The streets of the miniature city continue on a downward slope until water puddles at your feet. A circle of light in the distance stretches across the glassy surface, broken into shimmering shapes by the rippling of the water brought on by your movements and from droplets falling from high above the cavern.

"The water's shore it appears. Now, how many can go in the water using the potion? Not all of us, some will have to wait for the water to drain as well."

"What potion is that, if you don't mind me asking? If some of us have to wait, I can be part of that group. I don't like this place, though. A tiny voice in the back of my head keeps saying we're lead to a trap..."

The Entity gave us a Potion of Waterbreathing to go to the 'drain' of the lake.".

"Ah, that one. Yes."

Hmph Dwarghar grunts helpfully.

Regdoc eyed the water with wariness bordering on contempt. No Path could be found here, the liquid was shifting and fickle and trodden blindly.

"Chomper and I will stay and tend the mounts. I'm not much of a swimmer anyway..."

"I don't swim either, that is probably why it is for waterbreathing, so you can walk. I'm not strong though. What about that wrench you found Regdoc? Might that be useful down there?"

"If nothing else, it will be useful as a weight, so you can get to the bottom more quickly."

"I wonder what is in the water? Man eating creatures?"

I picked up a heavy wrench. Not sure about another one.

Bah! Fine I’ll go

He waits bitterly until offered the potion.
He checks that his wrench works.
Is your wrench the same as this? 

In reply to Dwarghar Stoneblood (msg # 11):

"Oh, it was you that picked up the wrench, I knew I saw someone grab it. Apologies. Here, use the potion and watch out you don't get sucked out the drain plug when it starts. Is there more than one dose? Perhaps you could use help."

Amalrik looks at the water. Any current, which direction ?? He leans down to touch the surface, cold or freezing cold ?? Pleasantly warm ?? Ahhh, a good soak then ...

Dwarghar takes what’s offered and gives back what he doesn’t use.

He then goes into the water seeking the drain with his darkvision.

"Good luck, Dwarghar."

OOC - enough for another dose? If so, Brodd will drink it and follow Dwarghar. Unless Amalric wants it?

This message was last edited by the player at 15:20, Mon 16 Dec 2019.

I only ever had one kind of luck.

He mutters grimly going into this fetid scummy water, it probably tasted bad to breath too, surely he’ll be adding his own vomit to the pool before we’re done.

You would be a welcome addition to our watery hell, sir
This message was last edited by the player at 15:50, Sat 14 Dec 2019.

Leohart didn't find anything out of the ordinary to pick up and examine in the miniature city.

((I'm guessing?))

The water is cold, but not frigid.

There were two doses of water breathing potion in the flask the naga gave you.

Leohart, roll a D6.

All sorts of excuses flowed through the knights mind ~I would sink like a rock. My armor would rust. I can't see in the dark.~ Relieved that the dwarf took the lead on this task, Einhard bravely proclaimed. "I will stay here and protect the group."

Brodd clings to the Dwarf in the dark murky water. Travelling deeper under the water. The experience was truly frightening, but he trusted his gods deeply.

The pair wade into the deep dark waters. Brodd can only barely make out the glimmer of the party's torches behind them.

Together they come to a wall of metal, coated with rust and slime. Dwarghar finds something that reminds him of a lever.

Brodd feels around and grabs hold too, to lend his strength to help the dwarf open the valve.

Dwarghar, roll a D6 for an Open Doors roll. with your Strength bonus and Brodd helping you, you need a 4 or less.

Brodd wasn't much help with the initial attempt.

12:02, Today: Brother Brodd rolled 6 using 1d6.  to help.

Amalrik treads water over the two, ready to dive and assist if need be.



[No need for you to roll, Brodd.]

Dwarghar makes an awful racket of noise sputtering unnecessarily and complaining underwater. Since no one can hear him he keeps it up all the when he finds the curse curse cursing cursing lever he pulls it to one side.

Straining with much complaint.

10:45, Today: Dwarghar Stoneblood rolled 4 using 1d6.  Dwarghar

Dwarghar learns a side effect of his water breathing potion (which tasted rather fishy) is his curses carry very well under the surface without bubbles in the way.

...but even louder is clang and clatter and grinding of forgotten machinery as in grinds into operation. Like the sun presenting itself after a very rude eclipse, a curved sliver of sunlight breaks sideways through the water. As they notice the iron grating behind the sliding plug (with squares large enough to stick your hand through), the underwater pair feel the pull of the water's drain getting stronger. Likewise, Amalrik (who doesn't trust alchemy or any of that arcane mumbo-jumbo but was ready to assist, gills or no) feels a sudden current as he's drawn towards the grating as well.

Dwarghar stands firm, beside the grate and let’s the water drain past and he says to Brother Brodd. You who went in with the snake and got these treasures- did you not promise to kill the basilisks and the gargoyle? He just wants to make sure their consciences are clear it is of no matter that they are leaving much silver and possibly more treasures behind by going peacefully.

"Strange. There is sunlight in the water..." Manaku voices the obvious, thralled by beautiful sight. "And skeletons. There is hoping they are not animated undead, for we have no means to warn them, I think?"

[Amalrik is treading water and would have certainly heard that comment.]

Brodd hung on to Dwarghar to keep from being sucked into the grate. He listened and heard everything everyone was saying. At 'skeletons', he began to look around.

You turn away from the grate and make out their outlines, floating eerily towards the three of you.

Brodd takes on hand off of Dwarghar and reaches inside his cassock and pulls out and presents his holy symbol, He attempts a turn if they appear animated.

11:32, Today: Brother Brodd rolled 5 using 1d6.  spot.

[At Cleric Level 2 you can turn Skeletons automatically (T), you just need to roll 2d6 for number of Hit Dice turned in this encounter.]

13:31, Today: Brother Brodd rolled 8 using 2d6.  turn check.

The skeletons begin to twitch and flail as if they were drowning, trying to swim(?) away from the cleric and towards the landlubbers of the party.

Their bony hands find outcroppings of unrecognizable, crusted over architecture that was just beginning to jut from the ebbing surface of the black waters. They switch from floating to crawling away from the long-forgotten sunlight and up the ramp.

[Players gain initiative]

"Damn it all!  We won't tolerate such skull-duggery!"

Alietra unsheathed her sword, angling it to strike with the blade's flat.  She knew these things couldn't be sliced, or stabbed --

Once in range --  Alietra rolled 3 using 1d20.  sword attack.  Not much of one, though...

In reply to Alietra (msg # 38):


Alietra's slice is as awful as her puns.

Einhard drew the sword that the Unificant Entity had given him and charged toward the crawling skeletons. "Now this I can handle!" he proclaimed. He slashed at the first skeleton he was able to reach.

---

15:27, Today: Einhard rolled 13 using 1d20+1.  Sword Attack vs Skeleton. - [roll=1576614465.77231.315277]
15:31, Today: Einhard rolled 6 using 1d8+1.  Sword Damage. - [roll=1576614688.42571.315277]

~Unsure if this sword has any other properties since this is first opportunity I've had to use it.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:33, Tue 17 Dec 2019.

To quote the God of Valor, "Praise no blade until it's blooded."

Perhaps no blood in this case, but as you run waist-deep into the muck you slash at the undead, and are rewarded by the clean snapping of bones.

While you can't decipher the runes on the blade, you can tell the pattern-welded steel is exceptionally balanced and unnaturally sharp. (A +1 magical bonus.)

[One skeleton is destroyed, there are 7 left.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:44, Tue 17 Dec 2019.

Dwarghar picks up what he finds and uses the water current and his hands to clean off some of the muck. He notices the skeletons when  a Brod does his thing. He draws his  sword and will look at the nearest Skeleton.

He’s a little clumsy in the water and swishes the sword well behind the retreating bones.
15:50, Today: Dwarghar Stoneblood rolled 5 using 1d20+1.  Attack
This message was last edited by the player at 02:41, Wed 18 Dec 2019.

Amalrik strives to swim behind the skeletons approaching the water's edge.

Regdoc grunted at the flailing and floundering, raising a congratulatory eyebrow at Brodd's devotion. With a bit of amusement twitching the scraggly beard of his long face, he presented his own holy symbol, the cardinal points of a wayfinder. "Keep swimming rotters, in the Name of He Who Wanders!"

OOC: Attempting to turn the skellies back at Brodd, swimming in circles as they avoid us both! Heh. Regdoc rolled 4 - Skellies turned.

The four skeletons closest to Regdoc swiftly turn away from the Wanderer's holy symbol, then quickly seize up when they find themselves facing Brodd's solar wheel again.

With nowhere to to turn, the bones rattle like they're in the back of a runaway donkey cart down a cliff and finally P O P , skull, femurs, tibulas etc. flying everywhere!

[There are now three skeletons left]

Suspecting arrows are little use against the undead, Manaku unsheathes his longsword and makes a hasty slash at the nearest skeleton. Way too soon, it isn't even within his reach yet...

Manaku rolled 10 using 1d20.  Longsword.

As the skeleton crumbled to the ground, Einhard took a moment to admire his new sword. "Very well-balanced!" he exclaimed. Then charged toward the next closest skeleton and took another graceful swing with his weapon, smiling at the satisfying sound of steel on bone.

---

19:48, Today: Einhard rolled 20 using 1d20+2.  Attack (Sword +1). - [roll=1576716534.6163.315277]
19:49, Today: Einhard rolled 6 using 1d8+2.  Damage (Sword +1). - [roll=1576716561.62916.315277]

...and indeed, Valor smiles again upon Sir Einhard as the blade slices through a bare ribcage, sending the skeleton's upper body splashing into the receding muck. The pelvis wobbles a few moments like a drunken sailor trying to jig to one of Harald's songs before it keels over and likewise sinks into the mud.

[two skellies left]

Seeing that his arrows would make no difference, Creston relaxes his bow. He scans in other directions, just in case more formidable enemies approach.

Dwarghar swings again in the water cursing his slowness and the current.

14:52, Wed 18 Dec: Dwarghar Stoneblood rolled 8 using 1d20+1.  Sword . 
This message was last edited by the player at 03:10, Mon 23 Dec 2019.

Regdoc seemed to be willing to try a bit of sport and so he loaded his old leather sling and began whirling it over his head. Unfortunately the cave stone he'd chose was a bit too large. Losing control of it, he watched helplessly as it zinged far from the intended skeletal target.

Sling Attack: Regdoc rolled 2 - pfffft!

[By my count, Harald, Leohart, and Pock have yet to move, I'll give them half a day to catch up before the skellies move. Dwarghar and Regdoc's second moves were misses, so we'll just count them towards the next turn.]

Squeezed into a small area by the turning clerics on opposite sides, the skeletons attack the one living foe not behind either holy symbol. They fall upon Amalrik, who is still off balance as he tries to wade forward. Their sharp finger bones shred rough curves through the Barbarian's hide armor and across his flesh beneath, causing crimson blooms in the glowing water around him.

14:21, Today: DM rolled 17,17 using d20,d20.  skeletons attacking Amalrik.
14:21, Today: DM rolled 2,1 using d6,d6.  skeletal damage.

Cursed boneheads - be gone !! Amalrik swings back.  9 to Hit followed by 11 damage if he connects.

In reply to Amalrik (msg # 54):

Missed by 1, you can spend 1XP if you want the satisfaction of hacking one down the middle.

Done Dear GM !! Never pass a chance to whittle down the enemy.

In reply to Amalrik (msg # 56):

And indeed, one of the skeletons is whittled down into bony toothpicks.

The rest of the PCs may act while Amalrik is engaged in melee with the last foe.

Brodd checks the depth of the water and how fast it's draining.

Thigh-deep for a human at this point. The roar of water through the grating echoes like thunder.

Einhard watched as the last two skeleton encroached the barbarian. Amalrik sliced through one of them as the knight ran through the water. As the water hit his knees it slowed his pace, so he leaped in the air and brought his sword down on the last skeleton.

---

11:55, Today: Einhard rolled 21 using 1d20+2.  Sword Attack. - [roll=1578070539.80558.315277]
11:55, Today: Einhard rolled 7 using 1d8+2.  Sword Damage. - [roll=1578070555.88157.315277]

Bone shards fly everywhere as the knight's blade sends the second abomination to its final resting place.

"Well done. Soon the pit will be drained. Push the lever further to lift the grating, and then you may leave my domain."

Brodd helps turn the lever further to raise the grate.

In reply to DM (msg # 61):

Creston continues to watch the perimiter for approacing enemies.

Not that anyone might notice, but Regoc's hair on the back of his neck suddenly seemed to stand up on end. Like the chill touch of one of those strange dancing priestesses of that gloop-God, Entralis, the sensation gave the Seeker pause and he placed a gnarled hand on Chomper's collar.

"The Path Goes Ever Onward Chomper, but this trail is muddied..."

Manaku stays vigilant as well, guarding the party from approaching enemies.

Pock tries to hide his anxiety. Fights, deep water, he has no love for that. While his brave comrades are fighting with the undeads he feels sad. He is useless. Hopefully, nobody will notice that at this point.

[Who else helps to turn the lever?]

When the beasties are not bothering him Dwarghar returns to opening the way.

Dwarghar and Brodd use rags to wipe the muck off the handle and pull at the lever again, trying to lock it at the next setting.

[Dwarghar, as before please roll a D6.]

Amalrik does what he can to stand guard as the lever is worked. Is the water warm or cold ?? Now that he has a few moments to ponder such serious questions. Oh Wandering One, does Chomper swim ?? If there is any water depth left, he may have to carry a hound and a gnome ...

"Have you taken up prayer Amalrik or are you mistakenly referring to myself? The Wanderer is my God. I simply Seek to Follow His Ever Winding Path..."

Glancing at the large guard-dog, Regdoc responded, "Does he swim? Of course he swims. Any creature can swim. A chicken can even swim. It's only those of us with the gift of speech that don't come by it naturally although most of us can thrash around prior to possible drowining enough to accidentally save ourselves..."

"I don't swim very well though."

"That's one of the reasons Chomper is here. The lice-ridden lout does actually serve a purpose now and again apart from sneakily stealing suppers..."

The strange feeling persisted.

In reply to Amalrik (msg # 70):

As stated before, the water was cold, but not bone-chilling. The water is still draining, and in another turn it should be down to your knees.

"Brodd, Dwarghar, do you need help? I don't feel comfortable just standing here for much longer." Manaku asks not averting his eyes from the lingering darkness.

"Don't worry, Pock. Soon you'll see the sun again."

"Help if you wish, the water is only knee deep now. It is a tight turner!"

"Ha Ha, good brother Brodd, knee deep for you and up to my little neck for me. But I will give you a hand if I can."

"Chest deep Pock, I won't let you drown. Thank you for the extra hands." he says to his smaller companion.

Alietra nodded sagely.  "That sounds very priestly --  making sure the little guy doesn't drown.    I bet there's a parable, in some religion somewhere, along those lines."        Like some of the others, she watched vigilantly, just in case there were any nasty last minute surprises.

"Some adventurers return with a fine tale that minstrels will sing about in the taverns.   Not us.   This trip was too wacked out to be put into song."

21:44, Today: Dwarghar Stoneblood rolled 4 using 1d6.  Strength

Dwarghar pushes

Pock pushes. too.


08:43, Today: Pock Oneshoe rolled 1 using 1d6.  STR check.

"Oh, this trip makes a great song, Alietra! It has basilisks, gargoyles, undead and what not. Lesser deeds are song years after years in taverns."

The moon elf glances over his shoulder briefly, just long enough to see Pock, a short gnome, push the lever with the others.

"It seems you got the help you needed, Brodd."

11:34, Today: Brother Brodd rolled 2 using 1d6.  strength roll.

The lever breaks with a loud SNAP.

"Kack!!"

So can we get out?

Dwarghar uses his tools, the wrench and his trap maker kit to remove any debris from the mechanism and work it with a lever substitute.

11:12, Today: Dwarghar Stoneblood rolled 4 using 1d6.  Trap skills .
+1 with the kit? For 5/6 ...

Brood TRIES to assist, by staying out of the way unless asked.

Regdoc groaned. Then he cackled. Then he gritted his remaining teeth so tightly together that it made his gums bleed.

"What we need now, gnome, is one of your people's fireworks I've heard so much about... I've heard tales in my travels of those things going off prematurely to quite damaging effect upon the surrounding scenery, buildings, and of course the curious onlookery."

He squatted just a bit in order to get his eyes closer to the level of the water, but this movement caused something in his hip to catch a little and he was forced to straighten back up to relieve the pain.

"Is there room to squeeze beneath it? I nominate Harald to dip down and take a look. Do I hear a Second?"

"BWOOOF!"

"Very well, Harald, you've been officially chosen to bob for escape. In the meantime, I'll just have a look at Dwarghar's tools..."

Regdoc sloshed his way toward the dwarf, and his face seemed to stiffen in concentration for a moment. He muttered a bit of prayer language and opened his eyes. "That one. Use the bendy thing with the wrappy aroundy part..."

It was obvious that he knew less than nothing about the repair process, but with the ability to tap into the Omniscience of He Whose Boots Have Trodden Ever Onward, the old cleric could at least be inspired as to which tool might be of use in the hands of one who did know something of the craft!


Casting the 0-th level Mending cantrip... by way of Dwarghar. Though not a direct use, this seems more narrative and fun and more of a sagely sort of thing to do.

Manaku tilts his head on the snapping sound, still staring the darkness behind them. "Well, THAT didn't sound good. Are we in trouble?"

"Maybe, we're working on it."

Einhard sighed when the lever cracked. "Working on trouble? I'd expect nothing less. Perhaps we can use the mule and horse to pull that thing open the rest of the way?" he suggested.

Little Pock starts freezing in the water.

Regdoc looks a bit ridiculous trying to push the broken lever back into place, but somehow he molds the metal back together like hot candle wax. He even gives a hard puff of air and much of the rust blows away like baker's flour. You're staring at lever almost good as new, waiting to be pulled again.

Brodd renews his effort to open the exit door

The stronger members pull at the lever again, and it clicks to a lower position. You hear the sound of chains as the grating slowly begins to lower like a drawbridge.

The voice again booms from above.

"Since we found it wiser to cooperate, rather that to fight, perhaps you should leave her gifts at the exit, lest she leave her lair and track you down for your failure to fulfill the letter of your bargain. Having dealt with her for centuries, I know she cannot be destroyed, only distracted and inconvenienced. I will leave her toys at the border of my city for her to recover. She will not pursue you if she thinks you died in the effort."

Dwarghar checks outside to see what is there. He turns only slightly to see if the others plan to do anything like follow the Gargoyles advise or turn back and attack it.

"Why would YOU return the gifts, let alone know what they were to return. We'll just keep them."

"Because I remember those little gnomes scurrying for their lives with them when they were running from the packs of trolls, that's why."

Manaku laughs.

"Oh come on. Gifts are given for good. Not very polite to request them back..."

"Are you admitting to gifting us stolen goods?"

[It was the naga, not the gargoyle, that gave you the items]

Einhard thought about his conversation with the Entity. "I recall asking specifically if she required us to return them, and she said no. We shall just be on our way. Be glad we chose not to use them against your pets."

A sound of more grinding gears and of iron screeching against stone assaults your ears.

"I'm letting my babies back out. It's feeding time. Now is your time to leave, unless you'd like to meet them. They're quite friendly I assure you. I even dressed them up in costumes from clothes the other visitors left behind. Oh there you are! Who's got a silly wizard hat on? You do! yes you do!"

Brodd leads his mule out through the gateway.

[Setting stage for next Scene]