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, welcome to White Plume Mountain (Classic? Crawl)

23:46, 28th March 2024 (GMT+0)

1. White Plume Mountain.

Posted by A Dungeon MasterFor group 0
A Dungeon Master
GM, 22 posts
Wed 2 Jun 2021
at 20:55
  • msg #1

1. White Plume Mountain

Neverwinter. Mount Hotenow: the sleeping volcano has begun spewing up white plumes for the last two weeks. By the time you arrive in the city there's a constant fog that limits visibility to 100'. It also gives mortals a bad cough, but you're made of stronger stuff.

You spend Mirt's coin on whatever extra equipment seems wise to you; and knowing most of you, you spend quite a bit on a great time in Neverwinter's finest tavern. Ahhhh, Neverwinter Nights.

Finally it's morning and you set up into the mountains to locate the entrance to Keraptis's dungeon. Following instructions provided by locals who have no reason to lie to you, you arrive by 4pm at the Wizard's Mouth:
This cave actually seems to breathe, exhaling a large cloud of steam and then slowly inhaling, like a person breathing on a cold day. Each cycle takes about 30 seconds.

Supposedly the volcano continues up another 2000' feet to the cone, but you can't see it. You can't see the sky. Only the white plume. You heads feel the cold August air, while your feet feel the warmth of the molten lava just below the earth.

The cave is about 8 feet in diameter and 40 feet long. At the end of the cave, near the roof, is a long, horizontal crevice about a foot wide. The air is sucked into this crack at great speed, creating the loud whistling noise and snuffing out torches. Shortly the rush of air slows down, stops for a couple of seconds, and then comes back out in a great blast of steam. This steam is not hot enough to scald you, but it does make the cave very uncomfortable, like a hot sauna bath interrupted by blasts of cold air.

The ceiling and walls of the cave are slick with the condensed steam that runs down them. The floor is covered with several inches of fine muck. The one among you with the highest Passive Perception searches the mud and finds a small trapdoor with a rusted iron ring set in it.

Now what?
Tyr
player, 12 posts
Thu 3 Jun 2021
at 00:50
  • msg #2

1. White Plume Mountain

Tyr raised a hand to meet the next breath of steam that met him, feeling the moisture between his fingers as he acclimated to the new temperature which would likely pervade the cave system within more thoroughly than it did out here. His fingerless gloves allowed him to still get exact details while at the same time protecting his arms, and he instinctually looked down as he wriggled his toes in the stagnant jam of gods-know-what beneath his bare soles.

Not that he would actually see his feet when he turned his face down; he was, after all, blind, with bandages wrapped multiple times around his head and even down one shoulder to cover the ugly scars that had rendered him thus.

"I'll be taking the lead this time," He said to the others, combing a hand through his now moist wild black hair, shaved on the sides to accommodate his blindfold, "unless someone's willing to risk that they'll see the danger before it can reach them."
Mordresh Blacktalon
player, 6 posts
Wood Elf - Rogue (4)
AC: 14; HP 36/36; PP: 13
Thu 3 Jun 2021
at 01:15
  • msg #3

1. White Plume Mountain

"I'm telling you guys, this could be a very lucrative business! Mordresh's Marvelous Medicinal Hot Springs and Sauna!" He holds his arms out, pantomiming a sign hanging just above the cave entrance. As he enters his face fall slightly at the state of the place, but it quickly fades as he beams again.

"I mean, we'll have to hire someone to muck the floors on a regular basis." He nudges some of the muck with the toe of his boot before his face lights up and he turns to the group. "Oooooorr... maybe this is magical, healing mud. Huh? huh!? Who's in? How's seventy-thirty sound? That's fair right, I mean I will be doing most of the work. Obviously." He continues talking, mostly to himself as he enters the cave behind Tyr.

"Watch yourself," He says, more gently to Tyr. "There's a hatch in the floor about five feet straight ahead of you. It's buried in the muck, I almost missed it. It's well hidden, but there's no harm in checking if it's trapped, just in case." He moves carefully ahead, digging the muck up from around the trap door and checking it thoroughly for traps.

21:12, Today: Mordresh Blacktalon rolled 18 using 1d20+3 ((15)).
Tyr
player, 13 posts
Thu 3 Jun 2021
at 03:51
  • msg #4

1. White Plume Mountain

"Yes, and after the grand opening incentives you can give an 'Imminent Eruption Discount'," his face remained deadpan as he imitated the voice of a cheery salesperson. "Save more the deeper in you go!"
A Dungeon Master
GM, 26 posts
Thu 3 Jun 2021
at 03:58
  • msg #5

1. White Plume Mountain

Trap door. Not trapped as far as you can tell. Opening it seems obvious. Just pull right? Can it be that easy??? Yes and no. This mud is indeed magical: it weighs more than non-magic mud.
Gwendolyn Roaringhorn
player, 16 posts
Human Bard
AC 16, HP 40, PP 11, ALER
Thu 3 Jun 2021
at 04:19
  • msg #6

1. White Plume Mountain

"Ewwwww. This is going to ruin my hair and it's so icky. I don't mind being dirty but with Lovers or playing with children I'm an expert at mud pies.

I'll take the rear I'm hard to surprise.,"
she put on a studded leather helmet and mask.

She removed the peace bond on her exposed weapons then moved her hair to be comfortable and out of the way.

You remember a story where she hunted down a child killer serving the goddess Shar then ended her enemyin the Dock Ward in Watersheep.
Tyr
player, 14 posts
Half-Orc Barbarian/Paladi
AC 16, HP 48/48, PP 10
Thu 3 Jun 2021
at 04:21
  • msg #7

1. White Plume Mountain

"Someone tell me how far down it goes, alright?" Tyr said as he reached down and pulled the trapdoor open.
A Dungeon Master
GM, 27 posts
Thu 3 Jun 2021
at 04:24
  • msg #8

1. White Plume Mountain

str check dc20
anything below a 10 and the handle breaks off in your hands.
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:25, Thu 03 June 2021.
Tyr
player, 15 posts
Half-Orc Barb 2/Pal 2
AC 16, HP 48/48, PP 10
Thu 3 Jun 2021
at 04:35
  • msg #9

1. White Plume Mountain

With a great rending of metal and a terrible pinging sound, the handle that operated the trapdoor shattered in Tyr's hand. He scowled. It must've been weakened by the constant steam.

"Don't worry, this is exactly why I brought this."

He slipped a crowbar out from the top of his pack, wedged it between the portal and it's bulwark, and proceeded to leverage the trapdoor open.

00:27, Today: Tyr rolled 5 using 1d20+3.  Open Trapdoor.
00:29, Today: Tyr rolled 11 using 2d20+3, dropping the lowest dice only.  Crowbar Pry.

This message was last edited by the player at 04:37, Thu 03 June 2021.
A Dungeon Master
GM, 28 posts
Thu 3 Jun 2021
at 04:40
  • msg #10

1. White Plume Mountain

Anyone can make a wisdom save, DC15 you realize the crowbar ain't gonna work, but you might as well try chopping through the door. AC15, hp50.
Gwendolyn Roaringhorn
player, 17 posts
Human Bard
AC 16, HP 40, PP 11, ALER
Thu 3 Jun 2021
at 05:28
  • msg #11

1. White Plume Mountain

"Well guess we can't do it can we go back to the inn a bath and some warm company awaits. We can find something to do other than this.

If you want to go ahead it's fine.,"
Gwenn said half not serious but still half seems serious.

Anyway she waits for the guys to open it thinking this is a poor start.
A Dungeon Master
GM, 29 posts
Thu 3 Jun 2021
at 05:52
  • msg #12

1. White Plume Mountain

lmao. if everyone agrees we can go back to the inn...
Daephine
player, 9 posts
Thu 3 Jun 2021
at 06:04
  • msg #13

1. White Plume Mountain

Daephine rolled her eyes at Mordresh's pitch, but she let him prattle on. It didn't seem like there was anyone or anything else nearby. As the two men found and broke the door, half-elf sighed. That was her brother, doing things even when thinking would be better. "You don't have to do everything alone." she reminded Tyr and walked over to the door and the ripped off handle.

After studying it for a moment, she sighted. "Only way now is through." To demonstrate, she hefted the small axe she unhooked from her pack and gave a swing at the wood. While it bit, there wasn't much force behind it. Upper body strength wasn't something she was good at. "Like that, although it seems sturdy." she said and took a step back, letting others do a better job.

07:54, Today: Daephine rolled 15 using 1d20+2 ((13)).
07:56, Today: Daephine rolled 24,4 using 1d20+5,1d6+3 ((19,1)).
Help action to give someone advantage on the attack until the door is broken.
Door HP 46/50

Tyr
player, 16 posts
Half-Orc Barb 2/Pal 2
AC 16, HP 48/48, PP 10
Thu 3 Jun 2021
at 06:22
  • msg #14

1. White Plume Mountain

Tyr was already putting his crowbar back into it's slot and reaching for the mighty axe upon his back. His greataxe was nearly as tall as he was, and curved inward near the bottom of the haft to better facilitate it's power.

"They didn't drop over two thousand gold pieces on us just for us to turn away at the door. We're better than that."

He hefted his axe well above his head, like a prize winner at a festival's feat of strength, before sending it crashing down on the obstruction in their way. He made a solid gouge in the wood, but there was still plenty more where that came from.

02:08, Today: Tyr rolled 15 using 1d12+3.  Damage.
02:07, Today: Tyr rolled 23 using 2d20+5, dropping the lowest dice only.  Reckless Atk v.s. Trapdoor.
Door HP 31/50

This message was last edited by the player at 06:22, Thu 03 June 2021.
Jillian Undertoss
player, 7 posts
Thu 3 Jun 2021
at 18:32
  • [deleted]
  • msg #15

1. White Plume Mountain

This message was deleted by the player at 23:24, Wed 14 July 2021.
Mordresh Blacktalon
player, 8 posts
Wood Elf - Rogue (4)
AC: 14; HP 36/36; PP: 13
Thu 3 Jun 2021
at 21:21
  • msg #16

1. White Plume Mountain

Mordresh squeaks as he covers his face with his arms as the axe descends and sends muck splashing everywhere. He hopped back to his feet and paced a couple of steps back. Best to let the fighters do their work with his easily removed body parts well out of the way.

"If you wish to come between a man and his axe, be my guest." He chuckles.
Tyr
player, 18 posts
Half-Orc Barb 2/Pal 2
AC 16, HP 48/48, PP 10
Thu 3 Jun 2021
at 23:44
  • msg #17

1. White Plume Mountain

"You know what, you're right Jillian; we've been very rude guests."

Tyr was already circling around to the side of the doorway perpendicular to his first blow. He prepared for another full-body strike.

"Knock. Knock!"

The axehead came crashing down, followed by a splintering of wood as his target nearly crumpled under the force of this strike against it's freshly made weakpoint. "Nearly" being the operative word.

"Who made this thing? Gods-damned tree dwarves?"

19:26, Today: Tyr rolled 37,13 using 2d20+5,1d12+3.  Reckless Atk v.s. Trapdoor. (critical hit!)
19:29, Today: Tyr rolled 2 using 1d12.  Savage Attacks.
Door HP 4

Gwendolyn Roaringhorn
player, 18 posts
Human Bard
AC 16, HP 40, PP 11, ALER
Fri 4 Jun 2021
at 03:03
  • msg #18

1. White Plume Mountain

"Likely some dirty thieving halflings who knew they being untrustworthy scum all made the door tough.," she said smiling with a laugh.

Then waited for the door to give thinking if questing is always so messy.
Tyr
player, 19 posts
Half-Orc Barb 2/Pal 2
AC 16, HP 48/48, PP 10
Fri 4 Jun 2021
at 18:34
  • msg #19

1. White Plume Mountain

The series of full-force blows had ever so slightly winded him, but Tyr still raised the axe one more time and brought it down on the trapdoor in their way. Finally, the obstruction crumbled and fell down into whatever they would find below.

"Ok, now will someone tell me what's down there? And watch out for splinters when you get to the bottom."

14:27, Today: Tyr rolled 17,11 using 2d20+5,1d12+3 with rolls of 10,2,8.  Reckless Atk v.s. Trapdoor
A Dungeon Master
GM, 32 posts
Fri 4 Jun 2021
at 18:36
  • msg #20

1. White Plume Mountain

The door was well made. The master craftsman is rolling in his grave to think of what you've done to his mighty trap door. But then again, his door handle couldn't stand the pressure of time, the only thing stronger than iron is its own rust.

Directly beneath the door is a 20-foot-square vertical shaft and the beginning of a spiral staircase that leads down. The iron staircase is badly rusted but appears to be sturdy. There is no light save for the very bottom, 100' down. Torches will put off smoke from the humidity. The heat and stench swells as you go lower. It becomes apparent that this hole was not carved, but the rock was melted.

You reach the bottom of the stairs with a splash—the floor is submerged beneath a foot of steamy water! Floating on the water are splotches of green and white subterranean algae. This algae or algae-like fungus also clings in patches to walls and ceilings.  To the right is a large crack in the earth with a bright glowing red lava flow merely 5 feet away from you.

Those with passive perception 12+ feel the ground thrumming to a continuous low vibration.

The cave only continues one direction: west. After 100 feet it turns left/north. But before you head that way: what is your walking order???
Daephine
player, 10 posts
Fri 4 Jun 2021
at 20:22
  • msg #21

1. White Plume Mountain

"Good work." Daephine complemented Tyr as she rests her hand on her handaxe, tiny compared to his weapon. After peeking down the shaft she informed her half brother about what lays ahead so he could prepare himself for the descent.

"Something is happening in the mountain. I hope it is not an eruption ready to go off. Probably welcome party of whoever took the weapons. It was as much as she could guess, but there could have been other explanations for the thrumming.

"Follow me." the ranger instructed and set forwards along the tunnel, walking carefully and trying to figure out any traces of a trap. The heat, smells and humidity made both difficult.

OOC: 22:21, Today: Daephine rolled 9,9 using 1d20+6,1d20+4.  Stealthy, perception while scouting.
Blah...

Gwendolyn Roaringhorn
player, 19 posts
Human Bard
AC 16, HP 40, PP 11, ALER
Fri 4 Jun 2021
at 23:08
  • msg #22

1. White Plume Mountain

"Okay Tyr you passed gas, orc fumes, peeew! I'll guard the rear I've proven hard to surprise a Shar child murderess found that out with my old rapier shewing her body multiple times. My guess there may be undead here and other threats. Here mark our way.," she tosses whose near the front a block of chalk.
Tyr
player, 20 posts
Half-Orc Barb 2/Pal 2
AC 16, HP 48/48, PP 10
Sat 5 Jun 2021
at 01:03
  • msg #23

1. White Plume Mountain

"I'm right behind you Daephine; I'm more useful the closer I am to the danger." He turned his head in the general direction of Mordresh. "That means you're behind me, Talon."
Jillian Undertoss
player, 8 posts
Mon 7 Jun 2021
at 09:10
  • [deleted]
  • msg #24

1. White Plume Mountain

This message was deleted by the player at 23:25, Wed 14 July 2021.
A Dungeon Master
GM, 33 posts
Tue 8 Jun 2021
at 00:39
  • msg #25

1. White Plume Mountain

Though you can never be sure if there weren't traps or by pure dumb luck you avoided them, you safely make it down the hallway and turn left(north). The tunnel slopes up where 20' north your feet will be on dry rock. From this point and further north, Large cracks in the floor glow with lava further below that cast dim light, enough to see 40' down the hallway.

40' north in this lava tube, the tunnel forks three ways, northwest, north, and northeast.

A rather mangy, bedraggled gynosphinx lies in the space where the three corridors converge. This winged lion yawns, stretches, and finally gets up and asks you a riddle. It's rich Denzel Washington voice echoes down the chambers.

"Round she is, yet flat as a board

Altar of the Lupine Lords

Jewel on black velvet, pearl in the sea

Unchanged but e’erchanging, eternally"

(You are 40' away)
Gwendolyn Roaringhorn
player, 22 posts
Human Bard
AC 16, HP 40, PP 11, ALER
Tue 8 Jun 2021
at 03:52
  • msg #26

1. White Plume Mountain

Gwendolyne thinks and sings a tune she wrote and in good voice.

"I think I have it ,if I may, it's round and flat which shapeshifter honor, it moves on tides of black and is a pearl over the sea.," she says wanting an okay or not.
Jillian Undertoss
player, 9 posts
Tue 8 Jun 2021
at 15:35
  • [deleted]
  • msg #27

1. White Plume Mountain

This message was deleted by the player at 23:25, Wed 14 July 2021.
Tyr
player, 23 posts
Half-Orc Barb 2/Pal 2
AC 16, HP 48/48, PP 10
Wed 9 Jun 2021
at 00:32
  • msg #28

1. White Plume Mountain

Everyone had stopped for a moment, and Tyr was about to ask why when the voice echoed down the passage. He listened for a moment, before putting in his two coppers.

"Is there a reason we need to be answering this person?" He asked. "Since when do people randomly sit around in tunnels to ask the first group they see a riddle?"
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