When the party reaches the cave at the base of the Peak, Cumarinda will take a moment for prayer and to inspect each member to confirm that they are fully healthy. Before entering the cave, she will light a torch and secure it along with her shield. When entering the cave she will ensure that the light from the torch doesn't interfere with anyone's vision.

"Let us go forth with courage, wisdom, and wit to face the challenges before us." she says in a quiet but determined voice as they enter the cave.

Brankx walks behind Fenris and Cumarinda,  his eyes looking around. At the cave, he narrows his eyes, as he mutters a short incantation.  A small crystal on the top of his staff erupts with a soft light.

The dwarf smiles at tbe cleric. "Lets do this slow and quiet....I don't want anything sneakin' up on us."

Ballast nods and keeps in front of Brankx and Cumarinda, shield out, ready to seek this mind-flaying foe...

Taking up the front and keeping some distance, the barbarian stops letting them get somewhat closer. He kneels down, putting his hand down in the icy dirt. The mans eyes narrows and he stands up, moving further into the Peak. He stops again, glancing around a rather large room. Bits of ice come from the ground and high above. A massive closed door looms about 100' ahead. No signs of life fill the room. A small area made of ice and dirt move upwards in a angle and stop about 60' up but it seems to move further on above in three different locations all going upwards. The door itself has no lock and has 3 individual runes eched into it-a moon, a star and a sun.

Ballast looks at the odd ramps and the ice that emerges from the roof and protrudes from the ground.  They vaguely resembled teeth of a predatory beast like a shark, and he did not care for the look of them.  As for the door, it looked like another magical puzzle.

"Brankx, Cumarinda, this is more your area.  If you need me to touch the runes on your behalf, I shall do so," he says, gesturing at the door.

Looking thoughtful while examining the situation, Cumarinda attempted to bring all of her learning and wit to try to discover the meaning of the puzzle before them. "I'm not sure what to think, but I feel we should take even more care than normal. This feels like a trap of some kind." she said warily.

OOC:
17:53, Today: Cumarinda Imbrex rolled 17 using 1d20+6.  Spot check.
17:52, Today: Cumarinda Imbrex rolled 13 using 1d20+9.  Knowledge (religion)
17:52, Today: Cumarinda Imbrex rolled 17 using 1d20+6.  Knowledge (arcana)
17:52, Today: Cumarinda Imbrex rolled 6 using 1d20+4.  Knowledge (history)

Brankx looks at the runes with narrowed eyes. "I don't believe they be traps....they look like runes - old ones yet me eyes. I can't make heads nor tails o' them, but whatever they are, being in tbe sun, moon and star mean something."

The dwarf looked at tbe others and huffed, clearly frustrated by the puzzle.

<OOC: Brankx Onyxshield rolled 10 using 1d20+6.  Knowledge arcana check.>

Glancing up at the ramps leading upwards, his eyes narrow. Fenris grips his sword, pulling it out and starts to head slowly up them, glancing at the others.

"Is there a path around or over the doors, Fenris?  That would simplify matters greatly," Ballast asks.  If Fenris gives him an affirmative indication, looks back at Cumarinda and Brankx.  "Should we keep thinking away at this door, try the runes regardless, or follow Fenris?  I am in favor of action, for this flayer of minds will not likely go away on its own."

Brankx shrugs at the warforged. "I can look at th' runes until me beard turns grey and probably won't figure them out. I say we look closer at the arches. maybe they've had some traffic indicating a way."

The dwarf shrugged. "...but I'm no tracker."

"Then over we shall go, unless we want to prod the runes into some kind of action."  Ballast's voice has a tiny hint of a chuckle in it.  He recalls that the magical doors in the tomb complex had been singularly uninterested in moving until the proper magical keys were applied, so he was doubting that brute force was the correct answer.  Ballast waves for Cumarinda and Brankx to go up after Fenris first; if either of them were to slip, Ballast had a strong grip.  If Ballast slipped, he'd take both of them down the mountain with him!

As Fenris slowly makes his way upwards, he stops and stares at a small area about twenty feet up from the ground. His hands tense around the blade, holding it two handed. The barbarian slowly raises his hands up, clenching it and glances at the others pointing above them.

The cleric can make out on a small snow shelf about twenty feet up some sort of spider. Big. And others along side of it not moving same as the warforged. The barbarian is about thirty feet from the floor on a slick ice ramp about 20' from them with nothing between them to run on. The wizard stands there.

OOC
Bacially Fenris is 30' up on a angle looking somewhat down at the spiders. They are 20' up on a ledge. No ramps between them.

While pointing out the location of the big spider and his companions Cumarinda warns, "By my Lord's golden beard there is one huge spider there with friends! Everyone be careful while we follow Fenris."

"Be careful," she adds, "There seems to be a lot of cold and ice around here. Let's move closer together so that we can catch anyone who might fall."


Taking heed of her own words, she moves carefully to join Fenris at his side.

Ballast climbs up carefully after Cumarinda, keeping an eye on the spiders as best he can.  If they are lucky, the spiders will ignore them as too big a morsel to eat. If they are unlucky, they will get to fight on this precarious slope...

Brankx looks around as he walks behind the warforged, looking at the spiders pointed out to him, hesitant but ready should they attack. "Damn hairy buggars are used to cold....not like normal spiders. Be on ye guard"

The barbarian stares at the spiders who move slightly. His eyes narrow, gripping his blade. A massive spider makes a odd sound like a strange chirping as two other spiders smaller then himself move to be in front of him. Fenris snorts and steps up slightly upon the small ice ramp but then two move spiders move down along the wall about twenty feet up. They drop down about ten feet from the fighter and mage on either side. The larger spider leaps up and lands about ten feet in front of the barbarian! The other two jump up and land behind the cleric another ten feet!

OOC
Initiative!

Ballast turns to face the spiders by Cumarinda, grabbing his magical hammer and flinging at one of them with a shout to draw its attention!

OOC: 08:20, Today: Ballast rolled 10 using 1d20+5.  Initiative.
08:20, Today: Ballast rolled 26 using 1d20+7.  Attack with Thor's hammer.
08:20, Today: Ballast rolled 12 using 1d6+9.  Thor's hammer damage.

Brankx smiled, thinking of his new gift, but decided to hold off using it. He held his hand out, summoning magical energy. The energy flew off separating unto three bolts of energy. The bolts hit the spider closest to him.

“Bet ya that hurt” He muttered

<OOC: attack using magic missile (spell - not wand)

Brankx Onyxshield rolled 7 using 1d20+1.  Iniative.

Brankx Onyxshield rolled 5 using 1d4+1.  Magic missile 3.
Brankx Onyxshield rolled 4 using 1d4+1.  Magic missile 2.
Brankx Onyxshield rolled 2 using 1d4+1.  Magic missile 1.

Total damage : 11>

After almost being surprised by the spiders coming to attack her personally, Cumarinda pulls in fully behind her shield. "I've heard that some spiders have a poison bite. Be very careful not to have them bite you." she warned.


OOC
Cumarinda Imbrex rolled 7 using 1d20+2.  Initiative.
She goes onto Total Defense, AC 24

Each of the spiders go after their prey-one on the warforged, one on the dwarf, two on the cleric and the big one on Fenris. Both of them miss the fighter and wizard, one misses the cleric but another slams into her left arm with its bite. She is able to shrug off the poison and the last sinks into the arm of the barbarian and he is also able to shrug off the poison as well!

Cumarinda take 6 damage (Crit)
Fenris take 7 damage

Ballest take a step back and throws his hammer into the spider hitting it but leaving the warforge without a weapon for a round.

Fenris swings his sword but misses.

The cleric goes all defensive.

The dwarf steps back and casts its magical ball of missiles hitting its mark.

The spiders again go after their mark but the wizard is hit but barely, but is able to not get hit with its poison. The two on the cleric miss because of her defensive capabilities. The last hits the barbarian again, ripping into his right leg.

The warforges weapon returns to his hand.

Brankx take 1 damage
Fenris take 14 damage

Group is up!
All spiders are within 5'.
I have been rolling the poison as seen fit!

Spiders   (16)
*Medium AC 15
-One on the warforged ??/12
-One on the dwarf ??/11
-One on the cleric ??/??
-One on the cleric ??/??
*Large AC 16
-One on the barbarian ??/??
----------------------------------------------
Ballest   (10)
Fenris    (09)
Cumarinda (07)
Brankx    (07)

Ballast does the simplest thing possible to the spider in front of him, and punches it hard in its eight-eyed excuse for a face!

OOC: 13:43, Today: Ballast rolled 29 using 1d20+12.  Attack with slam.
13:43, Today: Ballast rolled 11 using 1d4+8.  Slam attack damage.

With the spider now in front of him, Brankx smiles, placing his hands together at the thumb, and fanning out his hands. Muttering a phrase in dwarvish, a fan of flame erupts from his hands, hitting the spider.

<OOC: casts burning hands

Brankx Onyxshield rolled 11 using 5d4 - burning hands>

Facing the two spiders attacking her, Cumarinda accepts the wisdom of a 'good defense' and makes a mighty swing of her sword at one of the arachnids. "You shouldn't come after me, I'm not good eating and I will hurt you."


OOC:
Cumarinda Imbrex rolled 21 using 1d20+4.  Attack with sword.
Cumarinda Imbrex rolled 8 using 1d8+1.  Sword Damage.

The fighter slams into the face of the spider, obviously hurting and it collapses to the ground, not moving.

Fenris takes his sword and plunges it against the larger spider. It lets out a peircing screech but remains standing!

The cleric strikes her mark, but alas it remains where it is but is hurt.

A blast of fire comes fron the wizard, killing off one of the spiders he was facing.

One of the spiders leaps over the cleric and bites into her arm. The other one misses and almost falls over.
Cumandria: Take 2 damage

The large spider sinks its fangs into the barbarian!
Fenris: Take 11 Damage

Group is up!
All spiders are within 5'.
I have been rolling the poison as seen fit!

they are about 15' from the warforged and dwarf. Fenris is about 30'.

Spiders   (16)
*Medium AC 15
-One on the warforged DEAD
-One on the dwarf DEAD
-One on the cleric ??/?? (Flanking)
-One on the cleric ??/?? (Flanking)
*Large AC 16
-One on the barbarian ??/25
----------------------------------------------
Ballest   (10)
Fenris    (09)
Cumarinda (07)
Brankx    (07)

Brankx was satisfied with the results of the fire killing the first spider, but he knew that their were others, so his smile was short lived as he quickly surveyed the scene. Seeing cumarinda outnumbered, he held his hand up, muttering arcane words in dwarvish as a green/blue energy coaliated above his hand. He considered using the wand, but held that back....their may be far worse here than spiders.

The energy shot out, separating into three seperate bolts of energy, hitting the spider that looked as if it stumbled, slamming it three times. “Come ‘ere ugly...I’m not done yet!”

<OOC: casts magic missile at the spider that missed cumarinda

Brankx Onyxshield rolled 2 using 1d4+1.  Magic missile.
Brankx Onyxshield rolled 4 using 1d4+1.  Magic missile.
Brankx Onyxshield rolled 5 using 1d4+1.  Magic missile.

Total damage: 11>

Wincing from the bite, Cumarinda carefully moves away from her position between the smaller spiders and towards the warforged. “Ballast, help me please!” she called to the fighter.

OOC:
She withdraws and defensively moves to Ballast's side.

Ballast steps forward to aid Cumarinda at her cry.  The hammer slaps back into his palm, and he tucks it into his shield hand while drawing his magical sword, then strikes out hard at the spider on the left!


OOC: 01:17, Today: Ballast rolled 22 using 1d20+13.  Attack with short sword.
01:17, Today: Ballast rolled 13 using 1d6+8.  Short sword damage.

Another spider is taken down!

The large creature is then hit by the barbarian and cleaved in two as the last spider shimmer up the wall and dissapears along a higher up area.

Fenris grunts, wiping blood from his side and winces. He glances at the others and looks up just as someone comes along and looks at them. Being about twenty feet away with a large gap to the floor the rogue smiles as it seems he comes from a doorway some distance off.

OOC
In walks Valis

Keep in mind:
the dwarf and warforged are on the bottom. The cleric is about 15' on a ice platform. Fenris is about 30' up.  Valis is 30' from the ground on a platform covered in snow and ice with about 20' to Fenris (a gap). Higher up. There's a door as well on the upper area (where Valis came from-not known) and another area nearbye (no one sees-same areas as Valus) There's a area further up leading to the right and left to 2 closed doors. Hopefully that makes sense?

Valis looks to be human, of a slight build, with a short sword and a dagger drawn. He has emerald green eyes and long, dark hair, while dressing in neutral colors. He looks about, glancing at the party, spread out as they are. "I owe you one for finishing those things off!"

Valis steps toward them, sheathing his dagger but keeping the sword at the ready. "I suppose you're the adventurers the mayor said headed up this way. I was looking to join you, but I holed up in there to get away from the spiders. Name's Valis."

OOC: Valis is actually a half-elf, but you probably haven't spotted the ears yet. I'm confused by the layout. Is there a 20 ft. gap between the platforms, or a smaller gap within the 20 ft. distance that separates Valis from Fenris?

The dwarf looks at the spiders and sighs. “Nasty buggars!” He says, kicking one of them. He hears the new voice up the ramp and starts up there slowly with his staff clipping in the ice. “Ye owe us nothing valis....they attacked us, and we were here anyway.”

He looked at the others, then Valis again. “Me name is Brankx Onyxshield. How long ye been here?”

"A couple days. They had me surrounded, but I'm pretty good at hiding. Were you heading up or heading down?"

Valis looks a little more closely at the party, studying the faces of those he's come to adventure with. He looks relieved and rather excited.

Still injured from her brief battle with one of the spiders, Cumarinda looks around. Seeing the blood of the wounded elf ahead she quickly makes her way to his side. “Fenris, you're hurt again. Stand still and let me shine Pelor's blessing upon your wounds.” So saying she casts a prayer upon the barbarian.

OOC:
Cumarinda Imbrex rolled 16 using 2d8+10.  Cure Moderate Wounds.

After tending to Fenris, the youthful-looking human female wearing a chain mail shirt with wavy hair with the texture of silk and the color of fire, wide brown eyes, sun-kissed skin and a wooden holy symbol of a smiling Pelor, looks up to the newcomer.

"Pelor's eyes bless me! I'm sorry I didn't see you there at first. You say your name is Valis? I am Cumarinda Imbrex a humble priestess of Pelor, The Sun Father. It seems that Brankx has already introduced himself. Next to me here is my beloved, Fenris. He is a proud and mostly silent warrior. Last but certainly not least of us is Ballast, the most steadfast warforged I have ever seen."  she says with a bright smile.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:56, Tue 16 Mar 2021.

The barbarian growls as he is healed up. Fenris looks at the cleric, wiping blood from his sword and moves towards her. Upon hearing the newcomer, he turns towards him staying in front of the cleric and raises his sword up about half-away not to strike as the half-elf is somewhat off but enough to be intimidating. Heck never know he could be the enemy. People lie he ponders, eyes narrowed upon the half-elf. Distance between them and Valis. Big gap. Be hard to get to them-but not him.

"A pleasure to meet you all," says Valis, sheathing his sword with a glance around for spiders. "It's Valis Burns, you can call me Val if you'd like. I'm a traveling adventurer, but our ship went down and I washed ashore in these parts. So I went looking for a job, and got sent this way to aid you, if you'll have me. I'm skilled at stealth and... infiltration. But I only use my powers for good! Heheh." He laughs awkwardly, hoping not to offend the priestess, nor provoke the warrior's rage.

Brankx looks at fenris and sighs, having a small shake of his head as he walked forward. "It seems we have somethin' in common....most o' us were washed ashore after a dragon attacked our ship. As I said, I be Brankx....Arcanist. Our eagre friend here is Fenris, and his lady friend is our healer, lady Cumarinda. The big wood and metal guy is ballast...good fighter with a heart o' gold. Not literally, just a kind spirit"

He looked at the spiders. "Seems ye have some skill ter get up here past us without us knowin'. I can't speak fer all, but someone with ye skills could help us in our task."

Fenris caught the sigh and growls as he glances at the dwarf. His hands tense on his blade but it stays towards the rogue. Heck Brankx knows the barbarian dislikes him-and that made it slightly worse. He listens to the conversation. Infiltration? He best not be talking about the cleric! If he is there will be blood.

Lots of blood.

Glancing at the cleric, he lowers the weapon but keeps it out. Fenris goes to get close to the cleric, keeping her to his back but relatively close. The elf looks at her tilting his head then back at Val but he gets a growl like some crazy beast.

Yup. Marking his territory.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:22, Wed 17 Mar 2021.

She turns back to the elven barbarian and kisses him on the cheek before gently but firmly pushing his sword hand down as she speaks, “Beloved, I don't think he is any threat to any of us. I think our new ally is a friend we haven't met before. Please, Fenris put your sword away for now.”

Looking back to the half elf she says, “Valis we welcome your skills and your good intentions. We are most certainly in need of someone with your talents. If you wouldn't mind being our scout, we can all keep moving forward.”

Quickly looking over to Brankx and Ballast she asks, "Have either of you been wounded by the spiders?"

Brankx looked at the cleric with respect. Her effects being able to calm and reason with Fenris was amazing....Brankx knew of a barbarian in his clan that nothing short of death of himself or enemies would stop him.

He smiled at Cumarinda with a shake of his head. "I'm fine....i can go on."

Despite the clerics words, the barbarian keeps his sword out but pointed downwards. He grunts and stares at the half-elf, remaining between the cleric and the rogue. The man glances around and points to where Val came from and then in two other directions.

The area is quiet. Drips of water come down the walls despite it being very cold and snow covered. He starts to head up the ice ramp, watching the rogue seeming to be stuck bout 20' away on a upper ledge. Val could climb down or wait.

OOC
So there's 4 doors. 1 was storage, one was near it thats closed, another that's straight ahead on the ramp and another in the oppsite from the storage.

Valis hops off of the ledge, dropping slowly and harmlessly to the ground. Then he starts up the ramp to catch up with the others.

OOC: Ring of Feather Falling activates.

Cumarinda makes sure to keep a reassuring hand on Fenris's sword arm. When Valis arrives to join the party she is privately amused to discover that he's a half elf. Looking at the places where there seem to be doors she asks him, "Valis, in all the time that you've been here, have you learned anything about the contents of these rooms around us?"

"Well, that room up there is a storage area.. Lots of dust, an old skeleton with tattered gear, and that's about it. Other than that, I was a little too preoccupied with those spiders to get a good look."

Valis starts to head up the ramp. "I guess I should give this door a look over."

He proceeds to examine the door, looking for the telltale signs of traps, and giving a listen to see if anything's moving on the other side.

OOC: 26 Search and 22 Listen, I'm checking the door at the end of the ramp, but if someone wants to redirect me that's fine.

08:29, Today: Valis Burns rolled 26 using 1d20+11.  Search door for traps.
08:29, Today: Valis Burns rolled 22 using 1d20+8.  Listen at the door.

The barbarian remains in the front and steps to the side, sword still drawn but he grunts as the cleric rests her hand upon his arm. Still it remains lowered as Fenris glances around followed by the mage and warrior. Valis listens to the door and checks it for any traps. Finding nothing, he steps back. There is enough room for everyone to be near the door but the ramp moves off to the left to another door further up and the two doors loom across the way with a big drop between them. When the group is ready, Fenris opens the door and its a small hallway covered in ice. About sixty feet away is what looks like a lever straight ahead. The room seems quiet besides the occasional drip of water from above.

OOC
Everyone can make Spot checks.
The room is all ice and snow.
60' x 60' approx.

The rogue half-elf looks into the icy hallway carefully, noting the lever and keeping an eye out for any evidence of its purpose.

OOC: That's a 26 Spot.
09:35, Today: Valis Burns rolled 26 using 1d20+8.  Spot check.

Cumarinda looks into the room and gently squeezing Fenris' shoulder. She notes the leaver and hopes that everyone here resists testing it until Valis finishes searching the room.

OOC
Cumarinda Imbrex rolled 22 using 1d20+6.  Spot check.

Ballast waves to the newcomer as his comrades introduce him, uncommonly pleased by their praise.  It's not something he's accustomed to, being described so extravagantly.  "Valis, fortunate that we met.  A clever bit of magic, to fall so lightly."  Ballast makes a noise like rocks grating against each other; a laugh, one not often used, likely because Ballast has never landed lightly in his entire life.  He looks solid enough to roll down the mountain and likely leave some dents on the rocks.  "You're braver than most to risk this place.  Is the village your home?"

He talks quietly as Valis joins them, listens to his answers, then steps back to let Valis busy himself at the doors.  The newcomer moves quickly, neatly, and competently; so far, he seemed to be willing to pull his weight.

"Hmm, cleats would be welcome on this ice. Had I known it was going to be quite so slick, I might have put some nails in my feet for traction," Ballast comments.  "Is that lever decorative, or useful?"

OOC: 03:44, Today: Ballast rolled 18 using 1d20+6.  Listen.
03:44, Today: Ballast rolled 11 using 1d20+6.  Spot.

Everyone can hear something shifting in the room. The wizard comes up from behind and glances into the room but doesn't seem to see anything odd. Fenris grunts and raises his sword, not letting anything immediatly through as they seem to try to look inside. They can make out the lever and Fenris raises the sword and points at the left and right wall. Nothing comes out of the area and besides the dripping inside its quiet. Fenris grunts and looks at the left and righ "Wait." His sword glows a green color and POOF! the barbarian is gone and appears right next to the lever. Nothing comes out. He uses his left hand and presses it on the lever, lowering it. A blue light forms and goes up the wall to the door and out into the hallway area. Appearing near the walls are four odd creatures, two on each side.


This message was last edited by the GM at 00:38, Sat 10 Apr 2021.

Valis carefully draws a pair of daggers, keeping his eyes on these strange creatures. "Has anyone seen these before?", he asks quietly.

Brankx clutches his staff, a grim look on his face. "Never seen one, but i know what it be.....That's an ice Mephit. From th' plain of air and cold. Carewful, as cold and weather effects do nothin ter them, fast healing and some resistances ter non magical weapons."


He looked at the group. "their fas and hide wellt, but not too srong, best thing is fire against 'em. But ye gotta be careful - they can call allies ter them"

"Any chance they'd accept new allies?" Valis grins, semi-hopefully, and lets the grin fall flat. "Well now what? Fenris is over there, on the other side."

OOC: Valis is starting to figure out what things will be like with this group.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:40, Tue 13 Apr 2021.

Cumarinda looked to Brankx and asked, "Would they have any reason to attack us rather than talk to us?" while she firmly gripped her shield and rested a hand on the hilt of her sword.

Gripping his sword double-handed, the barbarian grunts and looks at the four adversaries. His eyes narrow, not playing attention to the group. Stepping forwards, the four creatures turn and stare at him. They start to take flight, watching Fenris. Cold billows from them.

"Fenris!" Cumarinda warned, "Don't attack them first but be ready to strike if we have to fight them."

She turned to address the Ice Mephits, "If you can understand me, please let us know how we can pass you peacefully. I'm also willing to listen to what you might want."

OOC
Cumarinda Imbrex rolled 24 using 1d20+9.  Diplomacy
This message was last edited by the player at 07:08, Wed 14 Apr 2021.

The mephits hiss and talk in some unknown language. One of them speaks out in Common "Enter our home, you die. Simple." None of them move towards the group and three of them circle the barbarian who grips the blade and watches them.

"You go! He stays! No one touches the lever! Nope!" The memphit that talked before speaks out.

Fenris growls, eyes narrowed upon the four memphits. He slowly raise his sword, more in defense.

Brankx looked at the ice Mephit's with narrowed eyes. "Not happenin'. We all go or we all stay.....thats how it works. Ye let him go and we won't start anythin', But ye attack him and ye face us all."

This is the first time the dwarf has openly backed up Fenris, and he meant every word. Sure, he thought him a moody, barbariac elf, but he was a team mate, and even the dwarf would lay his life on the line for him.....for any of them.

The dwarf slammed the butt of his staff into the ice, glaring at the one that spoke. "Make ye choice....Let 'im go, or ye die." His tone wasn't a threat, just a statement.

Valis just nods at the dwarf's words and holds his daggers at the ready.

Cumarinda smiled at Brankx's statement in support of Fenris. Still smiling she addresses the speaking mephit as she quickly moves up to flank one of those attempting to surround the elf. “He's my beloved barbarian warrior. By Pelor's light or dark of night, our battles we share and our foes despair. Leave us be or prepare to die!” As she comes upon the  mephit between her and Fenris, she prepares to strike.

OOC
Cumarinda Imbrex rolled 20 using 1d20+2.  Initiative.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:02, Sat 17 Apr 2021.

"Trade. No need to fight and die. Yes yes. What you got?" One of the memphits speak and the others move to surround the barbarian.

Fenris grips his sword and growls, wanting to rip their wings off their bodies. He knows he is surrounded on all sides but willing to fight! "You harm her I will rip you apart!" Probably the most he has said but he wants to make the point.

They hiss and wait for a response from anyone.

OOC Roll initiative in case a fight breaks out!
17:06, Today: Fenris rolled 21 using 1d20+3.  Initiative (Just in case!).

17:08, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 13 using 1d20+7.  Memphits Initiative (Just in case).

The dwarf narrows his eyes, an idea coming into his head. “A trade....ay. I may have somethin’ fer ya.” He looked at the group holding his hand up. “We seek a great enemy.....beasts with powers of th’ mind, and a white wyrm. Our aim is to rid them o’ the town and this place. My thought is th’ less o’ them here, the greater your domain. Ye let us through and maybe tell us where ter find them, we face them.”

He crosses his arms. “We die....ye can loot our corpses. We win, we take what we can carry, you keep th’ rest and the land on provision ye leave the townspeople alone.”

Valis is impressed with Brankx's quick thinking, nodding in corroboration while he suppresses a shudder at the horrors to come.

Initiative 5 (just in case).
21:38, Today: Valis Burns rolled 5 using 1d20+4.  Initiative.

"One sided yes yes. Definatly one sided. Big creature did nothing. Nope. Leaves us alone. Don't care about domain. Go where we want. Yup yup. We want treasure. Give us treasure. Townspeople? Don't know townspeople. Harmony. Yes yes. Dragon big. Eat you up." The mempit speak one at a time, stating the same things. Odd bunch "Let you through? You came here. Go back way out. Not stopoping you. Nope nope. Pay us he goes with you. Don't pay us he...."

The barbarian has enough. He growls and goes into a rage, slamming the weapon into the mephits! One of them is litteraly cut in two by Fenri's sword. Litterally. From head to feet. Its two sides flop down. He swings the weapon around cleaving into another mephit dropping him.


Fenris-21
Cumarinda-20
-------------------------------------------------------
Mephits (x2)-13
-------------------------------------------------------
Ballest-10
Brankx-8
Valis-5

In reply to Dungeon Master (msg # 62):

With an expression of pity the cleric shakes her head. “Pelor's mercy upon your kindred! You were warned, and now we send you to your gods.” she sighs as she cuts through one of the remaining mephits.


OOC:
Cumarinda Imbrex rolled 21 using 1d20+4.  Attack with sword.
Cumarinda Imbrex rolled 9 using 1d8+1.  Sword Damage.

One of the mephits is hit by the cleric but it doesn't drop!

They back away and cast their spells. From each, 2 balls of energy fly out at the cleric! They each slam into her!
Cumarinda take 12 damage

The warforged throws his hammer and it hits the back of the hurt mephit. The creature falls to the ground not moving!


Waiting on Brankx and Valis
Fenris-21
Cumarinda-20
-------------------------------------------------------
Mephits (x1)-13
-------------------------------------------------------
Ballest-10
Brankx-8
Valis-5

Taken back by the balls of energy striking Cumarinda, Valis leaps into action. He steps forward, slashing towards the nearest mephit but fails to connect.


Valis hits AC 15 17 with his magical shortsword for 3 piercing damage (miss) and hits with his magical dagger for 7 slashing damage (21 confirming the crit).

10:51, Today: Valis Burns rolled 15,3,26,3 using 1d20+6,1d6+2,1d20+6,1d4+1.  Sword attack, damage, dagger attack, damage. Should be 1d20+8 for single attack.
10:54, Today: Valis Burns rolled 21,4 using 1d20+6,1d4+1.  Dagger crit confirm, crit damage.
OOC: sorry, got my 3.5 rules confused!
This message was last edited by the player at 17:14, Tue 27 Apr 2021.

Brankx, not at surprised by Fenris’s action, allowed himself a mental sigh as he went through the motion of casting the arcane misiles towards one of the beasts.

<OOC: casts magic missile (no wand)


11:26, Today: Brankx Onyxshield rolled 3 using 1d4+1.  Magic missile.
11:26, Today: Brankx Onyxshield rolled 4 using 1d4+1.  Magic missile.
11:26, Today: Brankx Onyxshield rolled 3 using 1d4+1.  Magic missile .

Total damage: 10>

The rogues attack misses and the mages attack hits home. With a fury of rage, the barbarian cuts it in half killing it! He growls, hitting the beast over and over again. Blood rage through Fenris and he looks at the cleric but doesn't say a word. He leans against the cleric for some unknown reason, lowering his blade.

OOC
The mephits are dead. Long live the group ;)

Valis moves forward to join the barbarian on the far side of the chamber. "Good work! Is there a way through here?" He looks about, looking to see if there are any doors or openings.

Not sure if a check is required, but I'll take 10 for a 17 on either Spot or Search if necessary.

The rogue finds no other way into the room or out, besides the entrance they came through. Most of the walls are ice and covered in snow so finding anything would be rather tough. It seems like this was a perfect nest for the mephits-places to hide, hard to see from a distance and places to put things if anything was found. And to protect the lever. Fenris keeps his sword drawn, watching the odd half-elf move around the area.

OOC
This may be a good spot to rest despite the coldness. One way in, one way out. Got 2 other locations to check out too.

"Well done, Fenris.  I had a thought that such creatures would likely tell our presence to the dragon after taking anything we would pay them, and thus be paid twice.  We are well clear of their treachery and greed.  Does anyone need rest?  It is defensible here, if you wanted to take a break before we open the door to new dangers," Ballast says.

After the last of the ice mephits fell, Cumarinda leaned heavily against Fenris. “I think we should rest here as we have a defensible position with little to no chance of being attacked while we regain our strength and tend to our wounds.” A rumbling sound erupted from her midsection, bringing about an embarrassed blush. “I'd be willing to cook something for us to eat too.” she volunteered in a softer voice while blushing again.

Subsequently, while looking around at the rest of the group with concern she asked, "Is there anyone is still wounded?"

Brankx, uninjured, looked at the cleric and nodded. "Ye have wisdom there....we may not find another suitable area ter rest. I say we rest here and move on."

"I've no objections to resting here," says Valis. "I can stand watch for a while," he adds.

The look that Fenris gives the rogue is something not good. He just met him and now expect him to watch the rag tag group?

"No."" Fenris speaks out, expecting someone to object. Well expecting the dwarf to object.

He always does.

The sound the clerics tummy makes is unsettling to the barbarian. He looks at it then to her and tilts his head. Perhaps nothing. He crosses his arms after sheathing his sword and then goes to try to make the area more comfortable-blankets, sleeping areas. But its cold. Really cold.
This message was lightly edited by the GM at 09:14, Sat 08 May 2021.

The dwarf blinks at the insistence of Fenris, and though he was often at odds with him, this new person was new, and though he helped, was not quick to trust. He looked at valis with a smile. “Perhaps ye and ballast can watch over us as we rest...normally I would but I need th’ time ter replenish a few spells.”

Feeling as if he is not wanted and a outsider to the group, the rogue after getting a meal. Fenris is not thrilled with this half-elf. After some rest, the group awakens and finds the rogue gone. The barbarian finds some tracks and looks at the group knowing he was right. All ready for the day or nights travels-its hard to tell what time of day. Two doors left and what did that beam do? The bodies still lie nearbye but they are placed at the entrance-perhaps a way of stating 'do not enter'. The group finds that the beam flickered but keeps going into the door that was locked and it remains as such.

OOC
I will say the group is fully back to health, got spells back, ect.

After the reminder of the party had rested, eaten her delicious food, and was fully healed, Cumarinda repacked her gear stating, “Well we could stay here longer but even with a warm barbarian blanket the cold here is discouraging, and we have a mission to finish. I think we should investigate the door without the light shining though it before we disturb the pile of dead mephits.” She paused, looking over the group as she asked, “Does anyone else have a better idea?”

Ballast gives a small shrug.  "It could be a warning or invitation, but yes, let us see what the less ominous door yields before we try the peculiar beam and moving the bodies."  He shakes his head.  "Pity Valis did not see fit to stay around.  I hope he got off the mountain safely."

Ballast crosses to the selected door and listens for anything on the other side.  If all is quiet, he tries to open it, after making sure the others are ready.

OOC: 04:15, Today: Ballast rolled 11 using 1d20+6.  Listen .

Brankx listens to the others and simply nods. "Lets see what's behind door number one."

The group heads for the doorways that Val came out of. As they get to it, the first door is a storage area with a dead body and a broken sword. Its a skeleton, not moving and covered slightly with ice. The other door is closed and the warforged doesn't hear anything. Fenris decides to open it, and it goes down a hallway covered in ice and snow. Above about thirty feet up there is a opening with snow coming down from it. Though slippery they make it to the door that is slightly opened. It looks the same as where the group fought the mephits with a lever in the same location. Standing on either side:

https://angrygolem-games.com/w...2020/04/gargoyle.jpg

Neither of them move. They look like statues covered in snow and some ice.

"I don't like the look of this," Ballast says.  He looks around to find a rock, or saving that, a piece of the broken sword, and chucks it at the left-hand gargoyle to see if there is a reaction.  "It is better to feel foolish than to be dead."

The dwarf allowed a half smile. "Given what we've been though, it'd be foolish not to be cautious. nay...your fears are justified, and mirrored by meself."

He grasped his staff tightly, ready should they move

“Mayhaps we leave this lever and these stony creatures alone. But we might want to take a look around just to see if there is anything else to be found here.” she cheerfully offered.

The warforged finds a piece of stone and throws it at one of the statues. It hits and falls to the floor, the statue remains unmoving. Fenris steps forwards but stops, listening to the others. He watches these odd statues but doesn't move forwards.

Stepping beside Fenris she rested a hand on his shoulder and gave him a brief kiss on his cheek. Looking to the others she said, “Lets go forward. Remember we are here for a purpose and we are not achieving that goal by standing here, Pelor bless our souls.” After taking a moment to ensure that she had her necessary tools at hand, she started past the gargoyles and the lever.

The dwarf, grasping his staff, took a breath that was almost a sigh of relief. He looked at the cleric and nodded. "Strandin' around gets us nowhere other than cold feet. Like ye said Cumarinda.....lets move on."

The dwarf shouldered his pack, and followed the cleric

"Well, we have levers here, levers there, and the strange door with the bodies and the beam of light.  It seems we must pull something or deal with the odd door.  I will face the gargoyles, and Fenris, will you as well?  And then Brankx or Cumarinda could pull the lever.  At least this place is less exposed than the others," Ballast offers.

Aggrivated, the barbarian grips his sword and slowly moves towards the statues. He taps it a few times. No response. And against he hits the other statue. Nothing. Fenris goes to flip the lever down slowly and both statues move slightly. He pulls back and they don't move back to where they were but stop moving.

"Ballast, Fenris!" she called to their warriors, "Let us leave that lever in peace unless we have to pull it. We shall go through the door where the light shines. Let's move!" she ordered and started to move that way.

With Fenris plunge the lever, the dwarf tensed as tve statues moved. When he returned it and they stopped, he breathed a sigh of relief. He looked at Cumarinda and nodded. "Ye show great wisdom Cumarinda. Let us search the other areas first. But, I believe we must eventually pull that lever."

He looked at the statues. "At least we can prepare or try destroying them before hand...but fer now let's wait."

After briefly nodding to Brankx's words, Cumarinda directed Fenris and Ballast to the one unopened door away from both the gargoyles and the dead mephits. "There doesn't seem to be anything special about this door Ballast, please see if you can open it." she asked the tall warforged. "Fenris, please be ready to try to force the door if Ballast can't persuade it to open otherwise."

The barbarian gives the cleric a odd look. Persuade the door? And how did she know if it wasn't trapped? Fenris gets to the door, glancing at the others. It seems to be covered in some ice but its definatly a door. After chipping away the ice, Fenris grips the door and goes to open it. It slowly opens into another hallway similar to the last hall but its darker, with little light coming from above. Fenris moves further down the hallway that opens up into a room. A lever is straight across. It looks empty, the area covered in snow. The roof above looks solid as well and the walls and roof are covered in snow and ice.

OOC
Make a Spot check

Brankx follows about 4 steps behind the barbarian, his staff in hand as he moves, looking around the icy room. "Gives me an ill feelin' this." he mutters as he walks slowly, looking around

<OOC: Brankx Onyxshield rolled 8 using 1d20+4.  spot check.>

"Odd that the weather gets into closed rooms," Ballast says, mostly to himself, as he casts around for any more surprises.

OOC: 03:32, Today: Ballast rolled 14 using 1d20+6.  Spot check.

"We may be nearing the lair of the white dragon, that might be why everything is so cold." the cleric explained as she looked carefully around.

OOC:Cumarinda Imbrex rolled 9 using 1d20+6.  Spot check.

Glancing around the area, Fenris raises his sword up. He step into the room and waits. The man looks at the cleric, watching her. Nothing moves, nothing seems out of place besides the adventurers. Another step. Nothing. Then another. Nothing. No one spots anything. When the barbarian gets about 10' away, he shivers just as a white gooey what looks like a fist slams up into Fenris! It raises up, as Fenris is pulled from the ground, held within its grip! He gasps for air, sword held tightly but unable to help him.



But white and snow-covered!

OOC
Feel free to make Knowledge checks (probably Arcana or Dungeeonering)

Initiative!
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:12, Thu 17 June 2021.

Cumarinda stares in speechless shock as Fenris is hauled up into the air by the huge strange white fist.

OOC
Cumarinda Imbrex rolled 13 using 1d20+6.  Knowledge (arcana).

Cumarinda Imbrex rolled 15 using 1d20+2.  Initiative.

Brankx watches on as the beast attacked the barbarian, his staff in hand.

<OOC: Brankx Onyxshield rolled 2 using 1d20+1.  Iniative.
 Brankx Onyxshield rolled 26 using 1d20+6.  Arcane knowledge roll

Natural 20 on arcane knowledge roll, natural 1 on iniative. Opposite ends of the spectrum there>

Brankx snorts as he steps forward to cumarinda’s shoulder, speaking quickly. “A snowflake ooze….very Rare. Don’t bother hitting it with cold as it won’t effect it, but if ye have fire, it will hurt it more. It’s strong, but slow, and even ter be within the area o’ it, it will grapple ye, and when that does, both physical and cold damage will happen.not very quick or hardy with spells, but even being near it ye will feel th’ cold”

He looked around. “If I had th’ room I’d use a fireball on th’ beast, but this range it will surely harm us.”

The dwarf reached into a pouch, retrieving some materials and began casting, sending a bolt of acid towards the beast.

<OOC: Casts acid arrow

Brankx Onyxshield rolled 16 using 1d20+3.  Ranged touch attack.
Brankx Onyxshield rolled 5 using 2d4.  Acid arrow. (5 damage for 2 rounds)>
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:06, Wed 16 June 2021.

Forwarned by Brankx's information, Ballast takes up his throwing hammer and hurls it at the strange ooze, hoping it would drop Fenris to deal with a more painful threat!

OOC: 04:33, Today: Ballast rolled 19 using 1d20+5.  Initiative.
04:33, Today: Ballast rolled 24 using 1d20+7.  Attack with throwing hammer.
04:34, Today: Ballast rolled 11 using 1d6+9.  Throwing hammer damage.

Cumarinda stares at the liquid threat, unsure how to fight against it.
Her face displaying horror, fear, and confusion as she tries to wrap
her mind around the existence of the monster. The cleric blinks twice
and cries out, "FENRIS! Don't you dare die on me!" and furiously charges
the ooze, swinging her sword wildly.

OOC
Cumarinda is visibly at a loss what to do against this ooze, this should be clear to everyone.

Aid Another (Fenris)
"You can help a friend attack or defend by distracting or interfering with an opponent.
You make an attack roll against AC 10. If you succeed, your friend gains a +2 to AC against that opponent’s next attack."

Cumarinda Imbrex rolled 14 using 1d20+4.  Aid Another.

The barbarian's eyes glow brightly as he tries to escape the hold. With a huge amount of strength, Fenris breaks free from its grip. He grips his sword and takes a step back, growling.

Ballest throws his hammer and slams into the creature. Instead of harming it, it splits into two creatures!

The cleric moves towards it, screaming. The distraction gives Fenris time to regroup.
-Fenris gets +2 AC for 1 round

The one that held him attacks again! Its umable to get a grip on Fenris but it gets a nasty blow to his chest!
-Fenris take 18 damage, 3 cold damage 21 total

The newer ooze attacks the cleric but misses!

Brankx conjurers up a acid arrow and it sinks into the creature that attacked Fenris! It sizzles as it burns into it.

With a roar, the barbarian attacks! With two nasty strikes, the ooze begins to break apart and becoming one with the snow and ice.
-One is dead.

Group is up (already did Fenris)
Fenris: 20
*Rage

Ballest: 19

Cumandria: 15
--------------------------------------------------------
Creature: 05
-Snowflake Ooze 1 ??/05 (Fenris/Cumandria)
-Snowflake Ooze 2 ??/?? (Cumandria)
--------------------------------------------------------
Brankx: 02

Ballast, rather astonished at seeing the snow-ooze-thing break into two after hitting it with a hammer, switched back to his magical shortsword as he moved up to defend Cumarinda!

OOC: 03:18, Today: Ballast rolled 21 using 1d20+13.  Attack with shortsword.
03:18, Today: Ballast rolled 13 using 1d6+8.  Short sword damage.

Brankx watches as the first ooze is faked down, leaving the other still standing. Holding his palm out, he begins chanting in his native togune. A purple/ blue energy began to form, as he concentrated on the ooze. Then the energy flew, separating into three seperate arcane bolts of energy.

<OOC: casts magic missile

Brankx Onyxshield rolled 4 using 1d4+1. Magic Missile
Brankx Onyxshield rolled 4 using 1d4+1. Magic missile
Brankx Onyxshield rolled 5 using 1d4+1.  Magic missile.

Total damage:  13>

Cumarinda shouts in anger, "You cold thing! You will not escape without feeling my wrath!" She then takes a well aimed cut at the ooze with her sword.

OOC

Cumarinda Imbrex rolled 17 using 1d20+4.  Attack with sword.
Cumarinda Imbrex rolled 6 using 1d8+1.  Sword Damage.

The warforged charges the creature and he pulls out his short sword, hitting its mark!

Cumandria swings her sword and the weapon sinks into the ooze.

The ooze lashes out at the cleric. Its tentacle wraps around the cleric as it starts to pull the life out of her!
-Cumandria take 15 damage and you are grappled

Brankx fires off several missiles all hitting their mark but the ooze keeps its grip.

Slash! Slash! The barbarian hits, sending ooze 'parts' all around and it drops the cleric. It slowly sinks down and seems to disvolve, dead. Fenris catchs the cleric and then falls to the ground as well exhausted and badly hurt.

Ballast goes to aid Cumarinda and Fenris, bending down to put his backpack under the barbarian's back to keep him somewhat off the cold ground.  "Fenris, how are you faring?
 What can I do, Cumarinda?  Do you need water or fire for your healing or Fenris'?" he asks in concern.

The dwarf snorted at the ooze. "Stupid piece o' slime messed with th' wrong group."  He stomped over to the others, seeing for the first time how badly hurt Fenris was hurt, and he had a concerned look on his face...the two had been at odds in the past, but he considered him an ally worth fighting beside.

"Ye taught him a thing or two there Fenris....good job"

The barbarian grunts as the backpack is put down behind him. He leans forwards and moves the pack back to the warforged and his focus is on the cleric as he holds her. Fenris is litterally covered in blood, gore, ooze remants, snow and ice. Tilting his head as the wizard approaches, he seems well surprised. The elf nods his head towards him actually not arguing with him. The barbarian stares at the warforged. Its pretty obvious he's not in a good place and his attention goes back to the cleric again. All he can do is hold her.

With a pained smile, the tired looking but still youthful and bright lady cleric looked up at the concerned people around her. “I think some drinking water for both Fenris and I would be a good start. Then we need to cleanse ourselves of this cold oozy mess.” a short series of coughs briefly interrupted before she continued. “Oh, by the Sun Father's beard we need a short time, so I can call upon the blessings of Pelor to heal our wounds before we go on.”

Slowly sitting up but not moving from Fenris' arms, she tersely scanned the room before bringing her attention back to the party. “Anyone else besides our favorite barbarian and myself injured? Ballast? Brankx?” she asked.

Getting to his feet and helping up the cleric, the barbarian grunts and flips the lever. Same thing happens as before-it glows and a path leading down to the closed door emerges. Brankx is able to flip the lever invisible and the group rests before the door, the three levers seem to become a keep. The door remains closed but the center glows. They take turns resting but all is quiet and calm. A few hour passes, cures are passed out and the group is back at full life. They stand before the closed doorway.

OOC
Shot ahead :) Everyone is all healed up, spells recovered, ect.

Ballast had spent some of the night carving a little dragon-shape, more out of his idea of what a dragon might look like rather than much actual experience, and tucked it away as the others came awake to have their breakfast and prepare for the day.  Once all were ready, he nods at the doorway.  "More lever-pulling, or shall we try something more direct?" he asks Brankx and the others.

After listening to Ballast's comment, Cumarinda looked quizzically at the dwarf mage. "So what do you think we should do Brankx? I'm open to any ideas, observations, or suggestions?"

She quickly turned to Fenris, "You too, my handsome warrior. Any thoughts, feelings about where we go from here?"

While awaiting their responses, she carefully looked around the room for anything else noteworthy.

OOC
Cumarinda Imbrex rolled 25 using 1d20+6.  Spot check.

Brankx, his spells relearnt over the time resting, streched as he stood, looking at Fenris. "I think the soner we get this done, th' better"

The warrior watches the door for a moment. He pulls out his crowbar and taps it. Nothing. Fenris tries to get it under the symbol but there is nothing to hold onto. He lowers the bar, spitting onto the ground and it freezes soon afterwards.

Eyes narrowed, Fenris goes to grab the mages hand tightly and thrusts it up onto the glyph. For a moment, nothing but then the door seems to come to life as it slowly opens inwards. He lets the hand go, grabbing his pack and then stares at the cleric.

It enters into a dark hallway that looks like it goes further down. There is a bit of ice and snow near the doorway.
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:45, Fri 09 July 2021.

With the return of her usual warm smile, Cumarinda nods to the barbarian warrior and carefully peers into the hallway, her torch held in her shield hand, high enough to let the light penetrate the darkness.

She pats the mighty chest of the elf saying, "I still don't know where some people get the idea that barbarians aren't smart. Sometimes I'm sure that you're smarter than me, Fenris."

Letting her gaze continue over to the warforged and dwarven wizard she adds, "Pelor knows that none of us would have gotten this far without you two, Ballast and Brankx. Now, lets us finally go forward and move ahead."

After taking a good long look into the hallway she suggests, "Ballast, Fenris, the two of you should continue to go before me and Brankx. Please be careful, the snow and ice looks slippery and there may be another of those snow oozy things waiting for us."

Briefly fondling the Holy Symbol around her neck, she follows her companions into the descending passage.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:32, Sat 10 July 2021.

The dwarf watches as Ferris explores the door, the symbol and then when he grabs his hand, protests. “Heya….what do ye think ye…” He tries to fight against the elf’s strength, but looses out, his hand planted on the door. The door opened, and he snatched his hand away. “Ye coulda asked me, ye crazy fool. Don’t go around messin’ with magic!”

It was clear the dwarf was angry that Ferris used him, but it had a tinge of fear as well as excitement that it worked. He snatched up his pack and staff, and giving Ferris a snort, followed the others.

"You live. Not crazy." Oddly, the barbarian actually grins. He probably knows the mage wouldn't have done it, least not easily. And Fenris was a lot stronger, and indeed he knows little of magic but it did the trick. He snorts right back at Brankx but hard to tell if he means out of playfulness or to intimidate him. Perhaps both. Grabbing his blade, he motions for the warforged to follow and starts to head into the corridor.

At the end of the corridor it opens up to a small cavern. Its about 50' total with a closed door. Its pretty solid, going from the snowy area to a more defined area but its still slick at times with snow covering the walls. In the center is a dais, with two torch areas but they aren't lit looking like a small stage. In the center of the 'stage' is a lit up blue rune about 10'. It pulses at times.

"While the gamble with the door did work, perhaps don't toss Brankx atop the rune here until we've taken a closer look," Ballast said to Fenris with a smile in his voice.  He steps forward to take a look at the rune... and possibly also to draw the attention of any unseen or hidden foes.

The dwarf, still upset, was more focused on the tune than Ferris. “He tries ter toss me up there and I’ll turn ‘im into a stoat and feed it to a wolf.” The tone was light, and idle threat, but his attention was on the tune and dias

Another idle threat from the dwarf, the barbarians hands clench his blde. He glances at the cleric, but holds back. Fenris's body tenses up, his eyes narrow upon Brankx. Breath. He takes a deep breath and waits. He would try it-and fail. Dead within seconds. Slowly, Fenris walks around but not up to the dias.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:48, Tue 13 July 2021.

The human female cleric with sun-kissed skin and fire-red hair stepped quickly up to the elf barbarian, throwing her arms around him and kissing his cheek. "Thank you for remembering that he is important to both of us, despite what he says. I know that you didn't have the words to ask for what you wanted done, but you shouldn't put your hands on anyone without their permission unless to save their lives."

With her arms still around Fenris' waist, she turns to the others. "Both of you please try to remember that we have an agreement to not threaten each other, seriously or not.", she chided them in a serious but affectionate manner, like a sister speaking to her brothers.

Turning her attention to the rune, she attempts to decipher it.

OOC
Cumarinda Imbrex rolled 13 using 1d20+4.  Spellcraft.
Cumarinda Imbrex rolled 24 using 1d20+6.  Knowledge (arcana).

The dwarf looks at the cleric, a sharp edge to his tone and eyes. "Remind ye boyfriend that before he forces someone ter touch something that he knows nothin' about. I have been civil, and even concerned fer his saftey when he was wounded, but he wants ter pull crap like that again, and oath or not, i will say somethin' girl."

He stepped forward, ignoring anything she would say, or anything else as his focus went on the rune, casting a spell to see it's magical nature, while trying to discern it.

<OOC: Casts Detect Magic

Brankx Onyxshield rolled 19 using 1d20+5.  knoledge - planes check.
Brankx Onyxshield rolled 16 using 1d20+6.  knoledge - arcane check.>

As much as the barbarian wanted to basically rip into the dwarf, he doesn't. Fenris is silent. He doesn't even look at the dwarf, as if he doesn't bother with him. His words speak of ill intent all the time and he seems to like to hear himself talk even if he may be wrong. In his eyes-he's always right. Never argue with a dwarf. Fenris glances at the cleric who seemed to be helping but its harming at the same time. Something needs to change. Civil? Brankx? Really? The barbarian won't mix words. He pulls away from the cleric and walks away, seeming to check out the room.

Between the mage and cleric, its evident its some sort of magical device locked within its stony cup. But the wizard realizes within himself-its some sort of portal. But it looks innert besides the glowing at times.

Brankx takes little notice of fenris and his musing and walking away, his attention on the rune. "That thing be magical alright - some conjuration magic, butt seems inert at th' moment"

He looks at the cleric and shrugs
This message was last edited by the player at 01:55, Fri 16 July 2021.

Cumarinda looks at the dias for long moments before seeming to come to a decision. With confidence, she spoke to the others. "Alright. There are two places for torches there. The only way we are going to learn more is to get closer and possibly even light the torches on either side. I'm offering to go up there, light the torches and see what happens from there. I'd like for you, Brankx to stay back and watch for any changes or spells going off. Furthermore, I'd like for Ballast and Fenris to join me while I light the torches. We will all be keeping our distance from the glowing blue rune." She pauses while waiting for a reply, “If anyone has a better idea, I'm willing to hear it first.”

The barbarian goes to grab the torch from the cleric, attempting to take if needbe. He then goes to light the torches, trying to manuver around the rune. Fenris doesn't agree to allow his love to possible be killed or whatever the rune will do. As they are lit, its odd as the fire is blue not red. WHen the second one is lit, as the run glows brightly, sending out a burst of energy as the barbarian goes to jump off amongst the blinding flash.

Fenris is gone.
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:04, Sun 18 July 2021.

"Fenris!  By your gods, what happened?  Is is he dead? Gone? Invisible?" Ballast exclaims, moving to where Fenris once was to see if there is any sign of him left...

The warforged dissapears as well in another burst and flash of light blinding the wizard and cleric for a moment.

With the disappearance of the warforged, the cleric's expression goes from stunned silence to shock and then to distress. "By the Sun Father's holy beard! Fenris...? Ballast...? FENRIS!? BALLAST!? They're gone Brankx!" She turns to the dwarf wizard, tears pooling in her brown eyes as she shouts almost hysterically, "BRANKX, WHAT DO WE DO!!"

Brankx watches with an even gaze as Fenris, then Balayst disappears. "Stay calm....Their not dead as far as i know...just transported somewhere."

He looks at her and shrugs. "We gotta stick together girl....let's follow them" With that he shoulders his pack, grumbling about fools jumping into magic without checking, and walked forward.

With a flash of light the two of them follow after. The wizard and cleric appear above a steep cliff in a huge cavern. Fenris is nowhere in sight but the warforged is, kneeling down and watching something. Upon closer examination, a massive white beast sits starting at what looks like a tenticaled creature. It throws his hands up. The dragon snaps at it but doesn't attack.

"Is the village destroyed? Answer me my pet!" The mindflayer speaks out in a gutteral tone.

The dragon snarls at him and turns, its eyes what are normal blue or white are black. Emotionless "No. Your allies are not prepared yet."

Just as the dragon speaks, several sahuagin enter the area as well as some humanoid figures, looking more superior then the other creatures. It slowly looks like a army brewing with the mindflayer holding its leash "Rise up! Rise up! Take over the town! Destroy anyone who will not follow us!" All of them bow as if compelled.

A small ramp is visible off to the side that hooks around. About 100+ feet over the chamber is a strange purple aura upon a cliff. Its hard to tell what is causing it and cannot be seen from below. But when the mind flayer speaks, the area seem to grow brighter and then dims.

As the cleric, wizard and warrior watch on trying to stay hidden-the elf peers out from behind her.
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:33, Sun 25 July 2021.

After watching the scene below them and happily noting the return of Ballast and Fenris to the rest of their party, the young priestess of Pelor quietly hugs both the warforged warrior and the barbarian elf.

With her usual smile subdued to a happy grin, she quietly whispers to the assembled group. "My heart is joyful that we are together again. I ask that we speak in whispers to keep the monsters below from hearing us. We should quietly follow that ramp and hope that it leads us to the source of the purple glow. I think that is what is giving that squid-like monster power over the dragon."

Brankx, though glad the group was back together, simply nodded with a stoic look at both Fenris and Ballast. He looked at the scene and he lost any shred of joy at the sight of the Water demons, the dragon and the mind flayers.

He looked at the cleric with concern. "We need caution....they are controlling a dragon. We need to take them in small groups, not as one."

Hugging her in reutn, the barbarian stares at the wizard. His eyes narrow and then Fenris looks down at the huge gathering below. He takes a deep breath and starts to move along the ramp leading up, motioning for the others to follow.

The mindflayer speaks "My allies are ready and more will come. You will destroy them.""

With a roar, the dragon stares at the mind flayer but he seems to be fighting it "No."

A pain comes out of the dragon and he winces in pain "Yes. It will be done."

Fenris:
08:23, Today: Fenris rolled 24 using 1d20+10.  Move Silently.

08:23, Today: Fenris rolled 30 using 1d20+10.  Hide.
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:23, Fri 30 July 2021.

The dwarf watches as Fenris makes his way up, grimacing. Dwarves weren’t the quietest of people, him included, amd he knew it, but he knew they had to move. The dwarf began to creep, dislodging a stone, sending it dropping, and he dropped to the ground, curling up like a rock.

<OOC:

Brankx Onyxshield rolled 2 using 1d20+1.  Move silently.
Brankx Onyxshield rolled 19 using 1d20+1.  Hide.

Damn….noisy but can hide>

 

After making certain that she takes every reasonable chance to remain out of sight and sound from the collection of deadly foes below them, the fire-color haired human cleric follows the elf barbarian and the others up the ramp.

OOC
Cumarinda Imbrex rolled 18 using 1d20+2.  Hide.
Cumarinda Imbrex rolled 13 using 1d20+2.  Move Silently.

The dwarf seems to make some noise as the dragon glances in his direction but being above and with some snow and ice its hard to tell if the dragon saw him. Oddly, the dragon doesn't say a word as some ice falls to the ground. Its hard to tell if he saw anyone, and it remains to be seen as the beast looks back at the mindflayer. Eyes narrow, the mindflayer hisses "We need more. Gather more troops. More." Several sahuagain nod their heads and leave down a corridor. Seems like there are two ways out-the way the group got in and somewhere far below, about 100'. Its hard to make out with everyone looking the same but from their angle above, its about even where the group teleported in. And there is still about 20 people-three heavily armed humans with 17 sahugain waiting. And theres the mindflayer and dragon.

As the group gets closer to the purple glow, its about 50' from where the ramp ends to the glowing orb seeming to be held by ice from above. And a closed door at the end of the ramp. Fenris waits for the others to get near the end of the ramp. Ballest goes to the door and tries to open it and it opens into a room that has a angled area leading downwards. Fenris takes a deep breath and looks at the warforged "Get them out." He looks at the cleric "Your my Alpha." He runs and leaps, clutching his sword. With a green aura around him, the barbarian is teleported to the odd purple orb. His sword slams into it several times.

The mindflayer howls "NO! KILL HIM!"

The dragon grins and its wings flutter out but instead of attacking the barbarbain and his allies, it lets out its breath weapon! The dragon hits all of the troops locking them in ice. And the dragon grins as it turns on the mindflayer as ice starts to come down all around. Some of the ramp is hit but its possible for all of the group minus the barbarian to get into the next room if possible. The sound of the barbarians blade hits it several times as some ice slams down near it blocking him from the group!

"You're my wild heart!" she lovingly cries to the leaping barbarian. As the mindflayer howls for Fenris' life, she looks grim faced at the evil tentacled creature and chants the words for a summoning. Quickly, a glowing hippogriff forms in the air above the monster. With no joy in her merciless voice, Cumarinda directs the hippogriff to "Slay the Mindflayer!"

OOC
Summon Monster III -- Celestial Hippogriff

Soon after she unleashes the holy beast at the foul monster, she follows Ballast into the next room.

Brankx watches as the barbarian leaps from the ledge, and knowing tbe cleric,  rushed to her side, grasping her arm. "Lets get movin' lass....we gotta catch up to ye stubborn boyfriend before he kills himself."

He pushes her through the door andnlooks back over the edge. "Damn fool...ye live through through this and she'll kill ye....or I will"

He retreated through the door

The hippogriff takes off and attacks the mind flayer as the dragon howls. Steel hits as the platform is hit from below as a dragon roars. Suddenly, the ice and snow above slams down blocking the door leading into the den. Stones, ice and a lot of snow slams down in all directions! Ballast motions for everyone to go down the hallway. It leads outside. The top of the mountain starts to collapse and the exit starts to crumble and collapse. The three of them stare at the mountain as it starts to settle. Everything go silent. All the animals outside scatter. There is no sign of Fenris. A heavy snow has fallen and keeps fallen, as each of them lie on the ground covered in dirt, ice and snow.

Ballast picks himself up carefully, pushing aside the dirt, ice, and snow as best he could, still somewhat shaken by the dramatic event of the controlled dragon and its revenge against the mindflayer.  It seemed they had arrived at a most fortuitous moment - though Fenris' brave actions had undoubtedly helped!  He hoped they could find the wayward barbarian.

Once free of debris, Ballast went to uncover Cumarinda and Brankx.  "Is anyone damaged?"

With Ballast's help, the worn and tired Cumarinda slowly finds her way out from under the debris left from the fallen mountain. “Thank you, Ballast, I seem to be mostly undamaged. I'll help you with Brankx” she says gratefully and proceeds to help the dwarf magi stand clear and upright. “Are you better now, Brankx? Good.”
What started as a general look around quickly soon became frantic searching, with the cleric of Pelor forlornly calling out for their absent barbarian companion. “Fenris! Fenris! Come out here now! FENRIS, I need you!!” she cried out. Moments later, while in a wild eyed, tearful, and desperate search, she began digging, trying to uncover the fallen debris with her hands.

Nothing. Just the wilderness slowly coming out of the destruction of the mountain. No Fenris emerges or calls out. Not a sign of him. Something seems to come across the side of the mountain much further up. As the cleric keeps digging, a wolf stops. Pure white. Not like the ones the group fought. It keeps its distance, watching them. And then it howls. The most painful howl. But just as it emerges, it is gone.

Brankx, the slowest to get up, groans, and looks back. He smiles as cumarinda helps him up and nods. “Aye Cumarinda…..I’ll be fine. A few scrapes and bruises is all.” The dwarf looked at the mountain with a frustrated look, tempered by the clerics pain. He put his hand in the woman. “He’s one stubborn ass fool girl, but he’s as strong as a rock. He’s not dead…,in fact knowin’’ him,  he’s probably irritating th’ dragon as much as he does me.” Though his words were reassuring, there was a hint of worry in them.

She looked at the cleric. “…because if anything gonna kill that elf, it’s gonna be me fer that fool stunt he pulled.”

The dwarf looked at ballast with concern. “It seems th’ dragon helped with th’ army, and if we can free it, would help with the mind flayer problem…but this is far from over.”

Time passes. Everyone is getting more and more cold. Night has begun to fall. The cleric is emotional, the wizard wanting to kill the barbarian but is worried about him at the same time-and the warforged that doesn't really show emotion. More and more snow hits the ground making any movement hard but its possible. Upon the moon, a darken form seems to emerge in the distance and then it flies off to the north. The dragon. Time passes, maybe a hour, maybe two. But then a portal forms and steps out a man-Lars Heyton. It winks out as he watches everyone "Take my hands." How did he know where they are? Luck? Conincidence? Something else? His old stern look and he seems to not want to take no as a answer.

The dwarf, though like most of his kin, felt the bite of the cold - he was used to being indoors and reading. Though he felt it, he fought his own conscious to hide the fact (He was dwarf after all)

He looked back at the mountain, seeing the dragon fly off, he spat on the ground, silently cursing the beast. He hoped the stubborn fool of an elf at least took out the mind flayers at least, but prayed he took the dragons head too.

When Lars stepped through, le looked back at the mountain, then took the man's hand. "Come....us freezin' ter death out here isn't gonna get us anywhere."  He went to Cumarindia, his tone and features softening. "We'll find 'im lass, I won't rest until i do - But we need help ter find him. Come."

The cleric spends quite a while in fruitless efforts to dig her way back into the mountain. Once she has exhausted herself and is nearly helpless on her knees, she tearfully begins a series of prayers which end at nightfall. While drying her face, she sees the shadow of the dragon fly away to the north. Without a word, she looks to the others and builds a small fire within which she begins to boil snow. By the time Lars appears, the snow had finally become hot water.

Looking up into the eyes of those around her, the tracks of her tears were still evident on her face, but she otherwise seemed to have regained most of her composure, except for her smile.

"I'm ready to go. We've done what we can here, and I've all but said my final goodbye to my elvish wolf." she said soberly as she doused the fire with the hot water and took one of Lars' hands.

Lars casts a spell, and within moments they arrive in his home in Korthos. The man sits down at the table, watching the three of them. He looks tired "I saw the mountain fall. And there is three of you. Where is the fourth?" Slowly, he presses his hands together upon the table and catches the teary eyes cleric and the normal smile has faded that she seems to alway had. He sighs deeply "So he was killed." He rubs his chin."I am sorry for your loss, truly. If you need to speak in private..." The wizard rests his hands upon the table as if unsure of what he would say. "Was the Flayer and dragon defeated? The magic orbs linger and the village is defended once more. Stronger them it once was but there was more to it. Something else yet I am unsure of what it was." He stands up and walks over to a side table, pouring something into a cup "Your safe now."The stern look Lars always had has not gone. Old and stubborn but powerful "I will speak to the Mayor about what happened unless you wish to."

With all that has happened, the dwarf is silent. Perhaps something is bothering him but he lets the cleric talk to Lars but does ask for him to take Brankx as a apprentice. Lars seems hestitant about it, rubbing his chin but does agree. Brankx turns and walks up after bidding the warforged and human a goodbye for now. Silence fills the area as he looks at Cumandria and Ballest, waiting.

A slightly subdued version of Cumarinda's smile returns to her face. "I'm happy to see that my favorite dwarf has finally found himself a like tempered mentor. I'm sure that Brankx's knowledge will grow like a weed, and Master Lars will have gained a loyal and steadfast apprentice." With her smile still subdued she adds, "We saw the dragon escape and fly north, but the mind flayer, sahuagin and others all were still under the mountain as it fell. As for my beloved Feris, he is possibly still alive under there. Lars, neither I nor Brankx have the knowledge of how we might discover for sure if Fenris is still there." She pauses, her breath catching in her throat, her smile breaking, as her eyes and voice implore Lars, "Please! In the name of mercy! If you have any way to tell if Fenris is there and alive or dead, please tell me!"

The wizard watches Cumarinda as she spins the tale of what had occured. He leans forward, glancing at the warforged "Would you mind providing us privacy?" The warforged nods and walksout. His eyes narrow, hands resting upon the table "I may have a way. Do you have anything from him? A gift?" The mages eyes close for a moment and he mutters something "It does help I have met him. So the item would be good but not neccassary. It is a spell of some power. But I will cast it." Moving to take her hands "Close your eyes. Focus on Fenris." He casts the spell and nothing happens. Another moment. A arcane pull then nothing. His eyes open and his head tilts as he stares at her. Almost as if in shock. He slowly pulls his hands back. No words, almost as if pondering what he saw. For some time he doesn't know what to say. He stands up and goes over the window "Interesting."
This message was last edited by the player at 10:21, Thu 12 Aug 2021.

Following him over to the window, the fire-hair colored woman stands just behind the wizard, her eyes still tearful but also glimmering with hope. "Please Master Lars," she asks in voice trembling with emotion while she pulls out an armful of furs, "I have these furs that Fenris gave me if you need them. Please share with me what you've discovered." Wiping her face of the tears slowly trickling down her face, she looks at his face, looking for any signs of reply.

The mage watches her for a moment as she approaches. He crosses his arms "I sense nothing. Not a single trace as if he does not exist. I cannot explain it." Lars takes a deep breath "Yet when my spell was about to end..." He holds his hands out "Fenris is inside of you." Gently rubbing the side of his head, trying to compensate it and he takes a deep breath and with a hand he points at her chest then to her stomach "Well to a degree." He goes to place a chair near her "This is well..." Lars seems dumbfounded for the first time in a long, long time.

Ballast was not terribly good at comforting others about death, death and deactivation being such a different thing for his kind.  But he had offered what physical support he could to Cumarinda as she had dug at the mountain.  When Lars had returned, Ballast was glad to see the old wizard, and glad enough to hear his news.  At least part of their quest had helped the village, even if the cost had been high.  "Fenris is the finest protector one could ask for," he told Cumarinda during their long, cold vigil.

Brankx's apprenticeship was a good thing.  Ballast was proud that his friend had chosen to learn from what was clearly a very learned and experienced magician.  "You will be a very strong wizard - I hope to see what you have mastered in the coming years."

But when Lars had done a magical scrying of Fenris, and made his most peculiar pronouncement, Ballast was baffled.  "Fenris... inside Cumarinda?" he said, shaking his head slowly in bewilderment.  "How?"