There were two guards posted at the entrance of the cave. After the hooded man entered, they remained in place. Apparently it was a deep cave, as his steps echoed and little by little started to get dampened.

He had arrived with a sense of urgency, and very likely bringing news to his group of the assault on the moat house.

In reply to DM (msg # 1):

OOC OK, I think the plan was for Dirk and Raphim to sneak up and wait for Grimbold to step out to distract the two guards possible with a quiet asked question to them.   Once they were distracted Dirk and Raphim would move in and try to sneak a subdue attack from behind. Aiming for the head to knock en out.  I think we had rolled in a past posting.

If this plan still is a go cool else we can rethink it out.

OOC: Grimbold will happily be a distraction

Dirk and Raphim advanced carefully towards the entrance. Grimbold moved in front of the two men, they reacted as predictably as expected. "Get out!"

At this point someone else arrived.

In reply to DM (msg # 4):

Dirk ducks low using his Halfling sneaky sneak ability to lay low a moment to see who has now decided to enter the fray.

In reply to DM (msg # 4):

Intrigued by the goings on around her, the farmer moved from watching the mob advance and over the recently plowed fields  and headed for what she could only believe, was a group of people heading for the safety of the nearby cave.

In reply to Beverley Harrow (msg # 6):

Dirk peeks out from his hiding spot to see who is now approaching to see if his strategy should change.

Ok I was waiting on Grimbold. I'll give him twelve hours and then we move on.

OOC: Grimbold has done his job in distracting them.

Grimbold moves forward but not to a distance to engage.  He is meant to threaten and then support.

Her curiosity gets the better of her as she closes on the cave, she quickens her pace to almost a skip and half-run.

In reply to Beverley Harrow (msg # 10):

Dirk is ready to spring his part of the ambush knock out surprise but if everything look good as he sees Grimbold boldly move forward does he see another figure moving up the road and is Raphim ready on the other side for his part?

The two bandits stepped closer to Grimbold. "Get away from here from here gramps." One of them threatened. The other one however interrupted him. "Nobody is leaving he is seen too much already" He then looked at someone getting closer -That's you-. "Both of you prepare to die!"

Meanwhile Raphim had advanced deep enough to see a flight of stairs leading towards a door an in that point more stairs and a passage to the left. He quickly informed Dick of it and moved in. Dick however was close enough to the cave entrance he noticed the commotion and could see that conflict was about to erupt.

Everybody declare actions with rolls and give me a d10.

In reply to DM (msg # 12):

Dirk will try to sneak up on the closest one and boop him over the head with his short sword.  Of course if he is discovered then he will cast Command -"Run!!".

Rolls coming.

Wow the dice gods really really hate Dirk with those rolls.  I am not even shore with that kind of miss the guard even knows Dirk is there yet.


10:19, Today: Dirk rolled 3 using 1d20 with rolls of 3.

10:19, Today: Dirk rolled 4 using 1d10 with rolls of 4.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:21, Sun 26 Apr 2020.

In reply to DM (msg # 12):

Beverley sees the individuals gathered at the Cave, she hadn't thought it important enough to be guarded but she hadn't been near it since she was a small child, maybe things had changed.

Hearing that she should "prepare to die" as she closed the distance, she was a bit perturbed, maybe even miffed.
Moving faster, she recalled a way to stop the guards from attacking and casts Entangle, aiming to get the two guards and if it got the other one too, … maybe he deserves it.

OOC: Initiative = 4
17:41, Today: Beverley Harrow rolled 4 using 1d10.  Initiative.

Grimbold steadies himself for an attack but is momentarily confused about the "both of you" comment.

13:32, Today: Grimbold rolled 2 using 1d10((2)).

In reply to Grimbold (msg # 15):

Dirk sees movement ahead and thinks, "what now?"

Ok, for the foreseable future this is how we'll work combat.

You give me your action and roll a d10. If your action involves a dice roll, give me that roll. Tell me your thaco on that attack too.

I then put  together the order of actions.

Initiative
2- Grimbold
4- Dirk, Beverly, Bandit 1
5- Bandit 2
6- Beverly's spell goes on.

Grimbold faces the incoming bandit and hits before he approaches (Bandit 1 Takes 4 damage)

Dirk aims at bandit 2, but misses

Beverly begins casting.

Bandit 1 attacks Grimbold, but flubs it.

Bandit 2 attempts too, and nearly misses him.

Beverly's spell goes off and neither of the bandits can move. Grimbold needs to make a paralysis saving throw to leave his position.

Seeing her spell capture the attacker, unsure why they were attacking in the first place, she rushes forward, carrying her hoe , asking Are you alright there sir? Why were they doing that?  Totally disregarding the captured 'Bandits'.

(OOC: 13:18, Today: Beverley Harrow rolled 1 using 1d10.  Initiative.)
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 12:24, Sun 03 May 2020.

16:04, Today: Grimbold rolled 20 using 1d20.  saving throw vs para

OOC: Way to waste that natural 20 :-)

Initiative: 16:06, Today: Grimbold rolled 8 using 1d10.  init.

Grimbold will attack( Thaco 20) while trying to keep them from flanking him.
16:09, Today: Grimbold rolled 12 using 1d20.  attack

In reply to Grimbold (msg # 19):

11:53, Today: Dirk rolled 2 using 1d10 with rolls of 2.  Init.

Stepping back a moment as the two bandits get entangled then he peeks around the two entangled bandits and asks

"Grimbold, you did not do this right" then he sees the farm girl (Beverley) "oh you must have done this,very impressive.  How long will this last?"  Turning to Grimbold "Raphim went into the cave, he saw steps down.  If you do not mind, can you two either tie up these guards or knock em senseless and follow me.  No need to kill em unless you fear they would kill us instead."  smiles shyly  "Oh high farm girl who casts druid spells, nice of you to help stop these guys. I am dirk, I'll leave it up to you two to decide there fate, I suspect you are not on there side then."  chuckles a second, "We could use your help, Grimbold, explain our presence and situation then make nice and finish up subduing these two.  Times a wasting."

Dirk will then move silently down into the cave to see if he sees Raphim, slowly moving along the steps checking for traps as he goes.

In reply to Dirk (msg # 20):

As dirk directs his words to her, Beverley smiles and waves, then feels a little foolish. There are more people coming up here from the village, erm, nice to meet you too Dirk and Grimbold. Yes it was me, it should last long enough for us to knock these men out.  Why would there be guards here?

She was starting to get a little confused.

The group made a quick job of incapacitating the immobilized men. Dirk however didn't notice further traces of Raphim. There weren't any more audible steps from the man who he was after.

In reply to DM (msg # 22):

Looking to the two, "Ok, I guess I am the closest to sneaky sneak so watch my back and be ready to hel[ me if I get into trouble, please."

Dirk will slowly check for traps as he makes his way down the steps.

Grimbold will follow Dirk into the cavern giving him room look for traps.

Beverley has no idea why they are there but liked the fact they just accepted her, probably because she helped, maybe because she had mentioned that further danger was potentially on its way.  So she followed.

In reply to Beverley Harrow (msg # 25):

AS Dirk pauses he looks to the two behind him, Grimbold, glad to still have you with me.  May lasy we need all the hlep we can muster for trouble is brewing in these parts and if we can stop it all the more better but for now I am more interested in finding our other companion.  Oj, and welcome to our humble little group.

Then goes back to checking, carefully as he goes.  Grimbold you are my eyes so watch for trouble ahead, malady our eyes behind us.

In reply to Dirk (msg # 26):

"malady", she hadn't been called that lately, or ever.  Polite were these, even if a little rusty.  Ok, that I will, help you I mean

Ok. Here we go again...

Raphim returned to the party with news of the scouting ahead.

About 30 feet into the cavern the trail stops at the base of a staircase leading to a heavy double door. In that spot one could also find the entrance of a smaller passage in the rock.

The stairs looked dirty and commonly transited, while the passage in the stone looked entirely natural and not even alit.

                    |         |
___________________ |  passage| ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 g | | | | | | | | | stairs
 a | | | | | | | | |                                cave entrance
 t | | | | | | | | |
 e | | | | | | | | |
_____________________~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:02, Wed 04 Nov 2020.

Raphim pulled back his hood and relayed what he'd seen to his companions. The archer then motioned with his chin to what lay ahead, "We could advance to the base of the stairs and examine the double doors. I'll check that natural hole in the wall real quick, just look into it and listen for anything." The archer listened for his companions' ideas before moving forward to the stairs. When close to the hole he will stop to look in and listen for any signs of residency.

if anyone else has a plan i'm good with it, we're a tribe of chiefs :)

Grimbold will move deeper into the cavern giving others a chance to look for traps.  He will be examining the walls and floors and ceiling.

Today: Grimbold rolled 2 using 1d6.  Examining stonework

In reply to Grimbold (msg # 30):

mumbling to him self about moving to quickly, Dirk moves up and once the passage looks safe and nothing is jumping out at the by the stairs he check for traps along th stairs one step and wall area at a time.

once at the door he will again check for traps around the flor, walls then door.


A bunch of rolls just because
 29,68,21,16,96,33,14,20,29.  Check for traps
This message was last edited by the player at 01:01, Wed 04 Nov 2020.

In reply to Raphim (msg # 29):

Watching the 'Mob' still moving closer, the farmer hoped that her fields wouldn't be wrecked.  She needed this distraction though, it was getting to be too much working those fields on her own.  She'd seen this cave before and even been in the entrance before but never gone in further, where they are going now, she'd been told as a young child not to, so she didn't.  That was before her parents died in a fire.  She had rebuild the home since then, that was 3 years ago.  At 17, she needed to explore.  So she followed these men.

It intrigued her that something was happening, something potentially important and it was on her doorstep.  Besides, it would be safer than waiting for a 'Mob' of people heading to her farm house.

Beverley moves down with the man whom had men her at the entrance.  On the approach of the other, she listened as these two seemed to know and trust him.  She'd not seen more than 1 Dwarf before and this Grimbold fella seemed to be quite strange.  Maybe that will all change if she stayed with these people instead of running out and back home.

She didn't know the name of this 'Scout/Archer' but he seemed to know what he was doing and hadn't been trapped so far.

Do you think it is dangerous?  My parents used to say not to go in here because it could be and the animals....  I have my Hoe, dagger and sickle, I didn't know I'd need my spear.  He curiosity was getting the best of her, she had dropped the slightly deeper and gruff voice she had used when first seeing these, it didn't seem to matter now.  I'm slim, I could take a look down that side passage if you want, I could do with a light though, I have good night vision but to see things on the floor, wouldn't I need light?

(ooc:  Awesome, onward and downward to paraphrase a common saying)

In reply to Beverley Harrow (msg # 32):

"I certainly feeling like something's not right, dangerous is a good way to describe it," the elf gave a quick grin at the farmer before leaning in to listen for anything from slim chasm in the wall. "Sounds empty enough. My name's Raphim, I'll stay here in case Dirk or Grimbold need help. Try to stay within shouting distance, eh friend?"

In reply to Raphim (msg # 33):

It was always good to put a name to a face, then she realised she hadn't given hers to this one yet either. I'm Beverley. I can do this. good to meet you friend Raphim  and with that, she moves along the narrow passage, with her slim build, it's not that narrow for her, even if she is as tall as many men, that's one reason people have to second glance at her but she prefers it that way, they underestimate her from the off.  These 3 though, they seem to have taken her at face value and that was good enough for them, so she didn't mind 'pitching in', plus, it was an adventure, something she longed for.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:53, Sat 07 Nov 2020.

In reply to Beverley Harrow (msg # 34):

Dirk as he checks for trap as he goes and notices as he looks back at one point the farm girl slip into the passage way.  He quietly hopes she will be safe then continues his checking.

The passage in the rock was a natural crevice that led to a larger cavern. There was little light and noticing a detailed outline of everything was going to take time. However, Beverly noticed something was amiss, like somehow she wasn't alone in the area. But placing her finger on it was hard...

Dirk didn't find any obvious traps in the gates nor in the steps of the staircase. However, as he made certain of it, he could hear a distant noise of furious and desperate steps. Like somebody beyond the corridor was running towards the gate...

The archer keeps a keen eye on the surroundings, especially Dirk and Grimbold at the gate. After a moment he moves to the passage entrance Beverly just slipped through and continues his vigil.

listening in beverly's direction while watching dirk and grimbold searching for stuff
*edit im assuming i can't hear the approaching footsteps until told..?
This message was last edited by the player at 12:04, Tue 17 Nov 2020.

In reply to Raphim (msg # 37):

Dirk sighs and bolts as softly as a halfling can to the passage motioning for Ralphim to get into the passage then sets low looking back out.  Whispers some one is coming hell bent to leather so lets see who it is.

Beverley didn't like the feeling, something or someone else was there with her, she was sure and really needed that light she asked for, so she went back to report.
She didn't turn, she just siddled backwards until about half way then stopped.
Almost a whisper but it needed to carry. Dirk, Raphim, Grimbold, something is in here, I need a light and I'm not going further without one. her voice stern and obviously demanding.

The sound of steps stopped midway to the gates and then there was some yelling. But the actual words got drowned by the echo. Whoever it was, they would get to the gates in less than a minute. If the group wanted to do something, they needed to do it quickly.

In reply to DM (msg # 40):

OOC - Dirk was looking out from the side passage into the main hallway to see who it is that os running

Raphim slipped back into the shadows with bow in hand. Beverly's correct. We have no light. His elven sight was good enough in these caverns for now, but they needed everyone to be ready for a fight. For now he'd have to rely on one of the others to provide illumination for their newfound group until he obtained the proper spell. If they survived. Raphim kept his eyes on the gate...

attempting to hide in shadows

Beverley jumps a little and a little yelp came out if her mouth, not loud, she had control of herself or so she told herself.

Hearing the commotion from out of the narrow passage, Beverley didn't want to make too much noise but needed to alert those she had just met.... Just in case
Who's there? What do you want?
Dirk, something touched my food, need light NOW! Please

She moves a little quicker through the passage back to the group.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:57, Sat 21 Nov 2020.

In reply to Beverley Harrow (msg # 43):

low grumble, a spark and grinding sound and poof, light as a torch is tossed toward Beverly - Dirk pulled out a torch and lit it then tossed it quickly back toward Beverly - "There's your light."

He then turns and look out into the main hallway awaiting to see what is in there running.

In reply to Dirk (msg # 44):

Beverley defly catches the 'tossed' torch by the unlit end (ooc: rolled a 7 for Dex check, made it)

Thank you as she turned to see what was following her, she hoped it was a putty or a cat, a small one, not one of those that came down from the mountains every so often in the Winter.
She hadn't heard the running feet but had already told the others when she arrived that an angry Mob was making it's way to the cave.

"We're being flanked, possible enemies from the gate and a mob from the hole in the wall. I suggest everyone keep their back to a wall so they can't successfully have two points of attack with you in the middle," Raphim whispered.

Dirk.


Beverly.

In reply to DM (msg # 47):

Dirk leans back into the cover of the passage way and whispers back, douse the torch we have a lot of company out here.  please.   Then keeps an eye on the passage but still stays hidden.   Dirk will try to Hide in shadows and hear noise to see what he hears.

Beverley moves a little further in, the tail she saw had gone out of the torchlight.
Did you not see that animal tail? Look on the wall, Runes, can you understand them?

In reply to Beverley Harrow (msg # 49):

Dirk looks about trying to see the runes and an animal.

In reply to Dirk (msg # 50):

I also think that staying where you all are by the gate will mean the Mob can see you.  our hand is being forced gents.  After showing Dirk the symbols/runes, Beverley waves the torch down the passage, hoping to catch a glimpse of the creature attached to the tail.

(ooc: And I get to pinch the 400th post :-)  Yay)
EDIT: Meant to mean all of you, so have now put that.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:49, Sat 28 Nov 2020.

In reply to Beverley Harrow (msg # 51):

Dirk did move back some and is hiding in shadows best a 1/2ling Thiefish priest can do.

Raphim clung to the shadows and waited for anything coming through the gate. It sounds like Beverly has discovered some runes, His interest in this place was piqued. And something with a tail...The archer whispered back to the others in the tunnel, "We'll keep rear guard from the shadows for now, watch over the gate. Be careful with...whatever's in there with you." Raphim had to laugh at himself, Of course, they're already being careful...

Beverley moves forward along the narrow path, the torch light going with her, barely lighting where Dirk is by now.

Five of the cloaked men emerged from the gate, their apparent leader in front. One of them was the same guy who unwittingly led the group to the cave. The leader took out a medallion covered in runes -that looked just like the sigil in the side passage-.

Time to declare actions. They haven't seen you yet, but their leader is about to do something with the medallion.

In reply to DM (msg # 55):

Beverley is already moving along the side passage slowly, unsure if there are bends in that passage.  I'm hoping that the medallion gets the lights on so we can walk easier.

Raphim stays in the shadows and inches his way to the tunnel, then continues after the others.

In reply to Raphim (msg # 57):

Dirk thinks, Five to one or two of us, ugh where's Raphim the odds are bad. WOnder what the medallion and this passage have in common?

He will also squirm further into the tunnel/side passage following Beverly hoping there is an answer to find.

Grimbold follows the group

In reply to Grimbold (msg # 59):

Dirk is ready to cast Bless if things get to that point but hopes they can skirt the badies and see where this goes.

Beverley hears Dirk behind her and feels reassured by a friendly presence.