The Blue Turnip is the premier tavern and inn in Helmsbreach.  The food is excellent, run by a heavy set woman named Agatha.  Todays meals are tender pork shreds in a spicy vinegar sauce with a thick paste of sweet tomato and beans.  Side of bread and cheese.  The beer cask has a nut brown ale.

The is a long bar along one one side, a two sided fireplace dominates the middle of the room.  The balance of the room is sturdy tables and benches.  Stairs at the rear lead up to the rooms for rent.
This message was last updated by the GM at 00:19, Sat 10 Oct 2020.

A blond human with unkempt hair sits at the bar, alternating between bites of bread with butter, and swigs of tonight's ale. He has the demeanor of a local, talking and even joking with the staff of The Blue Turnip. He looks around for newcomers... he's seen more than a fair share. Some head on an adventure never to return. Maybe this time he might see what's up... some of those folks come home rich.

A silver holy symbol to Moe glints from where it rests on his chest. Zorbon turns back to his drink and butters another chunk of bread. He's not planning to get drunk this night... but he still doesn't want dinner just yet.

 A woman with a powerful build and long dark hair sits at a table against a wall, smoking from a pipe and "people-watching", her expression calm.  In front of her were the remains of a meal or two, and a tankard or three.  The coin to buy this fare, as any who had been in The Blue Turnip long enough today would know, came from arm-wrestling matches, the vast majority of which she had won.  This woman was one "Falis of 'Lands Forgotten'", a wandering warrior.

Near the fire sits an elf with is feet up on a chair relaxing, occasionally  taking a bite and drink of the refreshments before him. By his side is a well used fully stocked backpack, upon which a large Rottweiler is leaning watching anyone or anything which gets to close to the elf.

Arrador enters into 'The Blue Turnip' tavern, a smile on his face and a slight swagger in his step. He scans the chairs at the bar looking for an empty seat, and then and will go to place an order, jostling a few silver coins in his hand, more fidgeting with them then anything else as he observes what the other patrons are eating and drinking.

"I've heard many a tale that The Blue Turnip is the place to go for a fine meal. Yet, I have yet to test it for myself. I'm in the mood for your special tonight, but an ale to start things right, if you please." he'll say to the bartender or first server, widening his smile.

Ramirez enters the Blue Turnip, removing his hat as he enters the establishment.  He nods at the others at the bar, and takes a spot in an empty seat, propping his quarterstaff and backpack in an empty corner on his way there.

He raises a finger to get the barkeep's attention, "Excuse me, a pint of your ale would hit the spot when you have a moment." He pats his pockets, as if looking for something, and continues "And you wouldn't happen to have a pipe and tobacco for sale, would you?  I seem to have misplaced mine along the way here."

Ramirez sips his ale, and surveys the room, taking note of the other adventurer types who seem to be gathering here.

At the bar, chatting up the woman next to him, the man on his other side, and the wandering wenches as they pass by, sits a man who thinks he is far more charismatic than he truly is. Nick is sipping a fine wine which was flashily paid for with a few shiny gold coins, and surveying the room. It seems that a group of possible adventurers has finally assembled at the Turnip.

As the night goes on, Nick will make his way to each of the adventurers and ask them to join him at an empty table, foods and drinks on him! Hopefully, he can sway them to join him on an adventure, and they can strike it rich.

Thanks to his snacking and temperance, Zorbon feels quite sober when he joins the young wine drinker at a nearby table. He's not one to turn down free food, so now he orders a plate of food and another ale. When it arrives, he offers a short prayer to Moe and a thank you to his benefactor before eating.

He looks around at the other adventuring types in the place, and introduces himself to the gentleman sitting at the table with him.

"M'name's Zorbon, Cleric of Moe. Thanks again for the dinner."

The food is excellent, and the ale as well.  The place starts to fill up, and a couple tables get pushed together near the fireplace.  One of the servers drops off a pitcher of ale, and starts bringing more food, all courtesy of Nick's obviously deep pockets.

A barmaid, a slight girl, can't seem to keep her eyes off Falis' axe, but doesn't seem to be brave enough to say anything.  For the most part, the crowd seems used to strangers around and though they are given wide berth.
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:12, Sat 12 Sept 2020.

 Falis grunts in a noncommital way and approaches Nick's table.  "Falis." She points to herself and then takes a seat.  "Used to be a gladiator."
This message was lightly edited by the player at 19:23, Sat 12 Sept 2020.

After hearing Nick's offer, Arrador had nodded noncommittally, but after a few moments got up to join the man and the others at the table that he had claimed. Upon hearing Zorbon's introduction as a cleric of the lawful Mo, an eyebrow had shot up with interest.

When given the opportunity he introduces himself to those now gathering at Nick's table. "Arrador. Cleric of Curly. There are those who call me a wiseguy." he says with a wry grin.

Ramirez accepts the offer of a drink and a meal, gladly.  After some pleasantries, he gets down to business. "So, young Master Nick, do you have a plan of some sort that will let us all strike it rich, or was the idea to just wander the countryside and see what sorts of trouble we can find?  Not that I'm opposed to that, necessarily, but I find that at least the germ of a plan can be helpful if only to keep everyone pulling in the same direction."

Valaric gathers up his belongings and joins the others at the table. "Valaric, anyone hear of any places to explore or jobs to be had?"

Nick gladly welcomes each adventurer to the table, ordering them a plate of whatever they want and a fine ale or wine as it suited their tastes. As everyone settled in and had made their introductions, he launched into his pitch.

As Nick walks the length of the table, he sets a small leather pouch in front of each adventurer's place at the table.

"Friends, I can tell by the looks on all of your faces that you're here to make a living, be it glory or gold you seek, our best chances of finding it are together. There are countless rumors of ruins, fortresses, caves filled with monsters and treasures, we need only speak to our beloved barkeep and lovely wenches to find our direction" he shoots a wink at the nearest wench and resumes his speech "I am of a mind that our finest cache of wealth is to be found in one of the ancient Dwarven ruins dotting the mountainous country to the North. What say the lot of you, if we are to travel together, I would like to hear your input."

"Dwarf gold, eh?" says Arrador, rubbing his chin with one hand, before reaching to inspect the leather pouch set in front of him. "Well, I am in agreement such a venture is best taken in numbers rather then a solo venture. I am game to travel in a group, if for nothing else but to see such marvelous ruins for myself."

He smiles. "But gold is important too. What do you purpose, Nick.. equal shares?"
This message was last edited by the player at 14:24, Sun 13 Sept 2020.

 Falis only gets water and bread to mitigate the drinks she got arm-wrestling.  She folds her arms across her chest.  "Long as this isn't some kinda trap, I'm game." She doesn't seem to be "kidding" when she says this...  "Moreso if the pieces of eight we find're broken into equal shares.  Dunno what kinda percentage of one hundred one person out of six would get, but I guess we can iron it out once we've dusted off the coins."

Upon inspecting the pouch, each member of the party finds 10 gold pieces contained within.

Nick grins at Arrador's comment and says "Of course, all treasure found will be shared equally among all party members, with one extra share's worth of loot being devoted to party expenses, if we plan to hire on guides, porters, or mercenaries, their pay will come from that joint fund."

Responding to Falis "The only traps we have to worry about are those our enemies have lain in the ruins and caverns which we will be exploring."

Ramirez nods at Nick's statement about the extra share of loot being used for party expenses, then points at the small pouch in front of him, concentrates, and slowly lifts it into the air and drops it into the middle of the table. He pauses, hoping for some sort of reaction to his little trick, then continues...

"If you ask me, I think these little gifts from young Master Nick should be the first deposit into our joint account.  If we are truly planning to explore dwarven ruins we'll need supplies--shovels, picks, lanterns and oil, maybe extra arrows or spears for you younger stabby types.  I propose that we pool these funds and buy a wagon and mule, or at the very least a few donkeys with saddlepacks to carry extra food and water.  I'm too old to act as my own beast of burden."

"That works for me. Moe knows I don't know much about wagons and mules and such, but if my 10 golds here will help, you can use them."
This message was last edited by the player at 14:28, Mon 14 Sept 2020.

ooc: forgive the shove

Nick produces a parchment lifted from the notice board for those around the table to discuss.

Eli is looking for someone to investigate his missing sheep.

The mayor is looking for someone to look into reports of goblins taking up residence

An abandoned watch tower has been located along an unused path.

Pushes his pouch back into the middle for use as party funds. "I like the mayor's goblin problem or the abandoned tower."

 Falis looks over the notice, raising an eyebrow.  "How can this get any better...?  The Goblins do seem to be the most pressing matter." Absently, she puts her ten gold on the table.  "I'll drop a percentage of my gains into repairs -- armour, straps, bags, nicks and dents in weapons."

Zorbon places Nick's gift in the center of the table as well, saying, "Any of those would be fine with me."

Arrador sniffs. "I suppose dwarf gold can wait. We can see how we work as a group on other matters." He glances briefly at the parchment from the notice board and hears the others opinions. "I suppose with looking into Goblins, you know what you're going to get. Might also get us in good with the mayor too."

Ramirez nods at Arrador's last point.  "I agree, getting on the Mayor's good side can only pay dividends in the future.  I vote we see what this goblin problem is all about."

Nick is happy to see his new comrades are so excited to begin their adventure, as well he is gladdened to see how well they've taken to his idea of a shared party loot. He collects the 40 gold so far left on the table, adding a further 10 gold of his own, into a larger pouch, and pulls a new notebook from a previously unseen pocket on the side of his tunic and begins dutifully scribing the deposits into the small ledger. With a flourish, he puts the notebook away and ushers the group on towards the mayor's manor.

Along the way, he mentions an idea to the group "My friends, if we are to be a successful group, we should look towards establishing ourselves a base of operations. The goblins do seem pressing, and I'm glad to see them dealt with swiftly, but I say we should then just as swiftly turn our focus to this mention of an abandoned tower. With some work, that could prove to be an effective home for our young detachment. Somewhere to store our gains and to keep those who we may find in our employ as time carries on, a smithy of some sort would not be amiss, I believe."

 Falis nods.  "Aye... I like how you think!  Could also do with a leatherworker for our straps and buckles and saddles.  Maybe also a clothier..." She trails off and then starts again.  "Think the Goblins have anything to do with the other notices we looked over?  Could be stealing the sheep, and holing up in the tower.  I could 'convince' one that we find to tell us whether or not I'm right, or not."

Arrador shrugs and somewhat reluctantly pushes the coin purse that was left for him to Nick to account for the party funds.

To Nick's comment as well as Falis, he then adds: "It is good planning, I think, to establish a base of operations. Though, if it turns out that there are connections between the three things on the notice as Falis suggests, where perhaps goblins are the root cause, then we'd be best off if we spoke to the mayor as well as Eli to get more information."

The evening passes peacefully, and those interested arrive at town hall in the morning.   The mayor introduces himself as Elijah Milkis.  He is a thin man, human, with a dark hair, going a bit gray at the temples.  "The goblins? There is an abandoned mine a short trip from town.  There have been a few reports of people saying they have seen goblins prowling around near it." he offers.  "Of course we want to make sure they don't start causing trouble for folks around so the town council has authorized 200 gold coins for someone to investigate, and if there are goblins around, to eliminate them."

"Eli has a farm a couple days north.  He raises some of the best mutton." The mayor explains.  "Last time he was in town, he said his sheep are vanishing one at a time.  Said he can't find any tracks or blood."

"As for the watchtower, It is a day of so off the road to the south. Not much else is known about it." he says with a shrug.

 After customary introductions,  Falis says to Mayor Milkis, "I personally suspect that these all might be related.  In any case, you have my axe at your service."

Ramirez listens to what the Mayor has to say, nodding along as he explains the recent troubles.

He responds in a voice with just a touch of a brogue accent, "I think, based on our earlier discussions, that we all agree with Falis that these could all be connected.  We'd be honored to start with investigating the mine on behalf of the town. Can you tell us when the mine might have been last used by the town?  Is this a recent problem, or something that might have been going on for some time without anyone noticing?"

Zorbon listens intently to the discussion without interrupting the others.

The mayor thinks for a moment.  "The mine has been closed for decades.  Not sure if the vein ran dry, or it flooded.  Other than catching some youths playing around it, it's been left abandoned."

Arrador listens, nodding his head. He didn't have much to offer by way of additional questions for the mayor though.

Nick nods along at the mayor's comments and the party's questions. Seeing that his comrades aren't feeling too inquisitive at the moment, Nick steps up and speaks to the mayor.

Clearing his throat and speaking in his most elegant and civilized tone and manner, Nick says "Burgomeister Milkis, I believe my comrades and I would be capable of solving this Goblin problem for your township, and we'd also be interested in your other tasks after this is completed. Now, one problem does present itself, we seem to be prepared with very minimal information for this task, which is understandable, but we must take precautions and prepare ourselves. Now, as I'm sure you know, these preparations will not be cheap, we must be ready to face anything. For all we know, there could be a small army of Goblins in that mine preparing for war. What say you pay us half the authorized sum upfront to allow us to prepare for this endeavor, and then the rest once the task is complete. And, as I'm sure you've already accounted for, if this task becomes too monumental, we would obviously expect a hazard bonus to be in the cards. Perhaps you'd be willing to pay a bounty on Goblin ears we bring back to you, that seems an elegant solution."

All of a sudden a blond-haired heavyset man bristling with weapons barges through the door, "sorry I'm late, wait your not my adventuring party! Sorry to bother you, Mr. Mayor, my parties already went and left haven't they? For the love of Mo, what a bunch of double-crossing bastards!" The stocky man glances at Nick, "I remember you from the tavern last night, talking about a job or something; now I don't mean to intrude, looks like you're attending to some business, but if that includes hacking down some monsters, I'd be interested seeing as it appears that I'm between jobs at the moment? I've got many battles under my belt, you'd be hard-pressed to find a more reliable soldier. Names Konrad by the way." He attempts to look endearing, he's not entirely sure he can pull off endearing while carrying a small armory.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:54, Fri 25 Sept 2020.

Annoyed by the interruption, Nick hides his feeling and responds to the one man army who walked into the room “Konrad, was it? I don’t see why we couldn’t have one more join our number. Why don’t you sit in on the rest of this conversation and we’ll discuss this later, as a party.”

He signals to an occupied space in the room and looks back to the mayor, expecting a response.

With as little clanking as possible Konrad moves to the unoccupied corner of the room and listens intently to the rest of the conversation.

The mayor listens quietly to the counter offer, his face not really showing his thought.  No doubt a skill he has practiced.  "It is a situation that doesn't lend itself to lots of information with exploration.  I'm sure we will know more if you return."  He looks to the well equipped group, before sliding a drawer open. "I will advance you 50 gold, as you seem to be well armored, but I understand arms and armor are not everything that may be needed."   He places a small pouch on the table, sliding it across towards Nick.   "If the task does become too monumental, we will provide undertaker services at no charge.  And, of course, anything found on the goblins, or in the mine, would become yours, provided an owner cannot be identified. "

 Falis mouths, "nice!" as Nick suggests hazard bonuses.  Her facial expression changes from word to word as Mayor Milkis speaks.  It is a confident smile when a pouch of fifty Gold Coins is produced; a searching, leftward roll of her eyes when undertakers are mentioned; another confident smile when things belonging to the Goblins or left in the mines are left to the company.

Konrad's eyes perk up at the mention of undertakers, and he thinks to himself how thoughtful of the mayor, he'd hate to have his ailing mother pay for his funeral, they're so expensive these days.

Was listening in quiet as Nick did most of the negotiations with the mayor. When it appeared everyone was finished, "I understand that the mine is an old and played out one as well? I believe we would like the rights to the mine as well so that we could use it for a base of operations while we are in the area until something better can be found."

The mayor turns his attention to the elf.  This time the raised eyebrow on his face did betray his thoughts. "Well..." he begins, then pauses.  "That is not within my purview, but I suppose that the next time Lord Richard comes through to collect his taxes, and if an appropriate tribute were given, and stewardship could be demonstrated, and the previous owners do not step forward with a claim, it could be possible." He says with a smile that is difficult to determine if it is genuine.  "Perhaps."

Nick notices the bureaucratic and corrupt gears turning in the mayor's head and pipes up "An excellent suggestion, my friend. Let us finish our task and survey the mine once it is cleared and, should we decide to proceed, we can come back to our dear friend the Mayor here for guidance." He cracks a sly smile and finishes "With an appropriate tribute, of course."

Interested as he is at the thought of co-owning his own abandoned mine, Konrad doesn't look as if he has much to say on the matter.

Arrador had bit his lip hearing the exchanges between his new companions and the mayor, and eyes had widened hearing the suggestion that they also take over ownership of the mine. To him, the mayor had given an appropriately vague response keeping in line with a politician.

They could just simply take it over de facto if it suited them. Who cared what Lord Richard, the Mayor, the town council or anybody else thought.

"Yes, I think one thing at a time, I say." he says, adding his voice to Nick's. "Let's make sure any goblins are eliminated first." he says flashing a smile.

Ramirez chimes in with his two coppers, "Yes, let's worry about property ownership, and tributes and whatnot after we survive this little expedition.  Let's worry about getting outfitted for this expedition and killing goblins before we start planning on moving in."
This message was last edited by the player at 17:25, Sun 27 Sept 2020.

The mayor provides directions to the mine, you should have no trouble finding it.  It is about a two hour walk.  It is mid morning and weather is warm, and the sky is partly cloudy.

ooc: What is the party's plan?

"I will return shortly with my armor and gear, and then I will be ready to move out. Don't leave without me!" Zorbon smiles at that last, letting all know that he was only half-joking... perhaps.

Seeing Zorbon rush off, Nick looks to the remaining party members and says to them “If you have anything to attend to, do so now. We’ll meet in the tavern in 45 minutes and leave for the mine then. If any of you need me I’ll be waiting in the tavern. If you buy anything, let me know and I’ll reimburse you with our collective coins.” And shakes his second coin pouch.

After making eye contact with everyone gathered and looking to see if any questions are asked. Nick turns onto the street and heads for the tavern.

 Falis requests her initial allotment of coins from Nick so that she can see to some poles... one that she'd bought, and another that she intends to buy for back-up.  She also runs over to the nearest smithy after getting the pole, and makes arrangements to have it segmented and made collapsible.

Provided everything works out for the warrior, she returns to the inn with what is left of her allotment of coins and hands them to nick.  "Still sort of new to this adventuring business," she explains, showing him one of the poles, "But one of the ones that got me out of that godsforsaken arena I was in kept going on and on about how great ten-foot poles were.  So, I figured I'd 'donate' two to this party.  Since that's a little hard to move around something like a mine, or a tower, though, I figured I'd have it broken down and segments added to it."  She illustrates this by collapsing and extending one of the poles.

Upon seeing Falis' newly segmented poles, Nick is impressed. "I've had my fair share of drinks with adventurers, and none have ever mentioned this idea. Fine thinking, Falis! Ingenuity such as this will keep us alive through the dank dungeons we will delve!"

Having nowhere else to be, or anything else to do in the meantime, Arrador likewise makes his way to the tavern to wait for the others to arrive prior to the party heading out towrads the mines.

Seeing as he has some time on his hands, Konrad finds a quiet corner of the tavern, orders a drink, and does a quick once over of his arms and armor.

Ramirez joins Konrad and Arrador at the tavern, splurging on some finer wine for the table.  He also takes the opportunity to use his Clean cantrip to clean his clothes and gear of road grime and will do the same for anyone else who wants or needs it.

In reply to Ramirez (msg # 55):

Konrad eagerly takes up Ramirez on his offer, "Thank you, Ramirez, I've spent many days on the road and I was convinced my undershirt was gonna up and walk off without me. Have another drink on me, what do you fancy?"  He takes a seat across from him, orders them both more drinks, and continues inspecting his gear.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:20, Wed 30 Sept 2020.

"He he, I wasn't gonna say anything, but I think the rest of the group will thank me.  It's just a little parlor trick all apprentices learn, but having clean gear is a bit of a luxury when you're traveling and I think when you look good, you fight good."

Ramirez gladly takes Konrad up on his offer.  "I never turn my nose up at a glass of red wine."
This message was last edited by the player at 23:28, Wed 30 Sept 2020.

Zorbon returns to the tavern ready to go, complete with a new set of chain mail, among other adventuring gear. His silver holy symbol to Moe still hangs to his chest from a sturdy chain. He joins the group but refrains from drinking, this time.

The party meets up, and heads out, walking the road for a while before turning at the landmarks.   The travel is uneventful, and they approach a hillside with a few rocky outcroppings. In the distance they can see the gnarled tree that was split by lighting that is supposed to mark the entrance to the mine.  It is about 100 yards away.

Ramirez scratches at his stubble as they stare off at the supposed mine entrance in the distance.  "Nick, you want to borrow that fancy new pole and see if you can sneak up on the entrance and see if there's a welcoming committee at the entrance?"

The mage shrugs, "Or, we could all just saunter up together and announce our presence with authority."

Nick grins at Ramirez's suggestion that the party loudly announce themselves. "Let us take the first option. Why don't you all step off to the sides of the path and out of sight while I go and inspect? If I need you, I'll come running and screaming in the most dignified manner possible." Nick takes one of the segmented poles and keeps it broken down as he moves silently towards the cave entrance, crouching down and keeping an eye out for any sign of other creatures.

Arrador seems a little surprised at Nick's offer to go scout ahead, but steps aside for him to go ahead and do so.

 Falis waits for word back from Nick, but remains where she is.  Her axe is in her left hand, while her dagger is in her right, ready to be thrown at moment's notice.

The clouds are thin, drifting overhead.

Zorbon waits for Nick as well, loosening his mace in its carrying strap just in case.

Konrad pulls his spear and shield from their harnesses on his back and places them on the ground next to his feet, ready to be picked up at a moments notice. He pats his sword hilt, double checking that its there. He then pulls off his bow and readies it. Finally, he relaxes his jaw, noticing he had it clenched.

Ramirez checks behind the group, making sure nothing is coming up from behind them, and awaits Nick's return.

Stands at the ready with bow in hand to offer  Nick covering fire if he needs it  upon his  return.

Nick exists.

Actually, Nick is only imaginary...



The birds chirps, the leaves rustle and time ticks by.  Nick has been gone about 20 minutes (ooc: 2 turns)
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:47, Tue 06 Oct 2020.

 Falis shifts in her armour.  "Think we should go looking for him, see what's up?"

A soft twang is heard in the distance.

Nothing seems to happen.

Stuff... things...

Time passes.  ooc: 1 more turn

Ramirez replies to Falis, "Might be a good idea to check on him, it's been too long, I think."

Nick re emerges from the bushes near the party, his bow is at the ready with an arrow nocked, but his confident smile remains unchanged. He approaches the party and says to them all in a quiet tone, “There was a goblin lookout, I took care of him. We can enter the mine unnoticed, but I expect there to be at least a few more within. The entrance to the shaft is a rotted wooden door on the ground, much like a farmhouse’s cellar. Be gentle as we approach it, one of the two doors looks as though it will shatter and fall at the slightest touch.” With a quick nod and after a look around for questions, Nick says “Alright, follow me.” And leads the group towards the shaft entrance.

As they pass the tree where the lookout was hiding, Nick proudly points out his kill, and keeps moving towards the entrance.

Ramirez nods at Nick's admonition, making sure to stay far enough away that his clumsy self has no chance of being the one that falls through the rotted doors.  "If we happen to find another scout alone, I can cast a spell that has a chance of turning him into an ally.  Might be nice to have a guide as we go through the mine that can alert us to any traps or ambushes that lay in wait."

Zorbon now takes his mace out and holds it at the ready as he takes his place in the marching order.

The dead goblin in the tree stares blankly at the party.  The stairs beyond the door lead into the darkness. They are stone, and seem well made, but lean to the side as if the earth moved after they were built.


ooc: Who has a light?

What is the plan for the donkey?

What supplies are staying with it?

Marching order the same?

Ramirez takes a knee and rummages through his pack, pulling out a flask of oil, which he pours into the lantern previously strapped to the side of it.  He pauses a moment, stares at his finger, which shortly produces a small flame which he uses to light the lantern.  "Well now, I believe that's our light sorted.  Does someone up front want to carry the lantern, or shall I hold it here in the middle of the group?  Maybe a torch would also be in order to add a little bit more light."

 Falis looks relieved when Nick returns, and replaces her weapon intended for throwing.  When Ramirez mentions a compulsory spell, she smiles.  "Yes... that is a brilliant plan!"

 When the mage inquires about anyone being able to hold the lantern, she hefts her axe.  "Would that I could, good mage, but I need both hands for this." She grips it, and confidently follows Nick as soon as he is ready.

Arrador had regarded the dead goblin with a kind of professional curiosity, staring back into the creatures' dead eyes for a brief moment. "I suppose you've already searched the Goblin for anything of value already, right?" he inquires of Nick.

He then readies his mace, and in response to Ramirez' question responds "I can take the lantern."

Nick responds to Arrador in a low tone "Not as of yet, didn't want to risk alerting our foes of my presence." as he makes his way to the storm doors and positions himself between the open slat and the broken one and gestures the party in, making sure no one damages the broken door and causes it to fall through.

The goblin is about 15' up in the tree, it would be a scramble for any to reach it, and it appears undisturbed.

Falis leads the party around Nick and down the stairs.  The air is noticeably cooler as they descend.  The do slant, though not quite enough to a danger if everyone is careful.  Rameriz's lantern lights just a bit ahead of the leader.

The donkey balks a little but does follow down the stairway.   The stairs end in a large room about 30' wide, but the depth is still in the dark. At first it appears empty, but as the fighters step off the stairs, a dagger comes out of the dark, and strikes the elf.  Two goblins with short sword drawns attack Falis, but fail to penetrate her defensive. A third goblin, who must have thrown the dagger is a few paces behind and drawing a sword.


ooc: The party is surprised, 3 goblins are armed with Shortsword block the way forward.

Zorbon and Arrador can melee next round.


Actions?

---

Marching Order: Falis, Valaric, Zorbon, Arrador, (Light) Ramirez, Konrad, Nick & the donkey

3 Goblins

Zorbon hustles forward and swings his mace at the head of one of the goblins attacking Falis.

20:53, Today: Zorbon rolled 7 using 1d6+2.  mace damage.

20:53, Today: Zorbon rolled 15 using 1d20+2.  Attack goblin.

Falis closes whatever distance needs closed with the Goblins, and engages the nearest one with her axe.  It is, unforunately, a swing... and a miss.

19:08, Today: Falis rolled 7 using 1d20+2 ((5)).
19:09, Today: Falis rolled 7 using 1d8+2 ((5)).
Attacking nearest Goblin.

Ramirez is taken aback at the appearance of the goblins, and nearly drops the lantern, but manages to hold onto it. Seeing his companions react to their foes, he focuses on a spot behind the goblins and slaps his hand against the air, trying to create a sound behind them to distract, and also answering the age old question of “What is the sound of one hand clapping?”
This message was last edited by the player at 14:20, Thu 08 Oct 2020.

Arrador swings his mace, aiming towards one of the Goblin's ugly faces. "For Curly!" he snarls!

20:48, Today: Arrador rolled 20 using 1d20.  Attack (Mace) vs. Goblin.
20:48, Today: Arrador rolled 6 using 1d6.  Damage.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:52, Sat 10 Oct 2020.

Konrad rushes down the stairs, nearly tripping on the way down, in an attempt to put himself between the goblins and his allies.

The battles in enjoined!

Valaric, steps back from the front line, wounded.

Arrador and Zorbon stand in the gap, both clerics kill the goblins before them.

Falis' axe goes wide.

The last goblin's attention is drawn as it turns is head for a moment behind it.

Konrad manages to make it past the mage without knocking Rameriz over or ruining his spell, and arrives at the front line.

Nick guards the rear, the donkey munches.

One goblin remains.

Begin round 3, actions?

Though his first swing had struck true, Arrador’s extends himself a little too far on his second against the remaining goblin.

09:05, Today: Arrador rolled 7 using 1d20.

Zorbon steps forward and swings again, this time at the remaining goblin.

10:55, Today: Zorbon rolled 6 using 1d6+2.  mace damage.

10:55, Today: Zorbon rolled 20 using 1d20+2.  Attack goblin.

Nick watches, expecting the last goblin to flee. If it does so and isn’t cut down, he’ll rush in front of his comrades and take a shot at the beast. Otherwise he’ll just wait for the frontline to clean up.

Falis lunges at the goblin again, and again misses.  She growls at it.

13:36, Today: Falis rolled 6 using 1d20+2 ((4)).
13:37, Today: Falis rolled 4 using 1d8+2 ((2)).
Attacking nearest Goblin.

Konrad gives a quick stab at the goblin with his spear.

17:08, Today: Konrad rolled 3 using 1d6+1.  Konrad Damage - Spear (Goblin).

17:06, Today: Konrad rolled 16 using 1d20+1.  Konrad Attack - Spear (Goblin).

The poor goblin is killed before he as a chance to realize it.

As the flurry of combat fades, the rest of the room is taken in.  It is about 30'x40', and the floor slopes slightly to the south just like the stairs.  The air is noticeably cooler and humid.  At the north end is a rusted gate.   In the corner is a pile of rags surrounding a pair of crude dice and a few small piles of copper coins.

          _|_xxx_|_
          |      g|
          |       |
      ____|   P   |
       <up        |
      ____________|

With combat over, Nick glides forward, checking the room for valuables and, more importantly, inspecting the gate for traps.

"Valaric, can I help you?" The cleric of Moe checks the elf to see how badly he is wounded by the dagger that hit him.

 Falis frowns when she sees one of her companions injured.  Being unable to see to the wounded herself, but trusting the priests in her company, she helps to scoop up the dice and coins.

Nick finds nothing dangerous on the grate, but it is heavily rusted in the damp air, making the lock look impossible, even with a key.  There is a goblin sized hole through the bars that they must be using for access to the darkness beyond.

Falis takes up the dice that no self respecting gambler would use, and 27 copper coins.

Zorbon checks on Valaric, the wound is not fatal, but needs tending. The elf asks to switch places, letting Konrad take a front line position and he'll guard the rear.
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:01, Tue 13 Oct 2020.

"Find any trap's Nick?" Then, as long as there's nothing that's going to kill him, "Hey, Falis, want to give me a hand with this door?"
This message was last edited by the player at 01:46, Wed 14 Oct 2020.

Nick takes a step back and rubs his hands together, thinking for a moment before hearing Konrad behind him and saying "Oh, yes, quite, please go ahead. You two can make short work of this, I'm sure." and retaking his place near the donkey.

118:59, Today: Falis rolled 6 using 1d6+2 ((4)).
Force Doors.
Falis makes her attempt with the rusted grate...
This message was last edited by the player at 02:00, Wed 14 Oct 2020.

While Falis and Konrad work on the gate, Zorbon will keep his mace at the ready.

ooc: not 1d6 + your bonus  just a straight roll,, but a 4 is a success.

Falis puts her muscle to the gate, and with a grunt, the hinges give way, and the gate pulls loose in her hands.

Konrad tries not to look to akward as he realizes Falis is doing most of the work getting the door, "Yup, uh, we got the door open guys".

Arrador had been lost in thought but the sound of the gate being pulled open catches his attention. Stepping up to where Falis and Konrad are he smiles. "Impressive."

Then to the others "No point in stopping now, right? Let's keep going."

Ramirez tries to stay out of the way as the others check for traps and clear the way.  He constantly checks behind towards the way they came in, in case something outside is alerted by the noise they're making.

 Falis sets the grate down and waits for her companions to proceed.

The party reconvenes, and then proceeds through the gate that Falis and Konrad left lying by the by.  The floor continues to slope up, and ashen darkness looms ahead, and suddenly the reason is known.  A few paces away, the ground gives way, as if some giant ripped the room in two.  A large crevasse is ahead, the split in the earth is intersected by a rope V bridge of obvious goblin make and size.  The opposite edge is about 15 feet from this one.

A little light trickles down from above, indicating the tear goes all the way to the surface.

An arrow comes whistling out of the dark on the other side of the bridge.  Two goblins armed with shortbows are just at the edge of Rameriz's light.  They are about 30' away.


Actions?

           | g g |
           |     |
        ~~~~~~v~~~~~~
              v
        ~~~~~~v~~~~~~
           |     |
           |  P  |
           |     |
          _|_  x_|_
          |       |
          |       |
      ____|       |
       <up        |
      ____________|

---

Begin Turn 2

Marching Order: Falis, Konrad, Zorbon, Arrador, (Light) Ramirez, Valaric, Nick & the donkey

2 Goblins

 Falis takes one look at the bridge and resolves to cross it when it's a little safer to do so...

18:40, Today: Falis rolled 5 using 1d20+1 ((4)).
18:40, Today: Falis rolled 4 using 1d4 ((4)).

Throwing, and failing to hit with, dagger.  Oh, pooh!

 To make things safe, she closes as much distance as she can with the mongrels, putting her axe in her left hand, and unsheathes and hurls the dagger at her waist at the first one that she sees with her right.

Arrador likewise assesses the situation, deeming it unwise to try to engage in melee combat and so puts away his mace and shield to ready his sling.

Zorbon puts his mace away and readies his sling for a shot at the goblins.

Konrad considers getting into melee and crossing the bridge, but then remembers he likes living.  He instead takes out his longbow and fires at the closest goblin.

14:31, Today: Konrad rolled 7 using 1d8+1.  Konrad Damage - Longbow (Goblin).

14:30, Today: Konrad rolled 13 using 1d20+1.  Konrad Attack - Longbow (Goblin).

14:30, Today: Konrad rolled 14 using 1d20+2.  Konrad Attack - Longbow (Goblin).

Oops, I edited my attack roll to correct for the close range.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:37, Sun 18 Oct 2020.

Nick? Ramirez?

Nick waits in the rear

Valaric draws his bow.

Falis throws her dagger on the floor on the other side of the cleft.

Konrad puts his arrow through one of the goblins

Zorbon readies his sling.

Ramirez takes cover.

Alaric races Zorbon in getting a sling bullet ready.

The goblin that didn't get killed puts an arrow into Falis with an excellently placed shot.


One goblin remains.

Actions?
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:17, Wed 21 Oct 2020.

Arrador, now with sling in attack, fires a stone at the goblin.


OOC: (I'm assuming that last turn Arrador was able to succesfully swap out his sling too.)

08:17, Today: Arrador rolled 9 using 1d20+1.

---

GM says Certoinly...  even the Moite got his sling ready
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:37, Wed 21 Oct 2020.

Ramirez keeps holding the lantern aloft, encouraging his party mates' efforts to take out the remaining goblin.

Zorbon slings a bullet at the remaining goblin.

10:06, Today: Zorbon rolled 5 using 1d20+2.

 Following a maternal insult and swearing pain, Falis retrieves one of her newly-crafted hand axes...

11:31, Today: Falis rolled 4 using 1d20+1 ((3)).
11:32, Today: Falis rolled 2 using 1d6.  Falis Ranged Damage (L) - Hand Axe (Goblin).

Throwing, and failing to hit with, hand axe.  Oh, pooh!

 ...and fails to hit the hawk-eyed goblinoid.

With careful aim, Konrad lets loose another arrow, aiming to skewer the goblin through the heart.


18:37, Today: Konrad rolled 3 using 1d8+1.  Konrad Damage - Longbow (Goblin)

18:37, Today: Konrad rolled 18 using 1d20+2.  Konrad Attack - Longbow (Goblin)

Everything happens at once.

Arrador launches a stone skittering down the corridor.

Zorbon also slings wide.

Falis' axe lands harshly on the stone, that's going to require a bit of time with a whetstone.

Just as Rameriz' lantern beam crosses the goblin, it looses an arrow that streaks by the party, and Konrad uses the momentary flash to end the goblin's life.

ooc: The combat is over.

Zorbon quickly puts his sling away and moves to Falis's side to examine her wound.

"How do you feel?"

 Falis clutches the arrow that's found its way between her plates and even through the protective chain mesh, leather, and padding.  "Been better..." She hisses.  "Just another injury to add to the list.  Tell you about the others, later."

 She then turns to Konrad.  "Good shooting.  Thanks."

Zorbon touches his holy symbol and reaches a hand out to Falis, casting Cure Light Wounds.


16:30, Today: Zorbon rolled 4 using 1d6+1.  Cure Light Wounds.

Giving his companion a concerned look, "No problem, but eh, even with a bit of healing magic, that's a pretty nasty wound; are you feeling well enough to continue forward?"
This message was last edited by the player at 00:58, Fri 23 Oct 2020.

 Falis, not having felt healing magic before, but rather herbal remedies, compresses, and the like, squirms uncomfortably as her flesh knits itself back together again.  She looks up at Konrad.  "Aye, I'll live."  She snaps the arrow in her hand and continues forward when all are ready.

ooc: Who is crossing the bridge first?

OOC: Send the donkey....

 Falis does what she can to assess the bridge's stability.

23:29, Today: Falis rolled 17 using 1d20 ((17)).
Intelligence check to see if the bridge can be trusted, or it's going to hurt our feelings.  And our bodies, but most of all our feelings.

It is a twisted rope bridge, with a few planks across the bottom.  It is narrow and will require careful foot placement, but the bridge looks perfectly safe to Falis, if a bit short, the side rails are knee high.

Arrador will step up towards the bridge. "Well, what say you Falis? Shall we cross?"

To the others "Does anybody have extra rope?"

"I do." Zorbon shows Arrador the coil of rope that he's been wearing over one shoulder and across his body.

"I can go first." Arrador volunteers. "We can tie rope around my waist in case the bridge isn't sturdy. How does that sound?"
This message was last edited by the player at 22:25, Sun 25 Oct 2020.

Konrad scoffs a bit, "It's a plan; can't say I much like it, but we'll keep a tight hold of that rope for you."

The Cleric of Moe hands off one end of the rope to Arrador, and hands the other to Konrad, also gripping the rope.

ooc:Arrador, let me know if you cross.  If you do, roll a d20.

Once the rope is wrapped around his waist, Arrador gives it a quick tug, checking the knot and then begins to cross.

17:43, Today: Arrador rolled 19 using 1d20.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:44, Mon 26 Oct 2020.

It is a little precarious, being sized for goblins, but Arrador has no issues crossing the bridge and arrives safely on the far side.

Next, roll 1d20

Zorbon tries the tricky little goblin bridge, rope in hand.

20:11, Today: Zorbon rolled 8 using 1d20.  Cross the bridge?

The goblin bridge seems well made.   Zorbon joins Arrador on the other side.

Zorbon points down into the gap, and says to Arrador, "Did you see that? Looks like there's something down there."

"Can't say I noticed anything while crossing. What did you see?" says Arrador, going now to peer where Zorbon is pointing.

"Something's buried in the leaves down there. I saw something white sticking out. I almost missed it, myself."

The chasm looks about 30' deep, coming to a sharp V.  It is too dark to make out any details of the bottom.
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:06, Tue 27 Oct 2020.

"Well. We have your rope. We could try to lower somebody down there to see what it is." Arrador suggests. "We'd have to be very careful though, it's quite a ways down."

OOC: Is what Zorbon is seeing on the side of the chasm that we are on now, or where the rest of the party is that is still waiting to cross?

OOC: It's in the bottom of the V.

Zorbon and Arrador are on one side of the chasm, the ground seems level on that side of the split.

Ramirez lends his light, shining it down into the earth, and mostly buried, the group sees a small skull.  Its difficult to to know more from this vantage, but its human, or maybe elf.

Falis, Konrad, Nick and the donkey and ~Valaric wait on the near side.
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:42, Wed 28 Oct 2020.

"I'd like to go down if no one else will... the poor soul deserves a decent burial."

”Lets find a suitable place to lower you down then.” Arrador says in response, now looking for a good place to tie the rope and lower Zorbon down.

Konrad wishes to join his friends on the other side and very gingerly crosses the bridge.

16:45, Today: Konrad rolled 8 using 1d20.  Crossing the bridge (hopefully...).

Konrad has no trouble crossing to the other side, and soon joins Zorban and Arrador.

Rameriz, Falis, Nick and the donkey and ~Valaric wait on the near side


ooc: Who/how are you lowering down? and what are you taking with you?

Zorbon volunteers to go down and check things out, but he will leave his backpack and most of his stuff at the top. He will take his mace and holy symbol down with him.

"You guys up for this?"

Arrador gives Zorbon a wide grin. ”Ready as I’ll ever be. Hope you are ready. Konrad, you are probably stronger than me. Help me steady the rope for Zorbon.”

 Falis, too, spans the bridge.  She relies on the "railing" to cross, and retrieves her errant weapons.  She rises from the last weapon, and gives her companions a hand with the rope.  "Lemme give you a hand, too..."

The party lowers Zorbon down the side, the going is easy, and he has no trouble reaching the bottom.  The leaves are dank, and soft, the bottom being turned into a compost patch, the earth is fragrant under his feet.  Bits of green poke up here and there, showing that nature is indeed resilient.

Rameriz shines the light down, as the Moite gets his feet under him, it is indeed what he thought he saw, the remains of a small human, the bones all that appear to be left.

"Poor youngster...." He looks up at the others. "Do we bring the remains up now or come back for them later? I don't want to leave them here permanently."

Giving a look at Falis and Konrod, Arrador shrugs, saying to them. "I would just as soon just leave the remains there."

 "Maybe we could bring a token back to town, in case anyone's looking for him, and wants something to remember him by or bury." Falis says.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:03, Fri 30 Oct 2020.

"Zorbon, is there anything else there, or just a skeleton?"

Zorbon looks for anything else down there with the skeleton. "I think I know who this was. If one of you were his father what would you want us to do?"

Konrad chimes in, "I think we should go ahead and bring them up, the little guy deserves more than being forgotten in some crevice."

Most everything is buried under leaves and newly forming earth.

Arrador seems skeptical. Saying to Konrad and Falis. "If he wants to take all the bones back with him to town that's Zo's business, but it isn't why we are here."

Then calling down to Zorbon. "Well, you're the one down there, not us. If you are going to take the bones with you then go ahead and pack them up and we'll haul you back up."

"Please drop me one of my large sacks."

With a quick riffle through Zorbon's things, Konrad finds a large sack and tosses it down to him, "Here you go".

With a quick prayer, Zorbon places the bones into the sack and waits to be hauled up to the top.

Moe may listen when Zorbon calls, but centipedes must not be Moites.  As the cleric goes to move their home, a centipede crawls out of the eyehole, a second one from among the leaves covering the ribs.

Zorbon is not surprised, and may act.  They appear aggressive in defense of their lair!

Zorbon brings his mace down on one of the centipedes.

18:37, Today: Zorbon rolled 5 using 1d6+2.  centipede damage.

18:37, Today: Zorbon rolled 16 using 1d20+2.  Attack centipede.

Zorbon crushes one of the centipedes, the other is unable to penetrate his armor.

round 2

Zorbon tries to smash the other centipede - he doesn't want to find out how nasty their bites are.

19:48, Today: Zorbon rolled 8 using 1d6+2.  centipede damage.

19:48, Today: Zorbon rolled 14 using 1d20+2.  Attack centipede.

Thanks to the clerics quick reaction, the second centipede becomes an oozing pile of chitin,  Zorbon is able to collect the remains in his sack, and the party easily pulls him to the top again.  He also finds a small iron pendant among the bones.

The cleric will keep the iron pendant safe with his belongings, rather than in the sack with the bones.

"Thanks for the help, you guys."

 Falis begins to help Zorbon up.  "Poor kid..." she comments, frowning at the unfortunate bones rattling in the priest's sack.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:50, Mon 02 Nov 2020.

"Nice job handling the bugs down there." Arrador says after Zorbon climbs back up to the top.

To the others: "Unless Zorbon needs a minute to rest or readjust, I suppose we ought to move on." he looks then to the rest of the party that hasn't passed over the bridge just yet.

"Though I'm not sure the donkey can make it across safely. Maybe somebody should wait and tend to him?"

Nick volunteers to wait with the donkey and Valaric, since he is injured.

Rameriz, Are you still with us?

Nick pats the Cleric on the shoulder, giving him an approving nod for his feat, then continues "I believe Valaric can tend to our Donkey, let me take the front and search out a safe route devoid of traps."

"Right behind you," Falis assures her companion.  She kneels down and inspects the bow of the goblin that shot her and equips it and its quiver.  "Anyone want the rest of the arrows?"
This message was last edited by the player at 21:09, Mon 02 Nov 2020.

In reply to Falis (msg # 179):

"I'm fine on arrows if someone else wants them", Konrad says.

OOC: Does anyone else have a bow?

Zorbon hefts the youth's remains over his shoulder with one hand and holds his now-stained mace in the other as he follows after Nick.

Konrad just gives the bag over Zorbon's shoulder a sad look before following the others.

Nick looks at the Goblin arrows, comparing them to his own, and decides to let Falis keep them.

OOC: I have a bow! Pretty good with it, too!

Nick and Rameriz cross the bridge without incident.

Valaric waits with the donkey.

Falis finds a short bow and 9 arrows, all of goblin make, but still deadly.

Zorbon secures the remains.

The party realigns, with Nick in the front.

The room continues, about 50' long, there is a shaft (o) into the ceiling, and a stone spiral stair (%) in the corner.

            _____
           |    %|
           |     |
           |  o  |
           |     |
           |  P  |
           |     |
        ~~~~~~v~~~~~~
              v
        ~~~~~~v~~~~~~
           |     |
           |  Vd |
           |     |
          _|_  x_|_
          |       |
          |       |
      ____|       |
       <up        |
      ____________|

Begin Turn 4

Marching Order: Nick, Falis, Konrad, Zorbon, Arrador, (Light) Ramirez,

Valaric & the donkey wait behind the bridge.

 As she follows Nick, Falis readies an arrow.  She spent far more time fighting in melees during her time as a gladiator, but after being freed did learn a thing or two about bowmanship.

 If nothing else, getting shot was a quick refresher on what direction to point an arrow to be fired!

As the party passes under the shaft, Konrad peeks up to check for sunlight shining down or perhaps the pointy ends of arrows aiming down at his friends.

Making sure to keep close to his companions who were leading the way, Arrador nevertheless is wary of the shaft in the ceiling

Zorbon avoids the shaft and moves toward the stairs slowly, waiting for Nick to check them out first.

As he passes, Nick checks the shaft above for anything out of place, or if it’s just a ventilation shaft. Upon approaching the stairs, he stops the party a few feet away and quietly moves up to it, watching wearily for more arrows and trying to see down to where the stairs lead.

A glance up the shaft reveals no sunlight, but only darkness.  It extends at least 10 feet into the ceiling, maybe more. It's too dark to tell.

The stairs spiral down into the darkness, carved into the very stone.  Each step is wide enough for two to stand side by side.  But how far down is impossible to tell from here.

 Falis replaces her bow, and draws her axe, holding it with her secondary hand with her dagger finding its way into her primary hand, just in case it decides it wants to fly.  At a bad guy.  "I've got your back..." she reassures Nick.

Mace in one hand and light in the other, Arrador waits for his companions to start climbing the stairs before following them.

With shield up and hand on his sword hilt, Konrad waits patiently for the party to venture down the stairs; he never quite takes his eyes off the dark shaft in the ceiling though.

The lantern light flickers shadows on the wall, as Vera looks around.

Vera's eyes squinted to catch a glimpse of anything outside of the darkness. Her backpack slung across her back as she looked from side to side.

Zorbon takes his place in the marching order and descends the stairs in turn.

Falis begins her descent, right behind Nick, her human eyes adjusting to the darkness and dim lights as best they can.

The stairs spiral down into the dark, and the party finds 6 goblins in a makeshift barracks.  They all scramble for their swords and axes.

Actions?

Zorbon races for a goblin, swinging his mace as he runs. "For Moe!"


21:15, Today: Zorbon rolled 7 using 1d6+2.  mace damage.

21:15, Today: Zorbon rolled 17 using 1d20+2.  to hit goblin.

20:33, Today: Falis rolled 7 using 1d20+1 ((6)).
20:34, Today: Falis rolled 6 using 1d6 ((6)).
Shooting at nearest goblin.

Falis lets the readied arrow fly at the first goblin that she sees, and regardless of whether she hits or miss, throws the launcher off to the side and readies her axe.

Readying axe.

Vera gradually moved back and took a ingredient from her pouch. She placed it in her mouth and began to utter, "Huindortalla." As she finished gas poured out of her mouth towards the goblins.

Cast Sleep spell

Konrad barrels forward and gives a vicious strike to the nearest goblin with his spear.


20:17, Today: Konrad rolled 15 using 1d20+1.  Konrad Attack - Spear (Goblin).

20:17, Today: Konrad rolled 7 using 1d6+1.  Konrad Damage - Spear (Goblin).

Whereas his allies charged towards the goblins, Arrador paused momentarily to survey the situation. He wanted to stay in a position where he could easily guard Vera and Ramirez should the goblins rush towards them, and would strike against any goblin that attempted to approach.

09:07, Today: Arrador rolled 4 using 1d6.  Damage.
09:07, Today: Arrador rolled 16 using 1d20.  Mace Attack.

The goblins act quicker, grabbing weapons from a readied rack.  They crash into the party, Arrador's goblin misses wildly. Konrad's goblin's blade draws blood.  Falis goblin misses wildly. Zorbon's goblin's shows luck getting through his defense.

Falis' arrow goes over the goblins head
Vera casts her sleep spell, to a most excellent effect.

All 6 goblins drop to sleep, as does Arrador, Konrad, Falis and Zorbon.

N  A g
V  K gg
R  F gg
   Z g

And just like that, the combat ends.

Lucky for you guys 20s are just hits, not crits... both goblins rolled 2, 20, 3, 20

Goblins got init, then movement, missile, magic, melee

Konrad winces as the goblin slips its knife past his shield and into his side.  He's getting ready to follow up with a vicious strike at the goblin when his mind starts to feel foggy and dazed. He then collapses face-first into the dirt with a grunt, only half noticing the strange mist flowing all around, as sleep takes him.

OOC: Just curious, when do I get to wake up? :D
This message was last edited by the player at 04:47, Sat 14 Nov 2020.

Vera looked on apprehensively. Her fists were tightly clenched as she cast her sleep spell. She blew a little frustration away as she sighed. Then she noticed her fallen comrades. "Oh ..no. Guess I will move our comrades. "

 Falis drops her axe, making unseemly noises suggestive of happily drifting off to sleep, and then falls to her knees... and bends over backwards, asleep.

Realizing everyone that can use a sword is currently asleep on the floor, Nick begins waking up Arrador, Konrad, Falis and Zorbon, while Ramirez keeps watch.

 Falis begins to pathetically protest being awoken, until she realises a great many things about her situation that are off: she is in armour, there are foul smells about her, and there is an only vaguely familiar face standing over her.  Instinctively, she yells and jerks up, but pauses when she realises that she is more or less safe.  Rising and grabbing her axe, the gladiator looks at the sleeping Goblins.

 She grips her axe, and prepares to bury its blade in the mongrels...

Zorbon wakes up to a world of pain... oh, yeah. That goblin got him. He's not exactly sure how he's awake and still profusely bleeding, so the cleric takes a moment to cast a Cure Light Wounds spell on himself.


16:44, Today: Zorbon rolled 6 using 1d6+1.  CLW.

Konrad wakes with a start at the sound of Falis' yelling and haphazardly gets to his feet, wildly swinging his shield around him. "Huh, what happened, where are the goblins?! Why are they sleeping? Why was I sleeping? And which of those little assholes stabbed me?!" he says rather confused and angry. Not really caring whether the first set of questions are answered, he immediately sets about finding the goblin that stabbed him to murder it in its sleep.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:54, Tue 17 Nov 2020.

The muscle bound warlock asked, "Don't want to sound, but can we just take care of these goblins?" Vera shrugged, but took out her own dagger. She would begin to slit the goblins throats.

It is but a moments work, and the goblins lie dead.

Once awoken, Arrador slowly rises to his feet, watching as his companions finish off the helpless goblins now, and rubs his jaw having fallen in an awkward manner. "Let none doubt your powers, Vera." he says, a nod of respect for the warlock.

The Cleric of Moe gets to his feet, feeling much better than a few moments ago.

"Does anyone need Curing?"

Konrad nods in agreement with Arrador, "A little warning would be appreciated though" he says to Vera.  Hearing Zorbon's offer, "One of the buggers got me, I'd be very thankful if you could take a look."

"My apologies if any got hurt. I prefer that spell as it ceases combat risk. But I could always pray for a different spell..." The muscular looked at the man with mirth clearly on her face.
This message was last edited by the player at 08:02, Wed 18 Nov 2020.

 Falis raises her now-bloodied axe.  Unfazed by the bloodshed, she begins to examine the Goblin's arms and armour.  "Other than falling asleep in an awkward position, I'm not too upset." She shrugs.  "Of course, I wouldn't mind a little bit of warning, either..." She then chuckles.  "Or lessons."

The barracks room at the bottom of the stairs is about 20 by 30, with a door at the end.  The door is held closed by a large oaken bar.  There are about a dozen dirty sleeping mats on the floor.  The air is thick and the room cool.

         __x__
        |     |
        |     |
        | P   |
        %_____|

This message was last edited by the GM at 03:42, Sun 22 Nov 2020.

Falis examines the oaken bar, and tests it with the haft of her axe to see if it's as heavy as it looks...

The bar is stout, but while it likely takes a couple of goblins to lift it, it doesn't seem like it would pose much of a hindrance for the warrior.

 Falis, having successfully assessed the weight of the bar, turns to her companions.  "Ready to lift this when you are."

Konrad shuffles the bed mats around with his foot for a moment before disregarding them, "I'm not thinking we'll find anything interesting in here, I'm ready to move on ahead when you all are."

Zorbon check out Konrad's wound, saying, "I can heal you, but then I am out of spells for the day." He turns to Arrador, asking, "Do you still have healing spells?"

Vera looked on passively, "well I got these muscles doin hard work. I can lift that bar with ease." Vera walked up to the bar and lifted it.

Hope there isn't a trap.

”I have prepared healing spells.” Arrador says in reply to Zorbon, frowning at Konrad’s wound. “But is it necessary right now?”

"This doesn't look too serious. I think we can wait."

"Agreed, save your healing magic for if we really need it"

 Falis will open the door whenever everyone is ready, and agrees to do so.  Especially if they all agree that it is not trapped.

The bar lifts easily, and is set to the side.  The door opens into the room, it is huge, 50'x50'  The west part is a landing about 20 across, the remainder a pit descending into the darkness.

A metal railed stair is along the north end, spiraling down.

          __________
          |  >/     \
          |  |       |
          |  |       |
          |  |       |
         _|P _\_____/
        |     |
        |     |
        |     |
        %_____|

Zorbon cautiously moves out onto the landing, mace at the ready.

The cleric finds himself alone on the landing, with nothing trying to attack him.  The air is wet, and he can guess this is where the dampness in the mine comes from.

Konrad joins the cleric on the landing, spear at the ready.

The muscular female warlock will stand at the rear. She will wait for everyone to assemble before she enters.

 Falis proceeds through the door, axe held ready.

Arrador takes up position and readies himself to follow.

The party stands in the room, armed and ready...  Nothing continues to attack...

Ramirez shines the lantern into the pit below, it's light does not reach the bottom.  When everyone is quiet, water can be heard dripping from somewhere below.  There are a few horizontal shafts visible in the pit walls where there are stair landings.

Zorbon is ready to take his turn in the marching order when we descend the stairs.

Arrador will go, cautiously, to look at one of the horizontal shafts.

Equally intrigued, Konrad follows not far behind Arrador. Every other step or so he glances unconsciously at the deep pit, its depth and darkness leaving him feeling more than a little disturbed.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:53, Mon 30 Nov 2020.

Falis, ever in her place in line, moves along.

Vera strained to hear any sounds as she followed the others. Ever cautious she looked up as she descnded the steps.

The party starts single filing down the narrow walkway.  The metal railing is rusted, and is a bit unstable, but not to the point of danger so far.  The first horizontal shaft goes about 15' into the earth, but it ends.  Perhaps it was exploratory.

The sense and sound of water gets stronger.

           _____
         >> NVRA\
         |      Z|
         |      K|
         |      F|
          \_____/

 Falis strains as she looks towards the source of the sound of water.

Falis continues spiraling down towards the next opening.

ooc: Falis, roll 1d6

Strain, strain, strain the warrior's brain, brain, brain.

18:37, Today: Falis rolled 6 using 1d6 ((6)).
Rolling one six-sided die.

Zorbon keeps pace, not wishing the party to become too spread out.

The next hole is occupied, but Falis recognizes it early, a bit a web hangs out, and a plate size spider poses defensively protecting its turf.

           _____
         >>     \
         |      N|
         |      V|
         |      R|
          \_FKZA/

Vera began to search around with her eyes. "Right now I wish I had a protection spell or a ward spell. That's a small spider... where are the big ones....?"

"Do you think it would attack if we slipped by, or should we just smash it and get it over with?"

 Doing her best to stay exactly where she is, Falis scans the spider's territory.

Vera sees no other spiders.  There is a bright glint of something below, and the further down they go, the more prominent the sound of water is.

Falis can tell the hole is about 5' x 5' its depth unknown.  The spider seems to have it pretty well filled with webbing.

"Seems pretty deep..." Falis assesses.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:27, Sun 06 Dec 2020.

"Well, why don't we just kill it and be done with it".  Konrad then takes off his boot and, now holding it, he moves threateningly towards the spider.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:27, Mon 07 Dec 2020.

Konrad. Roll 1d6 initiative

Vera and Arrador, roll 2d20, Record each die, please
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:11, Tue 08 Dec 2020.

07:17, Today: Konrad rolled 4 using 1d6.  Initiative.

OOC: Also, how much damage does a boot do :D
This message was last edited by the player at 13:19, Tue 08 Dec 2020.

Boot: 1d2 + str


07:34, Today: freavulv, for the NPC spider, rolled 6 using 1d6.  Initiative.

Spider goes first:

07:36, Today: freavulv, for the NPC spider, rolled 5 using 1d20.

As Konrad leans into the hole, the spider reacts quickly, springing forward, trying to bite the man, but does not get its fangs into him.

Konrad may roll an attack

Surprised by the spiders' burst of speed, Konrad jumps back and narrowly avoids a nasty bite.  In return, he quickly leans back into the hole and aims to bring the boot down directly on the spider.


10:50, Today: Konrad rolled 3 using 1d2+1.  Anti-Spider Boot Damage.

10:50, Today: Konrad rolled 15 using 1d20+1.  Spider Killin' Boot Attack.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:41, Tue 08 Dec 2020.

Vera looked on in horror as the man tried to step on the spider. Use your weapon man!"

14:03, Today: Vera rolled 32 using 2d20 ((12,20)).

In reply to Vera (msg # 259):

As he's dodging fangs and way too many legs he shouts back, "what are you talking about? This is my spider killin' boot!"

The spider dies under the boot, and as quickly as it started, it is over.

Arrador had been watching this proceed with some amusement, commenting with a grin. "Well done. At our next tavern visit we shall have to share the tale of Konrad 'the spider slayer'"

Konrad wipes the spider guts off the bottom of his boot and puts it back on, and with a grin, he replies "The spiders back home are a bit smaller but the same principle applies, a boot is the natural enemy of a spider".

Zorbon smirks at Konrad's words, then asks, "Should we clear the webs and see if there is anything interesting in there?"

 "Wait..." Falis gets one of her collapsible poles out and assembles it, probing the hole with it.

Falis probes the webs, finding nothing but a few dried carcasses and a few small spiders.

The torch starts faltering and ~Ramirez fills it again.

"I guess if you really wanted to be sure somebody could stick their hand in the hole." Arrador says, a wry smile on his face. "Though I would not volunteer to do so. I'd think that if there was something in the hole we'd probably be able to to tell."

Pausing a moment and looking around at their surroundings, he adds.

"No other way to go then down then?"

The burly witch looked at the others. "If only we had a good thief with about 50 feet of rope. Someone slight that could rapple down."

Beyond the spider's adopted home, the stairs spiral down along the wall, though the rust is getting more noticeable, and they squeak and strain as the party descends.  Just at the edge of lantern's light, those that look see a glittering below, and the bottom comes into view.  Gold and silver coins litter the rocky floor.  The floor is covered by about a foot of water that pulses slightly as if waves were nearby.  There is a cavern leading to the west.

The stairs have rusted away about 10 feet from the floor, and a section lies on the bottom.

           _____
         _/     \
         _       |
         |       |
         |F     N|
          \KZARV/

"How curious" Arrador says, unable to help himself from commenting. "Almost like a wishing well, but here inside an abandoned mine?"

"Falis, maybe you could poke that conveniently lengthed pole around in the water?  Make sure there's not anything nasty in it", Konrad suggests.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:55, Wed 16 Dec 2020.

 Falis looks at the coins, and tries to count them in her head.  "Yeah..." She taps and moves some of the coins with the long haft of her axe.  It is then suggested that she use a long pole.  She retrieves her segmented pole, and begins to fish around.  "First thing that came to mind, too... gods only know what could be down here.  Heard a story before I got sold, about an adventurer who found a catacomb entrance in a drained well.  Found all kinds of horrors in there.  Treasure, too.  Here's the treasure..."

 Poke, poke, poke.  Falis continues to poke and "feel" around.  "Hope the only horrors we find in this one are Goblin poetry."

Zorbon watches the passage to the west as Falis tests the water and shoves at the coins.

Vera began to think of her incantation for her spell. "How exciting.. "

The water is about a foot deep, and it is about 8 feet below the lowest step.  It is a quite a reach, even with the pole.

The water is clear, likely being spring fed rather than muddy runoff.  The fighter counts several hundred coins scattered around randomly, maybe more.  Falis finds the wet end of the 10 pole stirs up nothing unusual, managing to move a few small stones around.

Zorbon watches nothing emerge from the cavern with interest.

Vera postulates.

Shrugging, Arrador leans down to snatch one or two of the coins out of the water to examine them further.

Arrador finds his arms about 6 feet too short to reach any coins.

The party stands on a metal stairway that is attached to the pit walls, wide enough to go single file comfortably, two abreast of they squeeze.  The lower they have gone, the less sturdy it feels.  The bottom 8 foot section has rusted away and fallen from the wall and lies on the floor in a heap.  There is about an 8 foot drop to get to the floor.

"I might be strong enough to hold your feet? If you want the coins that bad." Vera shrugged, but looked over at Ramirez Nick. "I don't mean to be trite, but you look like you know how to swipe coins. "
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:07, Tue 15 Dec 2020.

"I'm good with my hands if that's what you're asking." Nick answers, "But my arms aren't any longer than his."

~Rameriz is a MU

Konrad leans down and inspects the stairs, "I'm thinking the best way for us to get down there would be tying some rope to the stairs."; standing up, he then very gingerly taps his foot against the stairway and they give a quiet but disturbing creak; "They seem to be holding now, but I'm not sure I trust that they'll stay together with us shimmying up or down".

"If need be, I'll go down to guard someone who wants to collect coins for us all. But in armor and with my gear I'm over 220 pounds. I won't go down if I can't get back up. I still have to return this young man to his family," he finishes, indicating the bag of bones he is carrying.

"The coins likely aren't going anywhere anytime soon." Arrador says, somewhat sheepishly after trying to reach for them.



"Let's tie some rope down just as we did before and lower somebody down. I'm fine going down this time, since Zorbon had done so previously."

 "I'll help with the rope, but as you can tell..." Falis gives her nice, heavy splint armour consisting of vertical strips of iron fixed to boiled leather, chain mesh, and padding beneath, a pat.  "I'm also not a candidate to go down."

Vera rubbed her arms, " I got the muscle to, but I am a witch ... rather be called a wizard someday. My arms can hold any man. I can make whoever is down there go t sleep."

"I think we should back up and tie the rope a little higher, where the stairs are a bit more sturdy. If you're going down, Arrador, I think you'll agree that you don't want the stairs coming with you." Zorbon smiles and starts back up the stairs a bit, watching for trouble from above.

The party spends some time securing a rope to a solid point, and lets Arrador lower himself to the water.

Arrador splashes into water about knee deep, the bottom is slick, and the stones are likely to move and turn an ankle if he isn't careful with his placement.
Small shellfish dart under the rocks as the cleric disturbs them.

Nick tosses down a small sack to start collecting coins.

"How's the water?", Konrad asks wryly.

"Quite refreshing." Arrador says flatly in response, shortly after snatching the sack tossed down to him. Before actually reaching into the water to grab and examine a coin he takes another look around to see what else lays down here.

The water is cold, but otherwise unremarkable.   Arrador begins picking up coins, a gold here, a silver there.  The room is about 40x40, so it will take quite some time.

Rameriz keeps the lantern shining down in front of the cleric.

Konrad climbs down to help Arrador gather up the coins.

Edit: Wait, hold on, that wasn't well thought out.  I also take my chain mail off and leave it a bit further up the stairs.  Now I climb down to help Arrador.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:18, Mon 21 Dec 2020.

Vera just watched the two men get half undressed. A lady might look away, but a witch doesn't mind.

 Falis stands ready to guard her companions, her bow drawn.

Zorbon will keep both hands on the rope, ready to pull his comrades up if need be.

They say many hands make for light work.  Arrador and Konrad spend three turns picking up coins.  They estimate they have 60 gold, and 200 silver.  Konrad finds one gemstone worth 20 gp.

Once finished with scooping up the coins, Arrador takes one last look around before he calls to the others to help him back up...

Anything else of interest down in the water?

only the watery cavern to the west.

Konrad looks very pleased with the haul and gives his companions a big grin before climbing up to join them.

 "Very nice!" Falis beams at the coins and crystals.  Her bow is still out, with an arrow in her other hand, just in case.

The lantern light flickers at the bottom of the stairway, Arrador and Konrad are easily pulled up.  The room is quiet except for the occasional dripping of water.

"What should we do now? I did see a watery cavern to the west, though us exploring it means that we'll all be getting wet."

Vera stands silent with her arms folded. As she looked at each in turn. She stated the obvious, "might as well push on and see what awaits us..."

As the party debates, time passes uneventfully.

The cleric looks to the water, then the landing above.  "Where do we go now?"

 Falis grunts.  "If getting wet means solving problems, then we should, well, get wet."

Arrador chuckles as he gets ready to get back down into the water. "It isn't so bad once you get used to it."

"Let me get some.." The muscular witch went down down into the water. As her skirt tightened around her thighs her muscles become more pronounced.

Aarador and Konrad return to the water, this time, Vera, Faris and Zorbon join them.  They are no more coins found.

~Nick and ~Ramirez wait to help them back up to the stairs.

The water is cold, clear and about knee deep.  Across the room, is a tunnel leading to the west.


ooc: Who has a light, and is any equipment staying up above?

 Falis readies a torch.  "Which way?" Despite her remark and her very serious expression, she is very much aware that the only direction to go in, is "the door".

Konrad gives Falis an odd look before replying; "uh, that way I suppose"; gesturing towards, apparently, the only way forward.  He then calls up to his companions still on the stairs, "you two, try not to get in too much trouble while we're gone".
This message was last edited by the player at 22:53, Sun 10 Jan 2021.

Arrador nods, ready to proceed (carefully) in heading to the west.

Faris leads the party with a torch in her hand.  The cavern continues about 30' feet, and something glints up ahead.  Then the glint turns to a shimmer, and the shimmer starts moving.

07:33, Today: freavulv, on behalf of Falis, rolled 6 using 1d6.  Surprise.

Three crabs, each about a two feet across with large claws scamper out of the darkness to defend their homes.  The tops of their shells are decorated with bits of shiny metal, gold silver and copper.  The passage is wide enough for two to melee

-----------------------
   cc     F  A  V
    c      K  Z
-----------------------

ooc: Actions?

"Don't charge!! I will blast them once with my missile!" The witch began to move her hands quickly above her and a missile from her hands.

OOC: Use spell magic missile on crab

Not being able to push past Falis or Kondrad anyway to go into a melee, Arrador will take up a defensive posture near Vera.

Konrad pulls his shield up and hopes it will protect his beautiful beard from the explosion.

 Falis takes one of her throwing axes from her thighs and hurls it at the crabs...

Unsure of distance, assuming Medium Range with thrown hand axes (11' to 20', no modification to die rolled).
21:59, Today: Falis rolled 3 using 1d20+1 ((2)).
21:59, Today: Falis rolled 3 using 1d6 ((3)).

Poor Falis, perhaps she should have stayed on the surface and campaigned against druids and their treants.  Well, only if the treants were immobile.

The battle in enjoined! The crabs are quicker and close the distance, their claws snap at the fighter"s legs, but neither are able to pinch flesh.

Falis throws one of her axes into the water.

Vera summons arcane energy that with a gesture flies from her fingertip and kills one of the crabs. ooc: 15:55, Today: freavulv, on behalf of Vera, rolled 7 using 1d6+1 with rolls of 6.  magic missile damage.

Konrad defends his face, it is unscathed.

Arrador and Zorbon maintain a defensive posture.

-----------------------
      c F  A  V
       c K  Z
-----------------------



begin round 2, Actions?

02:01, Today: Falis rolled 6 using 1d20+2 with rolls of 4.  Falis Attack - Battle Axe (Decorated Crab).
02:02, Today: Falis rolled 3 using 1d8+2 ((1)).
Well.

Falis grips her axe with both hands and swings downwards at the crab...

Vera once again quickly moved her hands while somatically calling upon the arcane energy to cast a missile.

16:31, Today: Vera rolled 3 using 1d6+1 with rolls of 2.  magic missile damage.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:32, Tue 19 Jan 2021.

Konrad jabs at the nearest crab trying to hold it at bay.  He wonders to himself if his spider killin' boot would work on a crab, but at the sound of their gnashing pincers he thinks perhaps now is not the time to test that theory.


20:31, Today: Konrad rolled 14 using 1d20+1 with rolls of 13.  Konrad Attack - Spear (Crab).

20:35, Today: Konrad rolled 5 using 1d6+1 with rolls of 4.  Konrad Damage - Spear (Crab).

The party acts first.

Vera calls upon her arcane energy, and a second missile shoots into one of the crab, though it is not enough to kill it.  Falis strikes at one of the crabs, but misses.  Konrad's spear also fails to find its mark.

One of the crabs manages to get a pinch on Falis' leg.    The other misses its attack on Konrad.

Arrador and Zorbon maintain a defensive posture.

ooc: begin round 3, Actions?

<quote Falis>
22:12, Today: Falis rolled 7 using 1d20+2 ((5)).
22:13, Today: Falis rolled 6 using 1d8+2 ((4)).
Well.

Falis bellows in pain and swings downward at the pinnacle of evolution that is the crab.

"Do you need healing, Falis?" Zorbon asks as he keeps his defenses up.

05:30, Today: Konrad rolled 4 using 1d6+1 with rolls of 3.  Konrad Damage - Spear (Crab).

05:30, Today: Konrad rolled 15 using 1d20+1 with rolls of 14.  Konrad Attack - Spear (Crab).

Disappointed that his first attack missed, Konrad redoubles his efforts to stab the crab.  His efforts are, apparently, only marginally better.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:53, Tue 26 Jan 2021.

Vera took up a defensive stance and hoped her compatriots could dispatch the crabs. As she knew her arcane capabilities were limited.

Falis misses the crab, but Konrad skewers the one in front of him, killing it.

The crab is unable to bypass Falis' armor.

ooc: Round 3, Actions?

Zorbon watches the rear for more threats as the others take on the crabs.

Konrad stabs at the last crab.  Now he's not positive, but he has a distinct feeling that his attack will miss.

16:02, Today: Konrad rolled 5 using 1d6+1 with rolls of 4.  Konrad Damage - Spear (Crab).

16:02, Today: Konrad rolled 4 using 1d20+1 with rolls of 3.  Konrad Attack - Spear (Crab).

The muscular witch looked on with open frustration... She pointed at the crab. OOC: attack crab with magic missile

22:00, Today: Falis rolled 17 using 1d20+2 ((15)).  22:01, Today: Falis rolled 5 using 1d8+2 ((3)).
Attacking crab.

Falis chokes out something that sounds like a "not yet" at the helpful priest, and brings her axe down at the crab...

The party acts first.

Vera points at the crab ineffectively, her mind unable to summon the arcane.

Falis strikes at the crab, cleaving it shell in twain.

The combat is over, the party victorious!

The three crabs have shiny bits glued to their shells, a few coins of silver, bits of crystal, and glittering rocks and one, even a red gemstone.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:39, Tue 09 Feb 2021.

 Falis, not at all feeling crabby, examines her injuries... "Right through the leather..." she gripes, looking at the penetrated leather, and cloth beneath, her iron plating.

Vera rubbed her head feeling the nausea take over as she attempted to beyond her threshold. As she pitched forward a steaming hot pile of bile came spilling out of her mouth.

Konrad grimaces as he eyes Vera's pile of bile and says, "Now that's gross.  And that's gonna leave a mark," pointing out Falis' wound. He then grabs the nearest crab and starts prying the treasure off its shell, "But maybe this will make it a little better," as he holds out a handful of treasure to his companions."
This message was last edited by the player at 23:16, Thu 11 Feb 2021.

"Not bad, not bad," Zorbon says as he thinks about all the party has collected thus far. "Shall we press on? That is, when Vera is feeling up to it. I do have one curing spell left, and Arrador said he has some healing magic, too."

The witch wiped her mouth with the back of her hand. "Sorry I seem to have reached my limit for spells today..."

 Falis observes Konrad prying the shell off of the crab, and follows suit, smashing the flat of her axe onto the nearest crab.  Then, she begins to poke... prod... gouge at its mortal shell with the butt of the weapon.  "That ought to loosen things up a bit."

After a bit of work, the party has collected 7 gold coins, 18 silver coins, a few bits of glass and a ruby worth 10gp.

-----------------------
       F  A  V
        K  Z
-----------------------

Konrad pipes up, "perhaps we should head back to town to spend some of our hard-earned coins?  I think we could all do with a good night's rest and the mine certainly isn't going to go anywhere while we're gone."
This message was last edited by the player at 23:09, Wed 17 Feb 2021.

"I'd agree to that.... I want to return this young man to his family."

The group makes their way back to the pit, and with a little effort, and help from ~Nick and ~Rameriz, climb back onto the stairs.  They spiral back to the upper level, and find the door closed, and barred from the other side.

          __________
          |  >/     \
          |  |       |
          |  |       |
          |P |       |
         _|x _\_____/
        |     |
        |     |
        |     |
        %_____|

 Falis groans.  "Son of a [REDACTED]...!  Let me see what I can do, here." She takes a few preparatory breaths, and then works on forcing the bars open with her mailed hands.

17:56, Today: Falis rolled 3 using 1d6+2 ((1)).
Opening Doors.