You mount up the next day with everything packed onto your horses. Gundren is with you and Sildar is seeing you off along with some of the other townsfolk and of course Droopy. You then head off in the direction that Gundren signals. You travel East for a good portion of the day through the foothills of the mountain. Gundren signals down into a narrow gorge and then you find yourself at a narrow tunnel whose entrance is hidden within the Sword Mountain. Gundren unsaddles and says, "This my friends is Wave Echo Cave."

This message was last edited by the GM at 16:40, Tue 06 Oct 2020.

"Glorious," Gwen says breathlessly. "Also, very dwarfy. Or is that dwarvy?"

She looks around. "We should both disguise our tracks and look for others. The agents of the Black Spider are either ahead of us or behind."

Slinging her satchel over her shoulder, she sends Ripley aloft to scout the area. "Gundren, is there space just inside the entrance to set up a camp? Or is this the furthest you've been?

Gundren says, "There is a camp just inside that my brothers and I have established."

Ripley can only see nothing out of the ordinary.

Imbert nods at Gwen suggestion and dismounts.  He begins combing the path for tracks, before cutting branches and using the to obscure their passage.  "We should find a meadow for the horses." he says after the task is complete.

OoC;
Roll(1d20)+4:  12,+4  Total:16 - Survival looking for tracks
Roll(1d20)+4:  16,+4  Total:20 - Perception

There are some tracks leading to and from the entrance. It is difficult to tell number or race. Gundren suggests the horse be put into the glad above the gorge and leads them off that way after all the supplies have been unpacked.

"I can't tell numbers or races, but someone else definitely has found this location.  We should be ready for a dug in opponent."  Imbert remarks.

"Well, either we'll corner an angry animal in its den, or we'll let it spring all the traps while we walk off with the loot. Kinda hoping for the latter." She turns Dimple loose to graze without a picket, preferring that he be able to flee a predator. The timid creature wouldn't go far anyway, and Ripley could hunt him down if needed. She helps Imbert disguise the approach with a few magical gusts of wind, then hoists a flask of brandy near the mouth of the cave. "To us!" she says, "and down with the others!"

Jaskier eyes the bottle of brandy that Gwen produced from her satchel and exclaims "To us!"

"To Us!  If you guys would like, I can scout on ahead and return with any intel I may uncover."

"That may be our best plan.  I can cover you up to the entrance from here."  Imbert says hefting his crossbow.

The entrance tunnel leads into a large cavern supported by a natural pillar of rock and containing three stalagmites. In the western part of the cave, behind the column of rock, are three bedrolls and a heap of ordinary supplies-sacks of flour, bags of salt, casks of salted meat, lanterns, flasks of lamp oil, pickaxes, shovels, and other gear. Amid the supplies, you see the body of a dwarf miner, dead for at least a week.

The northeastern section of the cavern has collapsed, forming a ten-foot-wide, twenty-foot-deep pit. A sturdy hemp rope is tied off around a nearby stalagmite and dangles down the side of the pit, at the bottom of which is a rough-hewn tunnel heading northwest and east.

Zanben walks over to the deceased dwarf and investigates cause of death as well as searches the body for any clues.

[OOC] Investigation 1D20+2=14

Zanben walks back to the team to tell them what he saw.  "Hey guys, there is a dead dwarf inside who has been dead for at least a week.  There is also a rope that leads down into a tunnel that I am going to continue to scout out, you guys can make your way in and ready yourself at the top in case I need support down in the pit."


He than turns back around and heads back into the cave and attempts to stealth down the rope.  The party watches as Zanben tiptoes up to the rope and seems to disappear as he makes his descent down the rope in utter silence.

[OOC] Stealth 1D20+8=28

Zanben discovers that this Dwarf more likely died by what appear to be large spider bites.

Upon hearing the news Gundren rushes into the cave. He yells out, "NO! THARDEN. WHY!" He drops to his knees and begins to sob.

OOC: Zanben can I get a str check.

[OOC] Strength 1D20-1=6

The rest of the party sees Zanben grab hold of the rope and confidently goes over the edge only to hear a few seconds later a cut off yelp as his grip gives and he falls into the pit. He lands prone 20 feet down at the bottom bruised and beaten.

OOC: Zanben takes 8 points of falling damage.

After the cut-off yelp, Imbert follows Zanben down the rope.

OoC;  Roll(1d20)+2:  10,+2  Total:12 - Strength
(at least there is something to break my fall)

Imbert paying the Dwarf no mind grabs the rope and follows Zanben. His footing and grip are unsteady but not as unsteady as Zanbens had been.

OOC: You failed the Str Test but not enough for you to just fall. Give me a str save to maintain your grip.

Imbert tries to steady himself.

OoC;  Roll(1d20)+2:  19,+4  Total:23

Imbert holds on and lowers himself to the bottom of the Pit.

Zanben sits up and looks towards Imbert "Fuck, maybe I should be a bit more careful moving forward.  Take it easy coming down, the ground isn't as soft as it looks from up there."  He then stands to his feet and begins to progress towards the east tunnel taking his time not to make more commotion than his fall already had.

Many tunnels intersect at this natural, thirty-foot-high cavern. The walls are carved with simple reliefs showing dwarf and gnome miners hard at work. Below them, nearly two dozen skeletons in rusted scraps of armor are scattered across the cavern floor. Some are dwarf skeletons, while others are orc remains. Half a dozen large brass lanterns stand in niches or on ledges around the cavern, but none are lit.

Zanben continues inching forward to BS26 to get a glimps as to what might be down that tunnel.

As Zanben looks up a corridor that leads to more tunnel ways he starts to hear a loud humming sound. Suddenly 10 Stirge drop from the ceiling and they all hover in the direction of Zanben.

OOC: Everyone give me initiative and everybody but Zanben give me Actions as Zanben is surprised.

Gwen was passing the flask to Bandalor when the dwarf's agonized cry echoed from the cave entrance. "Yikes. That didn't take long."

She grips the glasstaff and strides towards Wave Echo Cave. Her cavalier's hat and traveling cloak have been stowed; her boots, breeches, and purple doublet are now topped by a climber's kit, a bandoleer of pouches and scroll tubes, and a green silk scarf in her hair. Ripley swoops in to land on her shoulder and she descends into the darkness. Upon seeing the sobbing dwarf, she stops.

"Gundren, I'm sorry. I know the pain of your loss, I really do. We'll see to your brother... after we see to his final quest. Bandalor and Jaskier are coming down, but where are Imbert and Zanben?" She looks around, sees the hole in the back of the cavern, and sighs. "Crap."

Gwen mutters a few arcane phrases and the staff glows dimly for a moment. She steps to the ledge and spots Imbert dusting himself off below. "So we're following someone called the Black Spider and Gundren's brother gets killed by a spider and Bandalor and I can't even have a proper toast and you all fall down a hole? Tymora's tits, Jaskier's epic will practically write itself!"

[OoC]: Move to BQ15. Cast Mage Armor from the staff; AC 16 or 21 with Shield. Initiative 22.

00:35, Today: Gwyndolyn Glyphwyrd rolled 22 using 1d20+7 ((15)).
This message was last edited by the player at 19:23, Sat 10 Oct 2020.

[OOC] Initiative 1D20+7=26

"I lowered myself into the hole after Zenben fell.  I think I see him up ahead fighting with something, but I'm having trouble keeping up."  Imbert replies to Gwen before heading in Zenben's direction and pulling his crossbow.

OoC:
Roll(1d20)+3:  9,+3  Total:12 - Initiative

Move Action:
Move to BS21.  Can I see Zenben?  Or how to get where he is?

Attack action:
Roll(1d20)+7:  6,+7  Total:13 - Hand Crossbow attack
Roll(1d6)+3:  5,+3  Total:8 - Hand Crossbow Damage

Bonus Action:
Roll(1d20)+7:  19,+7  Total:26 - Hand Crossbow attack
Roll(1d6)+3:  1,+3  Total:4 - Hand Crossbow Damage
(Roll(1d8)+0:  1,+0  Total:1 - Colossus Slayer damage if it's already damaged)

Jaskier nervously eyes the dead dwarf's corpse and his hideous spider wounds and then turns away to the cacophony of noises emanating from the dark hole.  He mutters to himself "fucking caves...god-damn spiders" and he sprints to hole and makes ready to climb down.

[OOC] Initiative  roll 1d20+4 = 22
If I have enough actions to climb down my strength roll was d20+0 = 6
This message was last edited by the player at 17:14, Mon 12 Oct 2020.

I look at my cousins and feel a stab of regret in my heart to see on of the fallen. I hear the commotion coming from where Zanebn went and head in that direction and start to head down the rope.

Initiative d20 (15) +1 = 16
Str Check d20(14) +2= 16

26 Zanben<---
22 Gwen
22 Jaskier
16 Bandalor
14 Stirge
12 Imbert

Zanben is surprised to find himself surrounded by Stirge.

Gwen rushes to the edge of the pit and raises her magical defense  just in time to see Jaskier throw himself over the edge of the pit without the use of a rope.

OOC: Jaskier takes 9 points of falling damage.

Bandlor uses the rope unlike many of his mates and makes it to the bottom of the pit where he unsheathes his shield and mace.

The Stirge close on Zanben and try to suck his blood. When of the Stirge runs into the wall on a pass at Zanben. One of the stirge gets it nose into Zanben and sucks out some blood. Another Stirge Misses. One more gets it's feeder into Zaben

OOC: Miss, Hit 4 points of blood loss, Miss, Hit 5 points of damage.

Imbert Drops one of the large mosquito like creatures with a well placed bolt.


This message was last edited by the GM at 19:12, Mon 12 Oct 2020.

Imbert continues to fire at the things.

OoC;
Attack Action:
Roll(1d20)+7: 16,+7  Total:23 - Hand Crossbow Attack
Roll(1d6)+3:  1,+3  Total:4 - Hand Crossbow Damage

Bonus Action:
Roll(1d20)+7:  11,+7  Total:18 - Hand Crossbow Attack
Roll(1d6)+3:  3,+3  Total:6 - Hand Crossbow Damage

Jaskier lets out a brief groan and rolls his eyes as he gets to his feet muttering "another stupid cave...".  He rushes to Imbert's side and fires his crossbow at the foul bloodsuckers.

Attack roll 1d20+5 = 12
Damage roll 1d8+3 = 5

Zanben attacks the stirge

[OOC] Attack1 1D20+7=18 for 1d6+5=9
Attack2 1D20+6=7 (YUP MISSED THAT ONE)

OOC: If it is not obvious there is a tunnel in the rock that links Zanben's location and the Pit.

"Oh, hell... here we go." Gwen spits on both palms, rubs them together, and grips the rope.

[OoC]: Strength check... natural 20!
21:31, Today: Gwyndolyn Glyphwyrd rolled 21 using 1d20+1. Strength.

Once at the base of the grotto, Gwen levels her staff and advances toward the sounds of Zanben's cursing.

[OoC]: If she has LoS and an action remaining after the climb, Gwen tries to even out the numbers with a Fire Bolt. She hits AC 13 for 6 points.

21:35, Today: Gwyndolyn Glyphwyrd rolled 13 using 1d20+7.  Fire Bolt.
21:36, Today: Gwyndolyn Glyphwyrd rolled 6 using 1d10.  Fire Bolt damage.

Bandalor moves to a location to take crossbow aim without endangering Zanben or Imbert.

If he cannot get a shot he believes is clear, he will hold his action.

26 Zanben<---
22 Gwen
22 Jaskier
16 Bandalor
14 Stirge
12 Imbert

Seeing himself surround Zanben lashes out with a couple of blows and drops one of the stirges.

Gwen adeptly uses the rope to get to the bottom of the pit and sees the stirges launching a fire bolt at them but misses by just a margin.

Jaskier rushes to Imbert and levels his crossbow at the mass of giant insects but misses.

Bandalor rushes to the line and fires his cross bow dropping one of the Stirge.

The Stirge close in on Zanben. One them tries to stick Zanben but misses.Another one makes an attack and goes wide. A third one comes in for the attack and hits.

OOC: Attack hits Zanben for four points of damage.

Imbert Drops two of the stirge with well placed shots.

Zanben, "Between my fall and these little bastards, I am hurting pretty bad.  I think I can make it past these little shits, but will need healing soon after." He than continues his attack on the Stirge to his right

[OOC] Attack1 1D20+7=15 for 1d6+5=10 damage
if drops, he than steps forward and attacks another, else continues attacking the same one

[OOC] Attack2 1D20+6=18 for 1d6=6 damage
This message was last edited by the player at 17:28, Tue 13 Oct 2020.

In reply to Zanben (msg # 37)

[OOC] If it is possible to move forward to get a better shot without blocking anyone's line of sight, then Jaskier tries to move closer to Zanben and the stirges.

Jaskier makes another attack with his crossbow
1d20+5 = 6 [Crit 1]
[OOC] I guess I won't roll for damage then

Imbert continues to fire at the things.

OoC;
Attack Action:
Roll(1d20)+7:  16,+7  Total:23 - Hand Crossbow Attack
Roll(1d6)+3:  5,+3  Total:8 - Hand Crossbow Damage

Bonus Action:
Roll(1d20)+7:  5,+7  Total:12 - Hand Crossbow Attack
Roll(1d6)+3:  5,+3  Total:8 - Hand Crossbow Damage

Gwen drops to one knee, levels her staff, and fires three magical bolts that ricochet off the tunnel walls and barely connect with their target.

[OoC]: Jeez... lousy rolls might get me a single stirge. 7 damage from Magic Missile.

20:45, Today: Gwyndolyn Glyphwyrd rolled 2,2,3 using 1d4+1,1d4+1,1d4+1 ((1,1,2)).

Zanben cuts down two more of the beasts and Gwen follows up with blasting the remaining two out of the air.

There is a quite in the cave and then a rhythmic thunder of pounding waves echoes throughout the mine, loud enough to make the stone underfoot shiver. Waves come about two minutes apart, growing louder toward the northeast.

After the sounds of combat die down, Imbert lights a torch.  "Maybe you should wait with the horses, if the spiders come back we may not be able to get back up to you in time.  We will bring your brother out when we leave this place."  He then carefully examines the room where Zenben was attacked.

OoC;  Roll(1d20)+4:  8,+4  Total:12 - Perception looting the room

Gundren says, "I would rather prepare a pyre for my Brother. Bandalor would you be willing to say some rights for him before I burn his body." He then looks at Gwen and hands her some boots. "Take these. They let you move like our larger kin. Tharden would want them to go to someone worthy."

After Bandalor gives right to the Lord of Light Gundren begins to haul his brother outside and he starts to collect wood for his pyre.

Imbert then turns and goes back down into the pit. This time all are careful to use the rope properly. Imbert notes that there is also a tunnel North out of the pit and then he heads East into the room with the stirges. There is nothing to note in the room the skeltons are all ancient as is their armor and weapons but there are two exits to the North, one to the South and one to the East.

"Can I get a heal before we push on?  I don't think I will make it too far in my current condition.  I could use the healing potions in my bag, but would prefer to save those for an emergency in battle."

Gwen wordlessly accepts the boots and gives the grieving dwarf a hug. She attends the pyre barefoot and stands back while Bandalor performs the holy rites. Only then does she don the boots and return to the cave.

Below, she eyes Zanben's wounds. "Maybe we should stick together from here on. Something tells me we may have our work cut out for us down here."

While Zanben gets patched up, she wanders the cavern looking at the carvings and the evidence of the ancient battle, filing details away for future reference. She also sketches a few notes in a leather-bound journal before the party chooses its next direction.

[OoC]: History check 15 (recognizing past events, factions), Investigation check 27 (looking for clues, insights). Should we start with the source of the wave echoes?

23:52, Today: Gwyndolyn Glyphwyrd rolled 15 using 1d20+5.  History.
23:52, Today: Gwyndolyn Glyphwyrd rolled 27 using 1d20+7.  Investigation.

This room appears to be a welcoming area in times past. The lanterns and the carvings of miners at work were meant as a welcome to newcomers. The remains look as though a battle happened in the area both Orc and Dwarf remains are found here. These remains tell the story of how the the Mine fell and was lost to history.

The boots you carry are Boots of Striding and Springing: Your speed while you wear these boots becomes 30 feet, unless your walking speed is higher, and your speed is not reduced if you are encumbered or wearing heavy armor. In addition, whenever you jump, you can jump three times the normal distance.

After several seconds eyeing Zanben's wounds and a bit of waffling Jaskier finally says "Well friend perhaps we let you got a little far ahead of the rest of us back there.  If I may offer..."Jaskier reluctantly looks towards the cobwebs near the mouth of the cave..."to accompany you on the next reconnoiter, I am no out-and-out rouge like yourself but I can sneak decently enough.  Perhaps I can remain a few paces behind with a crossbow at the ready.  I'd hate to lose the element of surprise on our foes.  Just an offer though...mull it over"

Jaskier casts cure wounds on himself 1d8+3 = 9
[OOC] I am back at full health.  Did Gwen cast cure wounds on Zanben or do I need to do it?
[OOC] I have a stealth modifier of +7
This message was last edited by the player at 00:19, Fri 16 Oct 2020.

"I'm inclined to head in the direction of the wave echoes, but I don't want to leave enemies at our backs, if that is where the black spider resides.  Should we investigate the side chambers first?"  Imbert Says, eyeing the passages to the south.

"Both good points. I think securing as much of a perimeter as we can before delving too deeply is smart. As for sticking together, Zanben is great up front, but he'll need support. Jaskier's got the light step. Imbert probably has both the stealth and the keen senses, but he'll want to hang back to enjoy his range. With Tharden's boots and Ripley's eyes, I can keep up and make good use of my darkvision to spot hazards, but I'm a total clod... you saw me bring that whole castle down on my own head. Bandalor may be clumsier still. So maybe we give Zanben and Jaskier the lead, have Bandalor and Imbert follow for support, and Ripley and I will watch our tails."

[OoC]: Gwen should ideally be about 60 feet back from Zanben to give full cover. I'll also fly Ripley back toward the entrance occasionally so as not the let anyone get behind us.

[OOC] IDK who, but someone needs to or else he will drop quickly into the next encounter or by some trap.

Zanben sits down looking back and forth twiddling his thumbs, "Guys, I am good if you guys want to preserve spell slots, just say so.  I will use the healing potions I carry, but I can not go further and continue to be of use to you guys if I do not get some sort of mending, this shit hurts.  As for the sulking around, it's beginning to seem like a big waste of time and maybe should just power through as a group."

I touch my shield and then I touch Zanben. I say some words to the lord of light.

OOC: Cure Wounds 2nd level. 2d8 = 10 +5 spell casting modifier = 15 HP restored
This message was last updated by the GM at 22:51, Fri 16 Oct 2020.

”I agree with Zanben’s assessment. I think we should enter rooms en mass and drop as many enmities as we can as quickly as we can. There is one dwarf down here somewhere that is a friend, everyone else works for the black spider.“  Imbert replies.

"Concur with the plan."

After putting another healing spell upon Zanben, Bandalor readies his crossbow.

OOC: Cure Wounds 2nd level. 2d8+3 = 11 HP restored
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:16, Sat 17 Oct 2020.

Gwen stands and hefts her glass quarterstaff. "Then let's do this!"

[OOC]: Start with the passage to the south, then?

Also, Gwen's not holding back on healing anyone... she just doesn't have those spells. I think the lull was because Bandalor's player is diverted by RL issues, and he's the main healer.

After the second heal from Bandalor, Zanben bounds to his feet "Thanks bud for the heal, I needed that.  I would have been alright with the first heal, but now I feel like a million bucks, you are fantastic."
He then walks up to Jaskier, "Hey bud, you ready to do this?" and begins pushing forward to scout out the southern exit mindful to be aware of any of those stirge that may be hanging from the ceiling and silent as possible not to rouse any other creatures.

[OOC] Perception Check 1D20+6=19
Stealth Check 1D20+7=15

Imbert places his torch in the holder on Bandalor's shield and follows after Zanben and Jaskier at a respectable distance.

Gwen follows at Imbert's elbow, staff at the ready, with Ripley perched on her shoulder.

You enter the Southern tunnel and fine a finely paved hall. This must have been the original entry into the mine. Dust covers everything. There are offshoots to the East and the West.

Gwen closes her eyes while Ripley cocks her head.

[OoC]: Perception with Advantage: 6. Apparently Ripley is asleep.
22:41, Today: Gwyndolyn Glyphwyrd rolled 6,4 using 1d20+3,1d20+3 ((3,1)).

Looks like a hallway with offshoots to the East and West.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 60):

Stealth Roll 1d20+7 = 22
Perception Roll 1d20+0 = 9

Jaskier creeps forward to look down the east hallway.

This chamber was once an office or storeroom of some kind. A large stone counter bisects the room, set with three dusty balance scales made of iron. Cubbyholes carved into the north wall are stuffed with dusty paper scraps. Several long-dead corpses-gnomes and orcs by their look-are sprawled across the floor. Behind the counter sits a locked iron strongbox.

Gwen leaves Ripley to perch in the main corridor, then peers in at the doorway. "This was a bloodbath!" she whispers. She tries to unravel the story of the mine from the chaos in the room. Once the others have entered, she heads for the sheaves of loose paper to continue the tale.

[OoC]: Ripley's passive Perception: 13. Gwen's Investigation 17. What were these gnomish bookkeepers up to?

23:22, Today: Gwyndolyn Glyphwyrd rolled 17 using 1d20+7 ((10)). Investigation.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:35, Tue 20 Oct 2020.

Gwen enters the room and is shocked by the skeletons that adorn the floor. She notices the shelves of paper and heads over. As soon as she touches on of the parchments it crumbles with age. The parchments contain Dwarven Runes and she can not decipher them.

Zanben walks up to the locked iron strongbox cracks his knuckles as he begins checking it for traps.

[OOC] Search for trap 1D20+6=12
(if I notice trap)
- Investigate disarming 1D20+2=13
(Else)
Attempt to unlock chest 1D20+6=21

No traps are found. This chest was overlooked in the fighting and contains 600 cp, 180 sp, 90 ep, and 60 gp.

"Hey guys, the chest is still full."  He then decides to continue pushing through scouring these caves.  Zanben sneaks across the hall to get a glimpse as to what is down the west hall.

[OOC] Stealth 1D20+7=15

Gwen secures the coin in her luggage, tries to preserve a few sheets of Dwarven script for later analysis, and takes up a position in the corridor to cover Zanben.

Splintered stone benches and heaps of rubble from a partially collapsed ceiling fill this room. Amid ruined stone bunks and toppled weapon racks are the bones of several dwarves and orcs.

A few seconds after Zanben enters the room the bones begin to knit back together. Nine skeletons now stand around Zanben their empty sockets lurch in his direction.

OOC: Give me initiative and actions.

Imbert starts firing his crossbow at the reassembling skeletons.

OoC;  Roll(1d20)+3:  16,+3  Total:19 - Initiative

Bonus Action:
Cast Hunter's Mark on a skeleton

Attack Action:
Shoot same skeleton
Roll(1d20)+7:  12,+7  Total:19 - Crossbow Attack
Roll(1d6)+3:  2,+3  Total:5 - Crossbow Damage
Roll(1d6)+0:  2,+0  Total:2 - Hunter's Mark Damage

Zanben rolls his eyes, "Are you fucking kidding me." He than steps forward and attacks the skeleton @CC30

[OOC]  Attack1 1D20+7=18 for 1d6+2d6(SA)+5=16
Attack2 1D20+6=25 for 1d6=3

Initiative 1D20+7=21
This message was lightly edited by the player at 00:28, Wed 21 Oct 2020.

"Bandalor, can you use some holy light to herd these bones into the corner?" Gwen hooks her thumbs together in a now-predictable gesture and prepares to advance into the room.

[OoC]: Initiative 18. Hold action until Bando can turn some undead, if he's into that sort of thing. Then move to within range and Burning Hands for 12, Dex 15 for half... hopefully he can herd them into some sort of group.

20:02, Today: Gwyndolyn Glyphwyrd rolled 18 using 1d20+7 ((11)).
20:06, Today: Gwyndolyn Glyphwyrd rolled 12 using 3d6 ((4,2,6)).

Bandalor raises his bursting sun holy symbol of Lathander over the lip of his shield, and invokes the father of sunlight against the oncoming undead.

"Begone, slaves to the negative darkness!" He howls.

Jaskier turns around and moves toward the undead skeletons breathing "Ahh hell's bells" before loosing a crossbow bolt into the nearest skeleton.
Attack roll 1d20+5 = 12
Damage roll 1d8+3 = 7

21 Zanben<----
20 Bandalor
19 Imbert
18 Gwen
14 Jaskier
12 Skeletons

Zanben closes with one of the skeletons and cuts it down. He then moves onto the next and hits that one as well.

OOC: Skeleton takes 3 points.

Bandalor Steps up mutters a prayer under his lips and presents his shield to the room. Light Lances out at the skeletons.

OOC: 3 Skeletons fail their saves.

Imbert Impales one of the skeletons but it is still standing.

OOC: Skeleton BZ30 takes 7 points of damage.

Jaskier steps to the room and lets loose a bolt barely missing one of the skeletons.

Skeltons shuffle toward Zanben. The first one next to him slices his Side. The first Skeleton to reach Zanben swings with a decayed claw but misses. The next Skeleton steps to Zanben and misses as well. The last Skeleton moves in on Zanben  and it too misses him. Three skeletons scuttle toward the corner of the room.

OOC: Zanben takes 4 points of damage.

Gwen At the door shhots a flame from her staff. She the skeleton that took an arrow from Imbert down.

OOC: Two Skeletons take 12 points of damage.

After his dipping and dodging, Zanben reaches to his side to find his hand covered in blood.  "Well that went better than expected."  Than he attacks the skeleton in front of Gwen @CB34.


[OOC]  Attack1 1D20+7=14 for
1d6+2d6(SA)+5=15
Attack2 1D20+6=11 for 1d6=4

Jaskier moves to CA-34 and attacks the skeleton with his rapier

Attack roll 1d20+5 = 20
Damage roll 1d8+3 = 4

Gwen falls back through the party, blasting the closest skeleton as she goes.

[OoC]: Fire Bolt hits AC 19 for 9. Move to CB37.

22:04, Today: Gwyndolyn Glyphwyrd rolled 19 using 1d20+7 ((12)).
22:05, Today: Gwyndolyn Glyphwyrd rolled 9 using 1d10 ((9)).

[OOC] Whilst we wait on Bandalore and Imbert, the Jeopardy music begins to play in Zanbens head.

Imbert shoots at the same skeleton.

Attack Action:
Roll(1d20)+7:  4,+7  Total:11 - Crossbow Attack
Roll(1d6)+3:  4,+3  Total:7 - Crossbow Damage
Roll(1d6)+0:  5,+0  Total:5 - Hunter's Mark Damage

Bonus Action:
Roll(1d20)+7:  12,+7  Total:19 - Crossbow Attack
Roll(1d6)+3:  4,+3  Total:7 - Crossbow Damage
Roll(1d6)+0:  2,+0  Total:2 - Hunter's Mark Damage

If either hit add:
Roll(1d8)+0:  4,+0  Total:4 - Colossus Slayer Damage

I close in on the skeletons and swipe at the closest one with my mace.

OOC: Attack 16 damage 9

21 Zanben<----
20 Bandalor
19 Imbert
18 Gwen
14 Jaskier
12 Skeletons


Zanben cuts down two more Zombies surrounding him.

Bandalor enters the room and crushes another zombie to the ground.

With all the active skeletons defeated the ones that had been turned are easy to take of.

Zanben darts a cross the room and attacks the remaining zombies.

[OOC]  Attack1 1D20+7=24 for
1d6+2d6(SA)+5=12
Attack2 1D20+6=9 for 1d6=1

All of the skeletons have been destroyed. All that remains is rhythmic sound of crashing.

Zanben ransacked the room looking for anything of value on dead bodies under beds and in barrels.

[OOC] Perception 1D20+6=20

Zambian looks around the room. Everything he finds is rusted and useless. This would appear to be a barracks room for what would have been the original entrance to the Mine

After finding nothing but bones and rusted armor, Zanben tells the team, "I'm gonna continue scouting down the corridor to what else lay beyond these 2 rooms."  Zanben creeps out the room and turns right and begins creeping his way down the main corridor keeping his eyes peeled for traps, hiding monsters or things out of place that could be secret passage.

[OOC] Stealth 1D20+7=22
Perception 1D20+6=23

The Main Entrance to this mine looks to have collapsed long ago.

Upon nearing the end of the hallway, Zanben notices that it goes nowhere and decides to backtrack towards the large open room with more halls to scout.  On his way, he stopped by and let the party know of his intentions.  As he neared the large opening, he begins to slow his steps and creeps his way to BT41 to get a glimpse as to what may be down that hallway making sure to keep his eyes out for threats.

[OOC] Stealth 1D20+7=18
Perception 1D20+6=11
The BT41 was from map on msg #58
This message was last edited by the player at 17:42, Wed 28 Oct 2020.

Gwen shadows Zanben back into the larger cavern. She takes up a position on the far wall, grimaces as she cuddles up to a dessicated orc skeleton, and gives Zanben an affirmative nod. Ripley perches on a ledge above the half-elf.

[OoC]: Covering Z from BR40. Perception 16.

12:12, Today: Gwyndolyn Glyphwyrd rolled 16,8 using 1d20+3,1d20+3 ((13,5)).
This message was last edited by the player at 18:14, Wed 28 Oct 2020.

Imbert follows the half-elf back the the large chamber, but then waits while Zanben looks into the next tunnel.

OoC;  Move to BV 37

Zanben sees a tunnel that heads off to the East. In the distance he hears a booming noise.

Zanben jesters to the team that he is going deeper.  He than creeps further forward to get a glimpse as to what is deeper down this hallway.  He stops at BR49 and peaks around the corner.

[OOC] Stealth 1D20+7=14
Perception 1D20+6=13

Imbert follows along behind

OoC;  Move to BT47.  Have we sunk their battleship yet?

As Zanben and Imbert look around the corner they see dense carpets of weird fungi covering large sections of the floor of this cavern. The growth includes puffballs a foot across, weird shelf fungus growing on stalagmites, and large stalks and caps a good five feet tall. Some of the puffballs glow with an eerie green phosphorescence.

Zanben thinks to himself, "What is all this pretty iridescent green stuff."

[OOC] Nature 1D20=9

After realizing that he doesn't know much about what he is seeing, he motions to Imbert to check it out a lil.  "Imbert, you are the smart one here when it comes to natural things in this world, do you know what this stuff is?"

”Sorry, my first trip underground, never seen anything like this. Or heard anyone talk about it. Gwen?  Any ideas?”. Imbert replies while shrugging.

OoC;  Roll(1d20)+3:  3,+3  Total:6 - Nature

Gwen wrinkles her nose. "Interesting. Why don't you poke it with a stick while I watch from a safe distance..."

[OoC]: Hey-o! Somebody point Gwen at whatever needs killing while I'm rolling all these 20s.

22:40, Today: Gwyndolyn Glyphwyrd rolled 25 using 1d20+5.  Fungus amongus.

Gwen recognizes the fungus from back home. All of the are harmless there. However these ones glow and have grown to a tremendous size. She shrugs her shoulders and says, "I know all of them they are just different."

Jaskier says to the group
"Well its been a minute since I've put my skin in the game.  Want me to go investigate?  You can tie a rope around my waist and drag me out if the glowing ones attack me.  Or if I start tripping and start slashing phantoms around me you can tie me up and knock me out..."

"Gwen says they're harmless, so were good.  Go investigate, but I'll follow and shoot anything that attacks you, mushroom or not."  Imbert replies

Jaskier moves closer to a glowing mushroom and investigates
Investigation roll 1d20+2 = 12

As Jaskier approaches the Mushrooms to get a closer look one of the mushrooms quivers and a jet of spores shoot out of a sphincter at the top. The cloud puffs right into Jaskiers face.

OOC: Give me a Constitution save.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 103):

Constitution saving throw 1d20+1 = 5
[OOC] Jaskier starts looking at his hand very intently

Jaskier starts to feel ill and turns a bit green. He vomits a little and says something along the lines of poisoned spores.

OOC: When walked on or approached the mushrooms will shoot out a poison spore cloud. Jaskier fails his poison save and takes three points of damage. He is also at disadvantage until he can pass a constitution save.

After seeing the spores shoot out and surround Jaskier's face, "Holly shit, Jaskier, you ok?"  He than asks the group, "Do you guys want to try and circle back around and avoid this area for now?"

In reply to Narrator (msg # 105):

Jaskier groans and tries to move back to his companions.
[OOC] Do I have to pass a constitution save to move?

Jaskier makes his way back to the group.

OOC: Give me another COn save to see if you shake it off...

In reply to Narrator (msg # 108):

Jaskier stumbles around and flails to his knees while wretching.
Constitution save roll 1d20+1 = 9

Jaskier is back with the group but remains green.

OOC: Still poisoned until you pass a con save.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 110):

Constitution saving roll 1d20+1 = 14

Jaskier starts to turn back to his normal color and stops to gag. He is unsure about going back into the mushroom cavern.

OOC: Jaskier passes a constitution save.

"Let's try a different branch from the main room, shall we?"  Imbert inquires.

The group heads back to the large chamber they came into. There are two paths out to the north.

Jaskier takes a swig from his waterski and whispers under his breath
"God damn lying dwarves..."psychadelic" shrooms...when I find them..."

"Hey guys, I'm gonna scout a bit more ahead.  Watch my back."

Zanben then creeps across to the far side of the cavern and scopes out the hallway directly to the North keeping his eyes peeled for any traps, other creatures or secret passageways and stops @BL35 if nothing spotted.

[OOC] Perception 1D20+6 = 24
Steqlth 1D20+8 = 22

Zanben Sneaks up the tunnel it goes East and West  and then looks North to see old stone bunks in orderly rows line the walls in this chamber, and a corroded iron brazier full of old coals stands near the middle of the room. The bones of a half dozen dwarves and orcs lie strewn about, clad in scraps of armor. Three gray, hunched figures squat among the remains, pawing at the scraps and gnawing on the bones.

OOC: Three Ghouls are chowing down.

Imbert watches his back.

OoC;  Move up to BP 35

Zanben sees Imbert come to cover his back decides to try for a stealthy strike on the ghouls before they know he's there.

[OOC] Stealth 1D20+8=24
Attack1 1D20+7=15 for 1d6+5+2d6(SA)=18 damage
Attack2 1D20+6=15 for 1d6=3

Initiative 1D20+7=22
This message was last edited by the player at 21:35, Sat 07 Nov 2020.

Zanben rushes in on the Ghouls munching on bodies.

OOC: Lets roll for initiative the Ghouls are caught off guard and thus surprised. Zanben this is your turn for this round just give me an initiative roll.

I close with the ghouls slinging my shield and producing my cross bow. I let loose a bolt in their direction.

OOC: Initiative 3 To hit 19 d20(16)+1 +2. Damage d8 7 +1 =8.

Imbert fires at a Ghoul

OoC;
Roll(1d20)+3:  9,+3  Total:12 - Initiative

Attack Action
Roll(1d20)+8:  2,+8  Total:10 - Crossbow Attack (miss)

Bonus Action
Switch Hunter's Mark to Ghoul at BF35

Gwen looks distressed as Jaskier turns his insides out for the second time. "Sorry, Jaskier... I thought they looked harmless." She fishes a rag from the depths of her satchel and wafts it to him on a magical breeze from a distance that keeps her new magical boots well away from his puddles.

As the party advances, she keeps Ripley close on Zanben's heels. When she sees the half-elf cross the corridor, she advances past Imbert and flattens herself against the wall to cover the side passages. Then she fires off a trio of magical bolts from the staff into the ghouls and clears the way for the party's advance.

[OoC]: Initiative 11. Gwen moves to BK34 and casts Magic Missile for 11 points to a ghoul. Ripley watches the side passages with Perception 23.

20:11, Today: Gwyndolyn Glyphwyrd rolled 11 using 1d20+7.  Initiative.
20:12, Today: Gwyndolyn Glyphwyrd rolled 5,4,2 using 1d4+1,1d4+1,1d4+1.  Magic Missile damage.
20:15, Today: Gwyndolyn Glyphwyrd rolled 22,23 using 1d20+3,1d20+3.  Ripley's Perception with Advantage.

Jaskier rushes to BO36 while readying his crossbow and fires on the nearest ghoul.

Initiative roll 1d20+4 = 7
Attack roll 1d20+5 = 13
Damage roll 1d8+3 = 9

22 Zanben<---
12 Imbert
11 Gwen
7 Jaskier
4 Ghouls
3 Bandalor

Zanben rushes into the room with the ghouls. He double slashes one of the ghouls in front of him hitting twice.

OOC: ghoul take a total of 21 points from Zanben.

Imbert closes with the ghouls and unleashes a bolt at Ghoul that goes wide.

Gwen also rushes forward and says,"Pew, Pew Pew"." Unleashing a salvo of missiles at the closest ghoul.
OOC:Ghoul at BF35 takes 11 points of damage.

Jaskier rushes up into the tunnel and lets loose a bolt dropping the Ghoul that Zanben had wounded.

The ghouls remaining attack Zanben. The first one hits Zanben raking his chest. THe second Ghoul overextends as it tries to swipe at Zanben and falls to the ground.

OOC: Zanben takes 4 points of damage from a claw.

Bandlor enters the tunnel and releases a bolt that took the magic missiles. The bolt strikes home.

OOC: Ghoul takes damage for a total of 19 points of damage.

Zanben attacks the ghoul that has been hit with MM and bolt from Bandalor with his main hand in hopes that he can drop it and use sneak attack dice on the last standing Ghoul.

[OOC]Attack1 1D20+7=24 for 1d6+5= 11 damage
<if Ghoul drops>
  Attack2 1D20+6=25 for 1d6+2d6(SA)= 14 damage
<else>
  Attack2 1D20+6=25 for 1d6= 5 damage

Imbert fires again

OoC:
Roll(1d20)+8:  5,+8  Total:13 - Crossbow Attack
Roll(1d6)+0:  1,+0  Total:1 - Hunter's Mark Damage
Roll(1d8)+0:  1,+0  Total:1 - Colossus Slayer Damage
Roll(1d10)+4:  6,+4  Total:10 - Crossbow Damage
Total Damage - 12

Gwen adds her fire to the fusillade.

[OoC]: Fire Bolt at any remaining ghouls, hitting AC 15 for 4 points.
22:04, Today: Gwyndolyn Glyphwyrd rolled 15 using 1d20+7.  Fire Bolt.
22:04, Today: Gwyndolyn Glyphwyrd rolled 4 using 1d10.  Fire Bolt damage.

You finish off the Ghouls and stare down at their bodies. Again Zanebn finds himself standing among old stone bunks in orderly rows that line the walls of this chamber, and a corroded iron brazier full of old coals standing near the middle of the room. The bones of a half dozen dwarves and orcs lie strewn about, clad in scraps of armor.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 129):

Jaskier drains a sip of water from his waterskin and shakes his head trying to expel the last of the magic mushroom poison.  He steadies himself and says "Right then, let's see what these bastards were hiding."

Jaskier searches the room for valuables.
Investigation roll 1d20+2 = 21 [Nice]

This appears to have been a barracks at one time in the distance past. Now just the remains of whatever happened to this place are left and scattered across the room. Decaying or rusted to the point beyond use. In the distance you hear the thundering booms once more.

Imbert wanders around the room.

OoC;  Is there any exit, besides where we came in?

Imbert walks around the room and finds a door to the West.

Zanben walks to BA31 and puts his ear up to the door to see if he hears anything making note to try and not make too much noise.

[OOC] Stealth 1D20+8=23
Perception 1D20+7=21

Zanben places his ear to the door and hears nothing threatening on the other side.

Imbert takes up a position covering the door and nods to Zanben.

OoC;  Move to AZ 33

Gwen positions herself opposite Imbert, readies her staff, and gives Zanben the nod.

Zanben opens the door readied in case anything threatening lurks behind it.

[OOC] Attack1 1D20+7=22 for 1d6+5= 7 +2d6(SA)= 11 damage
Attack2 1D20+6=10 for 1d6=3

Zanben opens the door to rough carved corridors.

Zanben sneaks over to @BA28 and peeks down the corridor just south of him.

[OOC] Stealth 1D20+8=25
Perception 1D20+7=8

If nothing of interest he sneaks North 1 square to @AZ28 to get a peak down that corridors.

[OOC] Stealth 1D20+8=14
Perception 1D20+7=19

Zanben slides into the corridor and looks around. The Mine seems to be full of twists and turns and seems more like a maze than a mine.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 141):

Jaskier quietly readies his crossbow and creeps up to Zanben's location.

Imbert advances into the corridor expecting Zanben to continue on.

OoC;  Move to AY28

If Zanben doesn't see anything worth investigating down the northern he presses on to AY23.

[OOC] Stealth 1D20+8=25
Perception 1D20+7=21

Zanben sneaks past an empty corridor and up to the next junction. He looks North and can make just make out that this corridor opens up into a larger area. THe rest of the group moves up with Zanben but keeps their distance to provide support. Off in the distance the booming sound can be heard.

Gwen moves up to where Zanben has stopped and speaks in a whisper. "Should we check the passages to the south? I'm all turned around,  but they feel like "behind" us, and I like knowing what's behind me." She raises a hand with Ripley perched on it and gestures to the corridor, offering to fly the owl along with the rogue.

[OoC]: Move to AY24.

Zanben thanks Gwen with a silent nod.  Than continues forward to AY19 to get a glimpse down the southern corridor as well as the next Northern corridor.

[OOC] Stealth 1D20+8=17
Perception 1D20+7=22

Gwen stays a few places behind Zanben and sends Ripley ahead to perch opposite the next southern passage. She closes her eyes for an owl's take on the darkened labyrinth.

[OoC]: Ripley to AY16 or thereabouts. Perception 16. If these corridors appear clear I can leave her at AY23 to watch our backs while we explore the southern passages, which look like they all connect somehow.

22:15, Today: Gwyndolyn Glyphwyrd rolled 16,15 using 1d20+3,1d20+3 ((13,12)).

Zanben continues to move West he looks North and South and see's more and more corridor spread out before him. He feels the woosh as Ripley settles further down the Western portion of the tunnel and looks South. Gwen surmises that would be where the Northern entrance in the Pit meets with these tunnels. The slow dripping sound of water is all that is breaking the sound until the booming comes again in it's regular interval.

Gwen signals to Zanben to take his next left to the south, while she takes the near left and moves parallel to him, expecting to see him at the next junction. She carries her staff at the ready with Ripley back on her shoulder.

[OoC]: Just trying to map these blind spots while Zanben pushes the perimeter. Gwen to BB22. Perception 13.

22:01, Today: Gwyndolyn Glyphwyrd rolled 8,16 using 1d20+3,1d20+3 ((5,13)).

Zanben gives Gwen a wink and nod as he then makes his way to BE16.

[OOC] Stealth 1D20+8=26
Perception 1D20+7=23

Zanben and Gwen split up and move down separate corridors. Zanben confirms that they are now on the North side of the pit entrance. Here he realizes this area consists of numerous intersecting passages. The ceilings are shorter at only six feet high, and several of the passages end in partially excavated rock faces.

Gwen quickly examines the object in the tunnel before returning to the group.

Zanben continues pushing forward slowly and steady.  He moves this time to BJ13.

[OOC] Stealth 1D20+8=11
Perception 1D20+7=13

Gwen stares at a rotted and rusted cart. Decay has set in and made the burden carrier useless. Zanben slides down the corridor and see the Southern Corridor connects to the pit they originally came from. He even thinks he can hear Gundren scurrying about above the pit.

Gwen sends Ripley winging her way to meet Zanben (around AZ4) and returns to the main passage (AY axis).

[OoC]: Do we want to circle back to the one unexplored passage on the other side of the barracks before we head north?

Jaskier creeps up to AU23 to scout the tunnel.

Stealth roll 1d20+7 = 13
Perception roll 1d20+0= 15

Jaskier sneaks up a northern corridor. He hears a crunching sound before he sees them. In the large cavern to the North he sees 7 ghouls feasting on the long dead. It is then that Jaskier steps on a bone that snaps in two just as the boom happens. The ghouls seem to not hear the noises.

Zanben continues on to AZ4 to get a glimpse down that corridor.

[OOC] Stealth 1D20+8=24
Perception 1D20+7=14

If nothing of interest beyond more corridors, than he heads back to the group .  Stopping at @AY13 along the North side to glimpse anything worth rerouting.

[OOC] Stealth 1D20+8=20
Perception 1D20+7=16

If nothing of interest, Zanben continues on to AY13 where he looks down the hallway to see Jaskier.  He enters the hallway and moves up to AR22 to aid Jaskier.

[OOC] Stealth 1D20+8=23
Perception 1D20+7=9

Gwen returns from her loop to report nothing of interest. "But wait," she says, "where's Jaskier? I'm sure he's not in any trouble, I'll just yell really loud up this tunnel." She gestures to the north.

"Or... maybe we better just tiptoe up for a look."

As she heads up the passage she says over her shoulder, "The nice thing about these narrow pasaages...  if anybody gets into anything they can't handle on point, they can just draw the enemy back to me and I'll fill the passage with magical webs. Then you crossbowmen can pincushion whatever doesn't like us."

[OoC]: Gwen to AX22.

Zanben makes a loop the western Tunnel looks like it goes off to the dark to the North and there is another tunnel going to the West. He then goes and joins Jaskier viewing Ghouls gnaw on bones of the dead. Gwen and the others then come up to the bottom of the tunnel and await the signal.

Zanben attempts to sneak along the wall over to ghoul @AM18 and take him out without alerting any of the others.

[OOC] Stealth 1D20+8=27
Attack1 1D20+7=25 for 1d6+5+2d6(SA)=14 damage
Attack2 1D20+6=13 for 1d6=2

Zanben sneaks along the wall not being spotted by any of the ghouls. He slides up next to one of the beasts gnawing on bones. He raises both short words up and does a downward thrust into the creatures flanks. The ghoul lets out a horrid cry and spins on Zanben. The other Ghouls look up from their meals and gaze in the direction of the disturbance.

OOC: Everyone give me initiative and actions.


This message was last edited by the GM at 16:56, Wed 25 Nov 2020.

[OOC] Initiative 1D20+7=20

As Zanben sees the zombie turn his direction, he attacks it once more

Attack1 1D20+7=21 for 1d6+5=10 damage
Attack2 1D20+6=25 for 1d6+2d6(SA)=10 damage

Gwen hears the horrid cry and watches the ghouls' heads swivel in unison toward something she can't see... presumably Zanben. "Comin' in hot on your left, Jaskier," she calls, and then sends three magical bolts scorching up the passage, dangerously close to the bard, and into the ghoul she's got a clear shot at. Then she turns to the rest of the group. "After you, boys!"

[OoC]: Initiative 17. Cast Magic Missile at the ghoul in AL22 for 9 points. Delay movement until others have gone, then move to AR22.

Hearing the scream, Imbert moves up behind Jaskier and fires at a Ghoul.

OoC;
Roll(1d20)+3:  17,+3  Total:20 - Initiative
Move to AS 23

Bonus Action:
Switch Hunter's Mark to Ghoul at AM21

Attach Action:
Roll(1d20)+8:  12,+8  Total:20 - Heavy Crossbow Attack
Roll(1d10)+4:  2,+4  Total:6 - Crossbow Damage
Roll(1d6)+0:  2,+0  Total:2 - Hunter's Mark Damage

Jaskier moves up to AQ23 and fires his crossbow at the same ghoul Zanben is attacking (if he is still alive) else he fires at the next nearest ghoul.
Initiative roll 1d20+4 = 19
Crossbow attack roll 1d20+5 = 21
Damage roll  1d8+3 = 8

I close the gap and fire at the nearest wounded Ghoul.

OOC;
Roll(1d20)+1: 18,+1 total:19 -Initiative
Roll(1d20)+3: 20,+3 total:23 -To Hit
Roll(2d8)+2: 9,+1 total:10 -Damage

20 Zanben<---
20 Imbert
19 Jaskier
19 Bandalor
17 Gwen
10 Ghouls

Zanben cuts the ghoul in front of him down and then moves to the next one and attacks.

OOC: Ghoul AM21 takes 10 points of damage.

Imbert moves up the tunnel and fires at the Ghould in front of Zanben.

OOC: Ghoul at AM21 takes 8 points of damage for a total of 18 points.

Jaskier fires a bolt at the Ghoul in front of Zanben as well dropping it on the spot.

OOC: Ghoul at AM21 takes 8 points of damage for a total of 26.

Bandalor moves up and unleashes a bolt as well.

OOC: Ghoul at AL22 takes 10 points of Damage.

Gwen moves into position and says, "Pew, Pew, Pew."

OOC: Ghoul at AL22 take 9 points of damage for a total of 19.

The Ghouls close with the group and attack.

OOC: Zanben is hit for 5 Points of Damage. Give me a Constitution Save.
Zanben is missed
Gwen is hit for 7 points of damage give me a Con Save.
Jaskier is hit for 5 points give me a COn Save.

Imbert picks a new target

OoC;

Bonus Action:
Switch Hunter's Mark to Ghoul at AQ22

Attach Action:
Roll(1d20)+8:  2,+8  Total:10 - Heavy Crossbow Attack
Roll(1d10)+4:  2,+4  Total:6 - Crossbow Damage
Roll(1d6)+0:  5,+0  Total:5 - Hunter's Mark Damage

"Wait, so I'm the front line of defense now? Bando, get your scaly green ass up here!"

[OoC]: Gwen was hoping to stay BEHIND the lumbering meatsack with the fancy new shield with her delayed movement last round.

"Wait til his precious Morninglord hears about this," she mutters. Leveling the staff, she sprays the ghouls with a gout of fire.

[OoC]: Con save 16. Ghouls at AQ22 and AQ23 take 16 points, Dex for half, from a 2nd level Burning Hands.

13:54, Today: Gwyndolyn Glyphwyrd rolled 16 using 1d20+3 ((13)).
13:58, Today: Gwyndolyn Glyphwyrd rolled 13 using 4d6 ((4,4,3,2)).

I look at Gwen then Shrug. "Maybe if you didn't want to be on the front line you wouldn't put yourself there." I then Reload my Crossbow and shoot a Ghoul close to me.

OOC:
Roll(1d20)+8:  20,+3  Total:23 -  Another Critical Crossbow Attack
Roll(2d8)+4:  11,+4  Total:15 - Crossbow Damage
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:01, Sat 28 Nov 2020.

[OOC] Con 1D20+2=12

if Zanben passes con save, or effect doesn't impede him from continuing to pummel these ghouls one by one, that is very well what Zanben will continue doing.

Attack1 1D20+7=25 for 1d6+5+2d6(SA)=15 damage
Attack2 1D20+6=11 for 1d6=2 damage

Constitution save roll 1d20+1 = 17

Jaskier yells at the ghoul in front of him "Not today motherf***er!" providing bardic inspiration to Zanben and attacks the ghoul with his rapier.

Attack roll 1d20+5 = 15
Damage roll 1d8+3 = 11 [Nice]

As a bonus action, Zanben gains an inspiration die (1d6). For 10 minutes, he can add it to one ability check, attack roll, or saving throw. This can be added after seeing the roll, but before knowing the outcome.

20 Zanben<---
20 Imbert
19 Jaskier
19 Bandalor
17 Gwen
10 Ghouls

Zanben lands one of his attacks laying a ghoul low and misses with his other attack.

Imbert's bolt goes wild into the cavern.

Jaskier's melodic curses inspire Zanben as his fancy foot work dazzles the Ghoul just as he punctures it's face with his rapier.

OOC: Ghoul at AQ23 takes 11 points of damage.

After arguing Gwen Bandalor sets the ghoul in front of her in his sights and lets loose a bolt piercing through it's head.

OOC: Ghoul at AQ22 takes 14 points of damage.

Gwen levels her staff in front of her and flame gout's out in front of it. Engulfing both Ghouls in the cleansing flame. They scream as they crumble under the heat.

The remaining ghouls press the attack. Jaskier is hit by a brutal strike from a claw that lashes out to his face while Zanben is barely missed by a claw himself.

OOC: Jaskier takes 11 points from a critical hit and must pass a constitution check.

Imbert picks a new target

OoC;

Bonus Action:
Switch Hunter's Mark to Ghoul at AQ23

Attach Action:
Roll(1d20)+8:  7,+8  Total:15 - Heavy Crossbow Attack
Roll(1d10)+4:  2,+4  Total:6 - Crossbow Damage
Roll(1d6)+0:  3,+0  Total:3 - Hunter's Mark Damage
If it has previously taken damage add:
Roll(1d8)+0:  7,+0  Total:7 - Colossus Slayer Damage

Zanben attacks the ghouls

[OOC] Attack1 1D20+7=15 for 1d6+5+2d6(SA)=12 damage
Attack2 1D20+6=18 for 1d6=3 damage

Gwen grimaces, reaches out a tentative finger, and touches the ghoul's rotting belly button, unleashing a blast of lightning into its guts.

[OoC]: Shocking Grasp hits AC 19 for 6.

20:30, Today: Gwyndolyn Glyphwyrd rolled 19 using 1d20+7 ((12)).
20:31, Today: Gwyndolyn Glyphwyrd rolled 6 using 1d8 ((6)).

Who ever is left standing I smack with my rapier.

Roll(1d20)+5:  12,+5  Total:17 - Rapier Attack
Roll(1d8)+3:  4,+3  Total:7 - Crossbow Damage

I reload my crossbow give praise to the Morning Lord about banishing the darkness and let loose a bolt.

Roll(1d20)+3:  10,+3  Total:13 - Crossbow Attack
Roll(1d8)+1:  3,+1  Total:4 - Crossbow Damage

20 Zanben<---
20 Imbert
19 Jaskier
19 Bandalor
17 Gwen
10 Ghouls

Zanben does a vicious double slash into the ghoul before him.

OOC: Ghoul takes 15 points of damage at AM20.

Imbert lets loose a bolt into the eye hole of the Ghoul in front of the party and it drops once again lifeless to the ground.

Jaskier charges the last remaining Ghoul and sticks it with his rapier. This ghoul too is laid low and lifeless on the ground.


The party takes a moment to look at their surroundings. Steep escarpments divide this large cavern into three sections-high ledges at either end, and a lower section in the middle. Carved stone stairs climb up to the ledges. Two large tables stand in the middle section, along with a pair of old braziers. A smaller table stands on the eastern ledge. The skeletal remains of dozens of dead warriors-dwarves, gnomes, orcs, and ogres-attest to the fierceness of the fighting that took place here long ago.

Zanben keeping his eyes peeled for anything valuable, secret passageways or possible enemy as he makes his way to AL33.

[OOC] Stealth 1D20+8=23
Perception 1D20+7=14

Zanben sneaks over to what one of the Ghouls were munching on. It would appear that an Orc fell here and the ghoul was trying to eat the remains. You not sure what sort if any nutrition the ghoul could get out of the pile of bones. There is nothing of interest outside of the gnawed on skeleton.

[OOC] Not sure if there was a confusion with what I meant by AL33, but the space Zanben was moving towards is 4 spaces East and 2 space North from the top of the first set of stairs in that room.  If there is something keeping me from being able to occupy that space, then he will stop @AM33.  Trying to continue pressing forward and keep us going.

Imbert moves into the main chamber

Gwen follows behind Imbert. As Zanben edges closer to the northern passage, she sends Ripley winging her way toward the southern.

Zanben Moves into the large cavern and looks up one of the Northern tunnels and see that it ends in a T intersection.

Gwen sends Ripley down the southern passage. There is an offshoot to the East before meeting back up with previously explored tunnels.

OOC: Sorry Zanben I misread the location you were heading.

Gwen sends Ripley to perch on the further table while inspecting the near ones. Then she takes Zanben's place at the mouth of the tunnel running north so he can move onwards.

[OoC]: I think there's a couple different map grids in play. I think it's Gwen to AM33 and Ripley to AO47. Ripley will spot down the other tunnel to the north while Gwen Investigates these tables... anything of interest? Then Gwen covers Zanben's advance.

11:33, Today: Gwyndolyn Glyphwyrd rolled 14 using 1d20+7.  Investigate.
11:32, Today: Gwyndolyn Glyphwyrd rolled 11,9 using 1d20+3,1d20+3.  Ripley's Perception.

Gwen does not find anything of great interest on the tables but does surmise that this must have been a banquet hall of some sort for the dwarves. Rusted cutlery and broken pottery lay scattered about with the bodies in this area. She then takes position up behind Zanben. Ripley perches on a table top and looks North. You can tell that the tunnel Ripley peers down opens up into a larger Cavern. Just then there is a large Boom. Much like the booming heard previously but much louder and you can almost sense the vibration in the surrounding rock.

Zanben moves on to AD33 to take point and see what is beyond the T intersection.

[OOC] Stealth 1D20+8=20
Perception 1D20+7=13


[OOC] Sorry guys things have been insanely busy this week and haven't had time to post.

Zanben slides up the tunnel at the T Intersection. To the West there is a closed door. To the East he sees what appears to be a large cavern and from what is visible there stands a cold furnace with bodies strewn about it. He is about turn away when a menacing floating skull bathed in flames appears and floats around the furnace before it disappears again.



This message was last edited by the GM at 23:00, Fri 04 Dec 2020.

Gwen meets Zanben at the top of the stairs, casting a spell on the way that wreathes here momentarily in shimmering light. This time she waits for the beefy Bandalor to be sure to follow him around the corner when Zanben advances.

[OoC]: Gwen to AD34. Cast Mage Armor (AC 16) and prepare Shield (AC 21) as a reaction.

Imbert moves up the stairs at the end and attempts to flank whatever Zanben has found.

OoC;  Move to AF46, try to be quiet at the end.
Roll(1d20)+3:  9,+3  Total:12
Roll(1d20)+3:  6,+3  Total:9 - Stealth with disadvantage

As Imbert comes up the tunnel he sees: a blast furnace and a mechanical bellows powered by a waterwheel that dominate this large chamber. The furnace is cold and dark, but heaps of coal are piled nearby, along with carts full of unrefined ore. The waterwheel sits in a ten-foot-wide channel cut into the floor of the room, but the channel is dry. Passages exit to the west, south, and east. The empty channel exits to the north and east.

More than a dozen withered corpses are scattered around the room. These slain dwarves and orcs are still wearing the remnants of their armor. Floating above them is a skull engulfed in green flame.

As Imbert, Bandalor and Jaskier get into position the Flaming Skull gives out what looks like a silent scream and looks in the groups Direction.

OOC: Give me initiate and actions.

Gwen sets her feet, raises her staff, and quickly consults her mental index of arcane lore... what is that thing?

18:40, Today: Gwyndolyn Glyphwyrd rolled 20 using 1d20+7.  Initiative.
18:39, Today: Gwyndolyn Glyphwyrd rolled 16 using 1d20+7.  Arcana.

Thinking back to undead studies Gwen knows that the Blazing green flames and mad, echoing laughter surround an undead flameskull. This disembodied skull blasts foes with fiery rays from its eyes and dreadful spells called up from the dark recesses of its memory.

Gwen dashes into the room. "It shoots fire!" she cries, "Spread out!" She runs along the wall, spraying magical bolts from her staff. "Bando! Do what you do to dead things!" she shouts, and flings herself into an ore cart for cover.

[OoC]: Initiative 20. Move to AG38. Magic Missile (2nd Level) for 16.

20:55, Today: Gwyndolyn Glyphwyrd rolled 16 using 4d4+4.  Magic Missile.

"Bwahaha" Zanben laughed a little as he sees his little gnome friend dash out in front of him, fling missiles then hurl herself into a cart.  He then charges the skull.

[OOC] Initiative 1D20+7=19
Attack1 1D20+7=26 for 1D6+5+2D6(SA)=18
Attack2 1D20+6=18 for 1D6=2

I yell, "I already did that thing I do against that room of undead today." I then level my cross bow and fire at the floating skull.

OOC:
Initiative=d20+1;14
Cross bow=d20+3;18
Damage=d8+1;6

Imbert shoots at the floating skull.

ooC;
Roll(1d20)+3:  19,+3  Total:22 - Initiative

Bonus Action:
Switch Hunter's mark to floating skull

Action:
Hold crossbow shot until after Gwen's spell for max damage
Roll(1d20)+8:  8,+8  Total:16 - Crossbow attack
Roll(1d10)+4:  7,+4  Total:11 - Crossbow damage
Roll(1d6)+0:  1,+0  Total:1 - Hunter's Mark damage
Roll(1d8)+0:  7,+0  Total:7 - Colossus slayer damage

Jaskier, still hurting from the last encounter grits his teeth and rushes forward to AD47, steadies his crossbow and fires a bolt at the floating skull.
Initiative roll 1d20+4 = 9
Attack roll 1d20+5 = 12
Damage roll 1d8+3 = 9

[OOC] Can I roll perception to see if jaskier sees a bucket near him?  If so I'd roll a 10.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:19, Mon 07 Dec 2020.

22 Imbert<---
20 Gwen
20 Zombies
19 Zanben
14 Bandalor
9 Jaskier
7 Flame Skull

Gwen flies into the room shouting and throwing bolts out of her staff. As she jumps into a cart she sees movement among the dead.

OOC: Flameskull takes 16 points of damage from magic missiles.

Eight Zombies stand up from among the bodies of the fallen around room.

Imbert levels a heavy crossbow at the flameskull and finds his mark.

OOC: Flameskull takes 19 points of damage for a total of 35 points

Zanben flies at the flameskull and unleashes a vicious upward strike at the floating skull. It drops to the ground.He does note that although it is out of the fight there is still a dim light deep in the sockets. He then makes another slash at a zombie within range.

OOC: Zanben does 18 points of damage for a total of 53 points of damage. Zombie at AD38 takes 2 points of damage.

Bandalor yells an exchange with Gwen and then looses a bolt at the Zombie that was just hit by Zanben.

OOC: Bandalor does 6 points of damage to the Zombie at AD38 for a total of 8 points.

Jaskier spies a bucket near him and then lets loose a bolt at the Zombie that has been wounded.

OOC: Damage 9 to AD38 for a total of 17 points of damage.

Imbert shoots at the zombies

OoC;

Bonus action - Cast Hail of Thorns

Attack
Roll(1d20)+8:  19,+8  Total:27 - Crossbow attack; zombie AC43
Roll(1d10)+4:  2,+4  Total:6 - Crossbow damage; zombie AC43
Roll(1d10)+0:  5,+0  Total:5 - Hail of Thorns damage, DC 12 dex save for half; zombie AC43, AB43, AD42

Jaskier casts cure wounds on himself
 Cure wounds roll 2d8+3 = 13

Zanben attacks the zombies

[OOC] Attack1 1D20+7=20 for 1D6+5=9 damage If I can use SA +2D6(SA)=10 more damage
Attack2 1D20+6=16 for 1D6=6

Gwen pops up from the ore cart holding the staff at hip level, then fires off a long, expanding filament of web that enshrouds the far end of the forge and the zombies around it. She spots an even more comfortable cart across the room and heads that way.

[OoC]: Cast Web on a 20' cube with corners at AA40, AA43, AD40, AD43. Should get 5 zombies. Dex save to avoid being restrained, Str check (action) to escape, both at DC 15. Move to AI43

I let my cross bow dangle and produce my shield and mace as I smash into the Zombie line.

OOC:

Hit with Mace: d20+4= 23
Damage with mace d6+2=7

22 Imbert<---
20 Gwen
20 Zombies
19 Zanben
14 Bandalor
9 Jaskier
7 Flame Skull

Imbert let's loose a bolt which finds it's mark. Suddenly thorns pop out of the shaft of the arrow impaling the enemies around it.

OOC: Zombie at AC43 takes 6 damage. Zombie at AC43 takes 5 points of damage for 11 points total. Zombie at AB43 takes 5 points of damage. Zombie at AD42 takes 2 points of damage.

Gwen pops up and shoots a sticky web at the zombies as she moves for another cart.

OOC: Zombie at AD40 is Free, AD41 is restrained, AD42 is restrained, AC43 is free, AB43 is restrained.

The Zombies move in and attack the group.

OOC: Imbert is struck for 3 points. Gwen is missed. Zanben is missed, hit for 6 and missed.

Banadlor crashes into the zombie line laying one of them low.

OOC: Zombie at AD 38 total 23 points.

Zanben waits for Banadlor to crash into the lines and then attacks the zombie in front of him dropping it with a double blow.

OOC: Zombie takes 25 points of damage and fails its fortitude save.

Jaskier takes a moment from combat and takes a swig from his wine skin. He feels much better after this.

OOC: Jaskier regains 13 points.

Imbert shoots at the zombie that attacked him

OoC;
Bonus Action:
Cast Hunter's Mark

Acion:
Roll(1d20)+8:  15,+8  Total:23 - Crossbow Attack (no disadvantaged because of crossbow expert)
Roll(1d10)+4:  10,+4  Total:14 - Crossbow Damage
Roll(1d6)+0:  5,+0  Total:5 - Hunter's Mark Damage
Roll(1d8)+0:  4,+0  Total:4 - Colossus Slayer Damage
Total Damage = 23

Zanben continues hacking at the zombies

[OOC] Attack1 1D20+7=12 for 1D6+5=9 damage
Attack2 1D20+6=21 for 1D6+2D6(SA)=13 damage

In reply to Zanben (msg # 210):

Jaskier attacks the closest zombie with his rapier
Attack roll 1d20+5 = 15
Damage roll 1d8+3 = 4

Gwen shrieks and fires off three bolts into the belly of the zombie reaching into her cart.

[OoC]: Crappy roll: 8 points from Magic Missile.
22:38, Today: Gwyndolyn Glyphwyrd rolled 8 using 3d4+3 ((2,1,2)).

I crush the face of a nearby Zombie.

22 Imbert<---
20 Gwen
20 Zombies
19 Zanben
14 Bandalor
9 Jaskier
7 Flame Skull

Imbert pulls the arrow sticking out of the chest of the ZOmbie in front of him and stabs it in the face dropping it to the ground.

OOC: Zombie fails Fortitude save.

Gwen blasts the untouched Zombie in front of here.

OOC: Zombie takes 8 points of damage.

Zombies attack back. One of the Zombies gets itself free and charges at Imbert.

OOC: Zanben, Bandalor, Gwen and Imbert are missed.

Zanben cuts into the Zombie in front of him slicing it clean in two.

OOC: Zomibe takes 22 points of damage and fails its fortitude save.

Jaskier hits the zombie attacking Imbert.

OOC: Zombie takes 4 points of damage.

Bandalor hits the next zombie in line.

OOc: Zombie takes 7 poitns of damage.
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:30, Wed 16 Dec 2020.

Zanben slashes more zombies

[OOC] Attack1 1D20+7=22 for 1D6+5+2D6(SA)=18 damage
Attack2 1D20+6=9 for 1D6=4 damage

Gwen blasts the zombie again, wondering why her missiles keep fizzling.

[OoC]: Magic Missile for 9. can't seem to roll above a 2 on these.
07:26, Today: Gwyndolyn Glyphwyrd rolled 9 using 3d4+3 ((2,2,2)).

Imbert shoots at the zombie that attacked him

OoC;
Bonus Action:
Switch target for Hunter's Mark

Acion:
Roll(1d20)+8:  14,+8  Total:22 - Crossbow Attack (no disadvantaged because of crossbow expert)
Roll(1d10)+4:  3,+4  Total:7 - Crossbow Damage
Roll(1d6)+0:  5,+0  Total:5 - Hunter's Mark Damage
Roll(1d8)+0:  3,+0  Total:3 - Colossus Slayer Damage

I use my gruff to sing a song of praise to the Morning Lord as I do his bidding as I smash one with my mace in an attempt to fight them off my compatriots.

OOC:
To Hit with mace:d20+5=7+5;12
Damage with mace:d6+3=3+3;6

If there are any zombies still "alive", Jaskier attacks the closest one with his rapier
Attack roll 1d20+5 = 12
Damage roll 1d8+3 = 10
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 22:09, Thu 10 Dec 2020.

22 Imbert<---
20 Gwen
20 Zombies
19 Zanben
14 Bandalor
9 Jaskier
7 Flame Skull

Imbert shoots the zombie in front of him.

OOC: Zombie takes a total of 19 points of damage.

Gwen shoots the Zombie in front of her with more magic missiles.

OOC: Zombie has a total of 17 points of damage.

A restrained Zombie frees itself from the web. The Zombie in front of Banadlor misses him. The Zombie attacking Gwen misses her and the Zombie attacking Imbert falls prone on the ground after it overextends its attack.

Zanben drops the zombie i front of him ad moves onto another zombie striking it as well.

OOC: Freshly freed zombie takes a total of 6 points.

Bandalor crashes into the zombie attacking Gwen ad drops it with a well placed mace swing.
Jaksier ends the unlife of the Zombie standing before Imbert and himself.
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:29, Wed 16 Dec 2020.

Imbert shoots at the zombie attacking Zanben

OoC;
Bonus Action:
Switch target for Hunter's Mark

Acion:
Roll(1d20)+8:  4,+8  Total:12 - Crossbow Attack
Roll(1d10)+4:  5,+4  Total:9 - Crossbow Damage
Roll(1d6)+0:  1,+0  Total:1 - Hunter's Mark Damage
Roll(1d8)+0:  2,+0  Total:2 - Colossus Slayer Damage

[OOC] Did a 9 actually hit the Zombie?
Not sure if the way I print my rolls are too confusing.  I will start putting [] around my attacks roll and {} around my damage rolls if you think it will help.

Zanben slashes at whats left in front of him.

[OOC] Attack1 1D20+7=[13] 1D6+5={7}
Attack2 1D20+6=[21] for 1D6+2D6(SA)={5}

Gwen hops down from the cart and lands next to Bandalor. "Thanks, big man! That one was all up in my business." She levels the staff and fires off a bolt of flame into the last trapped zombie, igniting the webs that entangle it.

[OoC]: Gwen to AG42. Flame Bolt at AB43. Hit AC 23 for 10 plus 4 from burning webs.

18:48, Today: Gwyndolyn Glyphwyrd rolled 23 using 1d20+7.  Flame Bolt.
18:49, Today: Gwyndolyn Glyphwyrd rolled 10 using 1d10.  Flame Bolt  damage.
18:49, Today: Gwyndolyn Glyphwyrd rolled 4 using 2d4.  Web damage.

Jaskier takes in the scene of fallen foes and rushes over to finish off the last of the zombies with his rapier

Attack roll 1d20+5 = 6 [OOC]  Uggh.

I let out a scream and rush at whatever is left standing. I bring my mace up in a vicious arc trying to bring down the Zombie.

OOC:

Hit with Mace: D20 +5= 8+5; 13
Damage with mace: d6+2= 4+2;6
This message was last updated by the GM at 23:39, Mon 14 Dec 2020.

22 Imbert<---
20 Gwen
20 Zombies
19 Zanben
14 Bandalor
9 Jaskier
7 Flame Skull

Imbert lets loose a bolt at the Zombie trading blows with Zanben.

OOC: Zombie takes a total of 18 points of damage.

Gwen Lights up the webbed zombie burning the damned dead.

OOC: After the flame damage that zombie has taken 19 points of damage.

A zombie takes a swipe at Zanben but misses. The flaming zombie stumbles over to Jaskier and hits him.

OOC: Jaskier takes 4 points of damage.

Zanben Cuts down one zombie. Rushes over to Jaskier and swipes at that Zombie as well. He delivers a killing blow but the Zombie still stands.

OOC: Zombie passes fortitude save.


Bandalor smashes the last zombie to the ground.


Banadlor looks at the Flameskull pours some water into a random cut. He then blesses the water and tosses it onto the Flameskull. The lights in the eyes go out and then he crushes the skull with his mace.
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:29, Wed 16 Dec 2020.

Imbert wanders around the large chamber looking for anything of value.

OoC;  Roll(1d20)+4:  8,+4  Total:12 - Perception

This impressive chamber was the heart of the Wave Echo Cave mining operation. Here, the dwarves melted down their ore to refine ingots of silver, gold, and platinum. The dry channel is where the dwarves powered the waterwheel here. That in turn operated the bellows that fed the furnace. The channel's bottom is 5 feet below floor level.

Imbert looks through the chamber. There is no gold, silver or platinum here. He thinks that somewhere in this mine and probably close to their position the forge is resting. This would be where the processed materials would have been brought and fashioned into useful items.

Just then there is a large boom that comes from the channel and toward the East.

Zanben runs over to investigate.

[OOC] Perception 1D20+6=20
Still keeping a key eye out for danger
Investigation 1D20+2=11

"I wonder what's down that channel"

He stops @Z48 and looks down the channel
[OOC]unless he perceives danger, then he'll stop @AB45
This message was last edited by the player at 04:51, Wed 16 Dec 2020.

The sound of pounding surf that gives Wave Echo Cave its name can be traced to this water-filled cavern.

A narrow ledge overlooks a large cavern that houses a surging, seething body of water. The rhythmic booming heard throughout the mines is louder here. At regular intervals, a fresh surge of water funnels into this chamber and slams against the wall just below the ledge. The echo suggests that this cave might be one arm of a much larger cavern to the northeast.

Zanben figures this is where the channel empties that powers the Bellow wheel based off of erosion on the lip of the edge by the channel.

Imbert follows behind at a safe distance.

Zanben inches his way to the mouth of the cavern ~@T55 to get a better look.

[OOC] Perception 1D20+6=26

Zanben sneaks further into the cave. Outside of what he has already seen there are Exits to the North and The South of the cavern.



This message was last edited by the GM at 21:29, Wed 16 Dec 2020.

Gwen joins Zanben at the edge of the vast underground sea and gazes onto the distance. "You're gonna need a bigger boat," she deadpans. Ripley takes flight and disappears into the darkness over the water.

[OoC]: Send Ripley to the A70-somethings to see how far it goes. As for us, maybe south first, to see if it connects up with something?

Zanben moves on to Y65, or there abouts to see if it connects to anything.

Ripley fly's off into the cavern. It is immense and there is a periodic surge into the area. You wonder if maybe this cavern is connected to the Underdark in some way and maybe even to the passage ways that go into Undermountain.

Zanben comes around the corner and see's what looks like a workshop. Perhaps the Forge is here. He would have to get closer to find out for sure. He does a survey of what he can see and detects no movement or threat.

Jaskier readies his crosbow and sneaks along with Zanben to scout the way ahead
Stealth roll 1d20+7 = 27 [OOC of course I get my crit 20 on a stealth roll]

Gwen recalls Ripley and follows a dozen paces behind the stealthy advance team.

[OoC]: Gwen to AD65 (the corner at the end of the stairs) staying BEHIND Zanben and Jaskier to provide cover.

This large workshop was badly damaged by the ancient spell battle that laid waste to the mine. Worktables taking up two corners of the room are scorched, and the walls have been blasted apart. In the middle of the room, a stone pedestal holds a small brazier in which an eerie green flame dances and crackles. The brazier and its pedestal appear to have been untouched by the forces that destroyed this area.

Behind the brazier of green flame floats a spherical creature measuring roughly four feet in diameter. Four eyestalks protrude from its central mass, two on each side. In the center of the body is a large eye that stares at you. "Hello," says a thick, burbling voice inside your head.

[OOC] Do we all hear the Hello?

It isn't so much hearing it with your ears. More like it is in your head.

"Floating eyeballs speaking directly into our minds seems like your area of expertise."  Imbert says quietly to Gwen.  "Next time we get lost in a forest, I'll make it up to you."

"Hi, nice to meet you.  My name is Zanben, the short one over there is Gwen, the serious faced guy behind me is Imbert, this good looking young chap next to me is Jaskier and over there is Bandalor.  What is this place?"
This message was last edited by the player at 04:02, Fri 18 Dec 2020.

As you approach the Spectator Gwen Is drawn to the Brazer of Green Flame. This must be the Forge of Spells. Known to create some rather fascinating Magical items. However Gwen gets the sense that it's power has faded over time. She wonders if it could still enchant and item.

You all look around the workshop now that you have a clearer view not looking through rubble. This is indeed what you would expect a forge area would look like. Multiple anvils surround the forge and there are workbenches in differing states of array some broken and blasted apart.

One bench is clean and standing however and on it lay a mace and a breast plate. They gleam in the faint cave light almost as if magical.

Zanben addresses the Spectator and it replies, "Ah you must be guests of the Masters. This is the forge here for the mine. Please do not disturb anything they don't appreciate their things being moved. Have not seen any in a while as a matter of fact but the forge is burning so they must be near."

"Ahh, yes, we are you're masters guests.  We have dealings in the underdark, and they gave this wizard here permission to use this forge to help prepare ourselves for the upcoming quest they are sending us on."

[OOC] Deception 1D20+5=18

Gwen tries not to wheeze and straightens up a bit. She bows her head slightly, in deference but not subservience, and clears her throat. "Indeed, the Masters have returned, and we are their allies. They will appreciate the care that has been taken here. If you wish, we will act as your emissaries to them. What would you have them know?"

[OoC]: Gwen has no idea what she's talking about. Arcana check please... beholder-kin, Forge of Spells, the Masters, what this floating eyeball's job is... Gwen steps out of time for a moment (Chronal Shift) to really wrack her brain.

22:26, Today: Gwyndolyn Glyphwyrd rolled 12 using 1d20+7. Arcana.
22:26, Today: Gwyndolyn Glyphwyrd rolled 19 using 1d20+7. Arcana reroll.

Gwen kind of brightens up. The Masters the Spectator is referring to would probably be the wizards and dwarves that worked the mine and created the items. Apparently this Spectator is having some issues as it thinks it is still bound to protect this place and thinks the mine is still functioning.

The Forge of spells is the magical forge used to create magical items from the materials mined from within.

Beholder kin are smaller cousins of bewilders and are known to have spell like abilities from their eyeballs.

Seeming to fall for Zanbens ruse he says,"Oh well then use the forge if you need or take what you wish for your quest if the masters have given you the permission."

Gwen nods again to the Spectator and looks around the chamber of the Forge of Spells without moving from where she stands. "I will tell the Masters of your loyal service and they will be pleased. Tell me, when did the Forge begin to burn again this time? When was it last used? And what other visitors have you had, friend or foe, in the time you've been here. Any recent explorers?"

[OoC]: Looking for any resources that would support the operation of the Forge... tomes, tools, raw materials, etc.

Also, trying to get a sense if Gundren's arrival triggered the Forge,  whether the Spider has been here already, and basically how to use this thing. I'll wait til were out of here to Detect Magic unless that's the best way to learn the functions of the Forge.

The spectator seems confused by this. "I am not sure what you mean. The forge is in use day and night." The beast then moves it eyes left then right and then behind it. "I see none of the masters at the moment. They must be feasting or taking a break. They have not been gone long. We get visitors all the time. People like yourselves who are here to become equipped or maybe they are taking a tour or maybe they are taking shipments. I am actually here to guard against foes. Those that might take things or use the forge without consent. I have not had to do so in quite a long time however. You have no worries as you say the Masters have granted you permission to be here and quip yourselves."

I approach the table with the mace and the Breastplate. "You say we may equip ourselves with these items?" I heft the mace and find it to my liking and then I pick up the breast plate and examine it.

The spectator says, "Of Course I take it your path is full of dangers. The masters have given you permission as you said to equip yourselves and use this area. What you hold there is..." He closes his eyes and then the thoughts come back into your head. "LightBringer and DragonGuard. Forged very recently very recently indeed."

Both the mace and the breast plate are covered in thick layers of dust but there is no hint of rust or damage from time.

As the conversation progresses, Gwen relaxes a bit. "How is the Forge these days? It seems diminished. You are its guardian, but can you help operate it as well? Or is that for the Masters alone?"

[OoC]: I assume a simple Detect Magic won't unlock the secrets of the Forge. Is it an item requiring attunement to fully understand? Gwen will ask Gundren later, but for now I want to make the most of being here with it and talking to the Spectator.

"Bandalore, those items are right up your alley."  Zanben begins searching the rooms within this forge for anything of value or something he can use, being mindful not to cause the beholder to be suspicious of his search.  Also keeping a keen eye out for any secret passageways or traps.

[OOC] Perception 1D20+6=19

I look at the Mace and the Breastplate. I heft the Mace and look at the design. "Perhaps you are Right," I say to Zanben.

OOC: Maces are kind of my thing. Anybody want the breast plate it is AC 14 and Medium Armor.

"The Forge has never been better," The Spectator says. "Usually the forgers heat their metal in the forge and they say it enchants the materials."

OOC: Give me an Arcana check.

Imbert wanders over near Bandalor and takes the breastplate.

Gwen circles the Forge of Spells...

10:56, Today: Gwyndolyn Glyphwyrd rolled 19 using 1d20+7 ((12)). Arcana.

Gwen can't figure out how the forge works.

OOC: Gwen Can also give me two arcana checks on the items held by Bandalor and Imbert

Gwen mutters under her breath, "I'm gonna need Gundren to have a look at this thing..." She straightens up and says grandly, "The Scion of the Masters will return soon to inspect the Forge, and I shall attend him."

Then she turns her attention to the items.

[OoC]: The roller is stinking today.

13:36, Today: Gwyndolyn Glyphwyrd rolled 12 using 1d20+7.
13:36, Today: Gwyndolyn Glyphwyrd rolled 11 using 1d20+7.

If I drag poor bereaved Gundren down here, can he give me Advantage on Arcana? Maybe someone down here already like Jaskier's bandic lore or something?

Gwen looks the items over. Although she can tell that they are magical she can not discern the magical properties.

OOC: It would take someone like Gundren to give you advantage on your check given he has a better understanding of the history.

"Very well, loyal Spectator. The Scion of the Masters will return soon, but you must maintain your vigil."

Gwen turns to the party. "I'm in good shape physically, but I've cast more than half the spells I prepared. Maybe we should take a different route back to the surface to rest and update Gundren, and bring him down here tomorrow to have a look at the Forge?"

"I'm low on spells spells as well.  Why not take a route we have cleared back to the surface?  I don't think our presence will be detected, most the the undead we fought looked like they haven't be disturbed in a while."

You weave your way back to the entrance where you find Gundren. "Your back." He stampers, "Any word of my brother? What is down there? What have you found?" He then sees your wounds. "I take it you have had some run ins?"

Gwen pulls a wicker chaise impossibly from her satchel and flops down on it. She begins unlacing her boots and says, "First of all, your brother's boots are fabulous... I ran all over this place and looked good doing it."

She reclines barefoot with cheese, wine, and bread and continues. "There were plenty of ghouls and other undead, and the inanimate remains of the ancient battle for this place. We found bunkrooms and workshops, an inactive smelting furnace, and a vast underground sea. But most importantly..." She hitches herself up on one elbow. "We found the Forge of Spells."

"It's guarded by the Spectator, a minor eye tyrant who serves the Masters-- your kin, I assume-- and it seems to think we're on the right side of its obligations. So guess what? You're coming downstairs tomorrow to introduce yourself as the new Master and help me figure out the Forge, if you're up for it."

"What can you tell us about the Masters and the Forge?"

"We did not find tracks or signs of your brother.  Nor did we find any signs of the spider or those that oppose us.  It is a very large tunnel system."  Imbert replies.  He then eats a little and curls up on his bedroll with the new breastplate.

Gundren says, "I would suppose this Spectator is some sort of Guardian. I am not sure how it is still here or why it thinks the mine is still in operation but I would assume that the Masters would be the dwarves that ran the mine and forged items and the wizards that assisted with the manufacture of magic items." He seems surprised at the mention of the forge. "The Forge still exists? You have seen it? I was not expecting that. Hmmmm I am sure the potency has diminished however. Revitalizing the Forge would take years of research but if it is still lit it might contain enough power to imbue items with magical properties for some amount time however. The Forge is what was used to heat the processed metals that would also imbue the metals with magical properties and then would be forged into weapons and armor."

"Well, there may be years of work ahead, but you're still welcome to come check out the Forge tomorrow. Letting the  shoulder know you're the new Master might help keep it on our side. Otherwise there's lots of unknown ground we have yet to explore."

[OoC]: Rest and recover, then back in? See what lies between the Forge and the mushroom cave to start?

You tend to your wounds and eat are hearty meal. You talk about the days experiences and what was encountered in the mine as well was what you had learned. There are some troubling concerns though. Where are those who came before you? How big is this mine? What of Gundrens other brother?

Imbert and Bandalor excuse themselves early from the fire and get comfortable on their bed roll each one pulling the magical item in the possession out and staring out thinking what sort of possible mysteries they hold.

Bandalor holds LIghtbringer.

OOC: This +1 mace was made for a cleric of Lathander, the god of dawn. The head of the mace is shaped like a sunburst and made of solid brass. Named Lightbringer, this weapon glows as bright as a torch when its wielder commands. While glowing, the mace deals an extra 1d6 radiant damage to undead creatures.

Imbert Dawns Dragonguard.:

You have a +1 bonus to AC while wearing this armor.

This +1 breastplate has a gold dragon motif worked into its design. Created for a human hero of Neverwinter named Tergon, it grants its wearer advantage on saving throws against the breath weapons of creatures that have the dragon type.

AC 15 + dex

You all awake in the morning Gundren is already working on a hot meal with teas set out for you all to drink with meats and cheeses pulled from the supplies.

"I'll check on the horses, then back inside?"  Imbert inquires.  Donning his new armor.

OoC;  No more disadvantage on stealth!
This message was last edited by the player at 22:42, Wed 30 Dec 2020.

The group makes their way back to the forge within the mine. As they approach the broken and battered door they see a tanned, hairless and heavily muscled man dressed in some sort of hide armor sitting cross legged in front of the Spectator. His eyes are shut and look as though he is concentrating. He seems to sense your appearance and stands to turn to you.


He says, "AH you must be the ones who took care of that floating skull. WE had been looking for a way around it but now we don't. The Black Spider tells me you have been hounding us at every turn yet we have stayed just out of reach. The Black Spider brought me to this realm and what a realm it is. There is free flowing water, forests, oceans and an abundance of wild life that isn't trying to kill you. I see what my ancestors use to look like." He points and Gundren, "You are free of the trackless dunes and the tyranny of God Heads. Here we are free. You stand in the way of the Black Spiders desires. I will not see his work undone."

From behind him he produces a wicked looking double bladed axe and in his off hand he produces a whip.

OOC: IF anyone would like to address the newcomer or roll initiative.


This message was last edited by the GM at 21:26, Fri 01 Jan 2021.

[OOC] Insight Check 1D20+4=16
Can this guy be reasoned with?

He seems reasonable enough but you get the sense that perhaps he owes a life debt to the Black Spider.

"I am sorry, but you speak of freedom as though you have it yourself.  I can't help by get the feeling that you yourself are not free, but shackled by the very black spider you speak of.  Is true freedom what you seek?  If so, take us to the Black Spider and help us take him down and true freedom we can give you."

[OOC] Persuasion check 1D20+5=24
This message was last edited by the player at 18:15, Sun 03 Jan 2021.

He screams, " NO I am free. More free than I Have ever been. I choose to serve the Black Spider because of what has been done for me."

Zanben takes a couple steps forward in an unthreatening manner to AN55 "What is it that the Black Spider desires?"

The man replies, "As of now he desires this mine and the forge. After that he talks of stabilization of the region as do others of his ilk. The Zhentarim." He keeps his guard up at you portion change.

[OOC] History check 1D20=20
Does Zanben recall knowing anything about The Zhentarim?
This message was last edited by the player at 03:40, Mon 04 Jan 2021.

The Zhentarim seeks to become omnipresent and inescapable, more wealthy and powerful, and most importantly, untouchable. The public face of the organization appears much more benign, offering the best mercenaries money can buy. When a merchant needs an escort for his caravan, when a noble needs bodyguards to protect her holdings, or when a city needs trained soldiers to defend its honor, the Zhentarim provides the best-trained fighting men and women money can buy. However, the cost of doing business with the Black Network can be high.

The Black Network wants to make it necessary—and preferable, even—to deal with its members. It wants to secure, over time, an iron-fisted monopoly. Members must be the best—the cheapest, the fastest, and the most secure—at providing services and goods both legal and illicit, willing to lose coin if it means destroying a competitor, and securing profits from everyone they deal with, except when to do so would work against the Black Network's ultimate goal: to make everyone dependent on it.

A member of the Zhentarim thinks of himself or herself as a member of a very large family and relies on the Black Network for resources and security. However, members are granted enough autonomy to pursue their own interests and gain some measure of personal power or influence.

Zanben perks up upon hearing about the Zhentarim "Ah yes, the Zhentarim.  I have done a great amount of research on them back in my criminal days.  I have been looking for ways to join this faction for years.  What do I need to do to gain membership?"

A look of shock crosses his face. His posture changes slightly and he says, "If you are serious I would drop claims to this mine. Go back to your Manor and await contact. You seem to have established yourselves in Phandalin already. A trusted Ally could support the effort here."
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:12, Mon 04 Jan 2021.

Zamben looks to the rest of the team and then over to Gundren.  "What do you guys think?"

Gwen dodges Zanben's question for moment and turns to the newcomer. "You said 'we' had been troubled by the fiery skull? I don't see anyone but you, stranger. Who are your friends? Are you here with the Black Spider, or is it just another troupe of his underlings? You seem to know plenty about us..." she says as she paces casually to the south matching Zanben's drift northward, "but you haven't told us a thing about yourself. I get the feeling you're not from around here." She holds the staff loosely at her side, watching the bald man's axe.

[OoC]: What's the Spectator doing? Gwen is mainly concerned about keeping Gundren safe after dragging him down here. If Zanben wants to pursue his ruse, Gwen won't spoil it, but the Cleric of Light might hesitate to join any evil factions. She's ready with Hold Person if this cat tries anything shifty.

He says addressing Gwen, "Where I am from we don't have beings like you. We have one's that are similar but they are quite feral and eat other sentient. But yes I had said before I am not from this Realm. I come from a desert world that is cruel and unforgiving. I can only assume that you are what they are calling the heroes of Phandalin. The liberators of the town? Those that saved Sildar and the Rockbreaker there." Pointing at Gundren. He then says, "You don't really try to cover yourselfs that much. Questions of the locals or a survivor has given us the information of some of your comings and goings. AS far as the Black Spider he is at the camp back on the other side of the forge. You dealt the obstacle of that fiery skull for us."

"Well, then you're welcome! Any other hazards you'd like to point out, struggles you've had down here? I'm sure we can sort them out soon enough." She digests the news of the Spider's presence in silence, contemplating whether back-to-back battles would be sensible.

He says, "Well I stand here before the Forge. This being here seems to be the last obstacle and quite mad and gullible at that. There had been other undead we had encountered and either fought or avoided except for that Fiery Skull. We were contemplating some way to defeat or avoid it but like I said it seems you have taken care of it already."

Imbert, knowing he is not along for his interpersonal skills remains silent and watches the exchange.  He watches the other corridors incase this conversation is a diversion.

OoC;  I don't see Gruden giving up a claim to the mine.

Roll(1d20)+4:  13,+4  Total:17 - Perception

I step forward and say, "My Cousin would not renounce his claim to this site, it was founded by his ancestors. What right does this Black Spider have on this mine other than he wants it? It has cost Thundren his life. What have you done with Nundro? Does he live?"

The man replies, "The other Dwarf lives. He is a captive. It has been very rewarding speaking to him. Hearing about what my ancestors may have been compared to what they are now. Your Cousin you say? Interesting. Perhaps I am not the only one of my kind in this realm then? The Black Spider looks to use this mine to cement his power with the Zhents and I am to assure this happens. You all seem to be noble in your quest. Helping family, helping the common man. The Zhenterium would like the same thing. Except men need structure in this world. Life is not as hard as in mine. These people are soft they must be guided to protect themselves and their communities. Stand with us and we can drive back the dark."

"If Gundren's brother is your captive, then you've just set yourself against us, to your peril, I might add. You come from a harsh desert world? This world is not so easy nor it's people so soft as you say. As you said, we destroyed the flaming skull that intimidated your patron. We liberated Phandalin from brigands, zombies, and orcs. We have sniffed out and bested the minions of the Spider before. And we have slain the Dragon of Thundertree. He left me with these--" she opens her doublet to show her scars-- "but we left with his hide." She thumps Bandalor's shield for emphasis.

"You might rethink your alliance. The Spider is a deceiver and a charlatan, and his allies are no better. We will come for the dwarf, and keep the Forge for ourselves... you could stand in our way, or you could leave the Spider to his fate and go enjoy this world that is so much softer than yours. You could even throw your lot in with us... you aren't wrong to find us the more noble party in this."

He replies, "I owe the Black Spider a life debt. If I did not stand by his side I would loose my own honor. Is better to face you and possibly die doing so than lose myself."

"You are an honorable man and we do not wish to kill you.  We are here to return these mines back to their rightful owners.  The Black Spider is not have ancestral rights to these mines like my good friend's cousins do.  You seem like a good smart reasonable person.  If we leave the mines today saving your Black Spider friends life fulfilling your life debt, would he free you from it?"

The man says, "That is not how a life debt works. I stand by his side and enjoy this world until my life is given for him. If you leave today however I can tell the Black Spider that we have new allies in the region. One's that could perhaps run the mine for him and thus everyone wins. Your friend there gets his mine as does the Spider. You would be considered agents of the Zhentarium and all that entails."

"Welp, your suggestion is enticing, but I think I am the only one in this group that would have any interest or use partnering with the Zhentarium.  Bandalore over there is a servant of the righteous and I am pretty sure Imbert doesn't like grey area things either.  I on the other hand do not see things as so black and white as they, but they are my brothers and sister, so their opinions on the subject do matter to me, so what do you guys say?"

Zanben turns to face his team and speaks in a soft enough voice so his partners can make out what he is saying, but the stranger wouldn't, "Maybe first we need to meet this "Black Spider" and see what his plans are for these mines.  I think a partnership with the Zhentarium could play well in our favor later, but we would have to keep the partnership secret from the Lords Alliance.  Is this something you would be ok with?  If not, it looks like we will have no choice but to take these guys out, which sucks cause I am beginning to like this guy."

"This cave is not defensible."  Imbert begins abruptly.  "Gundren may want to pursue his claim, but with the distance to reinforcements and multiple passages he and his remaining brother will likely end up like the previous dwarven inhabitants before long.  The problem we have with the spider is the forces she sent to Phandalin and their treatment of the populous.  If we can deal with the spider, get his brother and Phandalin at the bottom of the list for world domination for this mine, I'd be inclined to agree.  Though our conversation with the dragon didn't go well.  Likely, the best course of action is to kill him where he stands, but that may not guarantee we can save the captive."

Zanben turns back around and calls out to the man wearing the hide armor, "Hey, my friend here makes a really good point.  Would your boss, The Black Spider, be interested in a 50/50 partnership?  I would hate to see blood shed when we could mutually benefit from such partnership.  Plus I think we could be very profitable allies."

[OOC] Persuasion check 1D20+5=22
This message was last edited by the player at 08:31, Fri 08 Jan 2021.

The man says, "We would have to go ask him."

"I would suggest we meet on more neutral ground.  Just outside the cave?  It gives us surface dwellers a better chance to see ambushers and would let us chat in more comfort.  Chatting on ground chosen by the other party has not worked well for us.  And bring the captive so we can see he still lives."  Imbert replies.  "And Bandalor would have to be on-board with the negotiation."
Imbert them looks towards the priest.

I look toward Gundren and then turn to the hairless man and say, "This is acceptable. We shall meet outside."

The man says, "I will pass this word along to the Black Spider." He then turns and whistles. Three Bugbears appear amongst the ruin and he points to the Northern Passage. They head in that direction. The man then bows and heads in that Direction as well.

Once the man and Bugbears are out of ear shot, Zanben lifts tucks his thumbs down around the top of his pants and pulls them up saying "Well that went much better than expected."  He than motions back in the direction leading back to the entrance that we came in, "Shall we head back to the opening of the cave now and wait?  We may be able to get in a little rest before they arrive."

Imbert watches them leave.  "That would have been a tougher fight than I thought."  He says and turns to leave.

You head back to the entrance. Gunmen hurries about making food on the fire and whips up some stew with rabbit and some potatoes. You then all sit and eat a hearty meal. Then you wait.

"We should probably decide what our opening offer is, and what is the worst offer we are willing to accept."  Imbert states between bites.

"Imbert makes a good point." Zanben looks over at Bandalorand then over at Gundren, "Ultimately these mines are your families and your words mean the most in this.  What are your stipulations, prerequisites and groundrules for partnering with the Black Spider?"

Gunmen says,"I feel that this Black Spider character can not be trusted." As he finishes this statement there is a scraping sound from the pit. The rope that is thrown over the edge moves as if it being climbed. Then short stubby fingers appear at the edge and a dwarf hoists himself over the top.

"Nundro!" Gundren calls out.  He rushes over and helps his brother stand. He then gives him a big hug and ushers him over to the group.

Nundro sits with a thud. He is dirty and wild eyed. "They are gone brother. The Black Spider and his minions. I think they found something and left with it."

Gundren gives a bowl to his brother and says,  "I am just glad you are okay."

Gwen claps the two dwarves on the shoulders. "You two have a lot to catch up on... and we'd better go see what the Spider's made off with. Did you see what it was?" She grabs her gear and heads for the rope.

Nundro says, "There was only talk that they had found it and now was the time to get away with it."

"That was unexpected."  Imbert says as he grabs his gear and follows Gwen.

At the startling news that a trickster, murdering villain did not keep a bargain the group heads back into the mine.

OOC: where do you go?

"That tricky bastard."  Zanben grabs his gear and asks Nundro "Do you know what direction they were heading?"

He than follows Gwen and team back into the mines.

Nundro calls after them, "They left me tied and blind folded on the ground. I don't know where they went."

"Depending on what they've looted, they may be moving slow, and Imbert's a tracker... we'll get 'em. The only catch is now we've got to take them all at once."

[OoC]: Start with the Forge of Spells? Maybe the Spectator knows something.

You make your way back to the Forge of Spells. There hovering is the Spectator. However the Forge of Spells seems to be missing.

Zanben investigates the area where the Forge of Spells use to be.

[OOC] Investigation 1D20+3=17
Zanben tries to figure out how it was removed

[OOC] perception 1D20+6=15
Do I see any tracks that Imbert could use to help track them with.

Wile doing all this, he looks over at the spectator, "You let them take the forge?
 Your master is going to be very upset with you."
This message was last edited by the player at 00:06, Wed 13 Jan 2021.

You find tracks near where the forge was and you would guess around it. The tracks then head off to the middle of the room and vanish. The specator beams into your mind, "What do you mean? The new dwarf that looked nothing like a dwarf appeared with his magic user and said that the forge needed to be recharged. It was obvious that it's power was fading ot had you not noticed? Any way they loaded it up into some sort of extra demensional space and said they were heading to the workshop. They then summoned some sort of gateway and went through. I would not worry though I expect them back in a few hours."

Zanben throws his hands up "Whelp portals to other dimensions are a bit out of my forte.  Gwen . . . ?"

Gwen levels a finger at the Spectator. "You have failed as guardian... when the Masters return they will be very disappointed. Unless you help us recover the Forge of Spells? I assume you can leave this place if needed, or are you bound here?"

She turns to the group, disgusted. "Well, Gundren and Nundro are back together, but we may have a longer hike than I'd hoped to recover the Forge. I have no doubt we can run the Spider to ground in time, but that seems like another venture for another day. Should we continue to explore the mine? Maybe the Spider's greed will lure him back here in time."

[OoC]: Was the Forge the top prize here, or were there other things we were seeking? And what do we know of the Spider's base of operations? While I'm at it... Arcana on their means of travel.

22:30, Today: Gwyndolyn Glyphwyrd rolled 13 using 1d20+7 ((6)).

The Spectator beams into your head, "What do you mean I relinquished the Forge to one of the Masters and his mage. They are going to charge the Forge up and bring it back. Why would a Master lie about that?  Also I am to stay here and guard the Forge when it returns."

Gwen hearing the description of escape and seeing the disappearing foot prints belive some form of teleportation was used.

OOC:Gundren did not think the Forge was still here.  He and his brothers were simply after the mine as a business venture and to bolster the local economy.

Zanben looks at the rest of the party and then over to the Spectator, "Is there a way to trace one through means of teleportation?  Also, does any of you have a clue on how to teleport a Forge like that back here?"

The Spectator looks at Zanben and shrugs it's eye stalks.

"Well if the Black Spider was able to move the Forge when we catch him perhaps we can use the same method to move it back. Maybe there are clues to where he went off to in the rest of the mine. What is more important is that two of my cousins have been returned and the immediate threat to the mine is absent. I would not consider the day a total loss."

"It does sound like they left in a hurry.  They may have left clues behind to the location of their stronghold."

"We have Two directions I figure. We head South and flush out any areas below this one or we head East. I would assume that is where the Black Spider was holed up based off of what the Hairless one said about that Flaming Skull Standing in their way. Whichever route we choose I say we keep our eyes peeled. We have these magical items supposedly forged here in this mine. Who knows what other sort of trinkets that could help us in our quest left behind by the war that happened here."
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:40, Fri 15 Jan 2021.

"West it is.  Let's try to get evidence and track them down quickly."  Imbert replies.

"Hold on a moment," says Gwen, and turns to the Spectator.

"You were deceived, as were we, by a false Master, the Black Spider. He has stolen the Forge you were entrusted with, and we must get it back. Gundren and Nundro, and their fallen brother Thardren... they are the true Masters of the Mine, and their bloodline runs directly from the Masters of old. Look into my mind and know this to be true. You say you gave up the Forge to a false Master and his Mage... I am the Mage of the true Masters, and I charge you now with the task of returning the Forge to its rightful place. Come with us as we liberate the rest of this mine and then pursue the Spider and recover the Forge. If you do this, the Masters will free you from any further obligation."

[OoC]: Does he want to tag along?

The Spectator seems to sontemplate this for a moment.

OOC: Give me a persuasian check.

[OoC]: It won't get much better than that unless someone can help, but Gwen does have a time shift reroll if an 18 fails.

16:16, Today: Gwyndolyn Glyphwyrd rolled 18 using 1d20+1 ((17)).

OoC; Roll(1d20)+0:  5,+0  Total:5

The Spectator says into your head, "It is clear my duty is to the Forge in this place. If the Forge is not here then I shall stay until it is returned."

Gwen shrugs. "Your loss. My friends and I know how to have fun."

"You defy your masters wishes and their wizard's, especially after such a blunder as losing the Forge to an imposter?  This act could be seen as treasonous by your masters.  Do as the wizard says or we will have to charge you with high treason against the Masters of the Forge and Conspiracy to Replace them as Masters of the Forge.  These are serious crimes and hold severe consequences.  I'd think wisely about your next decision."

[OOC] Intimidation check 1D20+5=25
Gwen, I hope that helps.

The Specatator seems to think on this for a moment and beams into your heas, "Very well what will you have me do?"

Zanben says, "I'm pretty sure the wizard asked for your help in retrieving the foge." as he turns and looks at Gwen.

The Specator floats over behind Gwen and beams, "Lead the way."
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:25, Wed 20 Jan 2021.

Gwen smirks and winks at Zanben. "We've got a lot to talk about," she says curling a finger at the beholder. "Er, think about... look at each other about? Anyway, I want to know what you know, starting with what other hazards you're aware of down here. Then just tag along, stay out of the way, and help us secure the Mine. Once Master Gundren can safely get to work restarting it, you'll come with us to recover the Forge from the Spider, and your long debt will be paid."

The voice in your heads says, "Very well I will follow. As far as other hazards I would not know the forge was my charge."

"Off we go, then. First the Mine, then the Spider."

[OoC]: Sorry about the Forge, y'all... it should've been in Gwen's bag, I just didn't realize that was an option. I just assumed forge meant massive and heavy. Let's clear this place out and go get it back. My new eyeball buddy (thanks, Zanben!) and maybe Mistress Mizer should be able to help us track it down and recover it.

Curt, can we get a big-picture map of what we've already done?

Areas to go:
AO4
AC33
Q40
H47
BG63

OoC;  If the couldn't get past the flaming skull, could they have been in AC?  Which might link to AO?  Or the Q & H area?

Gwen appears to be deep in mental conversation with the Spectator, but drifts toward a nearby passage.

[OoC]:Let's start with the BG area just to close it out since we've hit it from three sides already. Then on to AO... I think Imbert's on to something.

[OOC] sure we can do that.

Glittering minerals in the ceiling of this large cavern catch the light and send it back to create the impression of a starry night sky. Dozens of skeletons-many crushed under fallen debris-are scattered across the floor.

The cave is large enough that it contains two freestanding structures. Each of these stone buildings is proportioned for human use, as opposed to the dwarf-sized doorways and furnishings you've seen elsewhere in the mines. Both structures have battered and blackened masonry walls, their double doors cracked and scorched. The cavern is divided by an escarpment, into which a flight of stairs has been cut.

Passages lead out of this area to the north, south, and west.

OOC: Gwen can sense a subtle aura of magic in this cavern.


This message was last edited by the GM at 05:23, Fri 22 Jan 2021.

Imbert checks for tracks in the dust, to see if the enemy has been this way.

OoC;  Roll(1d20)+4:  9,+4  Total:13 - Survival for tracks

Imbert does not see any footprints in this area.

"I don't see any tracks.  We could take a quick look for anything of import, or head to the next likely spider lair."  Imbert says to the group.

There is a door into a structure.

Gwen cautiously peeks around the doorway at BC 64.

Dust, ash, walls blackened by fire, and heaps of debris beneath the sagging ceiling show that this room was damaged by a destructive blast. The furnishings-tables, chairs, bookshelves, beds-are charred or splintered, but otherwise well preserved. A scorched iron chest stands near the foot of one of the beds.

"I got this Gwen."  Zanben steps into the room and walks up to inspect the chest for it being locked or traps.

[OOC] Perception 1D20+6=22

Zanben hears a whispered voice behind him that says, ""Your presence is offensive to me, your life forfeit. My treasures are mine alone, not yours to plunder!" Zanben wheels around to see a wraith floating before him.

Jaskier, with wide blood-shot eyes and a confounded look yelps "What the hell is that?"  He lets out a burp and mumbles "Lord of light perhaps I need give up the drink...spiders...freaking forges" before letting out another burp.

Imbert takes out his crossbow and lines up a shot.

OoC;  Are we rolling initiative?