After equipping the unexpected guests with the weapons and knowledge to clear the mine of the basilisks once and for all, the mysterious creature of Law slithers back into its radiant cavern and returns to its peaceful contemplation.

The party continues spiraling downward, following the rails of that deadly machine that murdered your companions.

They find another staging area. Judging from the shattered rocks on the tracks, the kobolds must have had the machine's furnace running as a fireplace, and were taken off guard when the switched rail sent the machine and the entire tribe barreling upwards towards their doom.

There are chunks of statuary scattered about everywhere; of animals, humanoids, and probably gnomes. There's one statue still intact, however. The kobolds seem to have put it to good use, as its covered with snake skins, crab-spider shells, and rat pelts being left to dry.

After doing the unsavory work of removing the litter, the party realizes that this statue is that of a human. The lack of armor, the sole dagger at the belt, the slung backpack almost certainly laden with a spellbook within; add to that the open mouthed frozen pose of horror on his face, all sure signs that is an adventurer who stumbled up onto the wrong end of a basilisk.

Brodd follows the Entity's directions on how to do the antidote and gives it to the adventurer as instructed.

Brother Brodd takes one of the two bottles of oil of depetrification, and takes a rag and begins coating the statue with the blue and glittery compound, just like when he was assigned to clean devotional statues back at the Solar Temple.

Soon there's a crackling sound, and in a puff of years and dust and grime the statue jerks into life, fabric and skin taking natural hues as frozen thoughts play out.

"LOOK AWAY! LOOK AWAY!"

He turns to run, only to find himself surrounded by an entirely different set of companions. Confusion sets in on his face.

"Wait...who the blazes are you people?!"

"We are not your original companions, but we are friends. I am Brother Brodd. You've been petrified by basilisks for many years."

((This is me, right?))

OOC - YUP, you're up!

The fact that they were now moving, putting one foot in front of another, seemed to lift the spirits of the surly old cleric a notch or two. He grumbled less at Chomper and his attitude toward the others, while certainly not warm by any means, was at least more tolerable than it had been while little progress was being made. As a devout of the Wandering God, walking was an act of worship if, in the doing, the steps lead to further exploration and discovery.

"I guess the worm-lady wasn't lying." His response to the near miraculous de-stoning of the mage.

"We're hoping to avoid your fate spell-slinger." Regdoc said to the bewildered bewitcher.

"Brother Brodd, did you get an extra crystal for this lad?"

Brodd hands a reflective crystal to their new friend, "It reflects the basilisks gaze back upon itself."

Leohart took the crystal and turned it over in his dextrous hands. "Basilisks...basilisks...yes..." Leohart said, straining to use his voice for lack of practice. "My companions - where are they? Are they here?"

Regdoc nodded grimly. "Yes, I believe so. Some are over there. And others are over there. And some of them are a little bit everywhere. How many were you?"

Chomper sniffed at some of the discarded rat hides, finding one to his liking he began tearing at it.

"If they are, they are long gone. You were the only statue revivable. The others lie broken."

Leohart's knees buckled and he dropped the crystal. He fell down on one knee and clutched a rock on the floor. A part of one of his fallen friends, or just a rock?

"There were...five of us. Four others. We thought, in our hubris, that with a stealthy approach we could catch the basilisks unawares. Such...such fools!"

It took a moment for him to compose himself and stand back up. "What day is it? What year is it?"

[The Entity told Pock that he was frozen when the gnomish mine was overrun 73 years ago, so it's up to Leohart's player, but I'd go with several decades...]

"...Thirty-six years?" Leohart blurted out loudly. "Madness! It cannot be! You...you must be lying!"

Leohart, losing it, produced a wand from the folds of his robes.

"No, he's telling the truth. There are a great number of things Brother Brodd is not very good at, and lying is one of them, near the top of the list I'd say."

Chomper added his confirmation with a low Woof!

Either or both were probably complimentary.

Dwarghar tucks the crystal in his pocket and follows the others. As they go he asks. Did our friend up there give anything else or other info besides these crystals?

When they find the man statue.
What were you doing here when the creature turned you to stone?

"A warhammer, a sword, a potion of underwater breathing and the salve to remove petrification."

Amalrik looks at the crystal, then laces it in a pouch. Ready for grabbing and use.

The calm reactions from the strangers around him kept Leohart from doing something hasty. He lowered the wand.

"We...we had come to kill the basilisks, if we could...or loot their treasure and run if we could not.

"What are your intentions? Are you trying to escape this nightmare realm, or attempting the same folly my comrades and I attempted...?"

Since no one answered immediately, Leohart stooped down and picked up the crystal he had dropped.

Einhard looks toward the newly found mage. "We are looking for a way out so we can rescue my nice, the Baron's daughter. The only reason we even came in here was because of some avalanche and a pissed off manticore." He moved toward the mage and placed a firm hand on his shoulder. "You're friends are gone, and for that I am sorry. But you've got a chance to avenge them. Join us in defeating these basilisk and finding the exit."

"Wait...now there's basilisks and a manticore? The manticore is new..."

Leohart swallowed hard, but nodded. "Not without a thousand soldiers have we a chance against the basilisks...but I will help you find the way out, and your niece too, if I am able. What ways out have you tried already? It's been a long time and I'm all turned around right now..."

"The manticore is outside, back that way." Einhard pointed from the direction they came. "The entrance has collapsed, so forward is the only option. These shards can be used like mirrors to reflect the basilisk gaze back. The weapons given to us will work against the gargoyles. And apparently the mechanism to open the exit ahead of us is submersed under water... hence the water breathing potion." The knight shrugged. "If we survive all that, then I suppose we have a shot at rescuing my niece. The choice is yours if you wish to see some real adventure or die of starvation in this god forsaken mine."

"Gargoyles too??" Leohart gasped. He couldn't say anything after that; his breath had been taken away from him at the ghastly state of their situation.

He was, however, now prepared to follow these strangers for his own protection.

((Okay, DM, you can move us forward now.))

Regdoc yawned a bit, his joints popping as he stretched. "Yes, and probably even more than all of that! You wouldn't believe what's befallen us before this! It's almost as if the Wandering One has led us down a Winding Path, one which will test our soles as well as our souls, strengthen legs in preparation for some final hill. Manticores, basilisks, gargoyles and no doubt a feisty clutch of lava-hens at some point. No, this is by no means going to be easy..."

"Not to mention vermin, lice and sinister smells..." Regdoc added for Chomper's benefit.

Dwarghar stares in awe as the statue turns flesh. Amazed he listens to the story. Then they begin to discuss the manticore and going forward and he almost thinks about his rotten situation and the futility of being here.

I know what you’re thinking Rocky, it can’t get any worse right? Just wait, I think that every so often.

Then he decides to look around. Hmmm if this was where they were living, maybe they left something useful.

He searches the area half hoping to come across some Dwarven mail.
log  21:54, Today: Dwarghar Stoneblood rolled 6 using 1d6.  Search.

Brodd searches among the statuary for anything useful.

There appears to be a cairn of unfortunately shaped stones off to the side, by the edge of the cavern furthest from the track's ledge. It would be a macabre sight indeed if it weren't currently statuary.

Brodd investigates the cairn, carefully uncovering it to see what is buried, knowing it is not flesh.

After some reshuffling of rocks, lo and behold you find an iron chest underneath. Locked, of course.

"Well what have we here? Lockpicker or lock breaker needed I believe."

Just as Brother Brodd mentions the lock, there's a crashing sound up above of metal and rock, and a sound you already know too well...of falling rocks! Surely not or the magnitude of the disaster outside, but with the echoes of the cavern, just as thunderous nonetheless.

[Save vs. Petrification, everyone!]

10:25, Today: Brother Brodd rolled 14 using 1d20. save vs. petrification. modifiers unknown.

If he survives, Brodd draws the crystal and puts it between his eyes and the opponent!
This message was last edited by the player at 14:28, Tue 15 Oct 2019.

You're a bit too busy dodging large rocks and the tumbling minecart they spilled out of to stare up at the source of the hazard.

((10:18, Today: Leohart rolled 10 using 1d20.  save vs. petrification.))

Caught completely off-guard...

hehehehehehe

"Oww!"

---

11:33, Today: Einhard rolled 7 using 1d20.  Save vs Petrify.

11:53, Today: DM rolled 3,2 using d4,d4.  rock damage for Leohart and Einhard.

The wizard is unable to dodge the rubble and gets an impact to the shoulder.

The knight fails to keep his shield high enough and a rock bounces loudly off his helmet.

C L A N G G G

"Be careful what you-!" The oldster started to say, but was cut off by noise and dust and pain.

Saving Throw: Regdoc rolled 7 Fail.

13:55, Today: DM rolled 3 using 1d4.  rock damage to Regdoc.

[I need you to roll for Chomper too, Regdoc. Also: Einhard, roll for your steed, and Brodd, roll for the mule]

Having worked in a mine for decades, Pock makes nimbly dodging falling rocks look like a folk dance.

"Whew! That was cl--"

13:59, Today: DM, on behalf of Pock Oneshoe, rolled 1,8 using d20,d8 ((1,8)).

But sadly, the gnome interrupted his dance moves just long enough for a spinning minecart to slam into him, leaving his boots behind and his weapon falling on top of them as he tumbles down the mineshaft with a terrible crash.

Chomper seemed to have been caught unawares as well, probably enjoying the scritches Regdoc was giving him when the old man thought no one was looking...

Saving Throw: Chomper rolled 7

14:07, Today: DM rolled 3 using 1d4.  big rock, do not fetch.

OOC: Does weapon = wand given by entity?

In reply to Einhard (msg # 44):

OOC: yes

log  12:41, Today: Dwarghar Stoneblood rolled 7 using 1d20.  Save vs petrify

Avoiding whatever calamity unknown to Dwarghar he pulls his hammer in one hand and holds the crystal up to his eyes with the other - he looks around for a source of danger.

15:59, Today: DM rolled 1 using 1d4 ((1)).

A smaller rock bounces off the cave floor and slaps him in the chest.

"Rocks! By the Tattered Hem of He Who Ever Walks!" Regdoc swore as he began trying to pull himself out of the rubble. Chomper had also taken a nasty hit from the rocks, but the faithful hound began pulling at the old man's collar to drag him free.

The cleric breathed heavily, wheezing a bit. He rubbed at several places where the falling rocks had caused deep bruises. "Are you sure that... Entity, didn't have a shield? Did you even ask?" This was directed at pretty much everyone as if his broken shield back at the vineyard was somehow their fault and responsibility to replace.

Leohart looked around to make sure they weren't all dead. Then he painfully heaved himself up off the floor, checking to see how many places he was bleeding from, from all that abrasion damage. He limped away from where the rocks had fallen to whatever corner of the cave looked most stable -- or towards an exit tunnel, if there was one.

Dwarghar goes to investigate the gnome calling out to him in Gnomish and picking up whatever he dropped.

Pock! Are you okay? He calls kicking the minecart out of the way. He stuffs whatever was dropped in his belt and picks his hammer up again as he goes to the shaft looking for the poor gnome.

Amalrik quickly looks to the floor as he dances about ...

19:46, Today: Amalrik rolled 21 using 1d20+1.  Amalrik, save vs Petrif.

He fumbles to pull out his crystal just case ...

Pock, along with the minecart, has fallen into the darkness.

An angry but squeaky voice shouts out from above, in Common.

"HEY! HEY YOU GUYS DOWN DERE! LEAVE DA BOX! OR YA GET MORE ROCKS!"

"Hey, that rhymed, Phil!"

"SHHH!"

"OW!"

"I said SHHH!"

"Okay I'm shushing I'm shushing!!"

Brodd puts away his crystal, "Kobolds!"

09:22, Today: Brother Brodd's mule rolled 14 using 1d20. reflex save. 18 if I get +4 for having four legs. -4 for size on getting hit though, just not falling.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:40, Wed 16 Oct 2019.

With a valiant braying, the mule kicks an errant block out of the way.

12:52, Today: Einhard rolled 5 using 1d20 ((5)). Horse Save vs Petrify

13:06, Today: DM rolled 1 using 1d4.  rock beats horse.

The horse gets a minor gash on its left haunch but is otherwise unharmed.

Dwarghar looks around. He makes his way to the side of where they can attack and looks for a way to get back at the enemy.

So are the Kobolds visible? - are the rocks coming from holes or containers in the ceiling or what? They must have a finite attack range or number depending on how they are deployed.

Dwarghar peers up the steep slope of the mineshaft's spiraling trails and switchbacks, but the torches the humans carry prevent your darkvision from finding the source of the threats above.

((09:27, Today: Creston Fairwood rolled 6 using 1d20 ((6)).))

12:51, Today: DM rolled 1 using 1d4.  rock hits Creston.

Creston gets a minor scrape.

"Where's Yagi when we need her?" Regdoc lamented.

Regdoc motioned to Chomper and backed up against the chamber wall in order to be out of the dangerous zone where more rocks could be pushed down on top of them.

"We don't want your box, we're trying to get through the caverns! Can you show us the way?" Called the cleric.

So I think we are in a pit and tracks lead up a spiral the way we came and up switchbacks on the other side.  the way these guys are dropping rocks.
Dwarghar grabs the box and goes back up the spiral from whence they came to get out of the rock throwing area.

Brodd leads daisy up and out of the area, "Let them keep the box!"

It's very heavy. More of a two-person job. As you strain to lift it from where it's nestled in the rocks the voices scream down louder.

"HEY! WHAT DID WE TELL YOU! YOU NO SPEAK COMMON?"

"Show you the way? Nah it's easy! Keep heading down and turn right at the basilisk!"

"What do we do? We have to see them to kill them. They're like lice!"

"What do we do? We flee!" Leohart shouted hoarsely, limping along behind Dwarghar, who seemed to know the way out.

((If 1-3 kobolds block them from escaping, Leohart uses his wand. If 4+ kobolds block them from escaping, he unleashes a Sleep spell, centered so it only hits the kobolds and misses the party.))
This message was last edited by the player at 16:24, Fri 18 Oct 2019.

Einhard continues to lead his steed down the path. "You can have your box. I just want to get out of here." Hearing that the basilisk is ahead, the knight palms the crystal in his hand.

Brodd and Daisy follow Einhard "Keep your box!"

Dwarghar is mad, they killed the gnome those bastards and he’s taking the box. So it’s a two person job and no one is willing to help. He will try to drag it if he must to get just out of their attack area (though he hopes they used all their rocks the first time. )
12:36, Today: Dwarghar Stoneblood rolled 14 using 1d20.  Strength (15) .

Amalrik can help with the box. His other hand holds his shield at an angle ...

Creston sheathes his arrow and bow, so he can hold his crystal in one hand and his sword in the other, He follows behind Brodd and Einhard.

Regdoc nudged Chomper and they made a dash after the others deeper into the tunnel. He knew the kobolds' boldness was due to their situation of advantage over the party. The time might well come when the party could slaughter the little vermin, and then return to take the wretched box... but Amalrik and Dwarghar seemed to have it under control.

[DM writing...]

Manaku remains in place with the panicked thief and bard, once again casting Magic Shield to protect his helpless companions.

Overwhelmed by the rocks from seemingly nowhere, Alietra failed to react in the way any half way competent adventurer would usually do.

Alietra rolled 2 using 1d20.  save vs. rocks. - not sure if save still relevant, but not like that would cut it...

"Oh crap!   Sorry, Manaku...don't know what came over me!"

Amalrik close enough to save our wanna-be thief ?? Dwarves with boxes, now klutzy thieves ... Kind of makes you want to go back to barbarian pillaging and such ...

Luckily, the rock slams into the magic shield, electrifying the complex magical pattern that created it.

[DM]

Harald looks up into the darkness and sneers.

"Hey! You miserable little kobolds! Is that the best you can do? If we still had that troll's arm I'd bat the rocks back up at you!"

He slides his lute into position and starts singing a taunting little dittie called Grome The Kobold Takes Baths.

Rocks are being thrown ineffectually downwards by the screaming kobolds who really hate Harald's song.

Amalrik, Dwarghar, and Leohart...

One of you roll to see if you surprise the kobolds (2 in 6), then roll for initiative if you don't get it.

Manaku nocks an arrow on his bow - sadly noticing how few of them he has remaining - and looks for targets in darkness above.

"Come! Let's get out of here! They have advantage over us up there... and plenty of rocks I bet."

Alietra marveled briefly at the vibrant effect of the rocks striking the mystic shield..

"Wow!  That is so wizard!   Yes, let's go!   Kobolds...such a relief!   Should be simpler to slay than the other nightmares we've faced."   (player knocks on wood)

Dwarghar continues to get the box out of the way.
17:13, Today: Dwarghar Stoneblood rolled 2 using 1d6.  Surprise . 08
Yay!
Once done he’ll gladly attack.

Amalrik gives a short bow to Dwarghar and a flourish of hand in an "After You" motion.

((Intentions are the same as four days ago.))

Dwarghar reaches the ledge first to see a grand total of TWO kobolds hurling rucks down at the three party members who remained.

For the Plowing Forward crew, the terrain is getting more difficult with more large rocks strewn about, some obviously petrified remains and some more uncertain.

"I suggest we stop and wait Einhard, no since in splitting the party."

Amalrik huddles behind Dwarghar, staying out of sight as much as possible. You right, me left ?? he whispers to the dwarf.

Ooc I’m not exactly sure what is going on. But it seems we grabbed the box and went up to the Kobolds (not what I intended but totally okay)

Dwarghar drops the box, hearing his partner he steps right and swings his hammer at the Kobold
Rolled a 5, +1 is 6 to hit, probably a fail.

Einhard stopped and listened for any signs of combat or other trouble. "I was focused on what may lie ahead and didn't realize not everyone was with us. Do we need to circle back?"

---

08:46, Today: Einhard rolled 5 using 1d6.  Listen.

"Maybe we should head back."

Safe to say Dwarghar was as surprised to see the kobolds as they were to see him. The thump of the chest landing on the rocky floor distracts the kobolds from the rude lutist just in time to evade the trapper's charge.

"HEY! This is a service entrance!"

In reply to Einhard (msg # 92):

"They'll be fine. They ran away from the danger," says Creston. "The real question is, are three of us enough to take on a Basilisk?"

"A basilisk, what if it is more than one?"

"No. We will hold here." He placed his hand on the sword he received from the entity. "The entity mentioned gargoyles as well. We are going to have our hands full even with all of us here."

Trying to stay in cover and trying to get visuals of the enemy Manaku sneaks back towards his comrades who he hears are about to engage the enemy.

"Let's try to stay together! But mind the falling rocks...!"

Amalrik rushes the other kobolds, attempting to crash into one - pushing it off the edge while he stops in time ... Not sure what to roll here, DM, feel free to do so if it speeds up matters. ...

"I hate Gargoyles," says Creston. "I don't remember why I hate them, but I can remember the hatred."

"Of course we stay together," Regdoc hissed, "but we don't need to stand out there where the local fauna can bury us with stones!"

He looked ahead, calling upon his deity for insight about the Path ahead. "By the Thin-worn Soles it's dark down there!"

Leohart's wand flashed as he whispered its magic word. The glowing arrow that appeared flew through the air, went around Amalrik, and struck the kobold he was charging.

11:36, Today: Leohart rolled 2 using 1d4.  magic missile.

The dwarf growls. You killed Kenny And swings again.

11:54, Today: Dwarghar Stoneblood rolled 2 using 1d6.  Damage . 11:53, Today: Dwarghar Stoneblood rolled 12 using 1d20+1.  Swing again.

Roll a to hit like you were using a weapon. Damage is 1-2+Strength. With your Strength bonus you'll certainly boot the small blue humanoid down the cliff if you hit.

[Future reference, in B/X Magic Missile does 1d6+1]

The humanoid is slammed in the face by a bolt of energy, and in a splash of blue gore the kobold is no more.

Amalrik crunches the kobold, then turns to face the other remaining one ...

Ooops ...

20:35, Today: Amalrik rolled 17 using 1d20+2.  Amalrik - rushing to hot.

I do not understand that damage 1-2+Strength, please calculate as needed. Tumbling kobolds ...

Leohart's magic missile did more harm than it at first appeared.

21:47, Today: Leohart rolled 3 using 1d6.  magic missile do over.

Leohart next looked for an exit!

The elf looks back at the direction they had come and could hear sounds of skirmish there. He then hears voices ahead - is that Brodd speaking? He can make out word "a basilisk". Torn on what to do he simply grimaces and presses his back at the cavern wall, bow at the ready.

In reply to Amalrik (msg # 107):

1-2pts + STR bonus, so 3-4 points. Either way it’s enough to send a screaming kobold plummeting towards Manaku’s crew!

Ha Ha! that was a master stroke Amalrik!

"See Chomper? We would have just gotten in their way. Becoming quite capable that lot, don't you think?"

Regdoc continued to wait, in no way ready to spook a basalisk without their full force together!

Aside from a kobold corpse tumbling to the elf's feet, no further threat comes.

Higher up, the three look around awkwardly and find no one else to fight, and no further switchbacks.

At the other end of the party, Chomper sniffs at a petrified rat's nose. He pauses, then stares down the trail, then back at the rat. He starts to whimper and lays down, covering his eyes with his paws.

I’m rather scared of those little sparkles you conjure up. Dwarghar says wagging a finger at the new guy. You both managed the enemy with style. Let’s open this thing and see if we should have left it.

He tries opening the box. He’ll smash the lock off if he needs to.

While you're good at finding and removing traps per your initial career path, locks are not your forte. You begin battering the lock, and the blows echo through the cavern.

"Got a crowbar?"

In reply to DM (msg # 113):

Manaku kneels over the corpse. Dead as the goblin kobold is, its open unmoving eyes distress him and he gently traces his hand over its face closing its eyes.

Then he checks its pockets.

He looks at Alientra and Harald. "We will not survive divided here. I'll join with the guys in the vanguard if I can.  Do as you wish, yet I recommend you do the same." Not waiting their replies the red-eyed elf dashes forward quietly, bow in hand and an arrow in the string, hoping to find and reunite with the group of Einhard, Brodd, Regdoc & Creston.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:45, Mon 28 Oct 2019.

In reply to Manaku (msg # 117):

Kobold. The cobalt blue scales, the doglike face, vestigial tail and small jutting horns mark it as such. Goblins in this region (like Yagi) are more of a brick red in color and more humanoid overall.

Leohart completely missed the compliment in his terrified state of mind. "No, there must be a way out!" He tucked his wand safely away and felt the walls with both hands for secret doors, while Dwarghar banged on the chest.

Dwarghar stands leaving his hammer on the ground and holds his hands open to Leohart. Take it easy my friend. There is a way out, there is. We will get there as a group. The others are just ahead, there. We have enough to find our way through. You have survived.

He looks serious. Sometimes surviving is difficult.

In reply to Manaku (msg # 117):

Alietra nodded soberly at the elf's advice, finding it sound.

She did the very same, likewise advancing while unlimbering her short bow, and nocking an arrow...
This message was last edited by the player at 23:23, Mon 28 Oct 2019.

[Roll d6]

Dwarghar finally bashes the lock open to find 80 pounds of gnomish-minted silver coin (800sp).

Although soothed, it was a combination of Dwarghar's words and the methodical work of searching for a secret door that did the trick. Leohart kept looking, feeling that, if he could just find an exit, then somehow everything would be alright.

And...

((09:20, Today: Leohart rolled 1 using 1d6.  secret door detection.))

Behind a broken minecart you find a drainpipe with an iron grating placed in front of it, about 4 feet in diameter.

"New friends," Leohart said, turning to Dwarghar and Amalrik but unable to remember if they had been introduced to him by name or not, "your friends need to know about this concealed drain pipe. It is surely the way the kobolds navigate these mines, and may present us a less dangerous way around the basilisks."

Except for any wandering kobolds. Eh Dwarghar.

"Dirty, narrow side-path!" the cleric swore. He motioned to Chomper, hissing a command to heel and then jerked his head back up the tunnel away from whatever stone-making entity might be coming their way! He certainly didn't want to face a basalisk without the others!

He began to slowly retrace his steps upward.

Dwarghar hefts a large load of silver into the Barbarian’s (Amalrik) hands. If they keep paying like this, I’ll take every Kobold! He looks at the pipe Ha! Yes yes my friend, great idea, how much of this silver do you want to carry?

Dwarghar divides up the silver between himself and Amalrik and Leohart, then calls down.

Leohart, let me know if you want a third, or none or 20 lbs or whatever.

He then looks into the tunnel.

Where does this go?

<lll</Orange>
This message was last edited by the player at 05:41, Wed 30 Oct 2019.

Einhard sighs. "It has been some time. I guess we should check on them." He tugged the reins and began to follow the old cleric back up the path.

Once the party is reunited, they examine the tunnel. It's the perfect size for a gnome or halfling, and Chomper. A dwarf would have to keep their head low and a human would have to crawl.

Trying to squeeze a horse and a mule through would be ridiculous.

Einhard glares at the pipe and crosses his arms defiantly. "Nope. I am not crawling through some sewage pipe!"

Leohart had taken a single silver piece. He turned it over nervously between his fingers while blinking at Einhard. "It is unlikely a sewage pipe in a mine," he countered. "It is more likely used for ventilation, meaning we'll have more fresh air there than anywhere else in the tunnels. It will be dangerous, for certain, but would mean less instant death than tunnels full of basilisks."

The bard raises his hand sheepishly.

"I could...watch the animals while you investigate?"

"It's for air Einhard, it is not for sewage. But I agree, what happens when the pipe narrows? Or comes out on the side of a mountain?"

"If those kobold vermin were running around in there, you can rest assured it is no less clean than a sewer. I'd probably have to leave my shield behind, and still no room to even wield a weapon. And say it is a safe exit, am I to just leave Dora here to be feasted upon by lord knows what? I am not going in there." the knight replied. "Beside, the entity gave us these gifts to help deal with the basilisk, so I intend to keep my end of the bargain."

"I agree with Einhard, I don't plan to leave Daisy here abandoned to die either."

"I agree with Einhard and Brodd. I'm not crawling down there. Do we have a thief with us?"

Manaku takes the arrow he had nocked earlier and puts it back to his quiver now that there isn't immediate danger.

"Alietra has nimble fingers for locks and such, though not the best with a lock. Hammer and a bar would work better."

Amalrik stuffs the silver pieces into his pack., then hoists it on again. Shake sit a bit, letting the pieces sink into place. He then wanders over to the pipe for a few sniffs ... Hmmm ... Definitely not mom's cooing wafting from in there.

"If we don't go down there," Regdoc said as he came huffing and puffing up to the group, "then we'd best secure it from this side so that we don't get more of... whatever was made up of that blue mess over there, coming at as from behind should we encounter a basalisk. Opportunistic little beasties in my experience."

Chomper sniffed alongside Amalrik, ears forward.

"I say head down as we originally planned."

As you resume your original path, you pass more fractures statues. The animals become increasingly difficult to control, resisting your urgings to continue.

"Perhaps we should leave the animals behind until the threat is resolved?"

In reply to Brother Brodd (msg # 144):

"If we let go of them now, they will certainly bolt."

Creston looks around for something to tie them to... something secure enough that they won't be able to break free.

"We could blindfold them too, then the gaze will not affect them."

"They certainly sense something...  The monster can be close."

"Animals have been granted great wisdom by the gods when it comes to self preservation."

Amalrik pulls out his crystal piece. And pays attention to dear old Chomper ...

Leohart trembled as he followed along behind the others, both from nervousness and from still being seriously injured.

"You need aid Leohart?" Brodd asks.

Leohart leaned in, not wishing to speak too loudly for fear that the basilisks would hear him and come for him. "I think one of those rocks sprained my leg," Leohart answered.

Brodd intones a silent prayer with his hand on Leohart, "That should fix you up." he says with a smile.

14:47, Today: Brother Brodd rolled 4 using 1d6+1.  cure lt. wnds.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:47, Fri 01 Nov 2019.

Leohart's pain vanished! "O, blessed are your deities," he said to Brodd. "Thank you for the strength of your devotion."

Amalrik brings up the rear, or second to rear, as needed.

Manaku lets others pass him and falls at rear ranks thinking his ability to see in darkness and archery skills could be more useful there. Every now and then he turns and watches the corridor behind them.

Dwarghar goes at first into the pipe to see what he can of it.

21:34, Today: Dwarghar Stoneblood rolled 5 using 1d6.  checking the pipe.

does it slope up or down, go straight, reveal light or fresh air?

He realizes the others are leaving without him and turns to catch up with whatever he learned.

he stops in the dark to see if the dead Kobolds have anything he can use.


eventually hell catch up.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:38, Sun 03 Nov 2019.

It seems to slope downward. No light and the air is...not fresh.



The kobold slain on the ledge was carry a large wrench, one assumes for use as a club. The other kobold was thrown down the embankment and who knows where his weapon fell?

Did you divide up the silver with the other two in your squad, or are you trying to drag the chest back down the switchback?
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:51, Mon 04 Nov 2019.

We discussed the silver IC earlier Amalrik is carrying half, Dwarghar has the other half minus the one piece the wizard chose to carry.

Dwarghar takes the wrench before making his way to the others. There might be a nut or a gear to turn before we’re out.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:35, Tue 05 Nov 2019.