectly aimed arrows at the statues.

OOC: 15:33, Today: Gildan Stalker rolled 7 using 1d6+2.  Damage 2.
15:33, Today: Gildan Stalker rolled 4 using 1d6+2.  Damage 1.
15:33, Today: Gildan Stalker rolled 27 using 1d20+8.  Bow attack 2.
15:33, Today: Gildan Stalker rolled 21 using 1d20+8.  Bow attack 1.
15:33, Today: Gildan Stalker rolled 8 using 1d6+4.  Initiative.

Myrrick rolled his eyes, of course the statues were attacking them... what in this place wasn't attacking them. He moved to slash at the statue nearest him, trying to sever a leg with his magical halberd. If they weren't mobile, they weren't as big a threat.

22:21, Today: Myrrick rolled 11 using 1d10+4.  hurt.

22:21, Today: Myrrick rolled 10 using 1d20+3.  hit.

22:21, Today: Myrrick rolled 3 using 1d6+2.  init.

Round 1

Gildan looses twin arrows in less time than it takes to blink. Both missiles fly true, you note pieces of stone flecking off the statues, but they continue inexorably toward the party.

Uthecar has next initiative, but there were extenuating circumstances, so I'm going to allow him to review my thought, then he'll take his turn in normal order.

The statues converge from both sides. The one at the top of the cavern has two each, short swords and daggers and it swings all four weapons at Bruknar. It hit once, but that once landed sharply: Critical hit to Bruknar for 8 HP Damage

The second statue draws near, takes aim at Bruno as he chants a prayer for blessings from the Soul Father: The great sword does only glancing damage, but the hand axe bites into his arm. The pain is severe his spell is broken. Total of 6pts damage to Bruno

Bruknar shouts an ancient dwarven warcry and attacks with his hand axes: his first attack is clean, dealing 4 points damage to his foe. The second attack hits, but does not penetrate the stone of the statue.

Kullonar brings the pain with his morning star - a weapon worthy of a half orc priest - and scores and additional 5 points damage against the statue with the great sword.

Myrrick, who was below the tapestry checking on the coffers, sneezes loudly, then attacks the statue with the big sword. Despite his best effort, his strike glances off the statue with no apparent damage.

As the statue with the great sword parries Myrrick, Zan sneaks behind him for a backstab attempt: the sword clangs against the statue and rebounds, reverberating up and down Zan's arm so that he rethinks his tactics for the next round.

Round 2 begins

Reminder: NO BLESS BONUS

ooc - will wait for Uthecar, as mentioned above.
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:32, Fri 15 May 2020.

In reply to The Seer (msg # 105):

OOC: I don't recall 'broken spells' from AD&D, but if this is a House Rule it makes sense. Is a broken spell lost or may it be recast in a future round?

Myrrick swings again, with redoubled efforts, seeing his friends take damage and unsure exactly how long it would take to dispatch the statues.

21:56, Today: Myrrick rolled 11 using 1d10+4.  hurt.

21:55, Today: Myrrick rolled 19 using 1d20+3.  hit.

Bruno is pushed back by the attack as he was not expecting the statue to be so quick. He recovers, drawing his sword and attacks. As he swings he also shrugs his shield off his shoulder and doing so throws off his swing.


Wow... It's gonna be one of those combats!

22:52, Today: Bruno Rhunthane rolled 8 using 1d20+4.  Short Sword Attack.

I might be a little out of place, in my own mind Uthecar was up inspecting the statues as they began to animate, but they might have begun moving pryer to him getting close.  He will look to grapple one to the ground wrapping his arms about the legs and using gravity to work to our advantage.

Uthecar leads off the party's initiative. Go ahead and state your action and I'll slot it in there and edit accordingly.

With his arm still stinging from his attack attempt, "Just great, they are impervious to normal weapons."

"How about we change the playing field" He quickly got out some rope and started wrapping it around the statue's legs in an attempt to entangle and trip it up.  When he had enough he started pulling the rope tight.

Noting his success, Kullonar attacks the statue again, but this time his swing is not as effective.
10:22, Today: Kullonar rolled 9,5 using 1d20+1,2d4+1.  Morningstar vs. statue.

I'm not sure if you were looking for a to hit roll from me Seer for Uthecar's action of trying to grab the statues leg to topple it, but I did one unused in post #100 getting an 8 which doesn't even make the combat table. 

If possible seeing Zan pull out the rope he'll look to grab an end to assist and to pull with gusto.

Uthecar's 1st attempt to grapple fails (based upon your to hit roll to start the last round).

We are now in the second round, so you attack again.

Hoping that the magic from his new bow will translate to arrows that can sustain magical damage, Gildan fires twice more.

OOC: 13:10, Today: Gildan Stalker rolled 4 using 1d6+2.  Damage 2.
13:10, Today: Gildan Stalker rolled 7 using 1d6+2.  Damage 1.
13:09, Today: Gildan Stalker rolled 13 using 1d20+7.  Bow attack 2.
13:09, Today: Gildan Stalker rolled 14 using 1d20+7.  Bow attack 1.

Uthecar again tries to come to terms with the creations legs and bundle them up to use the statues own weight as it falls to do what he believe will be more damage than his axe against stone.

05:11, Today: Uthecar Hornskin II rolled 13 to hit (AC7) using 1d20+4 to tackle.
 STR bonus only used no DEX modifier and no AC modifier.

I've gone and ignored helping Zan with the rope.  Sorry my oversight, but I'll let this action stand for now. 
This message was last edited by the player at 18:24, Tue 19 May 2020.

OOC: Seer, may a Shield be used as a weapon? Even if it means that it may not be used in the same round for defense, it would give me a magical blunt weapon...

If this would work, what would the damage die be?

The Statues take their turn: the first with swords and daggers follows up his attack with another devastating attack on Bruknar for an additional 12points of damage

Bruknar falls to the floor unconscious.

The Second statue: great sword and hand axes, attacks Bruno again

Bruno knows no fear! He steps inside the constructs weapons - all three swings miss: strike one, strike two, strike three.

Next in line: Bruno, Kullonar, Myrrick and Zan.

OOC: talk about your blind luck
23:38, Today: Zan rolled 5,22 using d6+2,d20+2.  hog tied.

With the statues focused on the Dwarves, Zan looped a rope around the legs of the statue and pulled the rope tight.

As Bruno is preparing for another thrust of his blade he catches the fall of Bruknar and notes something, "When their opponant falls they STOP! EVERYONE focus your attacks on MINE!!!"

And with that he thrusts his short sword again at the statue in front of him.


21:55, Today: Bruno Rhunthane rolled 8 using 1d6+7.  Short Sword Damage.

21:55, Today: Bruno Rhunthane rolled 11 using 1d20+4.  Short Sword Attack.

Round 2: Conclusion

Gildan keeps firing, but finds that despite his quick hands with a bow, there doesn't seem to be any effect upon the statue. DM Note: I have Gildan located toward the upper part of the chamber.

Uthecar attempts a to grapple the statue that was originally situated at the entrance of the cavern (2 daggers/2short swords). His effort fails. DM Note: Uthecar started melee near the top of the cavern, but has moved 'down' in his two rounds of action to behind Bruno.

Statues: The dagger/short sword statue attacks Bruknar. Two strikes hit, a dagger and a short sword, including a critical roll that caused a total of 18 points of damage (total from the first round was 6pts of damage). DM Note: Bruknar falls.

DM Note: Bruknar never moved far from the silver vein. He fell near Bruno.

The second Statue (the one in the lower portion of the cavern) completely whiffed with Great sword and hand axes. DM Note: This statue has moved up the passage next to Myrrick and Zan.

Kullonar swings and misses with his morning star. DM Note: I have Kullonar near the left wall, some 10' from the tapestry, across from Bruno, above Zan.


Bruno gives a good solid swing against the statue that felled Bruknar, but it doesn't seem to do any damage. DM Note: Bruno is about 6' from the vein. He was standing behind Bruknar when the statues began their attack.


Myrrick attacks the statue with the great sword and axes. His strike is true, one of the hand axes is sheared off, and lands with a heavy thump further down the corridor. NICE! DM Note: Myrrick is along the left wall near Zan, below the tapestry.

As Myrrick goes vorpal on the statue, Zan sneaks around the combatants and loops a rope around both shoulders. It appears that this statue cannot attack with his great sword. DM Note: Natty 20s trump all. Nicely done, Zan. You'll have plenty of stories for your lady friend when you get back to civilization. The statue will have to roll a successful save to disentangle - he failed on his first try.
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:42, Wed 20 May 2020.

DM Note - RE: Round two. Everyone got an attack. This is a fairly narrow cavern, but there's enough room for all to move back and forth in your attacks. It is like a game of tag, if you will. If you don't move, you'll be 'it'.

I bring this up because you might not think you're at the spot I put you, but from my perspective, and keeping track of party order and statues, I kind of see how this combat is playing out.

That said, if you have suggestions that would improve your gaming experience, let me know.

His own focus broken by his shouted warning, Bruno's sword does not penetrate the statue.

The third time had better be the charm! he thinks to himself as he thrusts again.

OCC:
13:49, Today: Bruno Rhunthane rolled 15 using 1d20+4.  Short Sword Attack.
13:49, Today: Bruno Rhunthane rolled 10 using 1d6+7.  Short Sword Damage.

Round 3
Initiative order:
Gildan
Uthecar
Statues
Kullonar
Bruno
Myrrick
Zan

Note:
Kullonar, Bruno and Myrrick have the same initiative.

Myrrick, happy to see his attack effective, slashes again, slicig through the air, trying to decapitate the statue... if it has need of it's head.

21:39, Today: Myrrick rolled 6 using 1d10+4.  hurt.

21:39, Today: Myrrick rolled 23 using 1d20+3.  hit.
natty 20!!!!

Hoping his sword is more effective, Gildan will move in until he is within attacking reach of a statue and attack.

OOC:
18:23, Today: Gildan Stalker rolled 5 using 1d8+1.  Damage.
18:22, Today: Gildan Stalker rolled 19 using 1d20+1.  Sword attack.

Hearing Bruno's call, Kullonar lurches into movement...and finds himself off balance as he attacks...
23:22, Today: Kullonar rolled 3,6 using 1d20+1,2d4+1.  Morningstar attack on statue.

OOC:  I'm having a hard time picturing this battle I must admit.  Is Uthecar near the statue Zan tangled or attacking the other one?

Uthecar: The other one. You went to look at the vein of silver, then made your way up toward the entrance and the statue with swords & daggers. You were going to try to topple it.

ooc: I don't know if I was clear the statues aren't living they are constructs of a sort, carytid columns without the columns. They are made of stone, can move at a dwarf's pace (60'). They have a specific magical 'program' if you will. And the party can now tell that they focus solely on the opponent they currently are battling until that opponent is either unconscious or dead, given Bruno's warning shout.

OCC:  Sorry missed the warning shout post completely.  Never saw it until you just mentioned it Seer.

Axe in hand Uthecar hurries to respond moving to Bruno's statue if he isn't already there.

06:43, Today: Uthecar Hornskin II rolled 24,12 using 1d20+6,1d8+10.  to hit and damage .

Round 3 Conclusion

Gildan strikes true with his sword, lands a blow for 5pts damage.

Uthecar does the same, swings the axe with burly might and scores a successful blow against the stony construct.

Between Gildan and Uthecar, the damage to the statue is enough so that it falls and crumbles to the ground, all that's left is rock dust.

The other statue breaks free of the rope. It will have a turn next round.

As Kullonar whiffs, Bruno charges the lower statue and scores a hit. Myrrick, next to him also scores a telling blow - between them both, the foe vanquished!

Left with nothing to do, Zan looks about.

ooc: Nice job keeping your poise. Sadly, Bruknar fell in battle and has left this world for the halls of his fathers.

ooc2: Everyone played a role in this battle. They were a tough opponent. You'll see more of that in the next part adventure...but I'm getting ahead of myself.

What are you guys going to do?

Zan was visibly saddened by the loss of Bruknar.  He glanced over to the other dwarven members not having any words of comfort.

The realization that Bruknar is beyond help darkens the exaltation Bruno felt when the battle turned out to be much easier than it was going to be. He had gone to his knees next to the warrior preparing to cast a spell of curing, but with the realization that it would be for naught he leans back on his heels, "Go to the Soul Forger, cousin. You have earned this rest!"

He says a funereal prayer in Dwarven and rises, "Well fought, comrades. We've done Bruknar's warrior spirit well by finishing this battlefor him. Does anyone need healing?"

ooc: along with Bruknar, Bruno took 6pts of damage in the first round. That was it.