Although fallen in places the walls of the western most building supported the cracked arches that held up a weathered roof with holes in it. A tessellated stone floor was visible beneath moss and dead leaves. In the centre of the northern wall was a statue of white granite that depicted a man dressed in archaic armour. The figure knelt upon one knee, his head bowed and a simple helm placed upon the ground beside it.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the GM at 08:08, Mon 30 Nov 2020.

Siward moved closer to the statue of the kneeling warrior, his eyes narrowing as he studied the details of the sculpture.

Teodore looked around from the doorway, and even up into the rafters, for anything unusual as the cleric examined the statue.

The building had seen much better days but had weathered well. Teodore looked up at the rafters, the gaps and hole allowed the daylight into the building. The stonework arches showed signs of decoration and carving but encrusted with grime or weeds it was impossible to discern any details.

Undeviating Siward approached the statue. The statue had many nicks and gouges and a patina of lichen had grown upon its surface, however it remained in a very good condition. Its good condition and Siward's faith made recognising it simple, the weathered statue was of St. Ras!

Day: 1. Time: 9:50am. Turn: 5. Weather: Clear. Vision: Daylight. Movement: 20'

With an approving smile, Barnabas vouchsafes that chancing upon this chapel to St. Ras must betoken fortune for their venture.

"Don't you think so, Siward? Even in this purported hell, St. Ras kneels, serene."

From that holy ground, Barnabas tracks towards the two ruined buildings to the south until he stands with both in his view.

"A good omen, certainly." Fiene agrees.

Whilst others explored around the canyon or spent a moment of peace in the ruined chapel Ben walked to the middle of the canyon.

From his position he can see a cave mouth set high in the northern cliff wall, a cascade of water tumbled down the rocky cliff before splashing into a pool below. The two ruins in the south looked much like the other to the north, there was tumbled down stone walls thick with growth of weeds.


This message was last edited by the GM at 12:49, Tue 01 Dec 2020.

Satisfied that the old chapel is harmless, Teodore walks out and spots the newcomer to the group. He lowers his weapon and shield and walks over to the man.

"Greetings. I'm Teodore. Don't mind the lack of pleasantries, we're too busy watching for danger. Not that we've seen any yet," he finishes with a wry grin.

Barnabas breathes in the mountain air with relish. It could be the last fresh air he breathes for some time -- if he gets to continue breathing air at all.

As if a powwow had been called, he says, "We seem to have three choices here: (1) the north tunnel; (2) the south tunnel;  or, intriguingly (3) that cave just a little ways up there to the south. Do we have the means to scale twenty or so feet to reach it?"

The priest kneels in front of the statue, his stance momentarily mimicking the depiction of his deity. He nods in response to Barnabas’ words. ”It assuredly is a good sign,” he answers quietly, ”Hope in the midst of desolation.”

Leaving the chapel, he considers the company’s options, keeping his thoughts to himself for the moment. Glancing up at the entrance to the Dave, he cannot help but feel intrigued by it, even as he questions if it could be reached safely.

Coal encounter

At the shrine Siward made his prayers to St. Ras. Despite there having been no regular venerators at the fallen shrine Siward felt some vestige of the saint's divinity remained there.

OOC Can anyone please roll 1d6 for surprise...

Day: 1. Time: 10:00am. Turn: 6. Weather: Clear. Vision: Daylight. Movement: 20'
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:28, Thu 03 Dec 2020.

Fiene watches the birds fly overhead.


10:15, Today: Fiene rolled 2 using 1d6 ((2)).

Coal Encounter

Whilst the party explored the ruins from the southeast corner a black bear emerged. The bear was large and when it shuffled into view it sniffed the air apprehensively. Sensing the intrusion in the canyon by the adventurers the black bear began to huff loudly and slap the floor with its big paws.

OOC Everyone please declare what's in your hands and if you wish to cast a spell.

As this will be considered a wilderness encounter distances will be yards... as the map is in feet you should multiply ranges and movements by three. So lots of movement will be possible even for the heavily armoured. It does however also mean the bear can move around a lot too.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:21, Wed 09 Dec 2020.

OOC Ben holds a dagger and a lantern. He does not plan to cast a spell. Nerida has a shield and war hammer.

Ermengard, Fiene says, taking a step back.  "I believe we may have found you a bearskin cloak."

Fiene has his 10' walking staff in one hand, the other hand is empty.  His lantern (being unlit) is hanging from his belt. Also on his belt, a single dagger in a sheath.  There is also a dagger in each boot.

Teodore holds his sword and shield.

Siward has his war hammer in one hand, his shield in the other. He has no spells to cast, as yet. :)

Anfinn crouched down to a knee. Where can I hide...? The thief produced his long sword.

The wizard stays in his current group, finding safety in numbers.

"I was told you can drive away bears by banging pots and pans. But in this environment, by doing that you'd probably attract the attention of something far worse than a bear."

Some of the adventurers readied their weapons or stepped back, others remained unmoving, huddled in small groups they whispered warnings or encouragement to each other. What was the black bear going to do?

OOC Can one person roll for Initiative. The bear rolled a 6. If you tie we will reroll otherwise the bear will go first.

13:51, Today: Fiene rolled 3 using 1d6.  Initiative.

The stand off continued for a few moments with the large black bear huffing and stamping it's paws. With no overtly aggressive actions from the party the bear gave a final huff then began to walk westward along the bottom of the canyon wall.

Ermangard shook her head at Fiene "no don't say that. That's Coal" she was clearly upset by his offer of a bearskin cloak "veterans say it's a sign of good fortune to sight him, many leave offering for him at his cave" she pointed to the south cave.

OOC We'll continue with combat rounds, so everyone post movement next.
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:22, Fri 04 Dec 2020.

Teodore will stay put, weapon in hand, ready to move to the aid of his new comrades if the bear should change its mind.

"I would spare a ration or two, if you think it would help." he says, watching the bear curiously.

"Maybe, you know, when Coal's busy about other business," warns Barnabas. "Wouldn't want him to confuse one offering of food for another."

Then, through a mesmerizing series of non-verbal gestures, incorporating his eye brows, fingers, and, improbably, his elbows, he produces a communication that can only be understood as "It has been decided by fate; the northern passage beckons." And with that his feet start to shuffle noiselessly in that direction.