The five adventurers make their way to a place Kellen says is quite near the waterfall hideout but still hidden enough to be safe.  After resting and eating and sleeping and studying, you move out in the deep night. Kellen, for whatever else he may be, knows his way in the woods at night and leads you to fast roaring water, and then down through some trees, grasses and onto a stony path.  It splits and pointing up to the left he hand symbols that the large cave is up that way and you can see the path is thin, dangerous and wet and actually disappears behind the massive waterfall.  The path to the right leads into a tunnel with stairs leading up.  Following this, in a few minutes you are far enough away from the roar of the water fall to speak to each other.  Their are several tunnels that branch out and eventually just end, but to the north is a real stone door.

"So many waterfalls! I doubt I will ever see another without assuming there is a door behind it."

Checking on her little friend, Delta slips it a small handful of mixed nuts.

Glancing about the corridor, she admires mother natures works at carving the place out of the stone.

"This place in lovely. Oh, wait, Vala, can you see? Is it safe to light my lantern, Kellen?"

"They may have trapped the door with an alarm; let me check."

Tanyl checks for traps on the door.

In reply to Tanyl Miaras (msg # 3):

As Tanyl set to work, Delta had a question for the ranger. "Kellen, not sure how much you can learn by tracking and such, but is there any sign of goblins or kobolds here yet? I cam do a pretty good job of impersonating one, some of the time."

Kellen nods to Delta,  "I think lantern would be safe, but be ready to douse if we see or hear someone coming.  Human tracks, hobgoblins, gnolls even, but I didn't see anything as small as a goblin"

Tanyl checks the door for traps and does not find anything.  In fact, in looking at the lock, it appears to be unlocked.

"Are we ready?" Tanyl asks, not wanting to open the door prematurely.

Disappinted that there seemed to be nothing that her magicks could make her resemble, Delta unhooked her bullseyes lantern from her pack, and filled the oil well. Using her flint to slight s small piece of tinder, she lit the lantern, then reduced the slit to about fifteen degrees, for her barbarian Princess. Expecting Vala to be tense at the thought of combat, she put out her hand, and if Vala accepted it, she would give it a nice warm squeeze.

Part of the little gnome felt the urge to pull out her lute, but she knew this was not the time. She looked around the cave for any sign of local life, uncertain what exactly she would find in a place like this, but the proximity to water meant there was probably something. She rather wished she had brother a net, to try and catch and fish tumbling down stream. She imagined they would be very fresh, and delicious.

All of these thoughts were an effort to distance herself mentally from the proximity of danger, and she found comfort in the distraction...

Vala accepted Delta's hand and cheerfully returned the squeeze of affection. While she wasn't at her best in dim light she'd be willing to bet she was equal enough to a bugbear or two!

"I am ready, I don't know you folks so do you have a scout, or should I go in first? I'm pretty quiet but if I see something evil, I'll kill it as quietly as I can but am not likely to wait for vote"

"I usually scout, because I'm quiet and can see in the dark.  I am less a threat than you, however -- we can advance together if you like."

As usual. Delta will hold her lantern, minimizing the light, just enough for Vala to walk safely. Until an enemy was engaged, of course, then she would fling the shutters wide. She was torn about her other hand, and how it would be more useful, but opted to draw her blade. Though she had grown in prowess to a minor degree, she still wished to ration her arcane energies if possible.

Matthias takes his customary position at the party's rear, just behind Delta. He is thankful for Delta's lantern because otherwise he would be stumbling in the dark.

The sooner they find these bugbears, and more to the point, the missing sisters, the better. His sleep was dogged by terrible, dark thoughts he hopes are proven misfounded.

Cracking the door open and peeking in, Tanyl can immediately see that the door opens into an alcove.  He almost laughs because it looks like an old and empty tombstone alcove, something he's seen an awful lot of lately!  The alcove itself is in the dark but beyond is a larger room that is dimly lit with flickering torch or lamplight.

He can see a bench style table, littered with dishes and drinks, a round table with chairs around it, further into the darkness, he can see some empty beds.  There are two men at the round table, both shirtless and strongly built but without armor. They appear to be looking over some papers on the table.

Tensing, Delta double and triple checks that her light is dim and faint, and not traveling as far as Tanyl. She wonders what he sees, but knows better than to ask...

Tanyl turns back to the others and holds up two fingers.  Once he's made eye contact with everyone, he points into the area beyond the door.

He then silently draws his weapons and whispers: "Gonna hide." He then sneaks in.

In reply to Tanyl Miaras (msg # 16):

Assuming Kellen is the next sneakiest, Delta will wait a moment to see if he proceeds, then wait to see if Vala wants to go third. She will then advance, hopefully in  that position, with her dim light between the two who need it the most.

Only two of whatever these will be doesn't seem too bad.

Tanyl slips into the room using the torchlights to stay completely hidden in the shadows.  Kellen follows into the alcove which is very dark.  Sadly, Tanyl doesn't see a small copper urn sitting in the dark and steps into it, and it goes clank, clank, and then rolls quite noisily across the floor and into the torchlight.

The men at the table, stand and grab rapiers at their waists.

ooc: Tanyl made his hide roll, but rolled a 100 in silence, Tanyl and Kellen can react this round,  everyone else will need to use this round to enter the room.

"Damnit," Tanyl says, expressing more irritation at the urn than himself.

He then casts a spell.

Matthias winces when he hears the first metallic clank and then winces even harder when the solitary clank turns into a roaring clankity clank. He looks first to Vala and then Delta and whispers, "oh no, I don't like the sound of that."

Hearing Tanyl's curse confirms it and the cleric springs to action when he hears his companion begin reciting arcane syllables.

"So much for that. Time for action," he says while bring his shield and mace into advancing position.

OOC: moving toward Tanyl
This message was last edited by the player at 17:36, Fri 14 May 2021.

A smirk arises on Delta's face at the comments of Matthias. Stealth would have been nice, but you can't always get what you want.

Opening the lantern hood wider, to allow for increased speed, the little gnome moves ahead as fast as the movement of those before her allows.

Kellen dashes forward and swings his sword but his target is quicker than he looks and dodges the attack.

The two men with swords are confronted by the ranger, the closer one returns a swing of weapons with the same results as the ranger had, swinging at air!  The other man turns and leaves the room by the far exit.



Human fighter:   AC:7  Hp's:  x/x

PC       Class        Level    HP      AC   THAC 6

Vala     Fighter         3    22/22     2     12
Tanyl    Mage/Thief     2/3   13/13     4     15
Delta    Fghtr/Illnst   2/2   14/14     2     13
Matthias Cleric          2    17/17     6     14

In reply to DM Bard (msg # 23):

Careful to stay out of the way of the front line fighters, Delta slides to the left flank, and stabs out with her short-sword. Apparently she had the element of surprise, perhaps due to her small size, but her blade slid in deep. She gave it a twist before pulling it back, in hopes of doing more damage!

13:02, Today: Delta rolled 20 using 1d20 ((20)).
Max damage is 6.

Vala gives a Northern war cry and runs after the retreating guard, determined to chase him down before he gets far.

As Vala disappears chasing after the second man, Kellen swings twice, connecting each time with moderate damage.

Matthias enters the room with his mace and shield drawn. Hoping to avoid pointless bloodshed and perhaps take the man alive, the cleric raises channels the divine power of his deity and commands the man with the sword to "HALT!"

Then, as an aside to his companions, and assuming the man is compelled to comply, he quickly says, "Quickly. Bind him. Take him as prisoner!"

OOC: Cast command.

Command
Range: 10 ft
Duration: 1 round
Area of Effect: 1 living creature
Components: V
Casting Time: 1 segment
Saving Throw: See below
By speaking a single word of command with the force of divine power behind it,
the cleric may force a creature to obey an order. The creature must be able
to hear the cleric and understand the language in which he or she utters the
command. The command may be only one word, must be a verb, and must be completely
unambiguous. “Halt,” “Flee,” and “Sleep” are typical commands, but many others
are possible. The effects may not extend beyond a single round, and the command
“Die” has the same effect as the command to “Sleep”.

Creatures with intelligence of 13+ and/or hit dice of 6+ gain a saving throw
against the spell’s influence.

Tanyl also sprints after the fleeing man.

If Mathias's spell works, he will bind the man as he suggested and say to Vala: "Help Kellen."

The injured man suddenly stops his counterattack and stands rather still as Tanyl binds him up, he is bloodied from two smaller wounds delivered by Kellen, and one much worse delivered by Delta.

Vala rushes after the other man, taking the stair up two or three at a time, and then nearly knocks him over as she rounds the corner to the hallway.   He is standing there, leaning against the wall and holding his head, he looks unsteady but has dropped his sword.

In reply to DM Bard (msg # 29):

Delta will leaving the binding of the man to Kellen and Matthias, and quickly search the room, wiping the blood off of her sword and returning it to it's sheath.

If need be, she had magics that she thought could make questioning the man more effective, but Tanyl seemed to have that ability as well. She would save her scant few opportunities at magic for now.

A quick search of the room reveals personal items likely belonging to the two men, each has a chest with extra clothes, boots, sacks, and a handful of coins.  The table has pieces of paper laid out and one is the drawing of a small town you don't recognize, it appears some plotting is going on.

If any of the clothes seem new or nice, she will take them, as well as the coins. Most importantly she will take the papers, carefully rolling them up. They might come in handy. She will also check for any spices or food stores they might have.

Are they human, is the room lit? If she can find oil flasks she will take a few of those as well.

"I accept your surrender," Vala says. The barbarian warrioress grins at the man, takes his sword for her own and escorts him back to the others. "He came peacefully!"

The room is lit by a single large brazier.

The surrendered man looks relieved his compatriot is still alive.

"May I bind that wound so he doesn't bleed to death. Look, we aren't really big fans of Tegroth, just picked up a few small jobs, if its all the same to you, can we just leave, take our stuff, we'll just make a run for it and you'll never see us again."

"Nobody is going to bleed to death," Matthias reponds, annoyed, to sellsword.

As soon as Tanyl has secured the man, Matthias will direct his attention to the wounded mercenary and bind his wounds as best as he is able. While dressing the man's wounds, he continues, "the terms of your release are entirely dependent on what information you have that is of use to," he cinches off a bandage with a little more pressure than necessary to make a point, "Us"

"We are looking for two sisters of Ehlonna," he remarks. "Kidnapped by Tegroth. What do you know of it?"

"Speak now and speak true," he says with irritation.

Things had gone easier than Delta had expected, and she was doubly glad to see Vala return safe and with the fleeing man. It appeared he hadn't been able to set off an alarm, thank the gods.

"After he tells us about the sisters, I have a few more questions for the men. Like when are they expecting relief or food. And what was this map all about."

She shows the paper she found that they had been drawing or studying.

"Yes, yes, of course. The women are mere steps away, through that corridor, each in her own cell, unmolested though frightened.  Tegroth ordered us to that duty, to make sure they remained, unharmed, he could not rely on the hobs or dogs for such.  It was more than just our lives if we failed and we did not.  Just beyond their cells is a door with four more guards, they hold the keys to the cells"

The corridor he indicates is to the east.

Matthias carefully listens to the sellsword's words while studying his demeanor to look for any possible signs of deception--shifty eyes, hesitation providing info, excessive blinking, and the like.

"Know this, if you are found to be lying, there will be consequences."

"And what of these guards? Are their loyalties to Tegroth the same as yours?" he says quicker now, his voice somewhat lower.

The man appears to be genuinely trying to be helpful enough to earn his freedom.

"Black-hearted elves, they hate everyone, but are loyal to Tegroth.  If you pass the first door to their room, go to the corner and take a left, you'll see a second door, it is the only other entrance, if you attacked from both sides, they'd have no way to run."

Looking to Delta,

"Tegroth's crews come and go, there are still a few crews out on missions but when they'll return we don't know.   The maps we've been looking at are a few towns, Tegroth is trying to capture someone and he thinks they live in one of the places we are studying.  The person is a member of a Blood Cult who might know where their headquarters is hidden in the City of Stormhaven.  I don't know the details being low in ranks, but it has something to with magic weapons, its all he thinks about.  I mean, he's got enough treasure to buy an island, he should just retire".

"Very well," Matthias. "If what you say is true, you will have been very helpful and will have acquitted yourself quite well, despite poor employment decisions."

"But here it is, your chance to redeem yourselves in the eyes of Erathis," he says, summoning his most earnest tone. "Join swords with us, help us defeat these black-hearted elves, vanquish Tegroth, and reclaim the pure-hearted sisters, and you will have earned your redemption through action, not words."


"To sweeten the deal, and induce your full-hearted support, I will also offer each of you a sum of 20 gold pieces, each, from my own coffers. Paid in full when we've seen to the sisters' safety."

"Pledge your loyalty, here, before the gods, and I promise you will have earned your freedom," he says, making eye contact with both men.

"I warn you, make no false promises, before the eyes and ears of the Gods!" he cautions.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:52, Thu 20 May 2021.

The man lowers his eyes, "Can't we just go now...?"

"No. You cannot," Matthias sternly responds.

Turning now back to Vala and Tanyl, "Bind them both. Gag and bound them, since they seem unwilling to do the right thing and we can't trust them to not betray us later."

As far as Matthias is concerned, the issue is settled, but of course he will listen to his companions' counsel on the issue and is in no way trying to assert leadership over any other. He is just frustrated by the situation.

"A blood cult? Perhaps we should try and find out who that person is as well, sounds like things might get more complicated that we thought."

She examined the map, though there was little to no hope of learning much from the scribbling at this point.

She watches Matthias have the two men bound and gagged, and approved. She didn't mind letting them go, if they were reasonably innocent of harming Unicorns, but now was not the time.

After they are bound, she crouches down next to them and ungags them for the moment. She gives them both some water, and hopes a bit of kindness might loosen their lips.

"Do you know anything about why Tegroth was hunting the Unicorns? Was that the sole reason for attacking the sisterhood, or was there more?"

Tanyl helps bind and gag the men as Matthias advised.

The men, having apparently missed their chance at freedom, refuse to answer any more questions but do not resist being bound.

In reply to DM Bard (msg # 45):

Spotting their reticence, Delta shakes her head, and puts away her water skin.

"There is still a gap between now and your eventual release. It certainly wouldn't hurt you to be friendly with those of us who may, or may not make that happen."

She replaces their gags, and walks away. These two men had made an enemy...

When Delta questions the uninjured man again, he adds, "Let my friend go now, I will answer your questions, and I will fight with you to the end, and if I live, I will try to learn the ways of Erathis, though I've never been much good at learning".

The other man is older and gagged and seems to object to this statement, grumbling something at the younger man in protest.

In reply to DM Bard (msg # 47):

"This one seems willing to be helpful," she said to Mattias and the others. "So tell me, what do you know about the reason for the attack on the unicorns?"

"We're wasting our time here," Matthias adds, annoyed. "Neither is to be trusted, this much is clear. There as likely to turn against us as they are to flee as soon as are eyes are turned elsewhere."

Then, seeing Delta persist, Matthias allows her to continue while he moves on to discuss tactics with Tanyl and Vala. "I will call for Erathis' blessing right before we take up arms against the dark elves. Hopefully that, combined with a swift strike, will give us the edge we need to prevail."

Something seems to have changed within Matthias. His tone is less uncertain and he now speaks with conviction and urgency.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:10, Fri 21 May 2021.

The mention of 'dark elves' sparked a deep, memory in Delta's mind, a nightmare from her childhood.

She tried to put it out of her mind, even if Matthias didn't wish to trust this man, she could ask her questions. If they lived, they would be setting them free, she had no doubt. Might as well try to make some use of them.

"Also what do you know about the blood priest, did you have a description?"

Kellen shrugs, "I'm with the cleric, let's gear up and go kill the dark elves, they are lowlings anyhow and probably don't know enough to be worth our time!".

Delta waits a moment longer to see if the guy starts talking. If not, she replaced the gag and moves on with the others.

Having tightly bound and gagged the entry guards, the party moves to the east passage, and follows it carefully, not entirely trusting the word of the men left behind.  Good to their word at in least some respects, you find a northern passage that contains three very small doors with bottom slits (like you'd feed a wild dog through, or perhaps, a prisoner), further north is another door, and then the passage turns to the west.   That passage has a southern door that seems likely to enter the same room as the other door just as described.

ooc: for ease going into the weekend, here is the map with more detail than you've actually seen yet :-)..

"Should we release the sisters first?" Tanyl whispers as he inspects whether he can unlock these doors without the aid of the keys the guards supposedly possess.

"If you can, yes, that would be great."

Matthias nods in agreement with the suggestion to check in on the sisters' condition. Even if they remain in their cells for the time being, it will put the cleric's mind at ease to know whether they have indeed remain unsullied by Tegroth and his brutes.

Then a thought occurs to him and he kneels down to whisper into the slits, "Hello in there. Do not be frightened. We are here to help." He hopes that the sisters are indeed in the cells, but awaits a reaction.

Vala also checks the doors with Tanyl. It has occurred to the warrioress that sometimes a shoulder charge from someone present works better than a missing key.

A quick check of the three small doors reveals that they were probably meant to house guard animals, likely war dogs.  They are locked but barely so and not requiring much skill and certainly not a key to open.  Two are empty, the third contains remains of very young unicorn, its horn missing, its eyes gouged out, and obviously killed by neglect.

Delta stifles a gasp, but does nothing to hold back the tears at the sight of the poor tortured beast.

"Someone will pay for this," she whispers thru gritted teeth.

She is so upset at the sight, she fails to register the fact that the two women are missing.

Matthias' heart sinks when he takes in the sight of the slain unicorn colt and he has to steady himself against the doorframe to avoid collapsing to a knee in grief.

"Why?" the kind-hearted adept asks. "What manner of evil must dwell within a man's heart to do such a thing?" he asks, completely at a loss.

The young man feels his blood boil and his heart race wildly as impulses of visiting great destruction on Tegroth begins to well up within him. Now, in a sterner, grimmer voice, agreeing with Delta, "Tegroth will pay for this. He better pray to whatever unclean gods he holds dear the sisters have not been treated as such..."

Matthias is now ready to proceed with all due haste and is no longer thinking clearly. Any around him would notice a rashness seems to have come over him.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:04, Mon 24 May 2021.

Vala quickly steps between Delta and the awful sight and reaches down, giving her friend a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Don't worry, we'll make them pay, and we'll see this little one properly buried."

"Weren't the sisters supposed to be in there?  Why would they lie just so we can see . . . this?"
This message was last edited by the player at 14:39, Mon 24 May 2021.

"We could go back and ask them, but in all honesty I suspect they weren't high on the need to know list, if the sisters were moved. It might mean they were recently moved though, maybe we should hurry forward?"

Delta choked back her sadness, trying to put it away in the back of her heart for another day. There were more urgent issues to be dealt with right now.

Tanyl moves to the door beyond the three cells and listens and tests to see if it's locked.

Tanyl hears movement inside, its very quite, almost like someone or someone's trying to be quiet.  The door however, is unlocked.

While Tanyl checks out the first room door, Kellen motions with his hand his intent to go forward and cover the other door.  The ranger moves off quietly and disappears around the corner of the hallway.

In a low whisper, Delta turns to Vala. "There is no way that could be the same baby unicorn, could it? Can we even trust Kellen?"

Her standard paranoia is kicking in, but she watches carefully the direction the ranger went.

Matthias impatiently fidgets, each second lost filling him with new dark thoughts.

Hearing Delta's suspicions of the ranger, he whispers, "I don't know, I think so...but you never can tell what darkness may lie in man's heart."

Matthias forces himself to look at the dead unicorn colt again, trying to see any detail that might lead him to think this is the same unicorn colt he helped save not too long ago.

"Maybe they were siblings?" he adds, his tone tinged with uncertainty.

In reply to Matthias (msg # 68):

"If we survive this, I hope we can give the poor thing a decent burial. Some nice flower filled meadow somewhere."

Shaking herself, Delta attempts to refocus on the task at hand.

"What do you hear Tanyl? Anything?"

"Someone trying to be quiet.  Door's unlocked.  No clue what Kellen's doing, or if we should wait.  Part of me says to just burst in."

Tanyl hears a very soft click, then the slightest of squeaks, followed by another soft clack, and then.....

"Wrong door idiots" followed by the clash of a sword and growl of some creatures, and the cries and moving of heavy feet.



19:22, Today: Kellen rolled 6 using 2d4+4.  damage.

19:21, Today: Kellen rolled 11 using 1d20+2.  attack.

Tanyl opens the door in front of him . . .

The room beyond is lit, and there either four really ugly men, of four slightly decent looking orcs in it.  They are half armored, seemingly having quickly dressed, and one is deeply wounded and fighting Kellen.  The other three are facing Tanyl.

They attack.

ooc: someone roll initiative,  they were waiting to surprise you, but Tanyl's hearing and Kellen's attack, you have equal odds. (a d6 please).  Your odds are great, I rolled a 6, so anything lower than that and you go first!  They are AC: 5.

20:10, Today: Matthias rolled 2 using 1d6.  Initiative.

Matthias hastens his step when he hears the sound of battle nearby and rushes to its source...

In reply to Matthias (msg # 75):

Rushing in, Delta quickly clears the doorway. stepping to the left to allow ease of access for those behind her, and looks for a place to stick her blade. Her effort fails however.

If I can reach a target... 18:28, Today: Delta rolled 6 using 1d20 ((6)).

Tanyl slides aside a bit to allow others in as he whips out two daggers and throws them at the nearest orc to him.

The first buries itself in the orc's stomach; the other skitters away.


08:41, Today: Tanyl Miaras rolled 16,4 using d20+3,d4.  Dagger 1 (16 to hit).

08:41, Today: Tanyl Miaras rolled 10,1 using d20+3,d4.  Dagger 2 (16 to hit).

The party rushes in to find Kellen and a large half-orc dueling blades at the far door and three more of them standing at your own door, half ready to fight.

Tanyl steps in and to the side to allow others to follow, throwing two daggers and landing one in the belly of an enemy that falls to the ground, bleeding and gasping.  Delta swarms in and misses with her blade, and Mathias comes as well, weapon ready.

The three enemies still standing all swing swords but miss!





ooc:

Half Orcs:  x/-5   x/dead  x/?   x/?    AC:5


PC       Class        Level    HP      AC   THAC 6

Vala     Fighter         3    22/22     2     12
Tanyl    Mage/Thief     2/3   13/13     4     15
Delta    Fghtr/Illnst   2/2   14/14     2     13
Matthias Cleric          2    17/17     6     14


PC's are UP 

Thrusting her short sword yet again, Delta attacks whichever is closest to her, driving her blade easily in though a gap in his defenses, and again gives it a twist as she jerks it out quickly.


18:41, Today: Delta rolled 20 using 1d20 ((20)).
Max damage is 6.

Matthias rushes into the fray and attempts to smash his footman's mace into one of the half-orc mercenaries but his efforts are parried away.

"So help me God, you better have not laid a filthy hand on the Sisters," he says through clenched teeth, his emotions obviously out of check.


OOC: nope

21:07, Today: Matthias rolled 7,6 using d20,d6+2.

Tanyl has more daggers -- but clearly, they aren't good daggers.


08:37, Today: Tanyl Miaras rolled 8,1 using d20+3,d4.  Dagger 2 (16 to hit).

08:36, Today: Tanyl Miaras rolled 7,1 using d20+3,d4.  Dagger 1 (16 to hit).

Vala moves into the room and attacks the nearest half orc, swinging with might but not accuracy.


19:59, Today: DM Bard, on behalf of Vala, rolled 4 using 1d20+1.  attack.

Kellen grinning and looking like a ranger would fighting an orc-ish class, swings and again lands a mighty blow on his opponent, who again, does not fall.

09:50, Today: Kellen rolled 7 using 2d4+4.  damage

09:50, Today: Kellen rolled 20 using 1d20+1. hit

Matthias despite his righteous anger swings wide, Tanyl tosses two errant daggers, luckily, across the room Kellen manages to dodge one of them before it slices his ear off, Vala rushing into the room rushes a bit too much and swing poorly.  Delta however, lands a hard and true strike and the half-orc before her collapses dead.  Kellen lands another hard blow on his opponent, but it still stands fighting.

The orcish on Kellen also misses, but the other one, now surrounded by many, randomly attacks Vala and lands a deep gash on the warrior (20, max damage 8).






ooc:

Half Orcs:  x/-12   x/dead  x/dead   x/?    AC:5


PC       Class        Level    HP      AC   THAC 6

Vala     Fighter         3    14/22     2     12
Tanyl    Mage/Thief     2/3   13/13     4     15
Delta    Fghtr/Illnst   2/2   14/14     2     13
Matthias Cleric          2    17/17     6     14


PC's are UP 

Things seemed to be swinging in their direction, though Delta let out a small cry at the sight of Vala being wounded. Pleased with the success of her blow, Delta moves to attack another.

Trying to stay out of the way of the others, however, requires Delta to keep a hair too much distance between her and her target, and she only manages to nick him.


21:24, Today: Delta rolled 1 using 1d6.  damage.

21:24, Today: Delta rolled 17 using 1d20.  swing short sword.

Hissing in pain from the gash above her left thigh Vala's concentration wavers on her return attacks, her blade cleaving the air rather than Orcish skulls.

---

OOC:
13:59, Today: Vala rolled 9 using 1d20+1.  Attack with the Starblade #2.

13:59, Today: Vala rolled 2 using 1d20+1.  Attack with the Starblade #1.

Matthias hears Vala hiss out in pain, looks over fearing for his companion, sees the red gash above her thigh, and knows he must do his part to quickly put an end to these villains. Gaining control of his emotions, he channels the discipline instilled in all Erathites, recites the Seven Divine Words, and brings his mace to bear against one of the half-orcs.

It is a solid, smashing hit!

OOC: Natural 20. Hit for max damage = 8

08:36, Today: Matthias rolled 20,3 using d20,d6+2 with rolls of 20,1.  attack/damage.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:19, Sat 29 May 2021.

Tanyl pulls out one of his remaining daggers and his sword and tries to make amends with Kellen by not throwing either.

His swings don't help Kellen -- but he probably didn't make the ranger have to duck (much).


14:11, Today: Tanyl Miaras rolled 4,4 using d20-1,d4.  dagger.

14:11, Today: Tanyl Miaras rolled 7,8 using d20+1,d8.  sword (16 to hit).

Kellen swings again, and again lands a deep blow on the opponent!




20:28, Today: Kellen rolled 11 using 2d4+4.

20:28, Today: Kellen rolled 20 using 1d20+1.  attack.

Delta lands a minor wound, and both Vala and Tanyl miss twice, but Matthias, with his holy anger rolling through his thoughts lands a devastating blow and kills the half orc. Meanwhile, Kellen again lands a deep blow on his opponent, it finally drops to the ground dead.

The battle ends, and even with both doors shut, the only noise the party can hear is the low deep rumble of the nearby waterfall.

In reply to DM Bard (msg # 90):

Keeping her sword in her hand, Delta does a quick survey of the room, looking for doors, or items of value. Once done, she will search the bodies, if no one has beaten her to it.

Tanyl gathers his thrown daggers, wrenching mightily to remove the one that buried itself in the half-orc's gut.

As Tanyl retrieves his daggers, Delta does a quick check of the room and bodies.  These folks also have the strange coins with a X on them, 14 total.  The coins are roughly made and possibly silver.  You begin to suspect having found these now on both the half orcs and the hobgoblins, that Tegroth might be rough minting his own coins to pay his associates.  What they are worth, is hard to guess.

In this room also, there is a table with maps strewn about.  A quick look reveals some of the same towns at the previous table, but also, an old map that looks to be part of the Stormhaven sewer system.  Not the time to look too much at them, Delta rolls them up and stores them safely with the rest.

Kellen wipes his bloodied sword off the corpse of the half orc he killed.  He looks like he might kick the body but stops just short.

"So far, so good, no one's rushed in here to help, so it seems we are still unnoticed."

"Are we ready to proceed?"

Tanyl looks to Vala, who he knows got struck but he doesn't know how badly.

"Yes," Matthias quickly responds. "Let's find the Sisters, if we can."

As to Kellen's comment regarding the party being unnoticed thus far, Matthias hopes their fortune continues in this regard and says as much. "We cannot delay. Each passing moment puts us, and the Sisters, at risk."

Reclaiming her lantern, Delta checks on her rat, then prepares to advance.

Tanyl looks at Matthias, then Vala, then Kellen, then shrugs.

He then heads to the north door, prepared to scout to the west.

Vala looks pale but manages a crooked smile for her comrades, touched by their visible concern. "Don't worry I'm not done swinging my sword yet."

Tanyl listens at the Northern door, hearing nothing but the steady humming in the rocks set off by the waterfall outside, he slips through the door and explores.   A few moments go by before he returns and describes what he has seen.  The passage goes a short distance before splitting.  One passage heading back south and towards the large entry door that exits behind the falls.  It is large and closed.  Continuing to the west the passage widens into a room, a large cavern by the looks of it.  It too is lit by flickering lights, several beds are visible and also two gnolls that are posted at the entrance to the room.  They appear alert and armed but do not notice Tanyl before he slips away.

"I don't like that we have to pass the closed door and put it behind us to get to the gnolls, but I don't know that it's a better option to go in the door with the gnolls right there."

OOC: Which way were the gnolls facing?  As in, could a thiefly person sneak up on them, or are they facing east-ish?

They appeared alert, serious, and looking eastward, luckily, the light behind them protected Tanyl from being seen easily.

Vala looked at Delta. "Any chance you could use an illusion on them?" She grinned. "I do always like your shows!"

"I can try, though it would only be visible from their side. I have to stay focused on it though."

With a twirl of her fist she casts her spell, though nothing would look different from this side. To the gnolls, however, there would be the appearance of the empty hallway, with no movement and none of them.

She waits a second to make sure they notice nothing strange, then gestures to the others if it seems to have worked.

Matthias awaits the results of Delta's spellcraft and fights the urge to push his companions onward in search of the Sisters. They would be of no good to the Sisters dead, so perhaps a little caution is warranted.

While Delta works her magic, Tanyl keeps an eye on the door near them . . .

The guards remain at their posts.  What do you intend to do to find out if the spell worked?  Even if it did, if you get close enough for them to hear or smell you, it may break, and certainly if you get within a few few of them it will.  If you plan to get as close as you can and then attack, please let me know the marching order, two wide for who will be first to attack.

In reply to DM Bard (msg # 107):

I think our plan was simply to be able to open this door without being spotted. Or maybe bar it? It's up to Tanyl, but it isn't intended for combat purposes right now.

I thought the plan was to take out the guards because we doubted we could access the door with them there.  But if not, that's fine --I just worried about getting in the room and having the whole complex arrive and block us in.

In reply to Tanyl Miaras (msg # 109):

The point of the illusion was to hopefully allow you to access the door without them seeing you do it. If you want to do something else though, go right ahead.

OOC: No, that's fine.  I never felt super strongly about my suggestion; each plan has unique risks.  We'll go with the door.

____________________________________

Tanyl watches for the moment when the guards appear distracted by Delta's illusion.  Once that moment arrives, he will check to see if the door is locked and unlock it if necessary.

Concentrating to hold the spell in place, Delta places her lantern on the floor. She hopes the illusion does it's job, but she wants to be ready should it fail.

ooc: sorry for the delay, for some reason, the game never highlighted that anyone had posted so I was in wait mode.  It seemed odd so I just checked and there are actions posted, dang, my bad.


Tanyl slips quietly down the hall and turns south to the large door which he assumes exits to beneath the waterfall.   It is locked from the inside by a wooden bar, easily moved.  However, opening the door only a tiny bit reveals to him just how loud it will be become if he opens it enough to slip through, it would be like banging a dozen drums and would draw attention for certain!

In reply to DM Bard (msg # 113):


Uncertain which is the 'inside' here, is the bar on this side, or the other side?

ooc: this side

"Can we wedge that wooden bar in place, making it harder for anything to sneak up behind us?" Delta whispered, as she focused on her illusion.

Tanyl frowns instead of revealing that once again he failed to purchase any iron spikes.


He sacrifices a dagger in an attempt to jam the bar from this side.

Hoping Tanyl's efforts are effective, Delta glances at Vala, and whispers, "Should we attack then?"

Though Delta's question was not directed to him, Matthias offers his take, "whatever we decide, we need to do it soon. The longer we wait here, the more chance we have of being discovered."

Delta nods in agreement. As soon as Tanyl is finished and back behind her, she will release the illusion.

Kellen leans over and whispers, "My ranger senses tell me this is the main lair, if we fight, be ready for a major one.  Let's strike hard and take down as many as we can while we have them disorganized." This is said with eagerness on his face as he slowly and quietly draws his sword.

"Okay, I need to shift gears here, but I am going to try and give us a little advantage here."

She looks to the others, and hopes they look ready. She sheathes her sword, and stretches her fingers.

"I am going to create a rainbow, it only lasts a moment, but it can baffle and stun those who look at it, so avert your gave a little bit."

Waiting a second, the young gnome picks a spot as far from her as possible, right around the corner if possible, mutters the word "Gar-Land" which causes a rainbow to grow from out of the ground, and arch over the room and their foes. Hopefully the motion draws their eyes along, and away from them. It is a ribbon of twisting and shifting lights, casting multi-hued shadows around the room. In order to keep it moving, she requires both hands, but will join the party next round.

"Very well," Matthias says in response to Kellen's appraisal. The cleric begins to mentally prepare for battle. Upon hearing Delta's plan to distract their enemies, he replies, "Excellent. Let us hope the dazzling display will catch them unaware."

He continues, "I will do my part as well, to tip the advantage in our favor, by calling upon Erathis' blessing just before we take storm in and take them by surprise."

Matthias signals he is ready and awaits the same of his companions.

OOC: Casting bless on the party right before we engage the enemy. Will last for 6 rounds. This minor benison raises the morale and attack rolls of any creatures allied
with the casting cleric by +1 or +5% as appropriate.

Matthias will have two 1st level spells in reserve, most likely CLW, if needed during battle.

Once it appears that the gnolls' attention is drawn away, Tanyl will sneak up and try to stab one from behind.

As Matthias blesses the party, Delta casts a spell that creates a swirling, wriggling rainbow of lights that ribbon through the distant cavern.  From the looks of it, the two guard gnolls turn to watch the light show.




ooc:

Everyone can attack with both initiative and surprise.  You can direct attacks at the two gnolls, or rush past them (there are hobgoblins and goblins in the room beyond).  You get the +1 from the bless, and an additional +2 due to most of them being distracted by the rainbow.  That bonus will only apply to this round.


PC       Class        Level    HP      AC   THAC 6

Vala     Fighter         3    14/22     2     12    bless
Tanyl    Mage/Thief     2/3   13/13     4     15    bless
Delta    Fghtr/Illnst   2/2   14/14     2     13    bless
Matthias Cleric          2    17/17     6     14    bless

NPC

Kellen   Ranger          3    27/27     4     11    bless


PC's are UP 

Tanyl likes to backstab . . . so he targets a gnoll's back.


16:20, Today: Tanyl Miaras rolled 21,5 using d20+6,d8.
Doubled, so 10.


16:21, Today: Tanyl Miaras rolled 10,4 using d20+2,d4.  dagger.

In reply to Tanyl Miaras (msg # 126):

As soon as the cantrip no longer needed her attention, Delta rushed forward and stabs at the Gnoll next to the one Tanyl was busy disemboweling. Her blow is well delivered, and though not a deadly as Tanyl's, it was none the less quite solid!


15:25, Today: Delta rolled 5 using 1d6.  damage.

15:24, Today: Delta rolled 16 using 1d20+3.  stab with short sword.

Matthias dashes into the room and smashes his mace into the nearest gnoll.

OOC: Hit AC 2 for 3 points of damage

18:52, Today: Matthias rolled 18,3 using d20+2,d6+2 with rolls of 16,1.  attack/damage.

With a wild warcry Vala raced forward, her bastard swinging in a deadly arc at the nearest gnoll. Such was her enthusiasm that the barbarian warrioress misjudged her first swing against the gnoll and had to adjust.

---

OOC:
02:13, Today: Vala rolled 8 using 2d4+3.  Damage.

02:11, Today: Vala rolled 12 using 1d20+4.  Attack with the Starblade #2.

02:11, Today: Vala rolled 6 using 1d20+4.  Attack with the Starblade #1.

Kellen uses the distraction of the rainbow to rush past the two guardian gnolls and around the corner into the larger chamber.

"Holy crap!" he calls out and then you here his sword clank on the ground, and him add, "Dammit!".

Vala and Delta each land solid blows on one of the guard gnolls, and Matthias and Tanyl attack from the front and rear of the other.  Both of them die with looks a complete surprise on their doglike faces.  Kellen dashes into the chamber is so taken aback by the ten enemies waiting there, that he drops his sword as he tries to attack, taking a moment to recover it from the floor.   This gives the nearest gnoll to him a chance to hack him (3pts damage).  Another gnoll charges to engage Tanyl, a bugbear does the same to Vala, and two goblins close in on Matthias and Delta.  Kellen is flanked by multiple enemies.





ooc:

The players are up!

Gnolls:   dead/?   dead/?   x/?   x/?  AC: 5     
Bugbears:    x/?    x/?                AC: 5     
Goblins:     x/?    x/?     x/?   x/?   x/?   x/?  AC: 6   


PC       Class        Level    HP      AC   THAC 6

Vala     Fighter         3    14/22     2     12    bless
Tanyl    Mage/Thief     2/3   13/13     4     15    bless
Delta    Fghtr/Illnst   2/2   14/14     2     13    bless
Matthias Cleric          2    17/17     6     14    bless

NPC

Kellen   Ranger          3    24/27     4     11    bless


PC's are UP 

Tanyl didn't want to be fighting a gnoll, and his lack of enthusiasm for the task affects his swordplay.

He does mage to sink his dagger deep into the creature's arm, however.


15:29, Today: Tanyl Miaras rolled 10,2 using d20+2,d8.  Sword (15 to hit).
15:30, Today: Tanyl Miaras rolled 16,3 using d20,d4.  dagger.

Looking for the nearest small cluster, raises her left hand and fires a blast of psychedelic colors into their face. If possible, it includes the one facing Tanyl.

Color Spray
Query: Color spray costs one segment to cast, can I still attack with my blade?

Matthias positions himself to intercept one of the goblins, but his foe proves too canny and elusive.


17:35, Today: Matthias rolled 2 using 1d20 with rolls of 2.  d20+2,d6+2 .

Kellen is surrounded by foes, but takes the chance to land a massive blow on one of the bugbears, drawing a deep red gash across its chest.



13:41, Today: Kellen rolled 22 using 1d20+2. (nat 20)
Damage: max  11
This message was last edited by the player at 17:55, Fri 18 June 2021.

Vala, faced with a bugbear, braces for a fight and lands a heavy blow on her opponent, nearly taking its arm off at the shoulder! The starblade glitters in the flickering light!


13:45, Today: DM Bard, on behalf of Vala, rolled 12 using 2d4+5.  damage.

13:45, Today: DM Bard, on behalf of Vala, rolled 16 using 1d20+3.

posted on behalf of Vala to move game forward
This message was last updated by the GM at 17:56, Fri 18 June 2021.

Tanyl manages a cut on the gnoll, which just enrages the creature.  Delta casts a spell of colorful lights that streak out enveloping both the goblin facing her and the gnoll fighting Tanyl.  The goblin falls unconscious and the gnoll is temporarily blinded. Matthias misses the goblin facing him.   Vala lands a deep blow on the bugbear before her, as does Kellen who is now facing multiple enemies.

Despite being blinded, the gnoll strikes out and rakes Tanyl with its claws (4).  A goblin kicks the unconscious goblin aside and swings it crooked sword hitting Delta (2).  The goblin on Matthias does the same (2).  The bugbear on Vala also lands a minor hit (3).  Kellen manages somehow to dodge and block the attacks aimed at him.



ooc:

The players are up!

Gnolls:   dead/?   dead/?   x/-3 (blinded 3rnds)   x/?  AC: 5     
Bugbears:    x/-11    x/-12       AC: 5     
Goblins:     x/unconscious    x/?     x/?   x/?   x/?   x/?  AC: 6   


PC       Class        Level    HP      AC   THAC 6

Vala     Fighter         3    11/22     2     12    bless
Tanyl    Mage/Thief     2/3    9/13     4     15    bless
Delta    Fghtr/Illnst   2/2   12/14     2     13    bless
Matthias Cleric          2    15/17     6     14    bless

NPC

Kellen   Ranger          3    24/27     4     11    bless


PC's are UP 

"Get off of my friend, Dog-boy!" Delta cries as she stabs at the Gnoll attacking Tanyl.

11:11, Today: Delta rolled 11 using 1d20 ((11)).

Not sure of the bonus for attacking a blinded creature, if it is +4, I hit.

11:13, Today: Delta rolled 2 using 1d6 ((2)). If it was a hit.

Tanyl curses the gnoll's blind luck (heh!) and tries to run it through with his sword.



20:53, Today: Tanyl Miaras rolled 22,6 using d20+2,d8.  Sword (15 to hit).
MAX DAMAGE due to natural 20, so 8


20:53, Today: Tanyl Miaras rolled 5,2 using d20,d4.  Dagger (15 to hit).




Question: Does blindness affect his ability to hit, my ability to hit it, or both?  I think in first edition it's just his ability to hit, but couldn't find anything for sure after ten minutes of looking.

Not that the 5 on my dagger would hit in any event . . . Just wondering.

Matthis recoils backward from the impact of the goblin's attack and nearly loses his footing, only managing to steady himself at the last moment. Rebounding forward, Matthias raises his shield, swings his mace at his foe, and connects with a solid hit.

OOC: Natural 20. Hit for max damage = 8

10:04, Today: Matthias rolled 22,5 using d20+2,d6+2 with rolls of 20,3.  attack/damage.

With a curse Vala presses her attack on the bugbear, missing with with one strike but seeing better luck with the second.

---

OOC:

00:16, Today: Vala rolled 8 using 2d4+5.  Damage.

00:16, Today: Vala rolled 19 using 1d20+3.  Attack with the Starblade #2.

00:16, Today: Vala rolled 10 using 1d20+3.  Attack with the Starblade #1.

The five adventurers begin to feel the tension of fighting so many enemies at once.  Gritting teeth, setting their collective resolve, they go to work.  Delta and Tanyl both land blows on the blinded gnoll sending it crashing to the ground dead. Matthias lands a heavy hit and his mace caves in the head of the goblin facing him, also sending it to its death.  Not to be outdone, Vala and Kellen both slay the Bugbears they wounded in the last round.  Blood and bodies falling all around.

The final gnoll and goblins swarm forward, swinging and hacking.  Delta is hit (6pts), Kellen is hit (5pts), and Matthias is hit (6pts).

There is a gnoll fighting Delta, and a Goblin on each of the others, just as the fight seems to be leaning in the adventurers favor, a slight rumble seems to shake the floor several times as a figure walks forward from the back of the cavern.

"WHO DARES KILL MY HELPERS, PREPARE TO DIE!"  The voice echoes above the din of battle, the figure marching quickly towards Kellen is well over 10 feet tall and thickly muscled.  Tegroth does indeed appear mighty!



ooc:

The players are up!

Gnolls:   dead/?   dead/?   x/dead   x/? (on Delta)  AC: 5     

Bugbears:    x/dead    x/dead       AC: 5     
Goblins:     x/unconscious    x/dead     x/(on Tanyl)?   x/(on Vala)?   x/(on Matthias)?   x/(on Kellen)?  AC: 6   


PC       Class        Level    HP      AC   THAC 6

Vala     Fighter         3    11/22     2     12    bless
Tanyl    Mage/Thief     2/3    9/13     4     15    bless
Delta    Fghtr/Illnst   2/2    6/14     2     13    bless
Matthias Cleric          2     9/17     6     14    bless

NPC

Kellen   Ranger          3    19/27     4     11    bless

PC's are UP 

Matthias startles when booming voice echoes over the sound of battle. Though in his heart he hulking form of Mighty Tegroth stomping toward the adventurers. The cleric attempts to steady his nerves by refocusing on his immediate foe, a skulking goblin, but is clearly distracted by Tegroth.

The goblin easily ducks out of range and causes Matthias to miss, badly.

"Dear gods, grant us strength to do what must be done!" he says.


17:46, Today: Matthias rolled 10,3 using d20+2,d6+2 with rolls of 8,1.  attack/damage.

A yelp of dismay leaves the little gnomes mouth, things just went from bad to worse!

But first things first, she had a dog-boy to deal with. Dancing backwards, she thrusts the tip of her blade forward, but this time she fails to connect.

23:05, Today: Delta rolled 9 using 1d20 ((9)).

Tanyl nicks his goblin-foe's ear as he turns to momentarily gape at the bellowing monstrosity.



08:06, Today: Tanyl Miaras rolled 16,1 using d20+2,d8.  Attack Goblin (15 to hit).

08:06, Today: Tanyl Miaras rolled 5,2 using d20,d4.  Attack Goblin (15 to hit).

Kellen shoves past the goblin in front of him to meet the giant as he advances.

"I think you've caused about enough trouble, time to pay up for your sins Tegroth".

The ranger slashes a gash of red across the thick muscled belly.


13:27, Today: Kellen rolled 10 using 2d8+4.

13:25, Today: Kellen rolled 19 using 1d20+2.

To her chagrin Vala's swipes against the goblin she is fighting prove ineffective. "Don't kill the giant before I get a chance!" she yells.

---

OOC:
12:53, Today: Vala rolled 11 using 1d20+3.  Attack with the Starblade #2.

12:53, Today: Vala rolled 10 using 1d20+3.  Attack with the Starblade #1.

The whole room seems to react in chaos as Tegroth makes his appearance.  Matthias, Delta, and Vala all miss in their attacks.  Tanyl hits once, but a mere nick.  Only Kellen delivers a decent hit but barely seems to scratch the giant before him.

For their part, the monsters seem nearly equally distracted.  Only the goblin on Matthias and Tegroth manage hits.  (Matthias takes 2, Kellen 10).

"DON"T FRET LITTLE WOMAN, AFTER I KILL THIS RANGER, I"LL SPLIT YOU IN HALF NEXT!!"




ooc:

The players are up!

Gnolls:   dead/?   dead/?   x/dead   x/? (on Delta)  AC: 5     

Bugbears:    x/dead    x/dead       AC: 5     

Goblins:     x/unconscious    x/dead     x/-1 (on Tanyl)?   x/(on Vala)?   x/(on Matthias)?   x/(on Kellen)?  AC: 6   

Tegroth:   x/-10   AC: 3


PC       Class        Level    HP      AC   THAC 6

Vala     Fighter         3    11/22     2     12    bless
Tanyl    Mage/Thief     2/3    9/13     4     15    bless
Delta    Fghtr/Illnst   2/2    6/14     2     13    bless
Matthias Cleric          2     7/17     6     14    bless

NPC

Kellen   Ranger          3     9/27     4     11    bless

PC's are UP 

Furiously parrying and dodging, Delta attempts to focus on her target, though it is hard not to want to glance in the direction of Tegroth, who is not only the largest being she can remember seeing, but seems taller than most buildings as well!

She does manage to stab the dog-face at some point in the proceedings however...

QUERY: Can I use an action point during a round in which I fight? I would like to use second wind.


00:59, Today: Delta rolled 3 using 1d6.  damage, sword.

00:59, Today: Delta rolled 19 using 1d20.  stab with short sword.

Tanyl is mightily worried about Kellen's ability to stave off the giant -- but the elf has issues of his own.

He tries to resolve his issues, succeeding with his sword (again) and missing with his dagger (again).


11:49, Today: Tanyl Miaras rolled 16,2 using d20+2,d8.


11:49, Today: Tanyl Miaras rolled 7,4 using d20,d4.

Matthias continues to struggle against the elusive goblin. His foes anticipates every move and always slips out of reach. At one point, Matthias trips over his own feet and nearly spills to the floor. Not his finest hour.

17:56, Today: Matthias rolled 3,5 using d20+2,d6+2 with rolls of 1,3.  attack/damage.

Despite taking a hard hit, the ranger whirls around and delivers another solid cut across the upper legs of the giant, causing him to roar in rage at the pesky fighter.


10:09, Today: Kellen rolled 10 using 2d8+4. damage

10:09, Today: Kellen rolled 17 using 1d20+2.

Finding a renewed energy Vala attacks her goblin again, determined not to waste time before she could fight the true foe.

---

OOC:
22:32, Today: Vala rolled 11 using 2d4+3.  Damage.

22:31, Today: Vala rolled 22 using 1d20+3.  Attack with the Starblade.

A small cheer comes from Delta's mouth at the sight of her warrior princess slicing up goblin flesh! "Rah!"

ooc: Delta, yes you can an action point at any time, go ahead and roll for your second wind before posting and add it to your points.  Also, the 15 vs 14, well, you can't get decent help these days (ie-the GM missed something, I'll adjust my totals this round).


Delta and Tanyl both manage to wound their opponents, although their quickness and thick hides are harder to damage than they'd hoped.  Matthias continues to flail about, missing the quick little goblin in front of him again.   Kellen once again traces an expert red line across the giant, but again, it only seems to irritate the huge form.  Vala, almost casually, lops the head of the goblin before her.

The gnoll fighting Delta can't seem to fight someone so short and again rakes the air above her head.  The goblins on Tanyl and Matthias have no such trouble, each managing damaging pokes with their smallish curved swords (6 and 4 hps!).


The goblin on Kellen lands a solid blow but it's absorbed by his armor, Tegroth's swing however is mighty indeed, were it not for the chain mail, Kellen would likely have been torn in two, instead he is hurled against the far wall with a giant thud, blood running from his eyes and nose to lie still and dead.

"HAR, HAR, HAR, look at the fate that waits you all!!"

Almost un-noticed in the chaos of the fight, the one unconscious goblin begins to stir.



ooc:

The players are up!

Gnolls:   dead/?   dead/?   x/dead   x/-3 (on Delta)  AC: 5     

Bugbears:    x/dead    x/dead       AC: 5     

Goblins:     x/unconscious    x/dead     x/-3 (on Tanyl)?   x/dead   x/(on Matthias)?   x/(on Kellen)?  AC: 6   

Tegroth:   x/-20   AC: 3


PC       Class        Level    HP      AC   THAC 6

Vala     Fighter         3    11/22     2     12    bless
Tanyl    Mage/Thief     2/3    3/13     4     15    bless
Delta    Fghtr/Illnst   2/2    7/15     2     13    bless
Matthias Cleric          2     3/17     6     14    bless

NPC

Kellen   Ranger          3     dying/27     4     11    bless

PC's are UP 

Eyes bulge at the sight of Kellen soaring thru the air, and landing in a pitiful heap. Things did not look good.

"Tanyl, would your other skill set perhaps be more useful?" she called out, as she swung yet again at her Gnoll foe. Though it has been only a few minutes, it felt as if this dance had been going on for quite awhile.

Rather that swing her blade again, she raised her free hand and blasted him with her last rainbow explosion, perhaps a desperation move, but it didn't seem like something that would be of much use against the others.


17:52, Today: Delta rolled 4 using 1d4.  Second wind.
Plus one, so plus five total.

Matthias sees the heavy blow that nearly cleaves Kellen in two and channels his rage into a smashing blow intended to quickly put an end to the goblin who had been dancing around his attacks.

The blow hits, but would it be enough to take him out? If so, Matthias races to Kellen's side in hopes of healing the ranger.

OOC: Natural 20. Hit for max damage = 8. If enough to kill the goblin, Matthias will move to Kellen to be in position to cast cure light wounds next round.


20:49, Today: Matthias rolled 22,3 using d20+2,d6+2 with rolls of 20,1.

Tanyl is not in a position he likes to be in: hand-to-hand combat.  And the reason is very apparent.

Summoning his resolve to fight through, he tries to finish off his foe so he can do . . . something else.

He is not successful.


07:45, Today: Tanyl Miaras rolled 14,2 using d20,d4.  Dagger (15 to hit).

07:45, Today: Tanyl Miaras rolled 8,1 using d20+2,d8.  Long Sword (15 to hit).


07:46, Today: Tanyl Miaras rolled 5 using 1d4+1.  Second Wind.  :)

Vala, seeing the ranger flung to the side, charges forward closing the distance to the giant and swinging her starblade, hitting the giant on its thick hided side, adding more blood running from its already angry self!


13:53, Today: DM Bard, on behalf of Vala, rolled 8 using 2d8+3.

13:53, Today: DM Bard, on behalf of Vala, rolled 19 using 1d20+3.  attack.

This round Delta calls again on her magic, sending a save of dazzling color directly into the face of the dog-gnoll.  She also draws upon her deep reserves to gain reserves.  The gnoll staggers and then falls unconscious to the ground. Landing quite near the goblin which is seeming to be waking up from the previous colorspray.

Matthias lands a crushing blow, killing the goblin in front of him, and then he races across the room to the fallen Ranger.  Kellen appears dead or near to it.  Matthias can try to stabilize him in the coming round but doing so will involve some risk to the injured man.

Tanyl also calls upon his reserves catching his breathe he twice more to strike the dang elusive goblin, but it again dodges his attempts.

Valiant Vala charges forth to confront the huge giant, swinging her Starblade again, she connects with the giant slashing into its thick hide.

The goblins on Tanyl and Vala both swing and miss badly.  Tegroth however swings the large spiked club and lands a crushing blow, sending Vala to the ground bloody and still.

"TOO EASY, BRING ME SOMEONE WHO KNOWNS HOW TO FIGHT!!"

ooc:

The players are up!

Gnolls:   dead/?   dead/?   x/dead   x/-3 (unconscious) (on Delta)  AC: 5     

Bugbears:    x/dead    x/dead       AC: 5     

Goblins:     x/waking    x/dead     x/-3 (on Tanyl)?   x/dead   x/dead   x/(on Vala)?  AC: 6   

Tegroth:   x/-28   AC: 3


PC       Class        Level    HP      AC   THAC 6

Vala     Fighter         3    -2/22     2     12    bless, dying
Tanyl    Mage/Thief     2/3    8/13     4     15    bless
Delta    Fghtr/Illnst   2/2   11/15     2     13    bless
Matthias Cleric          2     3/17     6     14    bless

NPC

Kellen   Ranger          3    -5/27     4     11    bless, dying

PC's are UP

Rushing forward, Delta delivers a coup de grace on the Goblin who seems to be waking up. She will then do the same to the Gnoll.


Not sure what your rules are for slitting throats, if I can get both in one round, that would be awesome. Please let me know.

With no concern for his own safety, Matthias races to Kellen's side, kneels down, and channels divine power to heal the mortally wounded ranger.

Assuming Kellen regains consciousness, Matthias waits until the main regains consciousness and calls out to him, "To arms brave ranger! Your time has not come yet. Help us defeat these foes!"

OOC: Cast CLW and spend 1 AP to use healing word on Kellen. Kellen will heal 9 points of damage.


18:07, Today: Matthias rolled 3 using 1d4+1.  AP: Healing Word on Kellen.

18:06, Today: Matthias rolled 6 using 1d8.  CLW on Kellen.

Tanyl tries something unorthodox.

Switching his grip so that when he raises his hands his blades point outward, he lifts his arms and plunges both weapons into his foe's chest.

The strange tactic works.

18:21, Today: Tanyl Miaras rolled 17,3 using d20+2,d8.  Long Sword (15 to hit).

18:22, Today: Tanyl Miaras rolled 20,4 using d20,d4.  Dagger (15 to hit).

Matthias casts a spell on what is left of the Ranger, and remarkably, coughing and spitting blood, Kellen begins breathing again, his eyes flutter for a moment but he does not awaken.
Tanyl switches tactics and cuts down his slippery opponent!   Delta takes a few moments to slit the throats of the two enemies her spells have rendered defenseless.  Leaving three standing party members against one goblin, and one angry giant.  The goblin throws one of its spears at Delta but it glances off her armor.  The giant leans over and grabs a large rock with one hand, but stands waiting with its large spiked club watching.



ooc:

Matthias, I did not include your Action Point, I can if you want but while it will help add HP's to Kellen, once below -3, even fully healed, he will be in a coma for several turns and after that, unable to fight for days.

The players are up!

Gnolls:   dead/?   dead/?   x/dead   x/-3 (unconscious) (on Delta)  AC: 5     

Bugbears:    x/dead    x/dead       AC: 5     

Goblins:     x/waking    x/dead     x/-3 (on Tanyl)?   x/dead   x/dead   x/(on Vala)?  AC: 6   

Tegroth:   x/-28   AC: 3


PC       Class        Level    HP      AC   THAC 6

Vala     Fighter         3    -3/22     2     12    bless, dying
Tanyl    Mage/Thief     2/3    8/13     4     15    bless
Delta    Fghtr/Illnst   2/2   11/15     2     13    bless
Matthias Cleric          2     3/17     6     14    bless

NPC

Kellen   Ranger          3     1/27     4     11    bless, stable, unconscious

PC's are UP

Having staved off death in Kellen, Matthias then races over to Vala and casts a healing spell to hopefully save his companion.

OOC: Cast CLW. Vala heals 8 hp. Matthias is out of spells.


20:16, Today: Matthias rolled 8 using 1d8.  CLW Vala.

Well screw the Gnome thought to herself.

She has to assume the final goblin is being taken care of, so she attempts something foolhardy, but hopefully helpful.

She begins to shimmy-shuffle dance left and right, while waving her arms. At the same time she sings, though unlike her usual light and lyrical style, it is a more rhythmic drone, almost a chant of sorts, telling of the battle they were fighting at this very moment.

"Tegroth, mighty Tegroth, the battle did he survey...
none before him scared him, but his comrades now lay dead...

was there more for him here now, he pondered with dismay...
or would the Might Tegroth use his wise old head...

Perhaps the time had come to go, and find new servants on the way...
Perhaps the time had come, for him to simply go instead...

To simply go instead...
To simply go instead..."

It might work, it might not, but it was the almost the only magic she had left. She hoped the rest of her party would play along, if Tegroth felt compelled to take the hint.

Cast hypnotism

As Matthias brings Vala back from the brink, she gasps and chokes, her eyes flutter before she drifts back to sleep, alive for unconscious.

Meanwhile, Delta begins to quote poetry of a sort, even as she adds a touch of magic to it.

The enraged giant stares at her a moment, drops the boulder he is carrying and looks down at his wounds, running a finger along the bloody stripes across his body.

Decision made, Tegroth turns and grabs a large pack from behind him, and spiked club still in one hand, marches straight forward, over the dead bodies, and past the party without a second glance, and disappears towards the main door of the caverns.  The lone goblin, looking panicked, follows in his wake.

ooc: unless anyone stops him

Continuing to sing, (and dance) Delta looks about at her comrades, hoping none will work to counter her efforts, as she really doesn't think their chances of victory in a straight fight right now are very high...

She hopes Vala will forgive her for taking a less than valorous way out.

Tanyl is quite happy to give the giant a wide berth.

As the giant is moving away, Delta uses her hands to gesture to Tanyl to look behind her for the sisters.

'that way' her hands seem to say as she jabs the air behind her, 'look' with fingers around the eyes mimicking glasses. 'Sisters' takes a moment, but comes out in the traditional two vertical wavy lines signifying the female form.

Matthias sees Tegroth flee and begins to panic. He has done what he can for Kellen and Vala, but they still have yet to locate the missing sisters.

"Delta! Tanyl! C'mon! We must not let the brute escape!"

The young cleric grabs his mace and shield and begins to take up pursuit, hopefully with his companions in tow...

Delta's eyes open in panic at the thought of Matthias committing suicide in such a fashion.

"You do what you must, be I am going to look for them here, " she says quietly. The magic has been planted in the giants head already deep enough to survive her ending her song. "Be aware however that if you break my spell, you just might be causing their death if they are still here, and he returns. Their death, and all of ours."

Tanyl sides with Delta.

"He's not taking them; we can find them only if we're alive.  And discretion is the better part of valor."

Hearing his two companions' pleas for caution, Matthias slows ceases his pursuit a few halting steps from its origin. The young man appears deflated.

"Very well..."

Covered in blood, his own and his companions, he steadies himself against the wall and takes a few deep breaths while awaiting his companions' further counsel.

With Vala and Kellen still unconscious, Tanyl searches the enemy corpses for keys.  And such.

Catching the drift, or so she hopes, Delta will search for doors that might requires keys. Or doors she can open, for that matter, though she won't open any. She also won't go too far.

The three standing members of the group catch their breathe a moment as they listen to the thudding of the giants feet receding, then hear a loud roaring of water, and then a slam as the great door behind the falls is opened and then shut.

Delta more than the others knows her magic will only last a few minutes, but will the suggestion she laid in the giants mind hold once the magic ends, that is another matter.  Tegroth might just keep going, or, come back, madder than before.

The room is littered with the dead of his minions, blood runs across the floor, Kellen remains solidly out, but Vala's eyes have opened, and though horribly weak, over the coming minutes, she finds she can stand and move about on unsteady feet.

A quick search reveals a room with two small chests, and several large barrels to the South.  A door to the east leads to five old tombs, the doors are barred but not not locked from the outside.  Inside two of these, you find some very frightened and disheveled Sisters of Elhonna, alive but weak. The others are empty and dark.

Three minutes turn to five then to ten, and with some relief it appears the giant has chosen to live to fight another day!

Confident that Matthias and Delta will fuss over the sisters, Tanyl checks the chests for traps and locks and tends to any that he may find before opening the chests.

"Oh my, oh my sisters, have you been sorely used? We are here to rescue you."

Sheathing her weapon to avoid frightening the duo, Delta rushes forward and offers them her water skin to drink from.

"Take a moment to collect yourselves, but we should leave soon. Do you wish to talk about your harrowing experience?"

She reaches in to her pack and digs out some left overs as well.

Matthias joins Delta in seeing to the Sisters' well-being and offers to assist any who may have difficulty moving under their own power. He also readily agrees with the gnome's assessment that they must not delay too long.

"We'll be safer once we reunite you with the others," he says in support.

The weariness aside, three of the group might be able to leave, it is the middle of the night, the way out through slippery treacherous cliffs that fall into fast running water, but hardy adventurers might make it.   Kellen is in coma.  Vala can barely lift her body without wavering, and the two sisters are near starved and weak.  They take water and hug and cry and offer thanks, though not well with words.  Most of their teeth are gone, as is their tongues, testament to the brutal torture they have endured.  On seeing the brutal scene of deaths, the younger sister takes up a sword and with great energy, beyond what she might seem to have left, cleaves off the head of the gnoll that Delta slit its throat.  Then collapses with the effort of it, not able to rise again for lack of strength without rest and more attention.

The older sister indicates she would like to write something down, when given her wish, she scribbles something out with a bit of satisfaction on her face, handing it to the group before going to rest with her arms protectively around her sister.

It reads, in a rough shaky hand "Tegroth ran his mouth when he thought I was dead, and his fools drunk asleep,  he boosted of riches beyond a kings!".

"If any of that treasure was around, that would be wonderful, but the real treasure was finding you two alive," Delta says with a gentle hug.

Once the bodies have been searched, Delta attempts to drag the bodies to the edge and roll them down the waterfall.

On the assumption that a returning giant will use the big doorway, she suggests they set up camp in the room beyond the smaller door. She will try to drag anything that might make for decent betting, be it carpet, curtains or anything else to put under the wounded.

The first thing she makes is a concoction of warm salt water with any herbs she might have to numb the pain, and she will ask the two sisters to gargle with it, and swish it around their mouths to fight any infection.

"It will sting, but it is worth it, trust me," he says.

If there is any comfort she can offer Vala she sill try to help her too, but healing is not really her strong suit.

Doing her best to make the injured comfortable, Delta will cook a simple, and soft dinner. She will attempt to spoon feed Kellen, though she doubts it will work.

If asked by Tanyl, she will act as back-up as he searches the place, as she is still in pretty decent shape.

Matthias considers the party's dilemma and soon realizes transporting Kellen and Vala will be nearly impossible.

"If we are to stay," he remarks to his companions, "and I think we must," he says while turning his attention to Kellen, Vala, and the frail sisters. Continuing, "We should barricade the doors as best we can. Anything to prevent Tegroth and his forces from sweeping back in unhindered."

"Delta. Tanyl. Do either of you have spikes, to spike the large door from the inside?" If neither do, he suggests searching the lair for anything that can be improvised. Next, they can gather all heavy furniture and barricade entrances to the best of their ability.

"We should also search for any and all entrances and exits. Obvious, and otherwise," he says, now including the sisters in the conversation. "Sisters, did any of you see or hear any of evidence of secret or hidden doors?"

With a negative shake of her head Delta reveals her lack of iron spikes. While doing all of the things she mentioned above, she looks for signs of burrowing rodents or the like.

Tanyl confirms that he doesn't have spikes either, which he feels badly about.

OOC: Any luck with the chests?

Over the next hour, the group manages to dispose of the bodies, including gnolls, bugbears, goblins, and two humans.  Upon retracing your steps, you find the two men you left tied up both to have had their throats slit.  Who did it or why is unknown.

An odd assortment of weapons, spears, curved swords, daggers are gathered together. Nothing of great quality among them.   Searching of the bunks, and beds, and tables, pulls together a meager findings of 24 gold pieces, and about 50 of those square gray metal coins with an X or T on them, of some unknown metal.

Tanyl manages to open both the chests and finds them near full of the same square coins, it seems Tegroth made and paid his associates with these coins.  Closer examination, shows some of them to be starting to rust leading you to believe they are likely scrap metals melted down and used as payment.  They are likely to be considered rather worthless in town.

The large barrels of full of weak grog, likely alcoholic but not pleasant to smell (or taste if anyone dares).

Kellen, Vala, and the two acolytes sleep deeply throughout the rest of the night. By morning, even Kellen is awake and able to stand on his own.  Vala is stronger, and the two former prisoners look much better.   In the morning, as the group is finishing their search of the rooms, Tanyl discovers a hidden door on the southern wall of the room with grog and chests in it.   A quick look shows it is not only locked, but trapped as well.

"Oh goody," Tanyl comments, knowing that his skill with traps is only slightly better than one in three.  "I guess there's nothing to do but give it a go.  Are you ready, Mathias, in case I wound myself grievously?"

OOC: It's been so long, DM, that I have to ask: Do I roll these or do you?  (I will proceed to try to unlock if I live through the trap-removal process.)

Tanyl works on the lock, which immediately sets off a piercing scream, "Thief in the house, thief in the house!!".

Luckily, his nerves and hands stay steady and he disables the poison needles set to trip.  As the cries stop, the lock is unlocked.


12:01, Today: DM Bard rolled 33 using 1d100.  remove trap for Tanyl (need 35 or less).

"Well, if something had to be set off . . . better that, with nobody to warn, than poison."

Task completed and the noise ended, Tanyl looks about just to confirm that nobody is coming.  He then opens the door.

The elven man stands staring into the room for a moment, nearly dazzled,  it is a small room, but scattered across nearly the back half is mounds of gold and silver coins, mixed amongst the wealth, the odd weapon, flask, and pieces of armor.

Tanyl is excited, but his cynicism makes him cautious.

He checks for traps on the treasure-laden side of the door.

Standing behind the resident scout, Delta jumps at the screaming and covers her ears. She is visibly relieved when it stops. Peering over his shoulder, she is amazed at the sight beyond, but she awaits Tanyl's okay to move in.

"My gosh Tanyl, do you think this was even hidden from Tegroth? I have to assume so..."

OOC I forget, do I heal a hit point for a night's rest. Different games have different rules.

Matthias responds to Delta inquiry, "Not sure. But one thing's for certain, if he knew about this treasure, we will have doubly earned the enmity of a mighty foe when he returns to find it missing."

Matthias considers a second point while looking over all the treasure, particularly the coins. "We should inquire with the sisters whether their coffers were plundered. Some of this may rightly be theirs..."

Of the magic items, the only that catch his eye are the enchanted mace and shield. Unless any object, he will lay claim to the mace. If none wish to claim the shield, he will gladly accept it.

It takes a few days to wrap everything up, packing the treasure out to the nearby campsite, healing enough for Vala, Kellen, Bren, and Rachil to travel.

The young acolytes seem to gain back their strength quickly and though deeply saddened when they are told of finding the dead unicorn colt, they are equally thrilled of the one the party was able to heal. They insist on carrying the colt outside to be taken back to be properly buried.

The arrival at the Monastery is a happy one, Abbey Hana greets you all as heroes and promises that the two young women will be fully healed in time.  Any donations are greatly appreciated.  The main doors have already been patched up but will need some work to fully restore.

Any last wounds the group may have are soon healed, the followers of Elhonna are excellent healers.  After another few days, Kellen parts, saying his plans lie elsewhere but thanks you all for your help and for keeping him alive!

Minnow gives you a letter to take back to her sister, and soon, you are back on the road to the city with new experiences and a fair amount of wealth to spend or live off!

ooc: Congrats on the success of this adventure.  I plan to take a few weeks off, I have a few work related things that are going to absorb me, but I'll post when I'm out of those woods and see if you all wish to continue for another chapter.  Thanks, Rob

Singing a sad dirge at the burial of the baby unicorn, Delta dearly hopes to cross paths with Tegroth at some time in the future, when they are more capable of venting upon him the justice he deserves.

Once back at the abbey, she takes full advantage of the opportunity to rest. She studies the scrolls, and wonders at the deck of cards, but puts off messing with it until they know more.

She is curious to see if the healing abilities of the sisters in enough to regrow tooth and tongue on the two sisters who were so poorly mistreated by the evil giant.