The Wealdath End, commonly shortened by the locals to just Rend, was a forbidding forest with numerous local folk tales passed around about the horrors within. If you believed the local tales then bloodthirsty elves and ancient dragons loomed around every turn. The dead would reach up through the ground and the very trees would jump off their stumps at you. While many locals made their careers inside the forest from gathering herbs and wood to hunting, they did so with caution and no one would travel as deeply inside as the party's directions would take them.

Mayor Osric was able to dig up an ancient map of the area that was able to give direction to the party towards the swampy area of the forest but beyond that it seemed no locals had any idea of what lay within. There were rumor of an ancient castle ruin that had been abandoned a hundred years ago but that was much closer to the Ashford than the swamplands. For as long as the history books would tell the deep forest was guarded by the elves who would permit no such unnatural construction like underground dungeons to be permitted within. Did this mean the ruins predated the elves? Or did something build a lair right under their noses?

Either way the implications did not lead to happy conclusions.

The townsfolk gathered to send the adventurers off with their well wishes. The mayor was there along with Pinna of course to wish her best friends off promising to keep an eye on the village while they were out on fantastical adventures but then she grew cold and started looking around.

"The guards...they're not here. And Father Beledrone is missing..."

She paused and studied the crowd very carefully again.

"Jago isn't here...neither are the Tweeds or Morgouse. Everyone I think may have been taken is missing. Where would they have gone?"

She continued to look around at the crowd as three dozen farmers and townsfolk cheered the party on, offering tidbits of bread, cheese and berries for supplies on their way out. Mayor Osric was busy giving a speech to the crowd that nobody was really paying attention to, something about glory and honor and duty but there was nobody that Pinna had suspected of being a cult member present.


"I've got a bad feeling about this..." she muttered as she confirmed her earlier assessment.

Making sure he had all his gear other than his extra instruments the bard gave a wave to the gathering of people, the sooner they mucked about the swamp and left the better in his eyes. Dropping a hand to the pouch at his waist he felt the vial he had bought the day before secure at hand, with the rather rude awakening the kobolds had heaped upon them he was sure it would be most likely that the swamp would share in throwing something unfavorable their way.

...got a bad feeling about this.

Arthua shook off the ominous feeling between his shoulders. He put on a brave face for the farmers and the families. "Don't worry good people. We will be back..." He turned to the others as he hoped that one of them had positive going on. "Well... Let's be off."

Alyssa was standing half-behind Pinna, hoping to go unnoticed. She was beginning to pick up on  the notable missing folks just as Pinna started pointing out the absences. The little halfling was mostly relieved that the mayor was able to produce a map. She had twin visions -- one, that she would lead the party along the kobold's trail directly to the swamp, to great accolades, and, the other, that she would get them all hopelessly lost. At least the map reduced the chance of that.

Alyssa gave Pinna's hand a squeeze and raised the cowl of her cloak around her head. She was nervous, and she didn't want to sour the mood of the heroic send-off.

When Artura suggested heading out, Alyssa was the first to move. But with her short legs, she wouldn't be in the lead for long. Whatever dangers they might be heading into, she was eager to leave Ashford. It was .... creepy.

Talia also felt a bit unnerved when Pinna mentioned the missing folk, shifting on her feet awkwardly where she stood even as she smiled and waved weakly at the crowd.

Exploring old ruins sounded fun. Killing the kobolds threatening people was a good thing to do. But folks disappearing without a trace, that wasn't fun or good. She just hoped most of the town would still be okay when they got back. She instinctively stayed close to Yry and Alyssa, reassuring herself that her friends, at least, were still there.

The group proceeds into the woods, following first used passages, then game trails and finally having to blaze their own trail through the woods in order to keep going in the right direction. After several hours of slow going Alyssa notices that there is a secondary trail that they could follow instead. While it isn't well marked it has been used quite a bit and seems to be in the direction they are traveling.

Another hour on this trail and Orila points out that there is a bit of fabric hooked onto some thorns. It i just a small patch of black cloth but it seems recent given how unlikely it would stay hooked after a storm or two.

Shortly after that the group finds a fork in their path. A quick investigation of their paths reveals that the path to the left goes further in the direction of the woods and their eventual goal while the other fork hooks sharply and ends up in the overgrown ruins of some long abandoned castle.

It is about time for the party to rest and the ruins would provide a place to rest and stretch but from must a cursory glance it isn't known if there was anything else infesting the ruins.

OOC: Up to you where you want to make camp for lunch. You can either try and camp along a tight forest trail or divert a little bit into some more spacious ruins.

"Thanks for everything, Pinna, this doesn't bode well but we will do what we can and I trust you to keep an eye on things here. Hopefully we will find this serpent thing and put an end to whatever is happening in Ashford."

After perhaps some last minute purchases, Yry is ready to go and gives Alyssa a warm, encouraging smile. Yry trusts that Alyssa will do better than Yry herself would in the same situation and is glad to have her along.

When they reach the fork Yry speaks up, "Aren't those ruins picturesque? Something romantic about how they rise up from the forest." Despite Yry's delicate appearance she seems quite capable to handle travel, seeming no worse for wear so far. "Aren't they lovely, Talia?"

Getting out and walking seemed to take the edge from Alyssa's anxiety, although there was certainly plenty enough to worry about. With a bit more enthusiasm than one might expect, the little halfling announced, "Last time I was in these woods, I ran into a dire wolf!" She shrugged. "At least it seemed dire. Maybe it was just really big."

She was feeling safe in the company of adventurers, and although she didn't say it loudly, she did vote for a luncheon among the ruins rather than on the narrow trail.

"I think we should continue on... on to the keep." Arthua suggested, "I think we'll be more comfortable with a roof over our heads."

Shalimar glanced between the trail and the ruins but kept his peace for the moment. Seeking shelter amongst the ruins seemed the best course of action but who knew what may have moved into it when its original owners moved out. Still the bard looked forward to exploring it all the same.

Being a bloodthirsty elf himself, Glynnelis didn't put much stock in the townsfolk's rumors about the forest. Missing people, on the other hand, were cause for worry. "We've a perfectly fine canopy over our heads now," he suggested when talk arose of stopping for lunch, looking up at the trees that blocked out the sky above them. "Nothing but trouble to found in old ruins."

"Geez, that's...pretty big, innit? Didn't know something like that was out here." Talia remarked, staring in amazement at the large castle. She nodded at Yry's words. "It'd be cool to check it out, but no tellin' what kind of stuff is in there."

Shalimar grinned listening to the others setting his sights on the ruins more fully, "Well looks like crumbling walls are going to see some visitors, lets head on and see what else is there." The bard pulled out his blade as he moved on towards the ruins, prepared to see what else may be seeking sheltered amongst the falling stones.

Alyssa followed along, staying near Talia. Seeing Shalimar draw steel, she put on a determined face and got her bow ready. She didn't yet nock an arrow. If there was anyone at the ruins, she didn't want them to think this little band was coming to maraud them.

Glynnelis followed the others with a frown on his face and a hand hovering near the hilt of his sword.

Orila had been quiet since the meeting with the major. Being called one of the heroes seemed to have affected her more than even she realized. Despite being absorbed in her thoughts, she helped out with the moving through the wilderness as much as she could.

As they neared the ruins the goliath snapped out of her contemplation. "If someone had passed here, they would have sought out shelter as well." she turned towards the crumbling structure, not thinking that running into trouble is something that should be avoided. Not that she was reckless. She motioned for others to quiet down as they approached while she searched the ruins and their surroundings for any signs of trouble.

08:59, Today: Orila rolled 21 using 1d20+3 with rolls of 18.  Perception - approaching the ruins.

The castle ruins are built into a natural clearing on a natural hill in the middle. What was once a well tended defensive position is now overrun with ivy and brush and young trees have started ruining the once perfect sight lines from the ruined castle’s two towers. One of the towers has almost completely collapsed while the other seems intact, if structurally unstable looking.

Surrounding the castle are the remains of its once mighty fortifications. One wall has collapsed completely while a second is mostly collapsed. The other two walls are still intact although they would need significant repairs before they could once again repel invaders.

One of the keep’s main doors lies open revealing a pile of rubble. The other door seems securely barred from the inside. The only entry point is a jagged hole where the watchtower fell.

The interior is full of debris by the outer wall but the 30’ diameter watchtower leads into a 25’x30’ room that is clear of debris and sheltered from the elements providing a cool, if dark, rest from the hot midday sun.

Twelve suits of plate mail stand around the walls, six to either side. Eleven of them are rusted and pitted from neglect but one of the suits gleams in the light like polished silver. While the crests on the eleven rusty suits are too worn to tell on the still gleaming one is the sigil of the Order of the Silver Chalice, an ancient order of knights established over 100 years ago. They were vital in helping Queen Zaranda restore order to Tethyr during the Reclamation period.  The Order was an important part of Tethyr history up until recently when during the civil war their numbers were decimated in battle. Since then the order has all but disappeared from the Realm.

The elf's frown only deepens at the sight of the decrepit ruins and the oddly preserved armor. "Either it's enchanted, or someone has been maintaining it," he mutters. "I'd like to have an answer to that question before we get too comfortable." He lights a few candles and a stick of incense and begins softly chanting.

Ritual casting Detect Magic.

Also curious: are there stairs or anything leading up higher into the watchtower from the room where we are now?

There is a doorway that leads deeper into the ruins currently shut. A quick test shows the door is locked. The stairs leading up end about 5’ up in a pile of debris. Judging by what they can see the tower above is completely impassable.

---

The armor appears to faintly glow and Glynnelis identifies the school of magic as Abjuration.

Shalimar studied the order symbol with some interest, "An old knight fort perhaps?" The bard eyed the series of armor with some weariness however, while a more mint condition suit amongst the host was impressive a question came to voice, "This seems a bit suspect, between the towns presence and the kobolds and goddess knows what else in the hills how are any of those suits still here? It's been about fifty years since this order was in these parts, has no young lad thought to claim a suit to impress a maid?"

"Perhaps not. Didn't we almost pass the ruins." Arthua stopped at the locked door. He inspected the door for several seconds. "The door is locked... let me see if I can jimmy it open."


Unlock door attempt
rolled 20 using 1d20 with rolls of 20.  Unlock door

What skill is this? Sleight of Hand +5 with a +4 from the Thieves Tools for a total of 29?

"Maids wear armor too, Shalimar," Alyssa corrected the bard, pointing with her thumb to Talia. "In case you didn't notice." But then she realized she said that out loud and stopped, boggle-eyed and blushing, before hiding again behind her taller friend.

She left investigation of the strange armor and the door to others, but she did poke around the area, in and around the ruins, looking for signs that anyone else had camped here recently (or not so recently).

[OOC: let me know if you need a perception, investigation, or survival role and, if so, whether the ranger's favored terrain bonus applies.]

"Some sort of enchantment protects that particular suit," Glynnelis said in response to the bard's speculation. "It may be as simple as an abjuration to protect it from falling into disrepair, or it may be something more... robust. I'd just as well leave it alone. We came here to rest, did we not?" He said this last with a wary eye at the rogue picking the door.

The bard nodded lightly at both comments even grinning broadly at Alyssas and accepting her correction, "All the more reason to suspect something is guarding this place. While a lone suit of pristine armor might have some trap or such to protect it, what of the regular armors? Aye they are rusted and in disrepair but if you scavenged the eleven sets I'd wager we'd get at least one set of usable armor, yet they too stand untouched. Hells, blacksmiths alone would pay through the nose for all that scrap metal to reforge other things I'm guessing."

Shalimar stood ready as Arthua tinkered with the door, "Even if we ignore the suits and mind our own business will whatever kept thieves and scavengers away let us rest so close?"

"A fair question. Perhaps we should decamp to the forest, where none would have cause to trouble us?"

The bards shoulders slumped, gesturing towards the ominous doorway with obvious trouble and treasure to be had, "But...but... ADVENTURE!" Shalimar looks quite crestfallen as the elf chimes in with some sound logic and common sense.

Arthua turned from the locked door. "Silence." He hissed, "You'll wake the dead."


Rolled natural 20. So that's a 27 to unlock the door

The door unlocks with a loud thunk as iron bars internal to the door snap open. The door reveals a dank and dark corridor 20' long that goes as far as the limited torch light can see before opening up into a large central entrance hall. There are three more doors visible along the corridor and two more side branches. It seems that the entire interior of the castle is now open to the party and a place this size would have dozens of rooms, not to mention most likely some kind of dungeon level and, judging by the exterior, possibly a second floor.

One of the wall panels slides open near the part and a horde of red glowing eyes set in bleached white skulls can be seen. Skeletons start pouring from a stairwell that had been hidden by dirt and debris.

OOC: Initiative time. I'll get a map up tonight.

This message was deleted by the player at 12:23, Wed 31 July 2019.

Shalimar looked from the incoming skeletons to his rapier and back again. "Agreed, adventure over, fully agree with closing the door again. Curiosity sated. Whose for a picnic in the woods?"

---

OOC:
22:09, Today: Shalimar Rhann rolled 22 using 1d20+3 with rolls of 19.  Initative.

"Oh!" the elf sputtered at the sight of the skeletons. "Oh, we'll wake the dead?" he snapped at Arthua, already beginning to whisper a prayer to Aerdrie Faenya.

Glynnelis Huntinghawk rolled 10 using 1d20+3 with rolls of 7.  Initiative.

Frowning the bard pointed towards the closest skeleton cursing its fragile boney appearance, "Foul dead return to your rotting, you have failed in your duty thus you should be jeered!"

---

OOC:

Vicious Mockery vs Skeleton P10

09:14, Today: Shalimar Rhann rolled 3 using 1d4 with rolls of 3.  Vicious Mockery damage (if it lands).

Wishing not to impede his companions, Glynnelis stepped towards the undead. He studiously kept the wall of the tower to one side of him so as not to be surrounded as he produced the amulet that hung around his neck. The amulet depicted a bird silhouetted against a cloud and was adorned with colorful feathers. "Winged mother," he intoned, his voice already seeming to give some of the skeletons pause. "Bringer of rain, mistress of the winds." His voice grew louder, with the intensity of a gathering storm. "You who love and sustain life, protect us from these abominations!" With this last, a bright light like a flash of lightning flared forth from the amulet.

Turn Undead. Wis save DC 13.

Orila approached the gleaming armor, but Glynnelis's warning stopped her as she was about to touch it. "Magic?" she sneered and pulled back her hand "I wouldn't mind seeing if I can strap some of the plates on." It was hard to imagine the goliath having much more use of the armor.

"Am I no a maiden in armor?" Orila tried to sound offended but couldn't. She grinned at Alyssa to make it clear she didn't mind being excluded from the retort. "Why leave it here. It will waste away."

Before she could make good on the plan to take the enchanted armor, the skeletons sprung and Orila turned to meet them, maul ready. "Brittle bones make wonderful noise!"

Init: 6
Move: To M8 (if acting before skeletons)
Action: Attack (or ready) Crit for 18 damage
19:45, Today: Orila rolled 6 using 1d20-1 with rolls of 7.  Initiative.
19:48, Today: Orila rolled 25,9 using 1d20+5,2d6+3 with rolls of 20,2,4.  Smash a skeleton.
19:49, Today: Orila rolled 9 using 2d6 with rolls of 5,4.  Crit.

Yry keeps herself to the back of the group, moving away from the stairwell and towards the door while brandishing her crystal torc in front of herself defensively, icy magic already crackling across the surface of it and her hands.

_ _❆ Yry Sweetwater ❆ the sorcerer ii______ ___ _ __ _
 hp ██████████ hd ♡♡
 ac {15} [13 d. resilience + 2 dex] p.per {13} p.inv {10} p.ins {13}
 sorcery points ❆❆ spell slots ❆❆❆
 {02:17, Today: Yry Sweetwater rolled 14 using 1d20+2 with rolls of 12.  Initiative.}

"Uh, oh."

Alyssa darted between Orila and Talia, finding a spot to take a clear shot, but what she saw unnerved the little halfling. Old bones, moving bones, malevolent red eyes where there were not eyes... ! She took a shot as any bit of confidence flowed out of her. The arrow went ... well, somewhere, but it didn't go far. Wide-eyed, Alyssa ducked right through Orila's legs to put some distance between her and the small army of bones.


Initiative = 13.
Move to M-8, attack center front skeleton in P-10 (miss with natural 1), move to J-8.

16:18, Today: Alyssa Tealeaf rolled 16 using 1d20+3 with rolls of 13. initiative.
05:28, Today: Alyssa Tealeaf rolled 6,8 using 1d20+5,1d6+3 with rolls of 1,5.  attack P-10 with shortbow.

"Oh, geez, WHAT?" Talia yelped when she saw the skeletons, her eyes going wide. "Ugh, creepy!" She'd heard scary stories about undead creatures but had never actually seen them before. Shaking off the momentary unnerving feeling, she lets the battle-lust take over and steps forward to swing with her Halberd.

Initiative: 22--natural 20!
Bonus Action: Rage
Movement: Move forward to N9
Action: Attack skeleton on P9--8 (or 12?) to hit


07:24, Today: Talia Alden rolled 8 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 3.  Halberd Attack.
07:25, Today: Talia Alden rolled 12 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 7.  Halberd--Initiative Advantage?
This message was last edited by the player at 13:25, Wed 31 July 2019.

Shalimar viciously mocks one of the skeletons. It doesn't seem to react.

Glynnelis blasts the horde with his holy symbol and the skeleton masses stop.

Orila rushes forward and smashes a skeleton to dust.

Alyssa fires her shortbow but misses.

Talia rushes forward and swings her halbred but the skeleton raises its rusty shield and deflects the blow. The force of the strike from the raging barbarian cracks the shield and takes a chunk off of it.

OOC: Arthua and Yry still need to act. They can act twice next round

---

Almost all of the skeletons turn and flee, heading out through the gaps in the walls or moving around to the far side of the circular stairs. One skeleton moves up to attack Orila but it is with a clumsy blow that she easily sidesteps.

OOC: FYI because they are skinless undead I will not be using labels so it will be difficult for you to track who has been damaged. Also as undead you will not get the usual indicators of health like you would with a living creature.


OOC: P.S.... On average the skellys rolled an 8...

Glynnelis earns an inspiration for being an MVP of this fight.
Alyssa earns an inspiration for putting up with constant disadvantage but still being active.



Round 1


This message was last edited by the GM at 15:24, Wed 31 July 2019.

Yry backs up {to J8} and focuses her magic on the skeleton that moves forward while the rest are turned by Glynnelis's deific expression of power. It is pretty impressive, seeing the skeletons flee from his faith.

The icy magic snaps and tinkles as the bones are covered in frost that bites and claws. {Two Con saves DC 13, 5 and 1 cold damage, disadvantage on next attack}

_ _❆ Yry Sweetwater ❆ the sorcerer ii______ ___ _ __ _
 hp ██████████ hd ♡♡
 ac {15} [13 d. resilience + 2 dex] p.per {13} p.inv {10} p.ins {13}
 sorcery points ❆❆ spell slots ❆❆❆
 {11:15, Today: Yry Sweetwater rolled 5,1 using 1d6,1d6 with rolls of 5,1.  frostbite con dc 13.}

Smiling a self-satisfied smile, the elf drops replaces his holy symbol with a few quick words of thanks to his god. Then he draws his sword and steps up to the nearest skeleton. "Finish them while you can. They won't be compelled to flee forever," he warns the others as he attacks.

Glynnelis Huntinghawk rolled 13 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 8.  Attack Skeleton.
Glynnelis Huntinghawk rolled 5 using 1d8+3 with rolls of 2.  Damage.

Alyssa swallowed her dread. It didn't seem that she could do much with her arrows, and she didn't want to waste them. She drew her sword, a short, wide blade, and slipped back into the fray. She didn't even try to stab the bony monster; she just distracted it, so that Orila could smash it more easily.


Draw sword.
Advance to O-7.
Help Orila.

Orila, you have advantage on your next attack against the skeleton.

Talia is a bit taken aback by the sudden shift in the battlefield as the skeletons fled from the elf's sudden burst of power, almost dropping her focus entirely as she takes another clumsy swing.

Movement: Forward to O10
Attack: Nearest Skelly

20:59, Today: Talia Alden rolled 12 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 7.  Halberd nearest skeleton.

Missing by 1 is just gonna be the new theme huh :P

Shalimar ran ahead watching the skeletons branch out slipping through the holes of the battlement fleeing from the elf's divine intervention. Eying the skeletal archers further out the bard took shelter in the rubble of the stair case and prepared to assist the other sin moving forwards.

He held some doubts about being able to help this time though, a rapier wasn't the greatest of weapons to poke bone with and they seemed to shrug off his one offensive spell...

---

OOC:

Double move to R10

Arthua took advantage of the distractions of combat to peer into the corridor. He lit a torch and tossed it into the corridor. He needed to make sure that the corridor was clear if the skeletons overwhelmed there position.

---

Arthua turned back to the fight. Seeing that the skeletons were still out of the first, Arthua used this respite to shift his attention on the nice suit of armor. It was strange that the armor was here in the open, and easy to take. But then the appearance of the skeletons wasn't something to be taken lightly. He examined the armor and the immediate area around it to make sure it was clear of any traps. "Keep those skeletons away from me. This armor was obviously guarding this armor. I'm sure that it's valuable. So it makes no sense in leaving this behind."



Sorry for being distracted.

rolled 8 using 1d20+3 with rolls of 5.  Perception for checking the corridor
rolled 19 using 1d20+3 with rolls of 16.  Investigation on suit and immediate area

Yry fires off an icy blast but the undead skeleton seems completely unaffected by the chilling cold.

Glynnelis chops with his sword and chips off some bones but the skeleton seems unfazed by the attack.

Alyssa moves up looking to help drive the skeleton into Orila's attack.

Talia moves up and strikes with her halbred but the skeleton catches it on its rusting shield.

Shalimar moves up.

The corridor beyond the room is dark and full of rubble. Arthua can see numerous more corridors and closed doors. It seems that this is quite a bit more extensive of a ruin than initially thought and would require a dedicated search if it was going to be cleared. Arhtua doesn't see any signs of skeletons or other badddies being attracted by the sounds of combat.

Arthua inspects the suit of armor and can find no signs of traps. No wires or pressure plates or anything else mechanical. If it was protected it could be possible to guard it magically but he also saw no telltale signs of runes either.

Orila pulverizes another skeleton and it disintigrates to dust around her.

With the remaining skeletons all disrupted with fear it is a trivial matter for the group to attack them one by one bash them all into dust one after the other after the other.

OOC: The party earns 55xp from the fight

Round 2-10

Arthua removed the helm from the top of the armor. "Hey Orila!" He shouted before he tossed the helm in her direction. "Try this on for size. We can't leave this stuff here. Finders keepers."

With the skeletons dealt with Shalimar moved to check the remains of the undead, perhaps something still clung to the shattered remains that might prove useful, interesting, or just flat out valuable...

Glynnelis grimaces at the sight of Arthua grabbing the helm. "I warned you that was...!" But the rogue was already lifting it. With a sigh, he looked around the room at the shattered bones. "Surely now we can agree that this is not a suitable place to rest?"

"Good work." Orila offered to everybody, smiling at Alyssa for a moment before giving a deep nod to Glynnelis. Without the divine innervation, this might had actually been challenging.

The goliath turned at her name being called and she barely raised her arms to catch the thrown helmet. For a moment she scowled at Arthua for the startle and the choice of armor to start with. With a shrug and a doubtful look she tried to fit her head into an elven sized piece of metal.

As soon as Arthua start to lift the helm all the suits of armor start to shake and rattle. Unearthly moans start to echo around the chamber.

Intruder...

enemies at the gates...

the order shall prevail...

The suits of armor start to straighten up, grabbing rusting swords and shield and beginning to march themselves off their stands. The party has a brief couple of moments to decide whether to run...or fight.

<orange>OOC: Just to clarify if you withdraw now you would be able to escape back out the tower before the animated armor is able to attack.

Arthua stumbled back after he touched the helm. He rolled on the ground and came to a crouch. "I, I'm sorry. I didn't know it would do that!" He moved to his feet and spotted the open door. "Inside the door, it's the only way. Run!"

Shalimar looks up from his investigation of the broken bones to sigh, "Back to the forest!"

"Yep, that's big magic, we should go," she says, touching Talia and Alyssa on the arm and moving out of the tower. She isn't boldly running out, she's kinda doing that scaredy fast walk that bursts into a run every few steps. Not very attractive or heroic in that moment.

When Yry went, Alyssa didn't hesitate. She ran.

From outside in the forest through the holes in the tower the group can see that the animated armor stops chasing them at the tower boundary. Instead they turn around and seem to be putting the enchanted helm back on the shining gleaming suit of plate mail. It seems the mystery of why this armor had been left untouched had been answered.

OOC: Let me know if there is anything else you want to do in this area or will you proceed onward towards the cultist temple?

Arthua rushed after the others as they all ran to safety. "That..." He took a gulp of air, "... would make a great base of operations should we..." He bent forward and placed his hand on his thighs breathing heavily. "... ever get that place cleared out. I'd would really like to reestablish my family name when I get the chance."

The bard chuckles glancing in the distance to the ruins, "Oh yes whenever anyone assaults the keep we throw a rock at the magic armor and piss off the other suits while one hides inside. Ready and able defense to be sure." Laughing Shalimar shook his head and glanced back to the forest, "Lets take a brief rest then continue on before we get mauled by a squirrel or something."

As others fled the tower, Orila followed but it was clear she didn't like running. She scowled at the magic guardians and nodded to Arthua, rumbling "I won't rest until I get that armor." It seemed goliaths took challenges seriously.

In reply to Orila (msg # 59):

"That we shall my friend. There's no need to leave those opportunities for others to claim." Arthua looked back at the ruins one last time before it slipped from view.

Once back in the forest, Glyennelis felt his breathing and heart rate return to normal. The sun and breeze on his skin, the chorus of bird song and chittering chipmunk and rummaging squirrel... now this was a place where a body could truly rest.

The party proceeds through perpetual twilight cast by the thick overgrowth ]. Soon even the background sounds of squirrels and birds seem to die away leaving nothing but oppressive gloom and only the plodding sounds of footsteps to break up the silence. By the end of the day’s travel the trail reaches the edge of a broad and fetid marsh. Thick rushes, interspersed with patches of scummy water, stretch as far as the eye can see. Further advance will involve wading through thick, slimy mud and water.

The only bright side is that at this point the trail is very obvious due to thick mud leaving clear footprints and broken rushes providing a trail that is easy to follow. Based on the journals the group would estimate another half day’s journey to reach the cult temple.
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:12, Sat 10 Aug 2019.

 The trail was obvious -- they wouldn't need her woodsy skills to follow it. That meant she could watch for signs of danger as they moved, and they could move more quickly. The little encounter in the strange ruins had disturbed her. Such magics -- walking bones, walking armor -- were the stuff of tales, and here she was, little Alyssa, rubbing shoulders (metaphorically -- she might rub her shoulder against someone's leg if she wasn't careful) with adventurers who faced such things! Huntinghawk had been right, though. It was just a distraction.

The people of Ashford needed them to act now.

And so she hustled along the trail sticking close to Talia and Yry. She kept her bow within easy reach.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:41, Sun 11 Aug 2019.

Looking over the dreary marsh Shalimar glanced around, watching the setting sun. "Anyone else for backing off away from the occupied marsh and making camp someplace where we won't be eaten in our sleep by leeches and gators?" He wasn't too sure that either existed in this particular area but it sounded likely a reasonable worry in his own mind.

"That idea has merit. We wouldn't want to invite whatever lives in the marsh into our camp. Especially at night." Arthua turned around. He didn't find a suitable camp, but he trusted the others would be better in the wilds than he. "What about that spot. No?"

"I'd just as well not make camp in the marsh, though I can't claim to have a better proposal."

Glynnelis Huntinghawk rolled 10 using 1d20+3 with rolls of 7.  Survival.

"Back down the trail," Alyssa suggested quietly. "Bet we could find a dry spot before dark!"

[OOC: Yes, we should just move back down the trail a ways to put some distance between us and the marsh ... maybe 20 minutes or so? Obviously, we should keep watch. Random order?]

Shalimar nodded ready to move back with the others, camping in the swamp itself seemed a touch risky so the nearest dry spot away from whatever claimed the marshy areas would be a welcome sight. Once a spot was found the bard would offer to take up the first watch of the eve.

"I don't require sleep, exactly," Glynnelis offered as they made camp. "I can take two watches, if needed." He seemed more at peace that at any time since the rest had met him. A faint smile hung on his face, and his eyes kept turning to the sky to observe the passing of the sun and the drifting of the clouds.

The party makes camp near the swamp of the trail. It is unfortunately still near enough that bugs are quite a frequent problem at night but with the proper application of smoke and magic some rest is able to be had. The night is full of noise and movements and several times the guard on watch is tempted to wake their companions for combat but through fate or luck nothing larger than mosquitos ends up crossing into the camp proper.

The sun is a welcome sight the next morning as it means the night terrors and irksome bugs retreat to their lairs and the group prepares a light breakfast before trudging deeper into the swamp. It is hot and muggy and the smell of sulfur is quite unpleasant although after several hours one barely even notices the pervasive smell anymore. Boots need to be secured in order to keep the greedy mud from sucking them off and walking sticks are vital to ensure that one doesn't step into a deceptively deep section of swamp.

The trail is still clear as the mud makes an excellent marker. Alyssa notices large lizard tracks as well, sometimes moving crosswise with the cultist trail, sometimes moving alongside the boots that must surely be the cultists retreating to their lair. Finally the group reaches its destination around the turn from morning to afternoon. A wooden barrier has been erected to hold back the swamp waters creating  a small island of dry land, barely fifty feet square. The middle of the patch of dry land is a gaping hole in the ground leading to a set of muddy wooden stairs descending deep into the earth. The stairs look slick with mud and moisture from the humid swamp surrounding.

Shalimar looks over the reclaimed island of dry muddy earth with some wariness. His eyes flicking down to the trail itself trying to gauge just how much traffic has recently come in and out of that looming hole in the dirt. Though with all the mess it leaves him pretty stumped as to just how big a force might be awaiting their arrival...

The elf shows less concern than his companions for the nettlesome insects and oppressive humidity of the swaamp. He does frown at the sight of the lair, though. "Tempting to tear up the wooden barrier and let the swamp flood them, but I suppose that would deliver the same fate to their prisoners," he muses, then pauses a moment. "Come to think of it... the wood may hold back the swamp at ground level, but how have they managed to burrow down into the ground without the mud and water flooding the tunnel?"

"I can ... I can go take a peek," Alyssa offered tentatively. "If you want." It wasn't clear that she was speaking to any one person in particular.

"I'll help you." Arthua offered to Alyssa.

That heartened the little halfling. She strapped her bow to her pack and crept forward, crossing the wooden dam and making her way up the dry island to see what she could see.

Stealth 21, Perception 10.
19:34, Today: Alyssa Tealeaf rolled 10 using 1d20+3 with rolls of 7. perception. 19:34, Today: Alyssa Tealeaf rolled 21 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 16. stealth.

Arthua followed Alyssa. He blended into the shadows and kept a watchful eye.

rolled 23 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 18.  Perception
rolled 26 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 19.  Stealth

"Come back at the first sign of danger," Yry says very quietly as the two scouts begin moving forward. She bites her lip nervously and looks to the other companions that have also stayed behind. "Be ready to go to their aid."

Being this close to their destination made Yry quite nervous. She may have some magic, but it isn't as though she's had much in the way of combat training and the restless feeling in her chest is hard to deal with.

Talia nods at Yry's words. She's been a bit quiet and embarrassed about her earlier poor performance, but now just waits for their friends to return.

The dry island and staircase down seem safe enough. No obvious signs of traps or guards however judging by the flickering torchlight at the bottom of the stairs there appears to be a handful of guards watching there.

From the faint voices they sound human.

Arthua gave a stay silent signal with his finger to his lips. He pointed to himself and then to the outside. Without waiting for a response, he made his way out of the tunnel. Once outside, "There's a handful of guards. Let's go. There's no traps from what we can see."

He turned to venture back down the stairs.

Orila watched the path leading underground with a frown. She would be out of her element. Again. Arms crossed, she noded to Alyssa "That's very brave of you." The goliath didn't know what would encourage the halfling, but she gave credit where she saw it.

"Do you want to attack first and then we rush into them?" she gestured at Talia and herself "Or should we lead the charge?" A twinkle in her blue eyes showed what she preferred, but she knew when others were more capable of making a decision.

"You can follow me to where Alyssa is waiting. On second thought follow me after a few seconds pass. Alyssa and I may try to bum rush them. And you may give yourselves away just by walking down the stairs." Arthua cocked his head and shrugged his shoulders. He turned and made his way back to Alyssa.


Once Arthua reached Alyssa, he tapped her on the shoulder. "So what's happening? Everyone is about to climb down the stairs in a second. Do we wait or attack?"

Stealth check
rolled 18 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 11.  Stealth

"We could try to draw them out," the elf suggested, though with the others already arranging themselves for a rush he realized that it might be too late for suggestions. He drew his sword and prepared to follow them down.

Shalimar moved beside the elf with his own thin blade drawn and shrugged helplessly glancing aside, "There's also another consideration to keep in mind, when we set out the town was missing a few familiar faces... we may very well see them here." Lifting his rapier he considered the stairs that they'd soon rush down, "I wonder if the more local bloods are really ready to cross swords with people who might be charmed or such."

Closing his mouth the bard stepped closer to the entry, doing his best to remain quiet in the wake of the more sturdy and stealthy members of their group.

---

OOC:

19:06, Today: Shalimar Rhann rolled 20 using 1d20+3 with rolls of 17.  Stealth.

"Don't kill them," Alyssa said in a nearly inaudible whisper. Her eyes were wide. The people down there were people.

"What?" Arthua hissed in disbelief. "Do you think that they'll just let them go if we ask them nicely?" The young man shook his head. His parents, his family didn't get that benefit of having someone ask them nicely. Arthua peeked his head around the corner. He wanted to get a count and understand the situation better.

rolled 22 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 17.  Perception

_{"Could we try and just, knock 'em out or something if they fight back? Feels...wrong, killing people with people faces."} Talia said, her brows furrowing in a frown. Fighting was all fun and good, but even if these people were hostile they may have been from Ashford, may have been broken or changed or whatever.

The stairs go down 60' at an angle and are slick with mud and moisture. Alyssa and Shalimar make it down partway without the guards seemingly noticing but as Arthua descends his carefully placed foot slides on a piece of mud sending him tumbling and sprawling down to the bottom of the stair case.

At the bottom Arthua finds it difficult to see because of the dim light but there are definitely four cloaked figures with spears around the room advancing his way!



This message was last edited by the GM at 19:20, Wed 21 Aug 2019.

"Please don't get up. I can manage this on my own." Arthua said with a deadpan voice as he stood back up. He drew his rapier and dagger. With both weapons at the ready, "So who wants to die first?" When none of the bandits moved, he smiled and selected the closest bandit. "It's not personal."


Move: Stand, then move to H24
Action: Attack Bandit 2
Rapier attack rolled 12,11 using 1d20+5,1d8+3 with rolls of 7,8.  ATK/DAM
Dagger attack rolled 14,4 using 1d20+5,1d4+3 with rolls of 9,1.  ATK/DAM

Armor Class: +1 AC when wielding 2 weapons

"I have a feeling they were lost a long time ago, Talia.  Focus on keeping yourself and your friends safe first," Yry says, looking further down as the scuffling, weapon-brandishing sounds begin below. "Let's go."

Yry moves quickly down the stairs to get a better view, ready to back Arthua up.

{Action: Dash to E23}

Glynnelis began by descending cautiously, but when Arthua fell, the elf, with rapier drawn, rushed as quickly as he could to the vulnerable rogue's side. He wasn't sure who these people were or whether they would be violent (though of course he had a guess), but he was more than prepared to keep them at bay if it came to that.

Dash to G22, if possible to get around the big ones in front.

"Hrmh, knock out..." Orila grumbled but she nodded to Talia "I'll try. Because you earned it, not them." Then Arthua slipped down the stairs. For a moment the goliat stood still, not sure if she should follow. Then she heard the rogue addressing someone and she rushed down the steps, eager to see what was happening.

Move+Action: To H21
Missed that init was already rolled... Ignore my 6 in the roller

With the need for stealth lost Shalimar moved forwards towards the bottom of the stairs, while the stouter bunch rushed into the room the bard would take up a spot by where Arthua fell. Glancing between the groups Shalimar began to sing, mystical energy entwining with his words as he assailed one of the foes minds, "Oh come ye hence, the party soon begins! Oh come ye hence to the festival I bid! Lay aside thy sword, thy shield. Lay aside thy hate, thy malice. Pick up thine cup, pick up thine food. Join us thus the feast has begun..."

---

OOC:

Moving ahead to F23

Casting Charm Person on Hilri Chorsk

Alyssa was horrified that Arthua was speaking of death and dying. These were the people they had come here to help. At least some of the others seemed to understand that. As for Alyssa, she hadn't the faintest idea of how to help. For a mere second, she almost laughed, thinking that she couldn't even reach high enough to slap one of them across the face to break the enchantment.

Then, she ducked low and bolted across the room toward the opening in the far wall.

Dash 50' to L-22

Talia grimaces at Yry's words, but nods her head. She doesn't like thinking about it but her friend has a point. Like she usually does.

She starts sprinting down the stairs when it seems things are getting rough though, already reaching for her halberd.

Move/Act: Dash to F22

Arthua runs forward and stabs the man standing there with his blades, dropping him in a pool of blood. The other cultists shout in anger, one of them, a woman, wailing with anger and despair.

Alyssa pumpped her little legs as fast as she could as she sprinted down the stairs only to lose her footing and go tumbling down to the bottom. As she righted herself she caught a quick sight and saw a lot of familiar faces. It was Hilri Chorsk and her three boys. They were all farmers. Ignet was lying at Arhtua's feet and Alyssa remembered running through the fields chasing fireflies with him and the others during one of the festivals. She didn't know them very well but they had been familiar faces around town.

Yry dashed forward and likewise slipped and fell tumbling to the bottom of the stairs. Like Alyssa she saw the familiar faces of the local farming family. Like Alyssa she only really knew them from festivals and the marketplace but they had been perfectly fine lads growing up and their mother, Hilri, had once shared a delicious baked apple for Yry when she was young.

The two other lads, Linder and Milo, rushed at Arthua jabbing with their spears. They pinned him on either side trying to poke him with the pointy ends. Arthua dodged Linder but Milo jabbed him in the side with his spear.
Arthua takes 6 pts of piercing damage

Talia made it to the bottom without incident and saw the familiar faces of the Chorsk family. Unlike Alyssa and Yry she was local to the land and knew them fairly well. She had grown up playing with all three boys. Milo was the oldest and had a real deadpan sense of humor. Linder was about Talia's age and while she had quickly grown out of it they had flirted a little in their younger days. Linder had always been easy to embarass and whether Talia was being sincere or not event the slightest bit of flirtation would cause him to go beat red. Ignet had been a couple years younger and without anyone his age had tailed after the older kids like a lost puppy dog. Now Milo, the deadpan snarker and bashful Linder wore masks of rage as they tried to stab Arthua while eager Ignet was lying in a blood pool at her companions' feet.

Glynnelis, the graceful elf, picked his footing wisely and made it to the bottom of the stairs standing

Shalimar moved forward and also took a tumble and landed in a mess down at the bottom. There was a growing pile of adventurers piling up at the bottom of the slippery stairs.

To round things out, Orila slipped and came tumbling down the stairs like a giant boulder crashing into the pile of bodies at the bottom with great impact. Boots were shoved into faces, fingers were pinched underneath hips and elbows and it was a nightmare just trying to keep readied weapons from skewering one another.

OOC: FYI it was a DC 15 dex check to keep your footing. Almost nobody passed :D

The mother, Hilri, moved forward to avenge her son and poked at Arthua with her spear but the rogue artfully dodged the strike.



This message was last edited by the GM at 22:25, Tue 27 Aug 2019.

Yry was split between the complex emotion of seeing people she knew in a very dangerous position and the complex state of being part of a pratfall and a comedic jumble of adventurers. She carefully extracted herself, thankfully on the outer edge, and called out. "Go for knock outs, no ranged weapons, they are villagers and pose little threat if we work together," she says, contrary to what she said before. With herself on the outside edge she slips carefully around and tries to stabilize Ignet.

Her hands and leggings are quickly wet with blood as she kneels and tries to stop the bleeding, an arcane word on her tongue in case a blow comes her way. She is not yet successful, but is still trying.

{17:45, Today: Yry Sweetwater rolled 5 using 1d20+1 with rolls of 4.  medicine check to stabilize Ignet.}

Talia feels a cold numbness run through her at the sight of the once-familiar faces, now empty and furious. Too shaken to even call upon her rage, she takes a moment to swap her halberd for the quarterstaff instead. Gripping it two-handed, she swings wildly, careless of her own safety and trying to end this quickly and with as little bloodshed as she can.

Action: Reckless Attack closest opponent with Quarterstaff--Nonlethal Damage
Hits 20 AC for 8 Damage

09:53, Today: Talia Alden rolled 20 using 2d20+5, dropping the lowest dice only with rolls of 15,4.  Reckless Attack.
09:54, Today: Talia Alden rolled 8 using 1d8+3 with rolls of 5.  Quarterstaff Two-Handed Damage.

Grumbling the bard picked himself up from the pile of bodies at the bottom of the stair. Glancing around he noted one of the guards was down so he turned towards the closest, his voice rising in verse, "Oh come all ye faithful, you hungry and starved. Come all ye faithful, put out the lights. No wars to wage, no dragon to slay. Come all ye faithful, amongst friends ye be..."

---

OOC:

Standing up from prone.

Once again attempting to Charm Person Hilri

These were people from Ashford. Glynnelis might not have recognized them had it not been for the reactions of the others, but he saw it clearly now. What to do about it was another matter. He didn't wish to kill them, but he wasn't about to stand around let them kill anyone, either. Lacking a weapon without a blade and unable to get close enough to strike with one anyway, he called upon the sacred flame of Aerdrie Faenya. Perhaps it would frighten the townsfolk away, he hoped without confidence.


16:04, Today: Glynnelis Huntinghawk rolled 8 using 1d8 with rolls of 8.  Damage.
16:03, Today: Glynnelis Huntinghawk rolled 25 using 1d20+05 with rolls of 20.  sacred flame on Milo.

Alyssa gasped. "Talia! He killed him!" Arthua killed someone! The little halfing waffled, wide-eyed. Her instinct, borne of fear and anger, was to send an arrow through the rogue, but that would serve nothing. Instead, she kept at the far side of the room, watching the corridors or tunnels or whatever they were in all directions for any one or thing that might be approaching.

20:36, Today: Alyssa Tealeaf rolled 12 using 1d20+3 with rolls of 9.  perception - keeping watch.

"We live by our choices. Some die by them." Arthua danced on his toes. He was surrounded... and they were closing in. He jumped toward the bandit that was directly in front of him. The rapier and dagger quickly overcame the bandits defenses and found the soft skin. "You made your choice.



Standard: Attack bandit at I23
rolled 24,7 using 1d20+5,1d8+3 with rolls of 19,4.  ATK/DAM
rolled 11,6 using 1d20+5,1d4+3 with rolls of 6,3.  ATK/DAM

EDIT: Add Sneak Attack Damage
rolled 6 using 1d6 with rolls of 6.  Sneak Attack Damage

If that one is down, use Bonus Action: Cunning Action to disengage and move to L20
This message was last edited by the player at 01:22, Sat 31 Aug 2019.

Arthua cuts down Hilri and the leaps back out from between the other cultists.

Another cultist appears just around the corner, Bertram Beswill. He's a perpetual bachelor and tanner who had a long history of making unwanted advances at the women in town. Mostly he just keeps to himself after one too many instances of a husband or father setting him straight.

Alyssa moved to get sightlines down the side hallways and caught sight of more angry familiar faces. Zakary Tweed and his son, Mikel. Pinna had mentioned that their family had gone missing and come back without the wife, Larin. They had gotten aggitated when Pinna had asked for details. Now here they were clutching clubs and advancing on Alyssa and friends with murder in their eyes.

Yry moves past Milo to try and staunch Ignet's wound but he continues to bleed out despite her efforts.

Linder looks at Alyssa and considers attacking her but decides to move past her and attack Orila instead, sticking her with his spear and drawing blood.
Orila takes 5 pts of damage

Milo meanwhile ignores Yry and Tali and instead tries to attack Shalimar sticking him with a spear as well.
OOC: Shalimar takes 6 pts of damage.

Milo starts shouting "You shouldn't be here! Just go away!" as he jabs his spear again and again at Shalimar.

Zakary Tweed comes charging into sight of the rest of the group but draws up short as he considers the room.
"Alyssa? What are you doing here?"

Talia cracks Milo on the side of his head, knocking him out cold.

Glynnelis calls down holy flames to strike Linder but he dodges out of the way, rolling to the side as flames strike where he had been moments ago.

Shalimar tries to charm Linder but as he weaves his magic he finds that there is another enchantment upon the man in opposition to his own charm. He struggles to place his magic aomng the charm already in place but spies a crack, a divide caused by the extreme emotions Linder is facing fighting his friends and Shalimar gets his charm in place.
OOC: Linder is charmed and Shalimar gains inspiration from the action.

Mikel Tweed charges into the room curving around the wall to head towards the attackers.

Orila walks over and with her maul knocks Mikel unconscious before the lad can even begin to attack the heroes.

Yry doesn't stop trying, tearing some of her tunic to tie above the wound and with a tug to tighten the knot the blood burbles and nearly stops. She wipes her forehead as she stands up, blood on her knees and arms as she moves over to Hilri to attempt the same thing.

{17 to stabilize Ignet}
{01:22, Today: Yry Sweetwater rolled 17 using 1d20+1 with rolls of 16.  stabilize ignet.}

Nodding to Linder, he motioned to the side, "Friend all I ask is you step aside for a time, we need to sort things out. We need to save your friends and stop this violence." Turning towards the fallen Hilri the bard once again broke into verse, "Whole and hearty we be! Whole and hearty we be! Bring up thine cups, pass'em around. Whole and hearty we be!"

Glancing to the fallen one he just healed he frowned softly, "Do not waste this second chance friend, stay down until this matter is sorted, I've not the magic to save your life again, if again you try to bring blade upon us."

---

OOC:

Casting Healing Word on Hilri to stabilize her


12:01, Today: Shalimar Rhann rolled 6 using 1d4+3 with rolls of 3.  Healing Word.

"Careful! They're got murder in their eyes." Arthua shouted as he backed up. He moved in order to keep the bandits on the other side of Alyssa.

After Shalimar's success with Linder, Glynnelis saw an opportunity to perhaps save one of the lives of the villagers still on their feet. He looked quickly from Bertram to Zakary. He didn't know the latter, who seemed to know Alyssa. Bertram he vaguely recognized and had never much cared for. Besides, he said by way of justification of a decision he'd already more or less made, what he had planned might work better on someone who was already wavering. He made eye contact with the boy, raised a hand, and spoke to him. "Remember who you are and who your friends are. Release your weapon and show her the consideration due a friend."

Alyssa was lost in the chaos. Her voice was small, but she made it as big as she could manage. "Zakary! We're here to help! Everyone STOP FIGHTING!"

Action: Dodge.

Bertram continues to stab wildly but Orila just bats the spear aside and knocks him out with her maul.

Yry stabilizes Ignet and finally staunches the bleeding while Shalimar's spell causes Hilri's wounds to seal up nicely as well.

Meanwhile Zakary throws down his spear with a horrified look on his face.

"What...what's going on? What have I done?"

All the other cultists are knocked out and after a few moments of silence there is no more sounds of boots coming in to reinforce so it seems the group has time to assess their situation.

OOC: Combat has ended. The group earned 10xp.

"It's not your fault," Alyssa comforted Zackary. "But we need to know. What have you done?" She was still looking around, down each of the points of entry, for anyone or thing that might be approaching.

Orila looked at the fallen.. rebels? Cultists? It was clear the villagers had fallen under some bad influence, but she didn't care much for the details. Fairly certain she managed to restrain herself, the goliath watched Alyssa deal with Zackary, ready to put some more force behind questions if necessary.

Glynnelis, pleased to see the murder leave Zakary's eyes, looked around at the other attackers. It seemed as if they were all stabilized, but if not, he wished to do for them what he could. He did not know whether they were all, like the boy, victims of some foul enchantment. Some of them might well have been the perpetrators, but until they could say for sure, he would rather not risk letting the innocent die. "Is everyone else alright?" he asked of his companions?

Arthua sheathed his rapier and dagger. He clutched a wound at his side as he gingerly walked back to the stairs and found a seat. "This may be more than a flesh wound."


Down several HP

The elf looked with concern at the wounded rogue. "Well, I suppose we should see these people safely back to Ashford anyway. They're probably in no condition to travel by themselves. And it would give the injured a chance to rest up. On the other hand, if there are more of the villagers here, these may well be out best opportunity to rescue them...."

"Well we don't know what else is down here if we don't look." Arthua took the opportunity to examine the corridor. Seconds later, he continued down the corridor... silently.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:41, Thu 05 Sept 2019.

Yry got up and exhaled in relief as everyone was brought away from death's door. She catches her breath and notices the blood drying on her arms, hands, and knees-- she doesn't notice it on her face. She looks for a cloth on her person and wipes her hands a bit, not quite making herself presentable as she moves to stand near Alyssa, listening for the answer to her question.

It takes a few minutes to get the whole story out of Linder. He is clearly in shock but the magic of Shalimar's spell compels him to be helpful and supportive.

"They came for us in the night. Me and my mother and brothers were asleep at the farm when we were attacked. I...I don't remember much just small dog lizard things and then I was knocked on the head. I...I vaguely remember being in a wagon of some sort with a bag over my head. It was hot and my head throbbed and I was hungry and thirsty and all I could hear were hisses and clicks. We traveled for days like that. I thought I was going to die but then they dumped us and some other people pushed us down the stairs and then the bags were removed. We were given water and food and then thrown into cells. I shouted for my mother but hooded men with clubs would bang us around when we made any noise.

Then they put hoods over us again and walked us down. I...I don't know how far but when they pulled the hoods off this time I saw darkness with large yellow eyes peering out of it. A giant green clawed hand touched a staff to my head and then...then everything gets cloudy. This was months ago. I...I don't remember much but I know I helped them kidnap others. They were brought here and we would watch the cells. We would club those that tried to resist or escape. We never went back down but I just knew that I was doing what I was supposed to be doing. Sometimes people wouldn't return. Some people though they were eaten, others think they resisted or tried to escape. Nobody would say anything and it wasn't our place to ask."

While Linder's memory is quite cloudy he gives general details about the layout of the dungeon. To the east were the rooms for the other cultists staying there. They had been recalled after the kobolds had been destroyed to help guard and were stationed throughout the first floor. He was able to confirm that almost everyone Pinna had suspected were fellow cultists: Old man Carroc and his wife were but didn't make the trip. Their five sons were here. The constable and his deputies, Donavan and Hulbar were the ones who would lead people down to meet their new master. Finally Jago and Morgouse were around somewhere but as council members they had assumed positions of authorities over the townsfolk and farmers. Beyond the barracks were the larder and dining rooms.

To the west was a room that was off limits. Nobody had said what was inside and nobody that Linder knew had disobeyed to look.

To the south is the way deeper into the cult and where the head cultists are. Garath is in charge and leads the cult in daily prayers. Jarvis is the second-in-command and handles the security and fortifications. Benn and Blaise handle prisoners and lead them to the lower sections.

OOC: I'll update the map to give vague ideas of where stuff is.

Talia was scowling as she listened, her brow furrowed anxiously as she retrieved her halberd. With every word that Linder said, her grip grew tighter and tighter on the haft until her knuckles were white and it seemed like she may snap it entirely.

It was...troubling, to say the least. To hear that people she'd known were doing such awful things to, well, other people that she knew. There was a colder rage bubbling inside her and she tamped it down, trapping it, saving it for the ones who were going to deserve it. Namely that, green-scaled thing that had done this.

"We should get the prisoners out first. If we do it fast we can maybe do it without causin' too much noise, but these things...I don't want them to kill 'em if they get some kind of alarm from us elsewhere. Linder, d'you know how many prisoners are down there now?"

"I agree, but if the prisoners are all charmed as Linder here was, it won't be a trivial thing to free them. They will likely resist, violently. And what do we do with Linder and other others in the meantime?"

Shalimar stayed quiet listening turning his attention to the various points indicated by the reawaken villagers. The bard glanced between Talia and Glynnelis and sighed, "We do what we came here to do. Kill the creature and anything its charmed will likely be freed. Personally I'd suggest raiding the storage area for anything usable first, most notably a way to block the door behind us when we confront the thing. If we block the doors then we don't have to worry about being in the early situation."

Shalimar glanced to the people they had 'freed' and shrugged helplessly, "As for these folk best to hide them in the storage room til we're done, if we don't come for them after an hour or so best they try and make it back on their own and inform the town we've fallen." Glancing to Arthua he grinned slightly, "I have some healing left I can use on you Arthua but I won't be able to do anything more to assist with any further charmed or fatally wounded souls we encounter in the things chamber. Hell when we go to the chamber we'll have to also worry about the being with the staff too, sounds like it doesn't need much other than a touch to convert so anyone in close quarters might run the risk of switching sides."

"Thanks Shalimar." Arthua said as he stood straight. "You should definitely save your spells." He retreated from the western corridor that he was headed. "Alright, then how about we head east?" He walked up to one of the townsfolk, "What should we expect down the east corridor? Barracks? That's good."

"Let's go east and clear the barracks out first. I'm sure that they have some storage areas near the barracks." Arthua smiled at Shalimar.

Orila shared Talia's sentiment, especially as the story reinforced what the townswoman requested of her. Being controlled like that sounded like an awful thing to happen. "We break the staff. Or the arm holding it." she suggested, but her voice verged on worry as she considered what would happen if that plan failed.

"And barracks sound like a good starting point. Let me go first, the daggers and the like aren't a threat to me." The goliath moved to the start of the east corridor and waited there, shoulders squared and maul gripped tightly.

Alyssa looked over the townsfolk. "I think we can't take you home yet." Glancing up at Talia, she offered quietly, "Maybe they should just wait upstairs. Pretend to be guarding the place. We need to get everyone out." Alyssa slipped up behind Orila, a determined frown on his face. "If you're going in, I'm going too. Anybody's who's taken might recognize me and ... and snap out of it." For now, though, the little halfling hid behind the goliath.

Yry falls into line, ready to go along to the Barracks. "We're doing okay, just be ready to knock people out instead of killing them."

"Well, IF they're part of the village that is. If they're regular cultists we have no vested interest in keeping them whole and hearty right?" Shalimar fell into step with the others, glancing down the passage ahead.

The rest of the townsfolk are all unconscious and from what Shalimar could tell the spells enchanting them weren't going to be broken by simple combat so they would need to be restrained or else they would just go right back to the cult as soon as they regained consciousness.

He thinks there is plenty of rope in the storage room so if they can drag the townsfolk there he can keep an eye on them until the spell is broken or the party makes their retreat from the dungeon.

Moving to the Eastern corridor the group sees a split to the North and the hallway continues to the East before hitting a T-intersection leading further North and South.

There are three doors visible along the southern path and two doors visible to the North.

The first one is down a long muddy hallway. There is a lit torch in the middle of the hallway providing the dim outline of the a door. Linder doesn't know whats beyond it because they never used that room nor has he ever seen anyone else use that room. Because of the spell they were under the townsfolk were not curious at all. They went where they were told to and didn't have any desire to wander or explore further.

The other four doors visible all lead to various rooms. The first Southern one was where the Chorsk's stayed. The second room was where the Tweed's stayed. The third Southern room was where Margouse and Jago stayed but he was sure they weren't there right now or they would have come when they heard fighting. Finally the Northern barracks door led to the room where Beswill was staying.

At the intersection if the group went North they'd reach the kitchen and dining room area. If they went south they'd be heading towards the storage area.

The first room down the muddy hallway is quite interesting to Yry. "That might be worth looking into," she says as they come to it, after hearing Shalimar's explanation.

"Ok. We can check out the hallway with the mud. Some water must have soaked into the hallway for there to be this much mud. Better let me check it out." Arthua moved forward in order to examine the area.

Made an investigation and perception checks. Use whichever would be appropriate :)
11,17 using 1d20+3,1d20+5 with rolls of 8,12.  Investigation, Perception.

Alyssa moved toward the muddy hall with Arthua. She was still angry that he had been so quick to stab the people back there, but he was right. And where there was mud, there might be tracks. But all Alyssa could see was a mess of mud.

07:33, Today: Alyssa Tealeaf rolled 6 using 1d20+3 with rolls of 3. survival - find tracks in the mud.

Glynnelis looks nervously at the unconscious townsfolk. "Let's get this lot tied up before we do too much exploring. If they wake, they could blow our cover. Or worse."

Alyssa and Arthua head down the muddy hallway but then Alyssa sees something and motions for Arthua to stop. As soon as they had started down the hallway there had been the faintest ripple in the surface of the mud. Arthua hadn't seen anything and Alyssa wasn't even sure what she had seen but she suddenly had the distinct impression that something was watching them, waiting for them to come closer to its hiding place.

Glynnelis's already-almond eyes narrowed further when Alyssa pointed to the puddle. With a dismissive wave of his hand, he evaporated much of the mud, hoping to reveal what lay beneath.

Casting Destroy Water

Shalimar slipped behind the others after double checking the security of the bindings, they didn't need a second round of trying to keep mind addled villagers alive. Keeping quiet the bard watched the disturbance up ahead and prepared his blade.

Not quite sure what Glynnelis was up to, Alyssa readied a arrow in case a threat emerged.

Glynnellis casts his spell and while a couple puddles evaporate the majority of the mud stays in place. The mud is too mixed with particulates for the spell's magic to clear up.

Yry frowns and looks to Glynnellis. "Do you think something is there?" Yry asks quietly.

In reply to Yry Sweetwater (msg # 136):

"I don't know. I didn't see anything. But the young one seems sharper when it comes to such things," he added, nodding towards Alyssa.

Alyssa nodded and whispered, "I think so." She was peering intently at the mud, watching for a ripple or movement. She shook her head. "But I can't be sure."

"So you think that something is in the mud?" Arthua couldn't understand whatever that might be. "Let's test it... then move on." He drew his dagger and threw it.


rolled 21,4 using 1d20+5,1d4+3 with rolls of 16,1.  ATK/DAM

Arthua throws his dagger at the patch of mud and then suddenly the whole patch of mud surges forward at the party standing there.

While everyone is focused on the charging mud Shalimar notices that the dagger Arthua threw was now covered in a black goo that seemed to be sizzling and pitting the metal blade.

OOC: I'll try and get the map updated but you guys can position yourself as you like. The mud slime is occupying the four squares from E32 - F33





This message was last edited by the GM at 05:35, Tue 01 Oct 2019.

"Gods!" Glynnelis jumps back as the mud bubbles to life. A shimmering yellow arrow streaks from his hands, exploding in the midst of the goop and outlining the strange creature in a faint glow.

Standing at G28. Casting Guiding Bolt with Inspiration on the slime. Next attack against it is made with advantage.

14:42, Today: Glynnelis Huntinghawk rolled 10 using 4d6 with rolls of 2,1,4,3.  Radiant Damage.

14:42, Today: Glynnelis Huntinghawk rolled 19 using 2d20+5, dropping the lowest dice only with rolls of 13,14.  Guided Bolt, with Inspiration.

14:41, Today: Glynnelis Huntinghawk rolled 14 using 1d20+3 with rolls of 11.  Initiative.

Alarmed, Alyssa let loose a hasty arrow and backed away, ducking between legs, so as not to be exposed in the front rank.

Hit AC12 for 7 piercing damage.
She moves back as far as she can, moving through allies' spaces as needed.
16:30, Today: Alyssa Tealeaf rolled 12,7 using 1d8+5,1d6+3 with rolls of 7,4. attack muck.

The frosted, crystalline torc quickly finds its way off of her neck and into Yry's hands. It hovers between her slender fingers, flecks of white collecting inside of the ring before lancing out in a thin, icy beam at the mucky thing. Yry circles back around the corner after seeing her attack through.

attack. ray of frost hits ac 22 for 7 cold damage, reduce speed by 10'
move. up to f28 then back down to i28

{18:58, Today: Yry Sweetwater rolled 22,7 using 1d20+5,1d8 with rolls of 17,7.  ray of frost.}

Arthua drew another dagger from his belt. He held back as his companions attacked the mud creature with spells and bow. "What manner of creature is it?"

Ready Action: Attack if the creature gets to melee range

Arthua readies himself for combat.

Shalimar issues Vicious Mockery at the slime which doesn't seem to effect it.
OOC: Slime makes its WIS save

Alyssa fires an arrow that sinks into the creature. It quivers but continues to move forward.

Yry squeezes around her party to blast the creature with an icy blast. It quivers again and when she tries to duck back she finds the way back blocked by a wall of friends.
OOC: Because of where people are standing you would have to move to E28 which means you can only get as far back as G29. Given the simultaneous nature turns are supposed to happen it makes sense that she would be momentarily stopped by people trying to push past her in the opposite direction.

The slime quivers again and inches forward but at such a sluggish speed it is easy for everyone, including a momentarily trapped Yry, to stay away.

Glynnelis blasts the slime with holy energy and the slime once again quivers in its mud spot.

Talia steps in front of Glynnelis providing cover and slashes the slime with her halbred. The thing splits apart and a thick ooze leaks out from the pieces. The pieces quiver but after a few seconds it becomes clear the thing isn't a threat anymore and the quivering stops soon afterwards as more goo mixes with the mud.

Yry exhales with relief. "Nice job," she tells everyone, smiling since everyone is safe. She keeps the crystal torc in hand. With a word of draconic she awakens a gentle, white glow from it to better illuminate their surroundings.

casting light, ready to continue

"Well let's not just stand around staring at it, they're going to realize we're here before long." Glynnelis approached the no-longer-moving slime at poked at it with a candle to test that it was well and truly neutralized before stepping gingerly over it and approaching the door that lay beyond. He held an ear to the wood and listened for any sigh of activity within.

Glynnelis Huntinghawk rolled 23 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 18.  Perception.

"Never seen a creature like that before." Arthua moved forward and picked up his dagger. "Look! My dagger is damaged. What sort of creature could do that to steel?" Arthua used his damaged dagger to poke and cut into the mud creature.

Glynnelis didn't hear anything when he pressed his ear to the doorway. Tenatively trying the door knob he found that the whole door was false. It was just nailed to the wall without anything behind it. Whether this was a deliberate act of deception or just an example of incomplete construction was unknown.

Looking through the other cultist rooms the group finds them sparse and empty. The rooms each have four plain wooden beds and a small table in the middle. Small trunks for storing robes and weapons are provided along with other minor amenities but otherwise the rooms are bare.

Reaching the end of the hallway presents a fork, one going North to a door and the other going South.

"Huh, I guess to lure people into the slime thing?" Yry says, concerning the false door. She follows along and around to the north-south passageway.

She scoots forward and looks around the corner. "Surely not two false doors in a row, right?" She whispers, nodding to the north door and then getting back into place.

The elf's cheeks redden a bit as he realizes he's listening at a facade. Once inside the other cultists' rooms, he takes any weapons he finds there and buries them in the mud, unless they appear to be of particular value or interest.

"North door sounds good. I'll check for any visible traps along the way." Arthua got to the intersection. Looked both ways before continuing to the northern door.



rolled 17 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 12.  Perception

Alyssa hung back as Arthua advanced. She was ready with her bow in case of more trouble.

Poking their heads into the Northern room they find what looks to be the dining room. A long table with benches on either side of it. Dirty platters and several stained mugs litter the tabletop.

At the west end of the room is a small oven, vented through an 8" diameter hole in the ceiling. Several closed wooden boxes contain more platters, pans, mugs, several bottles of very low-grade wine, dried beans, and lard. Otherwise there is nothing of interest or note here.

---

Going down the other corridor to the bend the party notes several possible avenues of exploration. There are several doors as well as more passages to explore.

OOC: I've marked all the possible exploration points. A, C and D are doors. B, E and F are corridors that you have to go down to see where they lead.

A is where the storage area should be.

"Seems like the storage room would be this way, right?" Glynnelis whispers upon reaching the appropriate junction of the main hallway.

Yry nods, "I think so. Shall we go through here, then?" She looks to the others for confirmation.

A

Alyssa followed along with Yry.

Arthua allowed the others to lead the way to the storage room. But the group only had hints that the room before them was used for storage. "Hold up. Let me check and make sure that it's clear before we step too close."


rolled 8 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 3.  Perception

Arthua inspects the door but finds not signs of traps or alarms. When he tries the door handle, however, he finds the door is locked.

"Give me a second." Arthua said without turning away from the door. He pulled out a slender pick.

rolled 14 using 1d20+4 with rolls of 10.  Thieve's Tools
In the future, I'll try to remember to post these rolls in advance. Or feel free to roll for me if I forget.

Glynnelis looks around nervously, his bow nocked and ready in case anyone comes around the corner behind them while Arthua works.

Arthua works the lock for awhile to no avail. The moist swamp air has caused quite a bit of rust to build up inside the lock accidentally making it difficult for his delicate tools to manipulate. Seconds go buy with only the soft scraping of metal on metal pierce the air.

OOC: So the initial attempt is a failure but I will allow you to take a 10/take a 20 so long as everyone is ready to wait several minutes for you to brute force your way through the lock and into the room.

Arthua takes a moment long, "Sorry guys. This is taking a bit longer than I..."

Take 20

"No rush, Arthua, you've got this under control," Yry says encouragingly.

With a last look down the hallway, Glynnelis signals for Alyssa to take his place. Then he quietly approaches Arthua bent over his work and places a hand on the rogue's shoulder. He echoes Yry's words of encouragement, but with them comes a warmth that flows from his hand into the man, infusing him confidence.

OOC: Guidance. Arthua can add 1d4 to the check.

rolled 3 using 1d4 with rolls of 3.  Guidance
But since I'm taking 20... I would hope that I would be successful. The only question was if I took all day and night. LOL

In reply to Arthua Silverten (msg # 166):

I was thinking there was a chance this would enable success when taking 10 and save us some time.

It takes Arthua several minutes to slowly work his way through the rust and alternate picking and oiling the lock until finally the mechanism moves under the delicate tools' touch and the door swings open.

The storage room is sparse with mostly bare shelving containing durable foodstuffs like hardtack and salted meats. There are also various sundries like linens and spare furniture.

Orila suggests that she can stay back and fortify the room to create a secure camp for the rest of the party as well as watch over the prisoners while the rest of the party moves deeper into the dungeon.

Yry thinks Orila's suggestion is a good one.

Them making it this far and having the amount of success they have had so far seems a bit amazing to Yry and she looks at Talia and Alyssa fondly, touching each of them apparently out of the blue but only giving encouraging looks if a reason is looked for.

Once the prisoners are settled into the storage room with Orila, Yry suggests, "There was a passage way we passed just now, why don't we explore that?"

Suggesting 'B' route

Glynnelis's relief when Orila offers to stay with the prisoners is evident. "Very good. Thank you. Let's continue as Yry suggests, though."

"Ok." Arthua said when Orila suggested that she stay with the prisoners. He turned to the nearest corridor as two of his companions suggested. He moved to the front and kept an eye out for anything suspicious.

Alyssa gave the townsfolk an encouraging smile, though it might not have been very convincing. "We'll be back. Barricade the door. We'll knock seven times. Don't let anyone else in."

Then she moved on with the others, keeping near Talia and Yry as usual.

Glynnelis smiled at the girl as she laid out her code for Orila. The eager young scout was quickly growing into a proper adventurer.

Moving to the south the group sees more muddy ground but this time there is no signs of movements undearneath the surface. Cautiously moving through the mud reveals no trace of ambushing ooze waiting for the party.

To the right is a large open cavern with a shallow pool from water that has trickled in through the surrounding earth and stone. It looks like this section was originally sealed off and not part of the dungeon but a collapsed wall, weakened by the moisture and trickle of water has collapsed to reveal the cave.

The area is completely dark but the water is crystal clear and as the torch is brought forward dozens of blind cave fish swirl around in confusion but otherwise there doesn't appear to be anything of note beyond a source of (relatively) fresh water.

Further down the corridor reveals a door and the passage hooks to the right. A quick check of the door reveals no traps but the door is locked.

OOC: Map updated to reflect new avenues of travel.

Yry is a bit amazed by the pool of water and the pale, blind fish swimming in it. She looks at it for a long moment but is drawn away when the group moves on.

She frowns slightly at the locked door, "Does anyone have a way to open locked doors? A crowbar maybe?"

"Arthua did just fine with the last one, the elf reminded her, one again offering the assistance of his god to the thief.

Add 1d4 to your next skill check or save, Art.

"Sorry that last one took so long." Arthua pulled out the familiar tools again as he stepped to the door. "This lock seems easier than the previous one."




+3 Dex
+2 Prof
+4 Tools (expertise)
+9 to use tools. Correct?

rolled 23 using 1d20+9 with rolls of 14.  Thieve's Tools
Did I make these calculations correctly?

So that's a 24 with the Guidance.

"Oh, of course! Sorry, my nerves are all over the place," Yry admits.

3 dex + 4 proficiency bonus for expertise, so 22 total.

Arthua opens up the door revealing a small wine cellar. A quick look around shows that nobody has been in this room for ages going . by the dust on the bottles but the wine collection is quite extensive and old. A rough estimate is probably several hundred gold pieces for the right connoisseur buyer.

Alyssa frowned thoughtfully as she eyed the useless treasure. She looked up and around, trying to figure what sort of place they were in.

[OOC: does it look like an actual wine cellar, or just a random room in a dungeon where someone is storing wine?]

Arthua smiled as he examined the various wine bottles. "Let me take a couple bottles." He spied Alyssa's frown, "You must favor the strong ales, a fine wine should be treasured especially amongst friends." He placed the two bottles into his backpack before he returned to the corridor.

"We still have another corridor to examine. Shall we go?"

Yry takes a couple of the bottles as well and then nods, ready to move into the hall that continues past the door.

"Keep an eye down the corridor. I'll check this door." Arthua knelt and examined the door (C). He looked for any tell-tale signs of a trap on the door before he checked to see if it was unlocked.




rolled 20 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 15.  Perception.
rolled 21 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 14.  Thieve's Tools.

"Well, I suppose if everyone's doing it." Glynnelis took two bottles of wine, though he had no idea which would be the more valuable. Then he joined Arthua at the door, again offering the rogue Guidance.

Glynnelis Huntinghawk rolled 3 using 1d4 with rolls of 3.  Guidance.

Alyssa kept watch as requested.

It's hard to tell the room's original purpose, it is a small room with several wine racks in it.

---

Moving to the other corridor Arthua checks the two doors along the corridor and finds them unlocked. They don't move too far when opened up and it ends up tacking several people shoving to scrape them open revealing completely empty rooms. The far side has dirt on the floor where the moist ground is starting to collapse and over time the rooms are slowly closing up. The reason the doors are stuck is because the ceiling is sagging and the doors are scraping dirt and wood overhead as they open.

Moving down the corridor and around the corner reveals another pair of corridors. One leading to the south ends in a door with a big scorched 'X' on it (A) while the main corridor continues until it hits what looks like another pool of water (B).

Other possible avenues of exploration were back in the corridor past the pool full of fish (C), the central corridor that lead straight from the main entrance (D) and a supposedly unused corridor near the entrance (E).

"Can't say that 'X' isn't intriguing...." Glyennis approaches the door cautiously, whispering a prayer to Aerdrie Faenya before examining it.

08:00, Today: Glynnelis Huntinghawk rolled 17 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 10.  Perception with Guidance.

07:59, Today: Glynnelis Huntinghawk rolled 2 using 1d4 with rolls of 2.  Guidance.

Looking closely at the door Glynnelis doesn't find any evidence of traps and in fact the door is unlocked. Looking closely at the wood he sees a gouge in the wood from an arrow or spear with a little bit of blood around it but otherwise the door appears normal.

Glynnelis frowns at the nicked wood but proceeds with opening the door nonetheless.

The door creaks open revealing a large 20' wide, 25' high arched chamber supported by four thick columns.

As the party enters they hear the distant sound of singing coming from deeper into the room. At the far side it seems like the arched chamber turns into a 20' high corridor full of mud. It is a woman's voice, and quite beautiful, especially considering the surrounding.

OOC: Aaaannnd everyone make a DC 16 will save :P
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:17, Tue 12 Nov 2019.

Yry's expression slackens...

oof, dc 16 is really high. If it's a charm effect I got a 13, otherwise 8
{02:05, Today: Yry Sweetwater rolled 13 using 2d20+1, dropping the lowest dice only with rolls of 7,12.  wisdom save (advantage if charm).}

Glynnelis is no sucker for a pretty voice.

Glynnelis Huntinghawk rolled 25 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 20.  Wis save.

Lowering her weapons a bit as the music hits her ears; "Its beautiful isn't it?"


OOC:  08:16, Today: Talia Alden rolled 11 using 1d20+1 with rolls of 10.  WIS Save.

"Snap out of it!" Arthua shouted to the others. He drew two weapons.

rolled 18 using 1d20+1 with rolls of 17.  Will SAVE
This message was last edited by the player at 00:47, Mon 18 Nov 2019.

Having finished her task with the prisoners, Orila came up behind the others just in time to hear Talia comment about something being beautiful. "Beautiful?" She rumbled. "What's beau..." She trailed off as she too heard the ethereal tune. "Oh... that." she continued, her voice now sounding slow and dreamy. "Yes... music... pretty."

OOC: Will Save vs. DC 16 (Fail!)
22:19, Today: Orila rolled 4 using 1d20+1 with rolls of 3.  Will Save (DC 16).

Alyssa heard the signing and started to look about, "that is wonderful singing..."

OOC: Fail 11 vs 16
14:41, Today: Alyssa Tealeaf rolled 11 using 1d20+1 with rolls of 10.  Wis save (DC 16).

Unless it's vs. frightened condition, then I get advantage and did save.
14:41, Today: Alyssa Tealeaf rolled 17 using 1d20+1 with rolls of 16.  If it's vs. frightened adv.

The song is compelling and alluring but the party is able to shake off its effects, rallying around one another to resist the siren song. After a few seconds without anyone obviously enchanted a small horde of goblins moves out of the shadows on the far side of the mud pit armed with shortbows and drawing crudely fletched arrows.

OOC: I misread the save DC. It's DC 11 :P

The song continues to play and its source is deeper in the cavern beyond even the keen eyesight of Glynnelis.

<orange>OOC: Note the muddy brown squares count as difficult terrain so takes double distance/moves to pass through.

Glynnelis burst into the room with shield held high and charged into the thick of the goblins... and, as it turned out, into the muck as well. Finding himself unable to close the distance between them as quickly as he would have preferred, he settled instead for calling upon Aerdrie Faenya's sacred flame to smite the one in the rear.

Move to BF42, cast Sacred Flame on Goblin 3 - Dex Save DC 13 or 1d8 radiant damage. I'm assuming with 35' of movement I can cover two squares of regular terrain plus three squares of difficult?

Talia throws one of her Javelins at the goblin across from her then moves forward and readies her Halberd for action.


_____________________________________________________________________________________
Throw: Javelin at Goblin 5; Hit AC 19 for 10 DMG
Move: to BE

08:48, Today: Talia Alden rolled 10 using 1d6+5 with rolls of 5.  DMG-Piercing.
08:48, Today: Talia Alden rolled 19 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 14.  Javelin at Goblin 5.

Alyssa shook her head at the enchanting music and scowled with the goblins poured out. She stepped forward and called on Arvoreen's guidance to drive her arrows home. She focused on one of the farthest goblins and drove an arrow deep into it. She then moved for the cover of one of the columns.

OOC:
Move: 5' to AY41
Bonus: cast Hunter's Mark, mark Goblin #1 (disadvantage on dexterity checks)
Action: Attack, hit AC 20
10:34, Today: Alyssa Tealeaf rolled 20 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 13.  Attack Goblin #1.

Damage: 11 piercing
10:34, Today: Alyssa Tealeaf rolled 5,6 using 1d6+3,1d6 with rolls of 2,6.  Damage Goblin #1.

Move: 10' to cover at AZ39

Yry breathes a sigh of relief as everyone seems to break the enchantment of the song. The appearance of goblins, however, is something she is a little more confident about. She starts to move for cover, sighting a small cluster of half of the goblins. She presents her frosted crystal torc and says a word of draconic, summoning a shard of ice that lances through the air trailing frosty white motes.

When the shard is among the goblins she gestures and it explodes in a burst of freezing magic and air so cold it is hard to breathe.

_ _❆ Yry Sweetwater ❆ the sorcerer ii______ ___ _ __ _
 hp ██████████ hd ♡♡
 ac {15} [13 d. resilience + 2 dex] p.per {13} p.inv {10} p.ins {13}
 sorcery points ❆❆ spell slots ❆❆❆
 {move to BA40}
 {cast Ice Knife at Goblin 4; hitting ac 13}{hit or miss, the shard explodes; the target and each creature within 5' of it must make DC 13 dex save or take 8 cold damage}
 {continue move to BC39 and take cover if possible}
 {12:46, Today: Yry Sweetwater rolled 8 using 2d6 with rolls of 6,2.  cold damage explosion.}
 {12:46, Today: Yry Sweetwater rolled 13 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 8.  ice knife at goblin 4.}

OOC: I'm a bit new to the 5e rules, so DM, please feel free to correct anything here if it needs it...

Shaking her head to clear away the cobwebby feeling that the singing had produced in her mind, Orila spotted the goblins massing on the other side of the muddy pit and her face set in a stony look of grim determination. Hefting her massive maul, she started across the mud toward the little vermin...

Action: Double move to BH-42 (that comes out to a 55' move in my calculations)...

Arthua drew his bow. He scampered to the corner that lead up to the corridor of mud. There he fired a shot at one of the goblins before he ducked back behind cover.



Move 15' to BC43
Action: Fire shortbow at goblin 4
rolled 16,6 using 1d20+5,1d6+3 with rolls of 11,3.  ATK/DAM

Move 5' to BC44

Talia steps up and throws a javalin through a goblin, breaking the thing in half and then pinning it against the ground.

Yry tosses a shard of ice at a goblin who hits the ground as it explodes over his head. Another goblin backpeddles wildly just missing getting blasted by shrapnel but the last goblin was so focused on shooting his bow that he caught the blast full and fell as a bloody mess.

Alyssa fires an arrow, hitting a goblin right up its nostril and the tip of the arrow pierces out the back of its skull.

One of the goblins scrambles back taking cover behind a pillar and firing its bow blindly behind it. The arrow strikes stone 20' above Talia's head.

Arthua's original target is now out of sight so he shifts to Goblin #2, hitting it in its gut. The creature looks down at the arrow sticking through its body and then makes a rude gesture at Arthua even as the monster coughs up black blood.

Glynnelis advances, getting mired down in the muck. He calls down flames from the sky to strike at the wounded goblin, turning the rude creature into a burnt crisp.

The two remaining goblins standing at the edge of the muck fire their bows wildly without aiming before retreating back, gibbering at each other in their foul little language as they yell at one another to hold off the adventurers while the other "straw-tea-jack-lee wee-tweat".

Shalimar advances to the edge of the muck and holds.



Round 2



This message was last edited by the GM at 05:52, Tue 03 Dec 2019.

Talia steels herself for the inevitable.  She breathes in heavily and then charges forward as fast as she can toward the goblins knowing she won't make it but hopes to draw their attention so others can have a clean shot.  "Die foul greenskins!" she yells as she charges.

OOC:  Double move  think that will get somewhere around BK

Finally making it to the other side of the mud pit, Orila strode with grim determination toward the remaining two goblins. Hefting her massive maul as she moved, she leveled the weapon into a savage two-handed swing...

OOC: Move BH-42 to BL-42 (25')
     Attack Goblin (whichever one is in BM-42, #6 I think)
09:34, Today: Orila rolled 23 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 18.  Maul attack. (presumed hit)
09:35, Today: Orila rolled 7 using 2d6+3 with rolls of 1,3.  Maul damage.

Alyssa knocked another arrow and fired on the move as she took cover behind Arthua. Her arrow once again struck a gobo the side of its neck. Despite the grievous nature of the shot, it remained on its feet.

OOC:
Move: BB43
Bonus: move Hunter's Mark to Goblin #2
Attack: Hit AC 27, crit
15:04, Today: Alyssa Tealeaf rolled 27 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 20.  Arrow attack Goblin #2.

Damage: 12 piercing damage. Bleh damage for a crit
15:04, Today: Alyssa Tealeaf rolled 5,7 using 2d6+3,2d6 with rolls of 1,1,1,6.  Arrow Damage on #2.

Arthua moved forward quickly. He nocked an arrow and fired at the green-skinned goblin. The arrow skipped across the stonework. "Damn!" Arthua cursed as he moved forward again.



Move 30' to BF43
Action: Fire bow at goblin 6
rolled 6,6 using 1d20+5,1d6+3 with rolls of 1,3.  ATK/DAM

Bonus: Dash another 30' to BI43

The elf kept his shield up and advanced to the edge of the muck, calling down flames on another of the goblins.

Move to BI 41 (or BH 41, depending on how you want to halve 35' of movement). Sacred Flame on Goblin 4.

The last of the goblins fall and a shriek is heard from overhead. Looking up the party sees that the four columns have been connected via branches and vines about 10' off the floor and between two of the pillars additional materials has constructed a nest. A large winged harpy is flying out through a hole in the ceiling that leads up into the marsh.

OOC: After seeing her goblins slaves slaughtered by a plethora of ranged weapons and spells the harpy has decided to GTFO

Arthua lifted the shortbow and fired. "Take it down!"



rolled 14,6 using 1d20+5,1d6+3 with rolls of 9,3.  ATK/DAM

Finishing her charge Talia secures the area around the dead goblins, kicking each to ensure they are down and preparing for any follow up threats while others decide the next steps.

Glynnelis pointed at the fleeing harpy. "Return," he commanded it.

Casting Command. Wis save DC 13 to resist.

Alyssa dashed forward, knocked an arrow, and loosed at the fleeing harpy. It seemed to sink into the fleeing creature's thigh as it flew away, but it was hard to tell.

OOC: since everyone seems like they want to fight it...

Move: to where I can shoot unobstructed
Bonus: move Hunter's Mark to harpy

Acton: Attack Harpy (shortbow), hit AC 22
10:21, Today: Alyssa Tealeaf rolled 22 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 15.  Attack Harpy.

Damage: 12 piercing damage
10:22, Today: Alyssa Tealeaf rolled 8,4 using 1d6+3,1d6 with rolls of 5,4.  Harpy damage.

Arrows fly up and pierce the harpy as it makes its escape. Just as it looks like it will fly up and out of sight it abruptly circles around and starts coming back towards its nest as Glynnelis' spell takes hold on the monster's mind.

---

Round 4

OOC: Make your actions. I'm not going to post a formal tracker unless needed. It is 30' in the air so ranged attacks and spells are required to hit it.

Arthua nocked another arrow and shot at the harpy. His arrow seemed to pierce the harpy in a vulnerable area. "We almost have it!"



Action: Fire at harpy
rolled 22,9 using 1d20+5,1d6+3 with rolls of 17,6.  ATK/DAM

Orila had no ranged weapons to join her companions in attacking the harpy, but she waited ready to see if they could bring the creature down...

OOC: No action yet...

Talia takes up a position to keep an eye on the rear of the party why they fight the harpy.

The elf smiled at the sudden rush of power he experienced upon bending the harpy's will to his own. Riddled with arrows as it was, it seemed unlikely to cooperate with them now, so he added his own arrow to the mix.

Glynnelis Huntinghawk rolled 14 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 9.  Attack.
Glynnelis Huntinghawk rolled 5 using 1d8+3 with rolls of 2.  Damage.

Alyssa was slower with her arrow this time. The creature had come back but still flying and not attacking the group. She saw the others continue to rain arrows at it and, though hesitant, still let fly with her own arrow again.

Action: attack, hit AC 15
08:42, Today: Alyssa Tealeaf rolled 15 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 8.  Arrow - Harpy.

Damage: if applicable, 12 piercing
08:43, Today: Alyssa Tealeaf rolled 8,4 using 1d6+3,1d6 with rolls of 5,4.  Damage - Arrow, Hunter's Mark.

The bard takes a dramatic pose and boldly points a finger at the Harpy as he declares, "Be gone foul creature! Let thy siren ways perish with you!"

Vicious Mockery vs Harpy
 Wis save vs DC 13 or take 1 Psychic damage and Disadvantage on attack for next rd

Yry summons up frosty magic and releases it in a beam of concentrated white motes that trail a glistening vapor. The beam crackles as it moves through the air, wide of the harpy that had tried to ensnare the party's wills.

not a very good attack, lol; ray of frost misses with a 9, move forward as far as I can.

03:28, Today: Yry Sweetwater rolled 9,1 using 1d20+5,1d8 with rolls of 4,1.  ray of frost at harpy.

The harpy, completely exposed to the ranged attacks from the party, is quickly brought down in a hail of magic and arrows. The monster falls to the ground hard leaving the party alone in a room full of corpses.

Up in the colunms 10' off the ground is what looks to be a nest of sorts. Above that still is a hole in the ceiling that presumably leads out into the swamp.

Alyssa knocked an arrow even as silence settled on the room and she looked around for any further threats to the group.

When none presented themselves she stowed the arrow away and walked up to the columns to see how smooth they were.

"This place is odd..."

OOC: are the column's able to be climbed? Is there something to loop a rope on at the top of them if not?

Still in the ready position in case something else appears, Talia slowly is able to regain control of her breathing.  "Can one of you get up to that nest" she says pointing at it with her Halberd.

Glynnelis knelt to examine the body of the harpy, wondering what could be the connection between it and the goblins. The climbing he would leave to someone else.

Shalimar pointed at the dead harpy and provided one final taunt.  "Word."

He pretended to dust off his hands and turn his attention to the nest.  "Grapple and rope and we could pull it down."  He offered to the room to see if anyone had the tools to even consider that plan of action.

"Rope I have, grapple nope." Alyssa replied. "I might be able to climb up there if someone gives me a hand up. Which of you tall boy's is the tallest? I might could reach it without climbing if one of you holds me up high. Take of me pack 'n I'm pretty light for you lot to lift."

"I'll give you a boost Alyssa." Arthua offered the halfling. He laced his fingers together and brought them low. "Alright. Up you go..."

Orila watched the harpy fall to the ground dead and sighed as she shouldered her heavy maul. There'd be other enemies upon which to test her strength; patience was a virtue.

When Alyssa spoke about needing a boost up to the nest, the seven-foot-tall goliath woman had been about to volunteer when Arthua spoke up and moved to help the halfling. Orila merely shrugged and watched. If her companions needed her help, they'd ask -- until then it was best not to interfere with others who were seeking to accomplish great feats of physical skill. If Alyssa managed to make it up with the help of a shorter ally, then more glory would be theirs...

Alyssa nodded and stepped up into Arthua's hands and let herself be lifted up.

Just let us know if we need more height and have to bring Orila in DM!

Arthua hoisted Alyssa up. She stood just above his head. In fact, her eyes would only be a few inches higher since Arthua stood up, but his hands didn't go higher than his waist. For a few seconds his arms shook as he brought his hands to his belly but he lowered them to a more comfortable position. "Can you reach the nest?"

Shalimar sauntered over to stand next to Orila.  "Interesting."  He commented on the halflings choice of helper when the taller option was right there.

"Do you ever fancy shorter men?"  He asked the goliath conversationally.

Yry unhinges the crystal ring and puts it back on her slim neck. She smiles at Alyssa and waits patiently next to Orila as the nest is checked.

”Fancy them for what?” Orila rumbled, looking down at shorter male. The question was asked with feigned innocence, but the way the goliath woman ached her eyebrow as she spoke seemed to indicate she knew exactly what Shalimar was talking about, but apparently wanted to see if he had the courage to say it out loud....

"Ooaf." Arthua said aloud as he set Alyssa down. He turned his head to the side, then the other. "Orila. You might be better at hoisting Alyssa up." He lowered his voice to a whisper, "She's heavier than she looks."

Shalimar gave a sly smile, "Ah my voluptuous friend, there are many an idea the imagination can conjure up... and you are needed.  'Til next time"  He gave a short bow.  The idea of learning how her mind worked was a curiosity.  There would be plenty of time.  Who knew what the future held?

Orila snorted. "You do not look like you wrestle well," she replied to Shalimar, disappointed that he wasn't more direct with his intentions. "I doubt I would enjoy it."

Then without another word, she strode over to Alyssa. "Are you ready, little one?" she asked, leaning her maul against one of the pillars.

(Assuming a positive response...)

And picked up the halfling as easily as she did her massive weapon. "Up you go," she rumbled, lifting Alyssa high...

Alyssa swatted Arthua, "I heard that..."

She went up with Orila lifting her, this time much higher.

OOC: DM what can I see/reach?

Shalimar laughed.  He should have guessed a different method would win the goliath than the fair maids he was use to.  He had been beaten quickly and soundly in their verbal sparring, much like a wrestling contest would have ended.  She was right.  He would not have fared well in her style.

So he laughed.  Gave a bow in defeat and commented, "Respect" at her straightforwardness.  He then leaned against a pillar and waited for the halflings report.

Listening to the banter, Talia continues to keep an eye behind them.

Arthua boosting Alyssa doesn't get in her nearly close enough but Orila is able to get Alyssa much closer. Not quite close enough to see into the nest but with a bit of stretching Alyssa is able to loop a rope around through gaps in the nest and once hooked it is easy enough for the party to pull down the harpy's home.

The nest tumbles to the floor and shatters on the ground spreading dried twigs, mud, and vines around the room. Amidst the debris are quite a few bits of metal that shine in the torchlight.

Gathering it all up the party finds a plethora of medallions and necklaces, all in all worth around 250gp.

In addition there is one large fist sized ball of frosted crystal that seems to have some kind of internal lighting. Wisps of light like fireflies dance around beneath the surface.

There also appears to be a finely crafted helmet that has two large green emeralds over the eyeholes and large metal pointed elven ears crafted along the side. The interesting thing is that the metal helm, despite the many fine details, seems to be crafted from a single piece of metal as there is no signs of a join where the ears are attached to the rest of the helmet.

Finally there is a potion in a silver crystal vial. It looks like a healing potion of some kind but the glow is quite strong compared to the ones the rest of the party has seen.

OOC: As per RAW you can either use Identify or take a short rest to identify the items.

Glynnelis nodded approvingly at the haul. "Thanks, Alyssa." He smiled at the scout. "There's a lot here. I'd like to learn what it is, but I fear we don't have time to rest now. Reckon it can wait?"

Shalimar sauntered over to Arthua and slapped the man(?) on the back.  "Seems we've both been foiled in our exploits.  Oh, you're hurt.  At least you have an excuse.  Here, let me correct that problem."  A couple of arcane words and some bardic flare later, the bard heals Arthua.

The nest comes down and his eyes sparkle to mimic the treasure.  "Ahhh!  Blessings from heaven!  That should brighten everyone's day and peek some curiosity."  His own was certainly on high alert as his mind wondered what some of that stuff might do.

Shalimar looked at the cleric.  "If we don't have time now, and I'm certainly with you on identification when we have a moment to breath, where to next?"

(OOC: Cure Wounds on Arthua heals 8)

Alyssa helped split up the loose coinage once they’d gathered it all up. “I don’t know much about the magic stuff, so I’m open to waiting until we need to rest anyway.”

"Thanks Shalimar." Arthua smiled at the bard. "Remind me I owe you a drink once we're back in town." He looked around the room and the opening in the ceiling. "Nice seeing the sky. Too bad we don't have a grappling hook. I've got some rope and it would have been nice to climb to the roof."

"But let's continue down the corridor outside."


Route B

Alyssa nodded as she recoiled her rope and secured it to her pack once more. She put an arrow to the string of her short bow, ready to fire should something surprise them and set out at the rear of the group when they moved to another section.

Satisfied with the current plans to discuss, divide and determine the treasure they'd found in the harpy's nest at a later time, Orila heft her maul to her shoulder once more and set off with her companions...

TO B!

"Sounds like we have a plan then." Talia adds in.

Off to B

Yry's eyes widen at the sight of the jewelry and other interesting items. She has to quell some sort of impulse but she does master herself and follow along, content that it will all be inspected and doled out later.

She falls into line among her companions.

B sounds good

This large room has no doors or entryway and the corridor leading to it simply ends at the water's edge. While very shallow around its perimeter it does appear to get deeper towards the center. The air has a stagnant, musty smell here. The water is relatively clear and many small fish can be seen.

Overall this underground pool seems huge and an exit can't be seen although it extends around the bend to the right. To explore further they would have to enter the water...

"I'm not above a swim, but I'm a little leery of this water." He peered into it, but even his elven eyes could not see enough to determine how deep it was, nor what lurked within.

Glynnelis Huntinghawk rolled 9 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 4.  Perception.

I'm up for swimming if someone else gets a more favorable result from Perception. Otherwise let's investigate E instead?

Alyssa ducked in to look.

"Well, I'm not excited about swimming, but if we have to...I don't really see any other options this direction."

OOC: well I DID roll better ;)

16:00, Today: Alyssa Tealeaf rolled 10 using 1d20+3 with rolls of 7.  Perception.

Yry holds a copper piece in her hand and tosses says a quiet draconic word over it. As she opens her hand the stark, white light it now glows with emanates from her palm. She passes the glowing coin to Alyssa, "Here, try to throw this where it looks deepest."

light cantrip

"Does anyone have the ability to check if this water is drinkable?" Arthua asked. He stood away from the water's edge. "It would be nice to find drinking water. But we are after whoever took the townfolk as prisoners. So we should continue searching. We can come back afterwards if we're really curious."

Alyssa chucks the coin as far as she can and it plunks into the water and sinks to the bottom. As best as the group can tell the water is about shoulder height for most of the party (lower for Orila but probably over Alyssa's head).

There aren't any shapes larger than minnows and nothing that looks dangerous or carnivorous.
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:46, Tue 07 Jan 2020.

Talia continues to watch to the rear.

Hefting those possessions she had that probably shouldn't get wet up on her shoulders, Orila started to wade into the water, keeping close to the right-hand (upper on the map) wall...

OOC: Attempting to move far enough to peer around the bend.

Glynnelis, rapier in hand, followed just a step behind Orila.

Orila peeks around the corner to spy a large rocky beach. Just as she is about to wave the others forward she spies two large ripples spreading out from the water but due to the limited lighting she is unable to see what is causing it. Whatever it is, however, is coming her way...

Glynnelis stared warily in the murky water as the ripples approached. Unless he saw anything to dissuade him, he unleashed a wave of thunderous energy as soon as they were within range.

Glynnelis Huntinghawk rolled 15 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 10.  Perception.

Casting Thunderwave on whatever is approaching.

Shalimar stayed at the edge of the water remaining dry waiting for an 'all clear' signal.  No sense in getting wet if it wasn't needed.

"What is it...?" Talia whispers looking around the party at the rippling water.

"Let's see if there are any wet tracks in this corridor." Arthua looked around the ground. "I say, if we don't need to enter the water, the better."


rolled 13 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 8.  Perception

Spotting the ripples heading toward her, Orila warns the rest of the companions that something seems to be coming their way and prepares to do battle with whatever-it-is, if whatever-it-is proves to be hostile...

OOC: remain in place, ready action to attack if hostile.

Shalimar was content to wait and see if any tracks were found until Orila warned them.  He then became more aware of water and a possible hostile approaching.  "May the gods be impressed by your deeds this day Orila...."  Hmmm, he would have to come up with a good nickname for her.

Bardic Inspiration on Orila.  1d6 that can be used to add to an attack, skill check or saving throw after the roll is made within the next 10 min.

The source of the ripples enters torchlight and Orila sees two long shapes swimming towards her. Crocodiles...or possibly alligators swimming swiftly through the water bearing right for her.

Round 1

Yry quickly brings the crystal ring to her hands and channels icy magic as she moves out into the water, drops of it freezing to her thighs and in the air around her as she holds her magic at the ready.

_ _❆ Yry Sweetwater ❆ the sorcerer ii______ ___ _ __ _
 hp ██████████ hd ♡♡
 ac {15} [13 d. resilience + 2 dex] p.per {13} p.inv {10} p.ins {13}
 sorcery points ❆❆ spell slots ❆❆❆
 {move as far as I can (AP31?) and ready a frostbite to trigger if I see a croc}
 {18:10, Today: Yry Sweetwater rolled 3 using 1d6 with rolls of 3.  frostbite con dc 13.}