3SC's Ironfang Invasion IC

[Lord Of Mantas]

Ilsa

Nursing her injured arm as best she could, Ilsa gritted her teeth and replied.
"Make sure she's dead, then take her and the other troglodyte corpses and cremate them. Leave nothing that might come as a surprise later, given our luck. Speaking of surprises, once we've licked our wounds, we should probably flush those two remaining lizards out. Then maybe we can finally get down to the business of settling down and fortifying this place."

[Starbin]

Narek Skyskin

The battle was over. Their leader dead, their spirit broken, their tribe scattered, and the caves would soon belong to the refugees - the band had become what they hated. Shaking his head, Narek wondered towards the fallen Handiss, staring at her with a curiosity. What if he healed her? What if he killed her? So many alternate possibilities played out in his mind ...
...he lay gurgling on his own blood, his friends and family dead all around. Handiss loomed over him, grinning. “I told you you should have killed me, wizard, else Inget my revenge. Stupid humans never learn .../I]
[I]... Handiss clapped him on the shoulder, gazing at the dead leader of the Legion. “I told you I would pay you back, wizard! Now our future is secure!”
...they found the nest, right where Handiss had said it would be. Of course that information had doomed both her and the young lungs to a swift death ...
...the refugees shivered, freezing and hungry. The dried meat was almost gone; it had lasted long enough that no one thought about where it came from anymore ...

Shaking his head, Narek sighed as he gazed sown at the fallen beasts and wondered - was death the only option here? Slowly, he began to strip the weapons and armor away from the dead and dying. After a moment, he stopped and spoke. ”Do we save any of them? Do we offer mercy and a potential alliance? Or end them now?”
Which Path?
Status
AC: 12 HP: 6/15 Init +9 Move 30'
F +1 R +3 W +5
Weapon: Hvy crossbow w/18 bolts (8 MW)
Spells: dancing lights, detect magic, ghost sound, acid splash / magic missile, magic missile, magic missile, heightened awareness / glitterdust, glitterdust, gallant inspiration
Prescience: 6/7; Good Dreams 1/1; wand of grease (0); wand of prestidigitation (25); wand of cause fear (11)
Key skills: Perception +4 (+6); Stealth +2; Survival +3; Spellcraft +10; S. Motive +6; KS A/L +10 (+12); KS H/P/E/G/Na/D/R +8 (+10)
Effect: heightened awareness (+2 Per/KS, 30 min); enlarge person (Eyena, 4/29 rounds)

[PersonMan]

Eyena wordlessly steps forwards as Ilsa speaks, turning Eisenherz and then bringing the blade down into Handiss' chest. Once she's pulled her weapon back out, she grips the pearl given to her by Narek for a moment, closing her eyes before returning it to where it had been. Then, speaking a single syllable of arcane power, she performs a gesture with one hand and the blood covering Eisenherz begins to dissipate, wiped away by some invisible force.

So first: coup de grace on Handiss, assuming no one steps forwards to stop her. This also safely discharges the last attack of Frostbite.

Eyena is going to return Rime Frostbite to her memory using the Pearl of Power, and Prestidigitation to clean up, offering it to anyone else once she's finished with her stuff.

[n0ble]

Rask wheezed out the last of the fear as the dwarf disappeared from sight and the sounds of conflict died down. Just as he'd seen her, Rask was sure that whatever Kinning had seen was just as ugly. He half-skidded half-sagged to a stop, bracing himself with his blade. It's tip dam near took his big toe off in the process. He began to trudge back with a deliberate slowness, dragging the sword on the ground. Like the day before he took comfort in the weapon's grip, even if his armour was that much worse for wear. A bit of blackness was creeping in from the edges of his vision. As it seeped in and mingled with the blacks and whites of his dark vision, the big man let out a ragged breath that was stifled by the crumpled part of his armour. By the Mother's teats he felt old.

The others came into view and Rask's nostrils flared with the scent of blood in the air. He eyed the big trog bitch's hammer, then gripped his sword a bit tighter. There'd be plenty more time to mash out a place of solitude with it later, when he didn't have trog musk knotted in his throat. Idly, almost as if it were an afterthought, Rask coughed up a few spatters of blood onto the back of his free hand. Then he gather the blade up in both fists and coldly set to parting trog heads from prone bodies. He could smash any eggs afterwards.


Serving out coup de grace on any trogs still alive.

[3SecondCultist]

"Well that's that," Kining gravels with a modicum of satisfaction as Eyena brings down her weapon on the downed Handiss. She watches without comment or judgment as Rask dispatches the unconscious remains of the enemy force, leaning on her axe for balance when it looks like her wounds are on the verge of sending her to the same place. Blinking to stay up, the dwarf woman looks hard in Ilsa's direction. "Who do I have to kill to get a bit of magic healing around here? I'm dead on my feet. The orc could probably use some too."

When the magical inspections are done and your treasure doled out, you find yourselves looking ahead. You see the remains of a fire set in the same pit in the central chamber you fought in yesterday. The ashes and coal speak to cremated remains of some sort, likely their own fallen warriors. Past the ceremonial fire, you notice a bit more in the way of belongings: in a niche near one of the far walls is a bit of scratched leather, which on further inspection reveals a pair of well-made boots that tumble to the ground in a heap of soil. They are certainly dirty, but they have the craft and luster that is so often associated with magic.

To the north, the passages converge and you can hear the faint noises of water lapping against stone. There is at least one more cavern up there, as well as a few diverging passages. To the direct south, the tunnel descends and those of you with the ability to see in the dark make you thatch and nesting. Finally, there is the same chamber that Handiss came from when you first spotted her during the last ill-fated fight. Listening carefully, you don't hear anything in the way of movement from any direction. Either the troglodyte and the lizard are hiding very effectively, or there is more to this cave system than might be immediately visible.

[Farmerbink]

Gilraen makes no effort to interrupt either Eyena or Rask, forcing himself to watch grimly as they see to the final settling of the matter. Kining's comment draws a quiet snort of amusement from his nostrils, and the lithe woodsman turns to offer a few spells of recovery. His approach and timing are plain enough, so he keeps his words to himself.

Gilraen has up to 5 more spells today, and will not hesitate to make at least three of the CLWs. In no particular order, I suppose starting with Kining:
[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]

If it's particularly urgent, he'll use one more:
[roll3]

As the party moves deeper into the caves, Gilraen uses an arrow enchanted with light to provide the necessary illumination. He walks several paces behind both Rask and Kining, as their eyes are more suitably developed for the depths than his. "We should at least hunt down those last two before we bring the refugees down here. Probably leave a couple of us on guard, even so. We may be protected from the elements, but we are not safe, yet."

[n0ble]

Rask grunted and nodded thanks as the magic wound its way through his wounds. Then he set to cleaning the muck and visceras from his sword. Dam near had to scrape some of it off, but it was a dam sight better than constantly smelling trogs. Once all was set proper, Rask turned to where the trog had fled. He shot an expectant look over his shoulder at everyone else.


Gonna wait out the remaining duration on the trog stench if need be. Otherwise ready to keep going.

[Starbin]

Narek Skyskin

As Rask and Kining returned, Narek’s question was barely out of his mouth when Eyena skewered Handiss and Rask began to eliminate any remaining survivors. The others simply watched in silent, tacit approval of their actions. Nodding somewhat to himself, Narek murmured, ”So be it. The die is cast ...”, and he turned away to search the room for signs of magic and items of interest.

As the group moved in to the pit fire room, Narek called up his magic to create a set of hovering lights to moved around the chamber to help those without darkvision. In the piles, his wizard’s Sight detected a pair of well made boots that glowed with arcane power. Picking them up, he held them out to the others. “These would give the wear nimble agility.”

Once it seemed they would continue the hunt, Narek simply said, ”Let is clear these caverns first. I wonder if the lizard might not be in one of these rooms. The caster me well have fled via an alternate exit we have yet to find ... perhaps where the water is.”
Casting dancing lights for initial entry into rooms, using a light spell as the longer duration option (preferably on someone :smallsmile:) else
Figure we check Handiss’ area (which might be a personal chamber) or the ‘nest.’ Not tracking size anymore, but Eyena shrinks down four minutes or so after combat.
Status
AC: 12 HP: 6/15 Init +9 Move 30'
F +1 R +3 W +5
Weapon: Hvy crossbow w/18 bolts (8 MW)
Spells: dancing lights, detect magic, ghost sound, acid splash / magic missile, magic missile, magic missile, heightened awareness / glitterdust, glitterdust, gallant inspiration
Prescience: 6/7; Good Dreams 1/1; wand of prestidigitation (25); wand of cause fear (11)
Key skills: Perception +4 (+6); Stealth +2; Survival +3; Spellcraft +10; S. Motive +6; KS A/L +10 (+12); KS H/P/E/G/Na/D/R +8 (+10)
Effect: heightened awareness (+2 Per/KS, 30 min)

[PersonMan]

Eyena nods at the stated plans coming from Gilraen and Narek, renewing the spell on Eisenherz to keep the blade glowing before following the forward scouts, dropping further behind if either indicated that it was time for a stealthier approach.

[Lord Of Mantas]

Ilsa

Ilsa fell into formation behind Eyena, ready to summon another creature if needed.

[3SecondCultist]

Scouring the rest of the explored caverns takes some time, but between the six of you it is rather short work, taking less than five minutes all in all. Other than whatever tunnels lie to the north, these tunnels seem to be free and clear of resistance now that Handiss and the main group of troglodytes are dead and gone. There is no sign of either the reptile or the final acolyte in these chambers, although you do uncover a few locations of note.

The first stop is the room that descends to the south. The tunnel descends into an irregularly shaped chamber with many alcoves and nooks along the uneven walls. Directly opposite the tunnel mouth, a carving on the wall shows a creature hatching from an enormous egg. A low fire flickers in a wide, shallow pit about halfway between the tunnel and the carving. Large stones are piled around the edge of the firepit, their sides blackened. More stones sit within the nooks around the perimeter of the cavern, near piles of dried grasses and animal pelts. There is an overlaying stench of musk and sulfur here. Although you don't find any eggs among the area, you do uncover a few personal possessions and treasures kept by members of the tribe, including some very fine armor and a sharp dagger. Kining whistles as she pulls out a set of what look like mason's tools from one sleeping pallet, sliding them directly onto her belt. "I'm claiming these," she says in a tone that brooks no argument.

Moving further along from the main chamber, your group eventually comes to the very same chamber that Handiss dwelt in earlier. Countless bones jut from the clay walls of this chamber. Grinning skulls peer down over the ends of femurs and ulnas sticking out at odd angles. Most of the bones are from animals - some as large as stags and bears - but some are undeniably human. The choice in decor certainly explains the crunching noise that the warrior made when she first approached. Just like in the other chamber, rooting around reveals a number of treasures buried in the bone piles and tucked away in the rocks, including a scroll case with a trio of magical parchments inside. The tunnel continues to the south about thirty feet; the corridor here slopes down at irregular angles and reeks of dampness. The walls are jagged and covered with sharp stone barbs. Mossy growths spread across the floor and walls, old bones lying pale against the dark.

At the passage's end, you spot a pit that descends further into darkness, and a rickety wooden ladder propped up against the stone. There is no telling from here exactly how far down the shaft continues.

On top of the treasure that I am now adding to the loot list (which is growing quite extensive and you should all peruse for stuff to take), the bone chamber also contains a silver locket containing a braided length of blond hair, two plain platinum rings, a battered wooden flute in a silver and velvet case decorated with mums and cypress, a mystical pearl that thrums with potential power, and a gold wire ring that hums with protective magic.
Map and loot list (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1mjC7qqyo3L39_OYfcvTqAPXYAevAWbeH-0Cp8sJwQ2E/edit#gid=2102042134) updated! Come and take what you want, or give it to Kining to hold on for you, otherwise I'm going to assume it's being left behind. You all need to start taking ownership of your loot, or at least actively declaring your intent to not take it, otherwise I'm going to assume it is left or pawned off to NPCs to use. :smallwink:

[Farmerbink]

Perception 'kuz reasons: [roll0]

Also, I'll have Gilraen retroactively claim the MW chain shirt, and several other smaller things- as noted on the sheet. Are the scrolls arcane or divine in nature?

Gilraen approaches each chamber and hallway with trepidation borne of their recent misfortunes and lost companions. In each space, he is surprised to find the acolyte and lizard nowhere to be found. Still, their lack of appearance only sharpens his concern, as it seems more and more likely that they will be hidden in the next chamber.

Finally, looking down into the depths, Gilraen frowns. He retrieves a small rock and illuminates it, only to drop it over the edge and watch is progress. "Unless we intend to climb down," he begins, gesturing towards the ladder, "we might be well served to pull that up, or dismantle it."

[Lord Of Mantas]

Ilsa

"I would advocate for pulling that up, at least for now," Ilsa replied. "I have a feeling it is where the remaining troglodyte may have retreated, and we will want to go down and make sure it is dead. But if we pull it up, we can make sure it cannot escape while leaving our options open for later."

[PersonMan]

As Ilsa echoes Gilraen's idea, Eyena nods, setting Eisenherz to the side and pulling the ladder up out of the hole, setting it to the side next to it and retrieving her weapon, standing.

This is assuming there isn't anything immediately important revealed by Gilraen's dropped stone.

[Starbin]

Narek Skyskin

Narek followed the others, using his arcane sight to focus his efforts. In one of the chambers he was rewarded with a small cache of interesting items. He showed the others the obvious momentos of unfortunate victims to the troglodytes, holding onto a small ring and pearl for an extended period of study.

When the group arrived at the ladder, he peered down for a moment, then glanced around. ”While the caster may have fled this route, what if the lizard? Both were injured ... can we not track them?”

The last was said with a glance towards Gilraen, even as the wizard looked around for any other signs
Detect magic on the new loot. Use Prescience for a Perception check to figure out which way the lizard and/or trog went 21 total
Status
AC: 12 HP: 6/15 Init +9 Move 30'
F +1 R +3 W +5
Weapon: Hvy crossbow w/18 bolts (8 MW)
Spells: dancing lights, detect magic, ghost sound, acid splash / magic missile, magic missile, magic missile, heightened awareness / glitterdust, glitterdust, gallant inspiration
Prescience: 5/7; Good Dreams 1/1; wand of prestidigitation (25); wand of cause fear (11)
Key skills: Perception +4 (+6); Stealth +2; Survival +3; Spellcraft +10; S. Motive +6; KS A/L +10 (+12); KS H/P/E/G/Na/D/R +8 (+10)
Effect: heightened awareness (+2 Per/KS, 30 min)

[n0ble]

Rask looked down the hole the ladder lead to, disappointed at not finishing what was started. He rumbled out a small sigh, then followed the others in search of the caverns.

[Farmerbink]

Gilraen shakes his head at Narek, before stopping to truly consider his words. "It would be no small feat, here in their home, to gauge the passage of two individuals. Surely dozens of years of tracks would compete to mask their passage, though I suppose it's possible..." He looks around the party, content for simplicity's sake to begin the search right here.

Reaching out a hand, he interrupts Ilsa's retrieval of the ladder. "Give me a moment to look around at the bottom first," he mentions, before climbing down. "Though they were certainly formidable foes, I am confident I can escape, should the need arise. I may find more about their flight in a less-traveled portion of the caves. Narek, you can illuminate another pebble, no? Might I borrow your efforts for a time?"

He climbs down slowly, taking time to listen to the faint echoes of the cave beneath him.

First, the perception check for the aforementioned listening: [roll0]

Then, if not interrupted, he will take the lit pebble and toss it further down any hallway(s) that open up immediately, intending to keep the extent of visibility a fair distance from himself. Using two pebbles, he would have the two leapfrog some distance ahead of him, to continue being able to see at least 20 to 30 feet away from himself (or up to the nearest bend in the caves).

Finally, in the interest of clarity, my intention is for Gilraen to do the following. 1: attempt to determine if the two survivors came this direction. To that end: [roll1] survival
2: Regardless of the above outcome, determine if this is simply a small additional chamber, or continues deeper into the caves. Gilraen will explore at least to the nearest bend, hopefully to the next sizable chamber, but not further than 300 or 400 feet from the ladder (he has boots that grant a +10 move speed, and plans to abuse the two pebbles to get a decent head start back towards the ladder, in the event of an emergency).
3: Depending on #2, explore the nearest cavern and try to determine its use.

[3SecondCultist]

As Gilraen heads down the latter, magically lit stones at the ready to do some scouting, the rest of you are left to your own devices in the chamber of bone. In looking around in search of more tracks or any signs that the acolyte came this way, you are less than successful. However, while rummaging through the grisly decor, Narek accidentally knocks over a series of stones, revealing one final alcove dug into the rock.

Within are two objects, both of which radiate magical power. The first is a gem that looks a great deal like the one the wizard made on the road to the Cradle of Stone, and the second is a ring made of delicate golden wire that cannot possibly have been of troglodyte. If anything, it bears the same craftsmanship as the leather boots you recovered in the central firepit cave. Whoever bore them certainly did not leave much else behind, except perhaps the materials that fill the rest of the room.


Gilraen

The tumbling pebbles fall one after the other, as you clamber through the stone. The tunnel at the bottom of the ladder continues for a long while, with no apparent side passages or forks. Among the stones, there's little to no sign that anything has been here recently, but you can tell that your path is descending quite steadily. It's hard to tell exactly how deep you have gone - your senses aren't as keenly attuned to the rock down here - but you get the feeling that it's at least a full hundred feet below where the entrance to the caves was.

Suddenly, the passage makes a sharp turn, and you find yourself in front of what looks like another pit, with a second ladder. Although the hole that leads below is ragged, you see surfaces of rock that are a lot smoother and more worked than the caverns your group has been traversing. Whatever is at the bottom of this ladder must be part of another cave system, this one evidently worked and shaped through effort.

I've included the two items on the loot table: they are a ring of protection +1 and another pearl of power I, in case anyone wants to take them. I assumed that you were all taking 20 on your Perception checks and Narek was casting detect magic while Gilraen moved ahead, to save some time.

[Farmerbink]

Alone in the depths, Gilraen considers the sight before him for several quiet heartbeats. Now fairly confident (though potentially mistaken) that the pair hasn't fled this direction, he takes a moment to consider his companion's safety as he ventures possibly recklessly deeper. He frowns at the clearly-worked stone, unable to make heads or tails of the smooth surfaces, below the natural caves. He frowns.

Certainly nothing good, he thinks, as he bends over to test the ladder. Finding it either heavier than the first, or secured somehow, he gives a solid tug. With some effort he manages to bring it up out of the hole and into the hallway where he's standing. For a moment, he seriously considers hauling it to the previous shaft before abandoning the idea- it serves at best little purpose, and will surely create even more noise than he already has. Leaving it to the side should be enough- especially given the smoothness of the walls below.

Now dramatically less cautious than before, Gilraen hurries back up the hallway, bringing both illuminated pebbles with him. Back at the first ladder, he begins his climb to the Troglodyte's erstwhile home.

"I do not think our prey went that direction, he begins- without introduction, upon rejoining his companions. "And more importantly, there is worked stone down there." He frowns again, still confused by it all. "Someone, or something built... well, maybe not the caverns we stand in, but the caverns below them, for a certainty." He looks to his companions, most notably Narek and Kining, to gauge their reactions to the news.

[roll0] vs DC ??? to pull up the ladder

[3SecondCultist]

Kining, for her part, looks equal parts puzzled and intrigued at the news that Gilraen brings from the winding stone below. "A shaped structure? It probably won't be dwarven - there are no records of any of my people building anywhere close to the surface here in the Quest for Sky - but it could be anything else. Best to check it out when we're done clearing this level."

The smith's eyes narrow in the half-dark, and you get the impression that she's thinking over a few possible ideas as to the source of the stone. She seems about to vocalize them, but thinks better of it for the time being. Instead she clears her throat with a grumble.

"Well, we should get moving aye? If the lizard and trog are here, best we track 'em quickly."

[Lord Of Mantas]

Ilsa

"Alright. Let's see what we can do, then."

Survival (to try and spot blood tracks of the trog or lizard): [roll0]

[PersonMan]

Eyena nods, following the lead of Ilsa or one of the others, Eisenherz drawn and alight.

I'm thinking we can just go along the rough path I drew on the map with blue arrows, rather than specifically tracking.

[Starbin]

Narek Skyskin

Narek raised an eyebrow at Gilraen’s report, glancing down the hole. Rubbing his chin, he thought for a few moment, racking his brain over possible answers to the question of who shaped the caverns. Dwarves? Duergar? Dark elves? Svirfneblins? Oreads? Elemental? Or something else?
[roll0], [roll1]
Status
AC: 12 HP: 6/15 Init +9 Move 30'
F +1 R +3 W +5
Weapon: Hvy crossbow w/18 bolts (8 MW)
Spells: dancing lights, detect magic, ghost sound, acid splash / magic missile, magic missile, magic missile, heightened awareness / glitterdust, glitterdust, gallant inspiration
Prescience: 5/7; Good Dreams 1/1; wand of prestidigitation (25); wand of cause fear (11)
Key skills: Perception +4 (+6); Stealth +2; Survival +3; Spellcraft +10; S. Motive +6; KS A/L +10 (+12); KS H/P/E/G/Na/D/R +8 (+10)
Effect: heightened awareness (+2 Per/KS, 30 min)

[3SecondCultist]

Your progress through the winding caves is much quicker now that the threat of combat is less imminent. Even moving at speed, Rask and Gilraen are the first to find a few marks of blood on the rocks, which does lead you further to the north. After scouring the tunnel, the six Shepherds come to another open chamber. A dark, rippling pool covers much of this sloping cavern. Water drips from stalactites above and tumbles from fissures in the rock wall. An underwater garden of colorful algae and white fish fills the pool. The waters are still.

"There it is," says Kining as you turn the corner and sight your prey. Under the light of Eisenherz, the dark mottled skin of the monitor lizard can be seen scuttling against the furthest rocks of the cave. Of the acolyte, there appears to be no sign. More or less unhurt, the last reptile hisses at you and bares its teeth. Droplets of poisonous saliva hit the rock floor beneath it, as it readies itself to charge at you. A cornered animal, of course, has little choice.

There is no record of dwarven, duergar, drow, or any other known humanoid race's intervention beneath the earth this close to the surface world. A structure being built at this level is either newer or (more likely) predates all of those civilizations entirely, going back at least to the Age of Darkness thousands of years ago. Getting more information would require a closer look.
Updated Map (https://app.roll20.net/editor/)

So Initiative has been rolled on Roll20. All of you except for Gilraen can take your Round 1 actions now (Ilsa is going simultaneously with the lizard). There's just one combatant, but these lizards can hit pretty hard and you guys have spent some resources so we'll see how things shake out!

[Lord Of Mantas]

Ilsa

Wordlessly, Ilsa thrust her hand forward, once more weakening the barriers between realms to bring forth an earth elemental - who, upon appearing, took a swing at the monitor lizard.

Ilsa will use a standard action to once more summon a small Earth Elemental next to the monitor lizard, as part of her summoner SLA. Because this is a standard action, the elemental should be able to act this turn, assuming I understand things correctly. (If not, I'll just use these rolls for next turn in the name of expediency.)

Attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

...aaaand swing and a miss.

[PersonMan]

Eyena grips Eisenherz tightly for a moment, and the already-glowing blade pulses briefly before she advances, staying near the wall before darting towards the lizard and bringing her weapon to bear against it.

Swift: Use Arcane Pool to give Eisenherz a +1 enhancement bonus.

Then move in and attack.

A: [roll0]
D: [roll1]

[Starbin]

Narek Skyskin

As the group continued their search, Narek quietly shared his thoughts on the caverns below. ”As Kining previosuly stated, there are no records of the dwarves excavating in this region. However, neither is there documentation regarding any of the other subterranean races we might suspect, such as the dark elves, duergar, or deep gnomes. No this is either new construction, relatively speaking, which seems unlikely given Gilraen’s description and the lack of rumors regarding such activity,, or it predates our regional record-keeping and harkens back to an age long passed. The Age of Darkness.

I will only be able to determine more once we investigate further.”

If was hard to tell if there was a glint in his eyes as he spoke, or just a trick of the light.

When they finally found the lizard, Narek frowned at the missing caster, wondering where he was. He flicked his hand out with a curt motion, calling out in his arcane tongue, and sent two glowing balls unerringly towards the beast.
Cast magic missile, keep an eye out for our last straggler. [roll0]
Status
AC: 12 HP: 15 Init +9 Move 30'
F +1 R +3 W +5
Weapon: Hvy crossbow w/18 bolts (8 MW)
Spells: dancing lights, detect magic, ghost sound, acid splash / magic missile, magic missile, magic missile, heightened awareness / glitterdust, glitterdust, gallant inspiration
Prescience: 5/7; Good Dreams 1/1; wand of prestidigitation (25); wand of cause fear (11)
Key skills: Perception +4 (+6); Stealth +2; Survival +3; Spellcraft +10; S. Motive +6; KS A/L +10 (+12); KS H/P/E/G/Na/D/R +8 (+10)
Effect: heightened awareness (+2 Per/KS, 25 min)

[n0ble]

All the talk of investigations and masonry passed through one cauliflowered ear and out the other. It wasn't that he couldnt appreciate the discussion. He just knew little else of stone besides how to break it.

He’d decided on his chopper for now. He’d need time to reacquaint himself with such a blunt object, and it stunk of trog magery besides. Maybe he could claim it when he did something that was worth claiming an enemy’s weapon.



He looked at the lizard and thought to charge it. Going forward was the only way to reach the dam thing while it was still alive, and Rask had had his fill of running away from things. He silently ran forward, swinging his blade horizontally, to hamstring the beasty.



Medium armour means Rask can't reach the lizard unless he charges soooo-
Full Round Action: CHARGE
To hit (power attacking, including the bonus from charging): [roll0]
Dmg: [roll1]

[3SecondCultist]

For all of its speed, the lizard is not fast enough to anticipate your movements. Eyena is the first to close the gap, moving around the creature and bringing her blade down. A few stray sparks fly into the air as the enchanted metal chips the rock of the cavern floor with a clang, but the reptile emerges unscathed. The newly summoned elemental doesn’t fare much better. Narek’s barrage seems to initially hurt the beast, tearing into its muscles and leaving neat holes that drip thick white-grey blood and pus. However, it is Rask who finishes it off, cutting out its legs with an expert swing from his greatsword.

With its last breath, the lizard bites out at the half-orc, drawing blood as its teeth close around his calf and crunch through the armor there. It would seem that the animal saw no escape and stayed to fight to the last. All is quiet in the wake of the creature’s collapse on the ground.

It is at that precise moment that the colourful pond explodes into waves of activity. No less than three separate shapes emerge from the surface: man-sized, crab-like monstrosities float just below the surface of the pool, their enormous pincers held out menacingly before them. From their claws, these three crustaceans fire off strange algae-covered filaments of silk towards the three members of your group closest to the shoreline: Eyena, Kining, and the earth elemental. None of their targets escape quickly enough, and both the smith and the magus are bodily pulled towards the surface of the waters.

The cave fisher is a highly specialized predator that dwells in caves. The creature’s mode of hunting is unique - it swims just below the surface, typically at a depth of 10 ft. Shallow underground pools are favored hunting grounds for the cave fisher. The creature lies in wait until prey approaches within 60 feet, at which point it extrudes a thin cord of silk at blinding speed, lashing at the target as with a whip. The filament is incredibly sticky, and once the fisher strikes food with it, it reels in its meal to feed, trusting its position on a higher ledge to prevent any allies the meal may have from molesting it as it eats. Collections of bones and lengths of discarded filaments are sure signs of cave fisher habitation.
Updated Map (https://app.roll20.net/editor/)

The good news is that the lizard is down! Rask took 8 damage, but it isn’t getting back up. The bad news is that you have more enemies to fight in the form of these crabs. Eyena, Ilsa’s earth elemental, and Kining have all been hit with the filaments, and both Eyena and Kining have been pulled 10 ft towards the water. As a standard action, a creature can rip the filament free with a DC 20 Strength check. A caught creature can also attempt to escape a filament by making a DC 25 Escape Artist check, or attacking the filament.

The water itself is only 15 ft deep at its deepest, and is mostly 5-10 ft deep. The shallows do count as difficult terrain if you’re trying to walk through it, and you can make Swim checks to move at half your speed through the deeper sections.

[PersonMan]

Eyena mumbles something unintelligible as she tried to cut away the filament attached to her, then moves back.

Going to attack the filament.

A: [roll0]
D: [roll1]

If that fails, Eyena will try and move away from the water; I'm not sure if the filament just restricts movement, or if there's a roll to tug the thing along. If so, rolling CMB below:

[roll2] -2 if it's just a Strength roll

Eyena moves five feet back away from the water.

[Farmerbink]

Gilraen steps forward, quickly assessing the scope of the threats. "Guard yourselves! Stay away from the water!" He lifts his bow to fire, but thinks better of it and utters an incarnation to the spirits of Fangwood.

Gilraen Súrion (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=1246835)
M CG Elf Oracle (warsighted), Level 3, Init 5, HP 22/22, Speed 40
AC 16 (15 for loner), Touch 13, Flat-footed 13, CMD 17, Fort 3, Ref 4, Will 2, CMB +4, Base Attack Bonus +2
PBS MW composite long bow (37 arrows) +8 (1d8+2, x3 )
Quarterstaff +5 (1d6+3, x2) or 1d6+2/1d6+1
Shillelagh Qstaff +6 (2d6+4, x2) or 2d6+3/2d6+3
Studded Leather (+3 Armor, +3 Dex)
Abilities Str 14, Dex 17, Con 12, Int 14, Wis 8, Cha 13
Condition Charisma to saves vs enchantment
Chernasardo Hopeful: reduce concealment as a move action
-1x +1 frost arrows , 1x +1 flaming arrows
Spells, 1st level: 1/6 remaining
Martial Flexibility: 1/4
Divine Favor: +1 attack and damage, 10 rounds
Rapid shot: 10 rounds

5-foot step away from Narek
Use MF for rapid shot
Cast divine favor

[Lord Of Mantas]

Ilsa

"It just doesn't let up!"

Ilsa grabbed her crossbow and leveled it at the water monster that had grabbed Kining, firing off a bolt. Meanwhile, the earth elemental, without direction, attempted to free itself.

Ilsa fires.

Attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

The elemental breaks free.

Strength: [roll2]

[Starbin]

Narek Skyskin

Even as the lizard fell, strange crab-like things slipped out from the water and attacked. He recognized them immediately, calling out, ”Cave fishers! Beware their lines - they'll drag you to the water to feed upon.”

He was running desperately low on Magic, so drew the wand and tried to force one of the creatures to flee.
Draw wand, cast cause fear on one of the creatures (hopefully one trying to pull a companion, if Narek estimates they would release the line)
Status
AC: 12 HP: 15 Init +9 Move 30'
F +1 R +3 W +5
Weapon: Hvy crossbow w/18 bolts (8 MW)
Spells: dancing lights, detect magic, ghost sound, acid splash / magic missile, magic missile, magic missile, heightened awareness / glitterdust, glitterdust, gallant inspiration
Prescience: 5/7; Good Dreams 1/1; wand of prestidigitation (25); wand of cause fear (10)
Key skills: Perception +4 (+6); Stealth +2; Survival +3; Spellcraft +10; S. Motive +6; KS A/L +10 (+12); KS H/P/E/G/Na/D/R +8 (+10)
Effect: heightened awareness (+2 Per/KS, 25 min)

[n0ble]

Rask grunted as his brain dully registered the lizard's bite on his leg. He kicked his way free of the dead things maw, only to see some of the others getting roped up by the crab things. Rask moved to try and tug the dwarf free.



Move to Kinning
Str. Check to free kinning [roll0]

[3SecondCultist]

For all of your effort, only Eyena is able to cut herself free or do anything in the way of damage to the cave crustaceans. All three of them prove to have inordinately strong grips, withstanding both the elemental and the combined strength of Kining and Rask. Whatever these fired lines are, they're certainly tough to break outside of use of a sword. A sharp edge seems to have done the trick. Your attempts at shooting the creatures down doesn't seem to be of much use either, both Narek and Ilsa's shots going wide and sinking into the pool.

"Ah fu-" Kining's curse is cut off as the dwarf is yanked forward even further than she currently was, tumbling headfirst into the lapping water. Her armor is not doing her favors, as she struggles to stay upright. The top of her head breaches the water, and judging from the way she's standing, she has a shaky footing. Nevertheless, being submerged is not proving to be helpful to her escape efforts. Eyena and the elemental are next, both being dragged into the murky recesses beyond the muddy shore.

Updated Map (https://app.roll20.net/editor/)

So Kining only took 4 damage this turn, but none of you have hit the crabs yet and they have now pulled Kining, the elemental, and Eyena into the water. Nobody is in danger of drowning here - the water at the edge is between four and five feet deep - but I'm using the aquatic terrain rules (https://www.d20pfsrd.com/gamemastering/environment/wilderness/terrain/aquatic-terrain/) for anyone fully in a water square as seen under 'firm footing'. That means -2 to attack and half damage for any weapon that isn't piercing.

[PersonMan]

Eyena wades deeper into the water and attacks the crab-thing in front of her.

Move and attack.

A: [roll0]
D: [roll1]

[Lord Of Mantas]

Ilsa

Ilsa fumbled as she tried to reload her crossbow.

"Goddamn... hit the stupid thing!" she said, more to her crossbow than anything else.

The elemental continued to struggle mightily.

Ilsa Attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

Elemental Strength: [roll2]

[Farmerbink]

As the stakes rise, Gilraen's focus intensifies. Picking Kining as "Guard yourselves! Stay away from the water!" He lifts his bow to fire, but thinks better of it and utters an incarnation to the spirits of Fangwood.

Gilraen Súrion (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=1246835)
M CG Elf Oracle (warsighted), Level 3, Init 5, HP 22/22, Speed 40
AC 16 (15 for loner), Touch 13, Flat-footed 13, CMD 17, Fort 3, Ref 4, Will 2, CMB +4, Base Attack Bonus +2
PBS MW composite long bow (37 arrows) +8 (1d8+2, x3 )
Quarterstaff +5 (1d6+3, x2) or 1d6+2/1d6+1
Shillelagh Qstaff +6 (2d6+4, x2) or 2d6+3/2d6+3
Studded Leather (+3 Armor, +3 Dex)
Abilities Str 14, Dex 17, Con 12, Int 14, Wis 8, Cha 13
Condition Charisma to saves vs enchantment
Chernasardo Hopeful: reduce concealment as a move action
-1x +1 frost arrows , 1x +1 flaming arrows
Spells, 1st level: 1/6 remaining
Martial Flexibility: 1/4
Divine Favor: +1 attack and damage, 9 rounds
Rapid shot: 9 rounds

Pew to tha pew:
[roll0] vs farthest target (pending adjudication of timing. If not prior to Eyena engaging melee, change target to middle, and increase modifier to +8)
[roll1] CC (27, x3)
[roll2] damage (+4 if middle target)
[roll3] crit bonus

[roll4] (same as above)
[roll5] CC (27, x3)
[roll6] damage (+4 if middle target)
[roll7] crit bonus

[n0ble]

Rask grunted as his strength failed him and Kinning was whisked from his fingers by the crab-thing. He let out a low growl and then stomped his way into pool. A smarter man might have taken his breastplate off, but the past two days frustrations had seen a foul anger well up inside the big man. And even with his senses about him Rask had never been that smart.

As he reached the crab-thing, Rask lashed out with a savage swing, doing his best to make his blade level at the beasties eyes.


Move 20ft north, engaging the one that has Kining
To hit (power attacking): [roll0]
Dmg: [roll1]
CC: [roll2]

[3SecondCultist]

At first, it seems as though your struggle continues to be in vain. Ilsa's crossbow goes wide for a second time as her elemental fails to gain ground, and is pulled even further into the cave pool. Floundering in the depths, the summoned monster doesn't know what to do with itself. Thankfully, the cave fisher's claws don't find any purchase in its now muddy exterior. In a similar manner, the crab engaged with Eyena cannot pierce her armor. Waterlogged your group may be, but none of you save Kining have been bled from these creatures' assault.

Rask's charge occurs at the same time as Gilraen firing his arrow. The half-orc dives into the water, narrowly missing the arrow as it cuts through the air only inches above his head. Both survivors are able to make a dint in the enemy, whether by quiver or scabbard. But it's Narek's arcane barrage that carries the day, the magic missile fizzling through the water to eradicate one of the fishers even as Kining's blade comes in for a final blow. When all is said and done, the cave fisher begins to sink slowly out of sight.

These crustaceans may be tough, but they're no tougher than the hobgoblins that took Phaendar, or the skeletons at Gristledown. Push through these last two here, and the day is yours.

Updated Map
(https://app.roll20.net/editor/)
None of the crabs were able to hit you guys or your allies this turn, but Gilraen and Rask were able to do some damage. I botted Narek to throw down his last magic missile for the turn, which proved decisive since Kining hit with her weapon to finish that very same crab. Only two left, and one of them is injured!

There isn't much else left to report, other than to be encouraging and say that you can do it! :smallsmile:

[Starbin]

Narek Skyskin

Having used his best remaining spell, Narek was reduced to cantrips. He flung a globule of acid at one of the creatures if visible, then began the arduous task of reloading his crossbow.
Cast Acid splash (-4 If crab is in melee) [roll1]
Status
AC: 12 HP: 15 Init +9 Move 30'
F +1 R +3 W +5
Weapon: Hvy crossbow w/17 bolts (8 MW)
Spells: dancing lights, detect magic, ghost sound, acid splash / magic missile, magic missile, [s]magic missile, heightened awareness / glitterdust, glitterdust, gallant inspiration
Prescience: 5/7; Good Dreams 1/1; wand of prestidigitation (25); wand of cause fear (10)
Key skills: Perception +4 (+6); Stealth +2; Survival +3; Spellcraft +10; S. Motive +6; KS A/L +10 (+12); KS H/P/E/G/Na/D/R +8 (+10)
Effect: heightened awareness (+2 Per/KS, 25 min)

[n0ble]

Rask sloshed and picked his way past the dead thing, eager to smash open another one and be done with the beasts. He pushed off the pool floor as he reached it, bring his sword up for a swing while he could still feel some earth beneath his feet.



Move up to the next cave-dweller
Standard Action Attack (power attacking): [roll0]
dmg: [roll1]
CC: [roll2]

[PersonMan]

Eyena attacks the crab in front of her.

Attacking.

A: [roll0]
D: [roll1]

[Farmerbink]

Gilraen groans as his companions flail about largely ineffectively in the murky water. He begrudgingly steps forward, picking his aim as carefully as he can between Rask and the summoned elemental. "Or do," he groans, trying to time the release of his arrows.

Gilraen Súrion (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=1246835)
M CG Elf Oracle (warsighted), Level 3, Init 5, HP 22/22, Speed 40
AC 16 (15 for loner), Touch 13, Flat-footed 13, CMD 17, Fort 3, Ref 4, Will 2, CMB +4, Base Attack Bonus +2
PBS MW composite long bow (37 arrows) +8 (1d8+2, x3 )
Quarterstaff +5 (1d6+3, x2) or 1d6+2/1d6+1
Shillelagh Qstaff +6 (2d6+4, x2) or 2d6+3/2d6+3
Studded Leather (+3 Armor, +3 Dex)
Abilities Str 14, Dex 17, Con 12, Int 14, Wis 8, Cha 13
Condition Charisma to saves vs enchantment
Chernasardo Hopeful: reduce concealment as a move action
-1x +1 frost arrows , 1x +1 flaming arrows
Spells, 1st level: 1/6 remaining
Martial Flexibility: 1/4
Divine Favor: +1 attack and damage, 8 rounds
Rapid shot: 8 rounds

Pew to tha pew:
[roll0] vs nearer target- suffers from firing into melee, has PBS bonuses
[roll1] CC (28, x3)
[roll2] damage
[roll3] crit bonus

[roll4] (same as above)
[roll5] CC (28, x3)
[roll6] damage
[roll7] crit bonus

[Lord Of Mantas]

Ilsa

"Third time's the charm?"

Ilsa sounded unsure as she fired off yet another bolt. The elemental, now within range of the water creature, swung at it.

Ilsa Attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

Elemental Attack: [roll2] (includes all modifiers)
Damage: [roll3]

[3SecondCultist]

Once more, Ilsa shoots off a crossbow bolt that misses its target as her earth elemental struggles futilely against its aggressor. However, the rest of the battle has turned decidedly in your favor. With the first crab down for the count, those of you that remain in or near the water can easily focus your efforts on its companions. Although Rask just barely misses his prey with a powerful swing that splits the water in two in front of him, Eyena opts for a horizontal approach. Her bastard sword cuts right at the underside of the crab, splitting it open just in time for a second arrow from Gilraen to pierce its insides. With a bubbling hiss, two of the three cave fishers have been neutralized.

The last of them swipes out at Rask with a claw, but the soldier's armor is too strong for the edged limb to do him any damage. Seeing that it is now surrounded and has little in the way of others to protect it, the cave fisher begins to swim below the surface, presumably to settle in the silt at the deepest part of the cave pool. Although both Rask and Ilsa's summoned companion take swipes at it, the creature manages to evade them and is quickly out of sight. The water is opaque enough near the furthest reaches of the pool, due in part to the amount of mud and other sediment you've kicked up from the bottom during the fight. Following the crab's progress is futile.

After a few moments, a nervous quiet settles on your group. It would seem as though victory is yours. With the exception of a single side tunnel, you are confident that this whole cavern level is safe from threats for the time being.

Updated Map (https://app.roll20.net/editor/)

You guys did it! I wasn't super interested in dragging that fight out any longer than it needed to go, so with 2/3 of these crabs dead I'm happy to call it a win for you. I've cleared the map of any fog of war, which should allow you to explore the rest of it as you wish. Feel free to RP where you're going and make Perception checks if you like for individual areas, including going out to get the rest of the Shepherds.

I'm giving you all the initiative to get people organized if that's what you want to do: to delegate who goes in what chamber, to oversee the looting of the crystals, to help fumigate the place from troglodytes, etc. Or if you'd rather skip that, please post IC to the effect of 'my character waits until morning' so we can move on with the next part of this dungeon. :smallsmile:

[n0ble]

Once the fighting dimmed down and he'd had a moment, Rask dragged back his half of the cave fisher . He made a note to butcher the thing later, reasoning that if people didn't like the taste of crab then it was all the more for himself. He didn't put his sword away but did run it through the water. Then he scrapped away some of the offal and trog blood from his sword and judged it clean enough that he wouldn't spook any of the civilians.

There was the problem of trog bodies to attend to. Rask wasn't sure whether it was them or the whole dam nest that stank so badly but getting them out seemed a good way to find out. Burying them might work, but that was a Dretha-damned amount of digging for trogs he didn't care one tusk for. Still it seemed better than the alternatives. The stench was apt to draw things if they left them farther outside to rot. Predators. More Edrans maybe. The Legion. The ****ing Legion. Rask stared at the pool and got to thinking as he turned away to explore the nest. There was always sinking them to the bottom of the pool, but the carrion would just putrefy faster underwater and attract more cave fishers. He snorted to himself, momentarily bemused. Perhaps it would hold weight with the others if they were inclined to hunt more crab-things.

He came to the area littered with bones and sighed. Cleaning out the place would take some time, but at least it meant less encounters with trog magery. Werent as though the skeletons were going to up and run away. Maybe he could use that hammer to crush up the bones. Powder would be easier to dump into the water. And burning things would have cooked off or desiccated any marrow in the bones he didn't crush up, so they werent ought to attract more predators. Would make having a lookabout the place easier too. Failing that there was always bonemeal, and though Rask was not familiar with the alchemies needed for it, he was sure that Narek or someone with more than half a brain would be. Maybe there was something poetic in using the bones of victims to grow life anew, but Rask's mind was inclined towards practicality at the moment and so did not allow for poetry. Rask sighed, momentarily feeling his age. There was still the matter of the trog corpses and their stink to attend to and **** if he werent already tired by the day's bloodshed, magic belt or no. The bodies could wait. It was best to focus on what he could accomplish.

He set about retrieving his hammer, no longer put off by the trogness of it now that he had a purpose in mind. He kept the original owners head too, just in case they ran into anymore trogs and he needed to let them know who the new chiefs were. The hammer was light, so much so that he almost grunted with surprise at picking it up. Normally the big man favoured blades, but blunt ends were not so bad. Just meant he'd have to get creative should anymore trogs make their presence known. Rask idly wondered how Legionary steel would hold against it. Then he saw it.

A spear shaft or blade length of light (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dnFRpkstuQc). The entrance. Or maybe it was an exit. He half-walked half-stumbled a little ways into it, blinking into a squint as his orc eyes adjusted to the brightness. And the sun's warmth. Rask walked out a little farther, closed his eyes, and trailed a free hand along the wall for a moment, pleased to feel warmed rock underneath. His face settled into a not-quite-smile that nonetheless looked content. Rask's memory was not so bad as to forget the location of the shriekers, and he opened his eyes to avoid them as he waited at the cave mouth. He did not want his reunion with the outside spoiled by screams. The sunlight felt good. It went a great ways towards dispelling his tiredness. Rask was glad to see green, as sure an assurance as ever that there was some life about. After enough time had passed, or when he was joined by another one of the spelunkers, Rask jammed a thumb and middle finger into his mouth and let out a shrill whistle for the civilians to come join them.

As the refugees milled and ambled towards the cave mouth, Rask put his sword back into the scabbard he wore on his back. He was glad to have it's weight rest there.

[Lord Of Mantas]

Ilsa

At last, everything was still. It had taken blood, sweat, and tears, and the life of one of their comrades - but the first level, at least, was finally cleared. Ilsa let out a breath, long and shaky. The journey, the fighting, all of it was beginning to take its toll. They had lost so many, already. Could she have done something else? Could she have done better? Was there any satisfaction or closure to be gained, pondering these questions?

Stowing her crossbow, she opted to bury these thoughts with work. These questions, and the one of what waited in the caverns below, could wait for another day - there was, after all, still the matter of making the cave livable. Their original goal had been to acquire a place of the people of Phaendar to finally find rest again, after all, and there was much to be done.

"All right. Great work, everyone. Now, it's an unpleasant job... but is there anyone who will assist me in clearing out the corpses of our hosts and stacking them so that we may burn them?"

[PersonMan]

Eyena is silent at the last crab-thing flees, staring down into the water for a moment before turning, wading back to the shore and working a bit of simple magic - a swift gesture, a vowel-heavy intonation and then a hand ran along the length of Eisenherz, palm a few inches above the blade, an invisible force wiping away the blood and guts. A moment later, she does the same for the rest of the dirt, then silently offers a similar cleaning to the others. When Ilsa speaks, Eyena has returned Eisenherz to its sheath, using another spell to set its pommel aglow in order to replace the light of the blade. She nods, stepping forwards to follow the half-elf and get to work.

I think at this point we'll just have folks come in, settle where they can and start getting in some fresh air; the looting and organization can wait until we've fully secured the place, IMO.

Eyena will spend the day helping with carrying out bodies, carrying things in and so forth; once the work is done she'll probably settle in for more drawing with Rhyna, maybe spend the evening with Kining before going on her usual watch.

[Starbin]

Narek Skyskin

Even as Narek finished reloading his crossbow, The battle was finally over. The crab fishers were either slain or fled, and now the cavern felt quiet, with only the echoes of his companions’ breathing. He stood silently, his gaze fixed on the pool for long moments, lost in thought. Troglodytes... giant lizards ... cave fishers ... and a tunnel system with worked stone. What else lurked deeper within? Cave trolls? Duergar or stow? Dragons?

Exhaling softly, Narek turned back to the group, reaching into his haversack to retrieve a set of well-crafted bolts. Moving to stand by Ilsa, he handed her 8 bolts with a nod. ”You should take these. You are better suited to using them than I.”. Then he turned away, leaving her to rally folks into moving bodies.

He turned to search the caves more thoroughly, pausing only to let Rask and Gilraen know. He cast about, seeking any indications of magic throughout. He studied the rooms for signs of passage, or additional activity. He took notes on individual cave dimensions, noting exits and unexplored areas. Then he returned to his companions.

“I am uncertain that burning the bodies makes sense, given the chance for smoke plumes giving away our position. However, I could devise some acids to rid us of the bodies ... but it may take a bit. Rask has the right of using the cave fishers for meat if possible; food resources remain a challenge.

Do we wish to remove the fungus now, or leave it as a warning system? And when do we wish to come nveatigate the other caverns? We will need guards at the least, but eventually we want to clear the next level.
Detect magic, search around, take notes for housekeeping, Chit chat...
Status
AC: 12 HP: 15 Init +9 Move 30'
F +1 R +3 W +5
Weapon: Hvy crossbow w/17 bolts (8 MW)
Spells: dancing lights, detect magic, ghost sound, acid splash / magic missile, magic missile, magic missile[/roll], [s]heightened awareness / glitterdust, glitterdust, gallant inspiration
Prescience: 5/7; Good Dreams 1/1; wand of prestidigitation (25); wand of cause fear (10)
Key skills: Perception +4 (+6); Stealth +2; Survival +3; Spellcraft +10; S. Motive +6; KS A/L +10 (+12); KS H/P/E/G/Na/D/R +8 (+10)
Effect: heightened awareness (+2 Per/KS, 25 min)

[Farmerbink]

Gilraen scans the room, his tense shoulders and arms still prepared for the cave fisher's next assault. When it never comes, he slowly begins to relax, still leery of the now-cowering crustacean. He watches Rask with no small amount of curiosity, having never considered the huge creature to be a reasonable source of food. Narek explains, leaving the woodsman dubiously interested. As the rest of the party begins to settle in in their own ways, Gilraen clears his throat to get attention. "It would be the height of folly to leave the passage to the depths unguarded- with or without a ladder. I will volunteer to stand watch, for now." Without any further preamble, he returns to the odd pit.

Preferring to allow his eyes to begin acclimating to the darkness, he illuminates a pebble and drops it over the side. He squats a few paces from the pit, watching the eerie bluish glow on the ceiling for any sign of obstructing shadows. From time to time, he repeats the odd ritual, as the incantation wears off of stone after stone. For the moment, he breathes easily, finding comfort in the solitude of his thoughts.

[3SecondCultist]

The noise from Rask's whistle carries wide and far, and before long he has a response. Aubrin is near the front of the group, leaning on her staff and squinting with faulty eyes out towards the cave entrance. When she sees the figure of the half-orc standing there, she breaks out into a radiant smile. Behind her stand the brothers Ramus and Jodis, both of them flanked by the wolf pups that you rescued from the mites. And behind them are the rest of them: the survivors of Phaendar, those hardened few, the Shepherds of Fangwood, emerge from the trees. As one, they say goodbye to the land of dappled shadow and midday sun, passing by Rask and into the caverns. As they do, a few pat the old soldier on the back with genuine affection. "Thank you, Rask," murmurs Jet as she moves past. "It can't have been easy, delving into that place and fighting for us like that. I'd wager that the people of Phaendar will never be able to repay your debt!"

As they file past the screamers and into the chamber where Handiss and her kin made their last stand, a few of them wrinkle their noses and gag at the stench. But to their credit, these people have been through worse over the past two weeks. After a minute of recovery, several of the stronger members of the crew volunteer to carry and stack the bodies wherever you decide they need to go. Meanwhile, Rhyna leads the other two priestesses from Phaendar in a coordinated chant as they start to conjure up water to wash away the worst of the blood from the stones. The business is conducted grimly but with a determination that you have come to associate with simple people in hard times.

Narek is the first to plumb the rest of the Cradle of Stone, but others soon join him. The samsaran finds, much to his relief, that there are no more enemies lurking around the corner. In fact, the only major unexplored passage proves to be quite valuable. The side tunnel that runs from the central cavern meets up with the northern pool in a separate antechamber of sorts. The floor slopes down to the north wall where a narrow underground stream flows past. The sound of running water echoes off the low ceiling, and a burning torch near the stream sends rippling light patterns dancing off the wall. Racks against the walls hold the carcasses of forest creatures, some still draining their life's blood on the ground, others mere skins left to dry. Stone shelves have been cut into the walls of this room, and
each shelf is heaped with dried mushrooms, baskets of herbs, root vegetables, and other fragrant foodstuffs. Empty baskets and cloth sacks lie in a pile in one corner. It would seem that the troglodytes kept a fairly well-stocked pantry after all.

Time passes, and as the people of Phaendar begin to acclimatize themselves to this place, you eventually come together once more. What was once the ceremonial fire of the Children of Stone is now a beacon of flames, warming the former townsfolk in the otherwise damp caves. What's more, the fires seem to be smoking out the scent of troglodyte more with every passing minute. Aubrin and Jet tend to the flames, while Kining has been openly admiring the crystals embedded in the cavern walls and continues to do so now. As usual, it's the cleric who starts things off.

"Well, you did it! We finally have some place to call home for the time being. It's not much, but we can farm mushrooms and fish for those crabs in large numbers. We have an alarm system of sorts, and we'll get to work cozying the place up a bit." Aubrin pokes at the flames with the end of her staff as she speaks, apparently unconcerned about the wood catching fire. "If you can find us some acid or another way of disposing the troglodytes, I'm sure the folks here would be really happy. But beyond that: what's next? Will you explore the caverns below?"

I figured I'd get us moving forward and get the ball rolling on things! I've cleared the whole map so you have a good look at all of the features. The pantry had 20 Provision Points worth of food alone, and that's not including if you want to go diving for the cave fisher bodies at the bottom of the pool. I figure the townsfolk can more or less settle in on their own, but the ball is very much in your court as to what you want to do next. At the moment, there are no major threats headed your way that you have noticed. Where are you going from here?

[Lord Of Mantas]

Ilsa

"I think we'll need to rest and refresh ourselves first, but yes. The last thing we want now that we've finally secured lodgings and a place to rest is for some hidden threat from below to sneak up on us. We got rid of the ladder, earlier, so at least it won't be easy, but we can't discount them having other equipment."

[PersonMan]

As Ilsa speaks in favor of clearing the lower part of the caves, Eyena nods. "Yes," she says, nodding again if it's needed to clarify her position before leaving to take over Gilraen's watching of the hole going down, continuing his usage of spell-lit stones to light the tunnel below.

[n0ble]

Rask offered a furtive smile at Jet's words, then inclined his head in a gesture of respect for their meaning. It was good to know at least someone thought so. He looked at the back of her long as he dared, then turned his gaze towards the treeline. A wind breezed through he leaves and Rask scrunched his face up like he was trying divine something. The wind kept blowing. Rask snorted, fell into line and brought up the rear of the group.

He set his sword down somewheres he could remember easily, meaning to retrieve it later. Perhaps he could make a gift of it to someone or another, now that he had the hammer. Honestly if he left it alone enough someone could just take it up on their own, and that agreed with him more than the thought of giving it away. On his way to the bone room, he made a detour of the pool where they'd fought the cave fishers, eager to see if there was any other edible parts left on the bottom. He'd have to wait till after crunching up the skeletons to wade into the water, but he was in no rush to begin mashing things up again nor cover himself in powdered bone.


Taking 20 on searching the pools for more provision points worth of crab.


Later

Rask looked up from the ground. He was leaning on the hammer like a crutch and nodded yes. A second level meant somewhere else to retreat to if need be. Meant somewhere to store reserves of things. More space, less pressing claustrophobia. Made sense to look at it if nothing else. Rask squared himself up to his full height and nodded again. He'd claim third watch of the pit.

[3SecondCultist]

Eyena

By the time your watch has ended and Rask shows up to relieve you - his greatsword now traded in for Handiss' great hammer - you get the feeling from your stomach that at least a few hours have passed. Although there's no way to tell in here, it must be later in the afternoon. Thankfully, your rocks have joined Gilraen's pile without anything untoward coming to light from below. The caves are mercifully quiet as you head out from the makeshift watch post, into the torchlight cast by the other townsfolk.

You find Rhyna more or less exactly where you thought she'd be: near the central cave, where all of you convened just a little while ago. She has a sheet of rough parchment in hand, and is currently trying her very best to sketch the glimmering crystals. Judging by the soft sounds of frustration that she lets out every minute or so, it isn't going very well. When she sees you, the priestess' eyes light up. "There you are, Eyena! I've been sort of trying to follow your example and sketch things that I see. This isn't working out too well though, I'm sad to say. Here, want to take a look?"


Rask

"Gotta say, you're a lot scarier with the hammer now than you ever were with the sword," a voice calls out from the tunnel mouth. Behind you, where the bones still lie strewn about Handiss' former living quarters, stands Jet. The other Phaendar leader carries her sword casually on her belt, as has become more or less routine ever since fleeing home. In her hands, she carries a metallic flask, and finds a seat on the stone near where you sit surveying the pit.

Exhaling as she sits, the dark-haired woman cranes her neck to look down. "So what do you think's in that chamber that Gilraen mentioned? It could be more trogs, or something else. I've given some thought to joining you all tomorrow morning, but... well, after what happened to Lirosa, I'm not sure that I'm cut out for that sort of adventuring work. Here, have some of this. It's mead, might not be to your liking but it's some of the best liquor from the Root still around." Handing you the flask, Jet clearly invites you to drink with a lazy gesture of her hand.

While searching around the cave fisher pool, Rask uncovers some stuff at the bottom. Beyond the cave fisher bodies - which are 2 Provision Points apiece - he uncovers an iron coffer filled with 120 gp, and a wand of magic missile (with 28 charges) made of steel and decorated with engravings of helms and breastplates. Finally, he found a magical chain belt of fine gold links on an algae-covered skeleton down there, which is a belt of mighty constitution +2.

I've updated the sheet (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1mjC7qqyo3L39_OYfcvTqAPXYAevAWbeH-0Cp8sJwQ2E/edit#gid=2102042134) with more loot! When I get a few more posts from people and we wrap up these NPC scenes, I'd be happy to move on. :smallsmile:

[PersonMan]

As Eyena approaches Rhyna, sheet of paper (neatly torn from the chained-up book she still keeps secret), spellbook (which she uses to have a flat surface for drawing on - its pages aren't used for drawing) and writing utensils at the ready, she cracks a slight smile, giving her a nod as she arrives. "If it would, that is to say...yes, I would. Like to see it, that is. What you've drawn, there," she says, taking what Rhyna has done and examining it closely. She looks between it and the crystals on the walls, occasionally making a small mark of her own, shifting to let the other woman see what she does. "It, by which I mean, the crystals, they, well, normally I choose subjects of the...living, sort. That is to say, people. Or, them, but not as they are, which isn't to imply - it isn't meant to be due to any failure, or, aesthetic...weakness, had by them. The people, I am around. But, if they are not present, I use an image, a memory, that is, of them."

Eyena looks to Rhyna as she finishes.

[3SecondCultist]

Eyena

Rhyna waits for you to finish speaking before explaining herself a bit further. "I thought that at first too, but people's faces are really hard to draw! I tried doing a sketch of Marta yesterday, but I got the nose and eye shape all wrong. She tried to be polite, but I could tell she didn't like it all that much." As she talks, the tall blonde watches your notes and nods in obvious appreciation at your input. You can tell from her excitement that you've just given her a number of good ideas for further technique refinement.

"I wish I could draw people from memory - or anything from memory. So far, it's all been things that I've seen in our group or out in the woods, or here. I don't think I have the kind of skill you have."

[PersonMan]

Eyena nods, then pauses. "Oh. That - well, I..." she nods, again. "In regards to my skill, that is, your commenting on it, I thank you. However, I would comment, that is, I am, now, that the development, you are having, that is to say, your current illustrations, they are improving." Eyena goes silent for a moment. "Before I came here, that is, before my entry back into Nirmathas, I spent several years practicing extensively. There was..." she furrows her brow slightly. "It was a minimum of four hours per day. It increased, after...that is, I drew in greater amounts, and began to specialize, in what I draw more often now...at a point in time, after an event."

[n0ble]

Rask looked up from where he'd been staring at the pool, then grinned sheepishly. He'd not meant to scare anyone, but then what Gurmesh else was he going to do glowering into a pool for crab corpses. Maybe it was all the blood on him. He was distracted by the shine of the objects in the water and made a note to go and get them in a moment.

Rask made to grab the flask, then traded Jet the hammer. Last thing he wanted to be doing was scaring an upstanding woman such as herself. He uncorked the flask and gave it a good sniff. It smelled spicy, and his nose was proven right as he took a modest sip of the stuff. Man could fight a hundred Ironfang Legions for a drop of that. He handed it back to Jet and nodded his thanks.

[Starbin]

Narek Skyskin

Narek was completely enthralled in his notes when he felt the small hand touch his shoulder. Glancing up, he stared at Thel blankly for a moment, as if seeing past the boy, before his eyes focused on his son’s face. ”I’m sorry Thel, I didn’t notice you there. I suppose my mapping the caves and assessing our recent finds stole my focus. Have a seat. Where is your mother? Is everything okay? ”.


With the group gathered, Narek sat staring at the fire, thinking about the fallen, when Aubrin began to speak. He let her talk, knowing she had her finger on the pulse of the people far more than he ever would ... or most of the so-called heroes of the Shepherds. Between Eyena, Gilraen, Rask and Narek, they possessed the collective social charm of the bed of shriekers outside the caves. Of course, there was something to be said of folk who didn’t mince words or filter the truth. However, encouraging speeches called for a softer side, not stark truths. That was the magic people like Aubrin, Rhyna and Ilsa brought.

After the others offered their opinions, Narek stood and added, “We will investigate tomorrow. I will research possible compounds to rid ourselves from the troglodytes and their stench. We will need someone to make sure our tracks to the caverns are hidden, least the Legion find us quickly.

I suggest that until we understand where all the entrances are and have cleared out any connecting areas, all members travel in pairs, as a minimum.”

For the rest of the evening, Narek began to work on developing an acid to destroy the bodies, as well as claiming a number of items from the group’s stores.
Unless there is an issue, claiming wand of MM, dust of tracelessness, dust of illusion, spider silk rope, compass, manacles, thunderstone, and everburning torch.

Remember - Narek gave his 8 MW bolts to Ilsa
Status
AC: 12 HP: 15 Init +9 Move 30'
F +1 R +3 W +5
Weapon: Hvy crossbow w/17 bolts
Spells: dancing lights, detect magic, ghost sound, acid splash / magic missile, magic missile, magic missile[/roll], [s]heightened awareness / glitterdust, glitterdust, gallant inspiration
Prescience: 5/7; Good Dreams 1/1; wand of magic missile 28); wand of prestidigitation (25); wand of cause fear (10)
Key skills: Perception +4 (+6); Stealth +2; Survival +3; Spellcraft +10; S. Motive +6; KS A/L +10 (+12); KS H/P/E/G/Na/D/R +8 (+10)
Effect: heightened awareness (+2 Per/KS, 25 min)

[3SecondCultist]

Eyena

Rhyna's eyes widen slightly. "Four hours? Wow, that's a lot of practice. I don't know if I will - if we'll - ever get the time to settle down to the extent that I'll have that kind of free time. And even when we do, there's the church to rebuild and all sorts of ceremonies to help officiate. I guess with Noelan gone, I've sort of become the leader of the Deadeye contingent." She looks down, her bright curls framing her thoughtful face and green eyes in shadow.

"Did you know they've asked me to become the official priestess of the temple, when we rebuild the Riverwood Shrine? Me, a Chelish girl of all things? I'm glad that everything's worked out pretty well so far for us, and I have high hopes for the people of Phaendar, but I don't know what my place here's gonna look like." Shaking her head slightly, Rhyna seems to regather her composure. "Sorry, got a bit off track there for a moment. You specialized, huh? Well that's what I'm going to do, then!"


Narek

As your son does as he is bid and takes a seat on a nearby rock, you can't help but notice the little signs. His skin is darker now than it has ever been, and he is slightly broader in the shoulders and slimmer at the waist than he was even two weeks ago. Life on the trail seems to have done him some good, even as his body is still that of a child not yet fully grown. "She's alright! She wanted me to tell you that she's found a good place for bedding in the old nest, and that they've cleared out the trolodite - troglor - trog-lo-dy-te - eggs. Oooh, is that a map of the caves? Can I see?"

Some time later, Thel pipes up with: "Did you know that Raluf and Gelis have been kissing? Eugh. I saw them when they thought nobody was watching. Do you think they're gonna have a baby or something?"


Rask

Jet struggles to even lift the weapon as you give it to her, the muscles in her arms and neck straining against the weight of the stone head as she lets it down slowly against the cavern wall. "Whew, next time give a girl a little bit of warning, alright? It's mead, not poison... oh hey, you actually liked it! Well, you're welcome."

The woman looks around the chamber furtively before continuing. "Have a bit more, by all means. While it's getting late into the crop season, I've memorized the recipe and I managed to steal enough for a little crop near the cave once we're all sorted. It's simple really: just honey, yeast, and water, plus a few of my own trademarked ingredients!" She gives you a genuine, honest smile.

[Farmerbink]

Gilraen watches Eyena approach wordlessly, having no difficulty noting her approach in the otherwise near-silent tunnel. Her posture and stance suggest that she's planning to take over watch, and he offers a silent nod of acknowledgement. As he rises and turns away, he notices peripherally as she follows with his simple process of dropping pebbles over the edge. He turns to say something, shakes his head in the dimness at the edge of the pebble's glow, and departs.

He passes through the main chambers, where the people of Phaendar are clearly beginning the process of settling in. Many of the refugees lounge for the moment, clearly relieved to have their packs on the ground and a roof overhead- even if it is one of earthen make that doesn't account for windows. He scans the faces, looking for... well, whatever it is, he doesn't find it. With a wraithlike stride, he finds himself wandering into the cavern with the pool of water.

He sits against the wall, lost in his thoughts of violence and death, unable to get his mind of the question of whether this was all truly necessary. His hands move on their own, deftly lashing feather to shaft as he replenishes a few of his ruined arrows, the irony entirely lost upon him. When Rask appears, he makes no effort to announce his appearance, and indeed seems to go unnoticed by the Half-Orc as he delves the pool. Not wanting to disturb his efforts, Gilraen rises after Rask dives beneath the surface, slipping away almost silently.

He finds himself in the entry tunnel, looking out towards the late afternoon sky. His feet carry him forward, past the fungus (which thankfully aren't partaking in their evening shriek just yet) and into the clearing beyond. He finds a tree near the entrance with a few decently-sized lower branches and climbs perhaps a dozen feet off the ground. There he props himself against the trunk and sits, to consider the future and his place in it.

[Lord Of Mantas]

Ilsa

Later, Ilsa approached Aubrin.

"How are you holding up? It's been a couple of days since we had a chance to talk, at least about anything other than business."

[n0ble]

Rask's face furrowed into a confused frown as he picked the hammer up from the wall. He'd found the bludgeoner light, lighter than his chopper. Well balanced'n even even when it was held parallel to earth. Definitely trog magery about it then. Rask took a ponderous look at the hammer before Jet's talking drew his attention away from it.

He smiled, securing it in position with another drink that was more modest than the first. For a moment he took Jet in and almost felt like talking. Then the moment passed and he set his face in a pensive line. Rask sloshed the liquid around as he waggled it at Jet. It'd be easy for them to have more, what with it being so easy for her to make and all. His face brightened back up a little at the thought of being around someone more.

[3SecondCultist]

Gilraen

As you find your place among the branches not too far away from the cave entrance, you wrap your cloak around your shoulders and blend into the foliage. The languid warmth of the spring afternoon suffuses you with the sounds of nature: simple, not demanding anything in return other than a bit of time to appreciate them. Distant birds sing and chirp without a care, and the wind rustles through the leaves and pines of the forest boughs. There is the stinging of the inevitable insect, but you've spent enough time in the forest to be largely inured to such things.

That's when you hear a very different noise. From the north-west, footsteps and the movement of foliage resound through the trees. Keeping very still on your branch well above the ground, you wait for the source of the noise to make itself known, and about a minute later, it does.

A small patrol of hobgoblins pushes through the Fangwood, moving slowly but surely. Despite the fact that they're all wearing scout's leathers, there can be no mistaking their allegiance: the familiar insignia of the dagger and stars on the crests they wear give it away. There are three of them in all, two of them wielding the same longbows that gave you such trouble back in Phaendar. The third takes the lead in their formation. She carries a smaller bow on her shoulder, but also has a curved sword at her belt and in one hand carries what looks like a net. A growl near her feet betrays the presence of a black dog, lean and muscular. It wears a collar with the same symbol as it sniffs the ground in front of it aggressively.

By the looks of things, they haven't spotted you or the cave entrance yet, but that may change soon.

http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag75/3SecondCultist94/Orlu_zpswkvlmae5.jpg

Ilsa

You find Aubrin near the fire, having gathered a few of the others around and is in the middle of telling a particularly bawdy story about the affair between trapper's wife and a tradesman from the big city. Judging by the chuckles and occasional whoop, those that are listening in seem to be enjoying it a great deal. Letting her come to the end of the telling, she ends it with a grin on her face. Waiting until a few people have filed off, the dark-skinned town hero turns to you when it's obvious that you want to talk.

"I'm... I'm doing alright, all things considered. We still have a lot of work to do, as you know. Kining's got a few people digging out those crystals, thinking we can sell them or use them. Shara's taking point on getting some torches set up in the caverns with enough breathable air and side passages for ventilation. It'll smell like a bonfire in here, but at least that's better than cave lizard, right?"

She laughs, and pauses. "Sorry, you asked me how I'm doing and I dove right into more business. I think I need another drink or two, that's how I'm feeling. It's not easy, having these people look up to us. You and the others know that for certain. I know you're still a newcomer here, but the people of Phaendar trust you. How could they not, after everything you and Ramiel have done for them?"


Rask

"Heh, for a second there you almost smiled. I'll take that as a win, 'Cleaver'." Jet's expression falls somewhere between satisfied and smug as she puts the flask away for the time being. "You're not as hard a man as any other, you know. Our enemies see a bloodthirsty terror with a huge weapon. I just see an old soldier with whom war is not yet finished."

Shoving you gently in a gesture of unmistakable friendship, Phaendar's former innkeeper stands back up after a few more minutes of comfortable silence. She gives you one last nod before heading off back up the passageway, through the chamber of bones and back into the growing light of the rest of the Cradle. You're left staring into the dark, and yet the shadows seem somewhat less forbidding now than they did before.

[Farmerbink]

If he were less well-trained, Gilraen would have stiffened. However, that's a surefire way to give away your position in a breeze-blown tree. Instead, though his heart rate spikes, his breathing stays steady and measured. He allows just enough of his cloak to continue dancing amidst the errant breaths of air filtering through the branches. As slowly as he dares, his left hand navigates the opening of his belt pouch to retrieve a thunderstone.

As the patrol approaches, Gilraen simply watches. Either they're not as good as he has come to expect, or they've grown lackadaisical in their own pursuits- he's more than a little surprised that none of their eyes have flicked to lower canopy where he sits. Still, with a wordless prayer of thanks to the Fangwood, he watches, weighing his options- the odds of survival in any case, and the potential risk to the refugees under his care.

Mechanically, I'd like to ready an action to throw the thunderstone if:
1) the dog approaches the tree
2) one of the Hobgoblins notices him
[roll0] vs AC 5 (not accounting for any range increments (20')) Aiming to catch as many in the blast as possible- all three Hobos are priority over the dog
In the extremely likely case of a hit, it's a DC15 fortitude save else deafened for an hour (within a 10-foot radius)

[3SecondCultist]

Gilraen

Your very still form has managed to remain hidden from view up until now. As you watch the scouts progress, you see that it's less a matter of their foolishness and more one of your ability to stay out of sight: they are indeed scanning the trees. And they're getting closer to both you and the cave entrance with every step. Taking a second to measure the distances more exactly, you come to the conclusion that the scouts are about forty feet away, following the dog who is closing in on your tree.

"<Look, Carf definitely smells something!>", exclaims the Ironfang leader to her two subordinates. "<What's that, girl? What scent have you got? Oho, look here. Fresh tracks, can't be more than a day or two old. See that?>"

"<I don't see anything, Orlu.>"

"<That's because you're a complete moron, Merak. Get your eyes checked out or something. They definitely came this way, and recently. Spread out, look for any more signs of recent habitation. Remember, the faster we find their camp the faster we can report back to Scarvinious.>" As they speak, all three of the scouts begin to split up, even as the bloodhound - Carf - closes in on the base of the tree.

It's now or never. This is the perfect moment to throw the thunderstone.

[Farmerbink]

As the scouts approach, Gilraen snarls silently. Hoping (perhaps foolishly) they would pass by without incident, he still struggles to make the decision and throw the stone. When the dog presses on, however, one of the Hobgoblins begins to step away from his colleagues. Ultimately, his loyalty demands better than trepidation and hesitation. He flings the stone into the midst of the three Hobgoblins, and raises his bow to fire.

Gilraen Súrion (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=1246835)
M CG Elf Oracle (warsighted), Level 3, Init 5, HP 22/22, Speed 40
AC 16 (15 for loner), Touch 13, Flat-footed 13, CMD 17, Fort 3, Ref 4, Will 2, CMB +4, Base Attack Bonus +2
PBS MW composite long bow (37 arrows) +8 (1d8+2, x3 )
Quarterstaff +5 (1d6+3, x2) or 1d6+2/1d6+1
Shillelagh Qstaff +6 (2d6+4, x2) or 2d6+3/2d6+3
Studded Leather (+3 Armor, +3 Dex)
Abilities Str 14, Dex 17, Con 12, Int 14, Wis 8, Cha 13
Condition Charisma to saves vs enchantment
Chernasardo Hopeful: reduce concealment as a move action
-1x +1 frost arrows , 1x +1 flaming arrows
Spells, 1st level: 1/6 remaining
Martial Flexibility: 0/4
MF: deadly aim (10 rounds)

Throw the stone, as rolled above. Free action to ready the bow (already held)
[roll0] init (hopefully they will have penalties, due to deafness)

round 1: Edit, maybe? Hooooorrrible init...
Use Martial Flexibility for deadly aim
shoot one of the Hobgoblin lackeys (preferring one who has not acted)
[roll1] attack (using the last flaming arrow)
[roll2] CC (28, x3)
[roll3] dmg (deadly aim, magic arrow)
[roll4] crit bonus
[roll5] fire damage

[3SecondCultist]

Gilraen

For a moment, the alchemical stone hovers in the air, weightless. And then it hits the ground, clapping against root and rock and detonating. The slight ringing in your ears gives the thunderstone credence as to its name, and you watch as two of the scouts are forced to cover their ears in evident pain. Only their leader Orlu seems to have been unaffected, pulling up her thick fur cloak at the last second to drown out most of the noise. Clearly familiar with these effects, she signals at the other hobgoblins silently they begin to frantically search the trees for the source of the stone. It takes them less than ten seconds to find you after that.

"<There he is! A little elfling, would you look at that?>" Following Orlu's hand signals, the three of them nock arrows and fire volleys on the same mark. Five arrows come flying straight for the tree as the scouts edge forward, but miraculously only one of them breaks through the foliage to pierce your armor. You feel a sting as the arrowhead rips into your calf muscles, but it's hardly a mortal wound.

At that moment, you hear even more voices and footsteps. At first, you're convinced that it must be even more Ironfang soldiers, but as you turn you see the familiar faces of Jodis and Ramus taking up positions near the mouth of the cave, bows already in hand. "Hey," one of them shouts down the passage as the two fire off ineffectual arrows, "we got company! Hobgoblins!"

We won't use a map for this combat, since it's going to be a ranged thing and I do not have time to make one. For now, the hobgoblins are 35 ft away from the tree, and Carf is at the base of the tree. The NPCs are roughly 40 ft away on the other side of the tree, shooting from the cave entrance. You have taken 5 damage from the first hit, down from full hp because Aubrin healed you. While up in the tree, you have half-cover from ranged attacks (+2 AC).

It is now your turn. :smallwink:

[Farmerbink]

Gilraen winces in pain as the arrow tears through the leathers wrapping his legs. Content, for the moment, with his position, he stays the course and looses an arrow at the would-be invaders. "Deal with the dog!" Gilraen calls out, immediately directing the other two refugees to the more problematic of their assailants.

Gilraen Súrion (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=1246835)
M CG Elf Oracle (warsighted), Level 3, Init 5, HP 17/22, Speed 40
AC 16 (15 for loner), Touch 13, Flat-footed 13, CMD 17, Fort 3, Ref 4, Will 2, CMB +4, Base Attack Bonus +2
PBS MW composite long bow (37 arrows) +8 (1d8+2, x3 )
Quarterstaff +5 (1d6+3, x2) or 1d6+2/1d6+1
Shillelagh Qstaff +6 (2d6+4, x2) or 2d6+3/2d6+3
Studded Leather (+3 Armor, +3 Dex)
Abilities Str 14, Dex 17, Con 12, Int 14, Wis 8, Cha 13
Condition Charisma to saves vs enchantment
Chernasardo Hopeful: reduce concealment as a move action
-1x +1 frost arrows , 1x +1 flaming arrows
Spells, 1st level: 1/6 remaining
Martial Flexibility: 0/4
MF: rapid shot (10 rounds)

round 1: Edit, maybe? Hooooorrrible init...
Use Martial Flexibility for rapid shot
shoot one of the Hobgoblin lackeys
(1d20+9)[27] attack (using the last flaming arrow)
(1d20+9)[12] CC (29, x3)
(1d8+3)[5] dmg (magic arrow)
(2d8+6)[19] crit bonus
(1d6)[1] fire damage

[3SecondCultist]

Gilraen

Your arrow flies true, bursting into flame in mid-air the same way that it did when Keloch was firing them at you. It catches one of the deafened scouts in the shoulder and he grunts in pain, but doesn't seem too badly hurt by the blow. It looks like you came out of that exchange slightly ahead of the enemy, but they don't seem all too keen on repeating their mistakes. Orlu lowers her bow for an instant to make a sign with her hands, as all three of them begin to spread out to try and take cover in the foliage nearer the ground. At a sharp whistle, Carf takes off from the tree, charging towards your friends. However, with two sharp arrows they're able to put the dog down before it can do any damage.

Unfortunately for you, the Ironfang soldiers are as good shots as you remember. Although their movement stops the scouts from firing off as many arrows, now they're taking the time to aim and account for the branches of your tree. It doesn't help that their leader seems to be fairly proficient in a working field sign language, obviating the worst of their blindness. Orlu's shortbow shot hits you in the side, a fairly minor graze. However, the very last arrow to be fired gets you right in the neck, tearing through the soft tissue and ripping out the other side. Warm red-black blood starts to run right down your armor, slicking your chest as you see black at the edge of your vision.

Not as good a round for Gilraen. You landed a shot and the dog is already down, but the enemy archers got two nat 20s, one of which was confirmed. You take 15 damage, which should put Gilraen down to 2 hp if my math is right. You're still conscious, and it's your turn.

A note that since the alarm has been raised, any other party members can now effectively join the fight! Gilraen might need a bit of a hand here.

Ilsa

Before Aubrin can speak any further, there are sudden shouts from the mouth of the cave. You hear a man's voice, one of the sentries. "Hobgoblins!" Immediately, people start to spring into action, those not willing to fight retreating further into the caves as Aubrin gets up on her staff.

"The scouts, they must have found us. Find the others if you can, I'll be right behind you."

[PersonMan]

Eyena nods multiple times during Rhyna's reply, mouth opening briefly just before she goes into talking about what she'll be busy with once things have settled down before going back to nodding. As she finishes, Eyena gives her a final nod. "Specialization is a course of action that I would recommend, for you. That - which is to say, it would be beneficial, for your development, as...yes," she nods again. For a moment, Eyena is silent - then, before she can say more, the cry comes from further outside. With a frown, she looks to Rhyna, nodding again before rushing off to the mouth of the cave, drawing Eisenherz as she moves.

Double moving, drawing Eisenherz.

[Starbin]

Narek Skyskin

Narek watched his son with no small amount of interest, impressed with how the boy was filling out. He listened to Thel's concerns, a small smile playing at the corners of his mouth when he metnioned the kissing. ”Kissing you say? Well, that can lead to other activities ... but it won't necessarily result in children. Feel free to look at the map ... perhaps you will have some details to add that I have missed or forgotten.

Now what have you been doing during the day? Who have you been training with?”

Narek walked through the main room, glancing at the folks sitting around the fire. He looked particularly for Raluf and Gelis, wondering how close the two were. But even in the aftermath of a victory, danger continued to stalk the group. Cries of alarms rose, drawing Narek's attention to the entrance. He made eye contact with Aubrin and snapped, “Keep the others here, and make sure someone is guarding the hole down.”

Turning, he moved swiftly to catch up to the others already headed out, mentally accounting for everyone he passed ... and thinking of who might be outside ...
double move to catch up with the others. Drawing the magic missile wand as he moves
Status
AC: 12 HP: 15 Init +9 Move 30'
F +1 R +3 W +5
Weapon: Hvy crossbow w/17 bolts
Spells: dancing lights, detect magic, ghost sound, acid splash / magic missile, magic missile, magic missile[/roll], [s]heightened awareness / glitterdust, glitterdust, gallant inspiration
Prescience: 5/7; Good Dreams 1/1; wand of magic missile 28); wand of prestidigitation (25); wand of cause fear (10)
Key skills: Perception +4 (+6); Stealth +2; Survival +3; Spellcraft +10; S. Motive +6; KS A/L +10 (+12); KS H/P/E/G/Na/D/R +8 (+10)
Effect: heightened awareness (+2 Per/KS, 25 min)

[Lord Of Mantas]

Louise

Ilsa smiled and chuckled as she caught the tail end of Aubrin's tale - it had been too long since she could simply sit and enjoy a good story. She then smiled further as Aubrin ended it and spoke to her.


"I'm... I'm doing alright, all things considered. We still have a lot of work to do, as you know. Kining's got a few people digging out those crystals, thinking we can sell them or use them. Shara's taking point on getting some torches set up in the caverns with enough breathable air and side passages for ventilation. It'll smell like a bonfire in here, but at least that's better than cave lizard, right?"

She laughs, and pauses. "Sorry, you asked me how I'm doing and I dove right into more business. I think I need another drink or two, that's how I'm feeling. It's not easy, having these people look up to us. You and the others know that for certain. I know you're still a newcomer here, but the people of Phaendar trust you. How could they not, after everything you and Ramiel have done for them?"

Ilsa sighed softly, but a smile remained on her face nonetheless. "I'd be lying if I said I couldn't use a drink as well. These last few battles that we've met, I think, have really sunk their teeth into us. But we finally have a place to lay our heads, now. So that counts for a lot. And... It feels good. Knowing that I've been able to actually help people."

Then everything went to hell in a handbasket.


Ilsa

Before Aubrin can speak any further, there are sudden shouts from the mouth of the cave. You hear a man's voice, one of the sentries. "Hobgoblins!" Immediately, people start to spring into action, those not willing to fight retreating further into the caves as Aubrin gets up on her staff.

"The scouts, they must have found us. Find the others if you can, I'll be right behind you."
"Oh, Cayden's shapely buttocks! Would it have killed them to give us a week or so before they tested our defenses!?"

Ilsa immediately made a mad dash for the entrance, crossbow in hand.

"Hobgoblins! To arms!"

I could really use Ramiel out right about now... Ah well, there's got to be something I can summon to ruin their day.

Moving as quickly as I can to the entrance.

[Farmerbink]

Despite his best efforts, Gilraen finds himself on the receiving end of a pair of well-aimed arrows. With sheer force of will, he keeps his eyes focused and maintains his composure, despite the notable loss of blood. As allies appear at the mouth of the cave, he weighs his options, considering the distance down and the degree of risk.

Almost wordlessly, he takes a moment to call upon the spirits of the Fangwood for aid. Then, gritting his teeth, he shifts the bow to his right hand and steps off the branch. With his left, he grabs the limb, lowering himself to the floor and ducking behind the tree.

Gilraen Súrion (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=1246835)
M CG Elf Oracle (warsighted), Level 3, Init 5, HP 17/22, Speed 40
AC 17 (16 for loner), Touch 13, Flat-footed 13, CMD 17, Fort 3, Ref 4, Will 2, CMB +4, Base Attack Bonus +2
PBS MW composite long bow (37 arrows) +8 (1d8+2, x3 )
Quarterstaff +5 (1d6+3, x2) or 1d6+2/1d6+1
Shillelagh Qstaff +6 (2d6+4, x2) or 2d6+3/2d6+3
MW Chain Shirt (+4 Armor, +4 Dex, -1 ACP)
Abilities Str 14, Dex 17, Con 12, Int 14, Wis 8, Cha 13
Condition Charisma to saves vs enchantment
Chernasardo Hopeful: reduce concealment as a move action
-1x +1 frost arrows
Spells, 1st level: 0/6 remaining
Martial Flexibility: 0/4
MF: rapid shot (9 rounds)

[roll0] cure light wounds on self
[roll1] acrobatics to mitigate falling damage climb to get down (from ~10 feet up?)
move to cover behind a tree (within ~40')

[n0ble]

Rask pondered at the summation of who he was. Was war not done with him, or was he not done with war? He offered a relaxed shrug. Thinking it on it, it was probably both ways. Had been one sometimes and the other with others. The idea of either unsettled Rask, but he calmed a might down after leaning crossarmed on the hammer again. The silence was comfortable, if not particularly long. He only half watched her go, for the most part content to keep looking at the water. Still, she could have at least stayed to help him gut the crab-

"Hobgoblins!"

"Hobgoblins! To arms!"

Rask looked down at the hammer and blinked, just to make sure it wasn't some sort of trog magery mucking up his mind. By the time he'd decided his mind was his own, Rask's feet had already started carrying him to the cave entrance.


Double Move to the cave entrance!

[3SecondCultist]

The long afternoon sun illuminates your battlefield as you are all roused from your various conversations and thrust directly back above ground. The cave entrance doesn't have much in the way of cover - other than a few rocks and the screamers, there's only the tunnel mouth to hide behind - and as you leave the Cradle you spot no less than three hobgoblins who are already preparing to fire off another round. Ramus and Jodis stand beside you, bows out themselves; at their feet is a dying bloodhound.

Not too far ahead of you, Gilraen sits up in the branches of a large oak tree, bleeding profusely. As the elf tumbles down the tree, fairly ably for somebody with an arrow sticking out of their neck, he crouches behind cover to avoid the next volley. Seeing easier targets, a female hobgoblin points in your direction and their scout group opens fire. None of you are yet in the position to be taking the shots, and the Ironfang soldiers seem to be aiming for easier targets. Both Ramus and Jodis are hit by arrows, the former taking two in the chest and the latter taking one through the leg.

"Hob bastards," Jodis grunts as he slouches against the stone, leaving an indelible crimson stain behind him. He musters up enough energy to fire off a return shot that actually hits his attacker. "Gonna get out of the firing line, you guys got this right?"

So how this is going to work is that I'm assuming all of you come in at the end of Round 2. For simplicity's sake, I'm going to treat all of your actions as 'sprinting' and all of you are now at the cave mouth, with half cover from the rocks (+2 AC). The hobgoblins act at the top of the round, then the NPCs, then all of you will go on the same Initiative count at the bottom. I'm not using a map, but the hobgoblins are all 70 ft away, all of them behind some sort of light cover themselves. Everyone can now take their Round 3 actions.

This round, Ramus took 11 points of damage and Jodis took 13 points. Since these are the guys you gave promotions to, they're both tough enough to take it for now, although they'll retreat further into the cave as you step out to engage the scouts.

[Farmerbink]

From behind the tree, Gilraen grimaces (perhaps ironically) as Ramus and Jodis take the brunt of the Hobgoblins' assault. In a wordless sneer, he turns to glance past the trunk, noting their foe's slow advance.

His eyes narrow, as he listens to Jodis' grunt and retreat. Damn right, we do. Without a word, he looses a pair of arrows in quick succession.

Gilraen Súrion (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=1246835)
M CG Elf Oracle (warsighted), Level 3, Init 5, HP 17/22, Speed 40
AC 17 (16 for loner), Touch 13, Flat-footed 13, CMD 17, Fort 3, Ref 4, Will 2, CMB +4, Base Attack Bonus +2
PBS MW composite long bow (37 arrows) +8 (1d8+2, x3 )
Quarterstaff +5 (1d6+3, x2) or 1d6+2/1d6+1
Shillelagh Qstaff +6 (2d6+4, x2) or 2d6+3/2d6+3
MW Chain Shirt (+4 Armor, +4 Dex, -1 ACP)
Abilities Str 14, Dex 17, Con 12, Int 14, Wis 8, Cha 13
Condition Charisma to saves vs enchantment
Chernasardo Hopeful: reduce concealment as a move action
-1x +1 frost arrows
Spells, 1st level: 0/6 remaining
Martial Flexibility: 0/4
MF: rapid shot (8 rounds)

5-foot step, if needed, to stay in cover.
Preferring the Hob already injured by his fire arrow -> the other non-named -> the named
[roll0] attack
[roll1] CC (26, x3)
[roll2] dmg
[roll3] crit bonus

[roll4] attack 2
[roll5] CC (26, x3)
[roll6] dmg
[roll7] crit bonus

[PersonMan]

As Eyena emerges and the arrows begin to fly, she narrows her eyes, taking one hand off Eisenherz as she speaks a pair of precise, arcane syllables, her free hand twisting into four shapes in quick succession before she simply vanishes.

Casting Vanish (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/magic/all-spells/v/vanish/) and then moving up 30 feet.

[n0ble]

At some point on his sprint towards the hobs, Rask slung his hammer over his back, exchanging it for his longbow. Last thing they needed was some half-whit half-orc failing to chase down a pack of Hobs. Lot of bad stuff could result from that, and not just for himself.

He slowed down and ducked low into cover around the cave entrance, silently cursing how hard his size made it to hide behind stone. Then he notched an arrow and let fly at hob closest to death already.


To hit w/ Longbow on the most injured hob: [roll0]
Dmg. : [roll1]
CC: [roll2]

Not sure if studied target can apply here given all the moving Rask is assumed to have done, but if its possible then thats what he'll do for a move action.

[Starbin]

Narek Skyskin

The wizard arrived at the entrance of the cave, peering out carefully before unhooking his crossbow. The wand might help later, but for now he did not wish to present too temptation target. Better to seem another bowman in the rocks. He murmured to those nearby, ”Do not let any escape ... else this was all for naught.”

Raising the crossbow, Narek took careful aim, trusting to his Sight to guide the bolt.
, Draw crossbow and fire at hurt hob [roll1], [roll2]
Status
AC: 12 HP: 15 Init +9 Move 30'
F +1 R +3 W +5
Weapon: Hvy crossbow w/16 bolts
Spells: dancing lights, detect magic, ghost sound, acid splash / magic missile, magic missile, [s]magic missile, heightened awareness / glitterdust, glitterdust, gallant inspiration
Prescience: 4/7; Good Dreams 1/1; wand of magic missile (28); wand of prestidigitation (25); wand of cause fear (10)
Key skills: Perception +4 (+6); Stealth +2; Survival +3; Spellcraft +10; S. Motive +6; KS A/L +10 (+12); KS H/P/E/G/Na/D/R +8 (+10)
Effect: heightened awareness (+2 Per/KS, 25 min)

[Lord Of Mantas]

Ilsa

Outstretching her hand, Ilsa once more called on her ability to summon forth creatures from the ether.

If they get away, we are doomed. As hard as earth elementals hit, I need something that can pursue them if they flee.

Come forth, air elemental!

Immediately, a humanoid form of pure electricity appeared near the furthest hobgoblin, swinging its fist at him.

Ilsa uses her Summon Monster SLA to bring forth a small air elemental as a standard action.

Attack: 10, or 13 if the hobgoblin has any metal armor or weapons
Damage: 4 plus 2 electricity damage.

[3SecondCultist]

With Ramus and Jodis retreating further into the cavern to lick their wounds, that leaves the five of you up against the Ironfang scouts. Rask's arrow is the first to fly, but it misses its mark and flies into a nearby tree. Gilraen doesn't fare any better, his injury and the cover from which he's firing impeding his usually reliable aim. Two more arrows disappear into the Chernasardo foliage. Narek's crossbow bolt is the only one to do anything of note, and even then the hobgoblin who takes the arrow tears the bolt out with an almost contemptuous ease: it must have barely penetrated his armor.

Meanwhile, Eyena steps forward and... disappears into thin air, almost at the same time as a living windstorm appears before Orlu and her hunters. Buffeting them with winds but not landing any attacks, the elemental is still a constraining presence on their space. "<Move back, into the - damn it!>" Orlu swears colorfully in the goblin tongue as she's seemingly just remembered that both of the other scouts are deaf, and her hands are currently in use. With a violent nod of her head, she takes a few steps further so that she's still near a tree but out of the air elemental's range. The other two hobgoblins try to follow suit, but their woodcraft instincts aren't as honed as their leader's: in retreat, the pair is forced out into the open for a brief moment.

Orlu and her two scouts are taking 5 ft steps back out of melee range, which puts the two scouts (but not her) out of cover for this coming round. One of them is decently damaged from taking the arrows so far, but the other two are completely unharmed. The good thing is that none of them hit any of their targets and the NPCs have retreated, so all of you can go again.

[n0ble]

Rask took his time, sighted on the wounded hob, and loosed another arrow at them.


Move action: studied target on the injured Hob
Standard Action Attack: [roll0]
CC: [roll1]
Dmg: [roll2]

[Lord Of Mantas]

Ilsa

Taking stock of the situation, Ilsa briefly considered casting Grease to try and lock the hobgoblins down, but decided against it.

A lot of us are still attacking at range, and that will hamper those attempting to do so.

So instead, she plucked a bolt from her quiver and fired, as the wind elemental once more attacked, this time landing a solid blow.

See Roll20 for my rolls. The wind elemental will move to the closest hobgoblin and attack.

Wind Elemental Attack: 27
Damage: 3 plus 1 electricity damage.

Ilsa Attack: 14
Damage: 4

[PersonMan]

Eyena invisibly advances, moving around to approach the order-shouting hobgoblin from behind.

Still just moving in; since the hobs are ~45 feet away, I think Eyena should have the moment to try and stand somewhere that denies Orlu the ability to 5' step away from her next turn.

If Orlu provokes an AoO, Eyena will take it and reveal herself.

Vanish has 3 rounds remaining.

[Farmerbink]

"Stay on them!" Gilraen cries out, stepping around the tree trunk to fire another pair of arrows at their assailants.

Gilraen Súrion (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=1246835)
M CG Elf Oracle (warsighted), Level 3, Init 5, HP 17/22, Speed 40
AC 17 (16 for loner), Touch 13, Flat-footed 13, CMD 17, Fort 3, Ref 4, Will 2, CMB +4, Base Attack Bonus +2
PBS MW composite long bow (37 arrows) +8 (1d8+2, x3 )
Quarterstaff +5 (1d6+3, x2) or 1d6+2/1d6+1
Shillelagh Qstaff +6 (2d6+4, x2) or 2d6+3/2d6+3
MW Chain Shirt (+4 Armor, +4 Dex, -1 ACP)
Abilities Str 14, Dex 17, Con 12, Int 14, Wis 8, Cha 13
Condition Charisma to saves vs enchantment
Chernasardo Hopeful: reduce concealment as a move action
-1x +1 frost arrows
Spells, 1st level: 0/6 remaining
Martial Flexibility: 0/4
MF: rapid shot (7 rounds)

[roll0] attack1
[roll1] CC1 (26,x3)
[roll2] dmg
[roll3] crit bonus

[roll4] attack2
[roll5] CC2 (26,x3)
[roll6] dmg
[roll7] crit bonus

[Starbin]

Narek Skyskin

Narek curs d their luck, knowing. His own skill was insufficient to being the only accurate combatant. Dropping his crossbow to his side, Narek pulled forth the wand and fired off a missile - here he was again, wand in hand. Was this the future? Or the past?
Draw wand, fire at the leader type
Status
AC: 12 HP: 15 Init +9 Move 30'
F +1 R +3 W +5
Weapon: Hvy crossbow w/16 bolts
Spells: dancing lights, detect magic, ghost sound, acid splash / magic missile, magic missile, [s]magic missile, heightened awareness / glitterdust, glitterdust, gallant inspiration
Prescience: 4/7; Good Dreams 1/1; wand of magic missile (27); wand of prestidigitation (25); wand of cause fear (10)
Key skills: Perception +4 (+6); Stealth +2; Survival +3; Spellcraft +10; S. Motive +6; KS A/L +10 (+12); KS H/P/E/G/Na/D/R +8 (+10)
Effect: heightened awareness (+2 Per/KS, 25 min)

[3SecondCultist]

With all of you now in the fray, it's clear that Orlu is feeling the pressure. Another of Gilraen's arrows hits one of the other two scouts while he's momentarily unprotected by cover, and the summoned air elemental follows suit with a hit. One of the three hobgoblins fall - and surely he will not be the last here.

The Ironfang leader's swearing only increases in volume and ferocity when she realizes just how outnumbered she is. She barely has time to motion for the other scout to fire before one of Narek's missiles takes her in the chest. Grunting in pain, she redoubles her efforts and repays the favor by winging the mage's arm. Her last companion manages to catch Rask with an arrow as well, the shaft digging through the half-orc's side and protruding out the other end.

So this round, you guys downed one of their group, but they hit a few of you in return. Rask takes 9 damage from the scout's volley, and Orlu hits Narek back for 3 damage. They are now both in half-cover from the brambles, and Orlu didn't move, so she didn't provoke an AoO. However, she hasn't heard Eyena creeping up on her, since she's been focused on avoiding ranged fire.

[Lord Of Mantas]

Ilsa

Her crossbow at the ready, Ilsa moved forward to try and get the apparent lead of the Hobgoblins into range, then fired. The air elemental, being largely left to its own devices, began swinging at the Hobgoblin who was up and closest to it.

Ilsa attacks the leader!

Attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]
Miss Chance: [roll2] (hits on a 21 or higher)

The air elemental attacks the troop!

Attack: [roll3]
Damage: [roll4]
Electricity [roll5]

[PersonMan]

A moment after several by now familiar arcane syllables are spoken, Eyena suddenly comes into view, mid-swing, Eisenherz coming down on the Hobgoblin leader, its blade sheathed in frost and lit with an inner light.

It's time for another Rime Frostbite! Activating Arcane Pool for a +1 enhancement bonus to Eisenherz, then swinging from invisibility.

A: [roll0]
D: [roll1] + [roll2] nonlethal cold + fatigue (until NL cold is removed) + entangled (1 round)

[Starbin]

Narek Skyskin

Glancing down at the cut in his arm, Narek frowned. He hated being the most obvious choice as a target, but sometimes it couldn’t be helped. He moved back behind the tree to block line-of-sight with Orlu, peeking out just far enough to hurl another magic missile at the most injured soldier.
Try to avoid another shot from Orlu and shoot a minion!
Status
AC: 12 HP: 12/15 Init +9 Move 30'
F +1 R +3 W +5
Weapon: Hvy crossbow w/16 bolts
Spells: dancing lights, detect magic, ghost sound, acid splash / magic missile, magic missile, [s]magic missile, heightened awareness / glitterdust, glitterdust, gallant inspiration
Prescience: 4/7; Good Dreams 1/1; wand of magic missile (26); wand of prestidigitation (25); wand of cause fear (10)
Key skills: Perception +4 (+6); Stealth +2; Survival +3; Spellcraft +10; S. Motive +6; KS A/L +10 (+12); KS H/P/E/G/Na/D/R +8 (+10)
Effect: heightened awareness (+2 Per/KS, 25 min)

[Farmerbink]

In no shape to close the gap himself, Gilraen stays in the back and continues loosing arrow after arrow into the brush where he can see the Hobgoblins moving about.

Gilraen Súrion (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=1246835)
M CG Elf Oracle (warsighted), Level 3, Init 5, HP 17/22, Speed 40
AC 17 (16 for loner), Touch 13, Flat-footed 13, CMD 17, Fort 3, Ref 4, Will 2, CMB +4, Base Attack Bonus +2
PBS MW composite long bow (37 arrows) +8 (1d8+2, x3 )
Quarterstaff +5 (1d6+3, x2) or 1d6+2/1d6+1
Shillelagh Qstaff +6 (2d6+4, x2) or 2d6+3/2d6+3
MW Chain Shirt (+4 Armor, +4 Dex, -1 ACP)
Abilities Str 14, Dex 17, Con 12, Int 14, Wis 8, Cha 13
Condition Charisma to saves vs enchantment
Chernasardo Hopeful: reduce concealment as a move action
-1x +1 frost arrows
Spells, 1st level: 0/6 remaining
Martial Flexibility: 0/4
MF: rapid shot (6 rounds)

[roll0] attack1
[roll1] CC1 (26,x3)
[roll2] dmg
[roll3] crit bonus

[roll4] attack2
[roll5] CC2 (26,x3)
[roll6] dmg
[roll7] crit bonus

[n0ble]

Hammers were a tricky thing. Most people just swung them down, imaging that the head or shoulders were some sort of anvil. Rask was under no such illusions. Just as easy to kill a man with the blow to the side, specially with the one he was about to wield. The cover was proving **** useless, what with an arrow in his side. And his aim was off in the only kind of way it could be: the kind that sent Rask out of cover charging towards the nearest hob, eager to impart some knowledge of great hammers on the enemy.


Charge a hob
Power attack: [roll0]
dmg: [roll1]
CC: [roll2]

[3SecondCultist]

In a matter of moments, the battle seems to turn in your direction. Eyena appears directly behind the pair of archers, and although she takes a swing at Orlu, her swing is off and her bastard sword cuts at a small branch near the scout leader’s head instead. However, it doesn't matter: the magus has effectively cut off the hobgoblins' main avenue of escape. The elemental comes to buffet the other archer as well, hampering his aim. The enemy is trapped just in time for one final barrage.

Narek and Gilraen are precise with their shots, taking advantage of the opening. The force projectile just barely beats the arrow, both of them tearing into Orlu with vicious force. However, it's Rask that proves the final catalyst for your victory. The half-orc charges out from cover quite suddenly, his new hammer raised as he crosses the glade. Before the last scout has a chance to duck out of the way, the weapon's head takes him in the midsection. With a sickening crunch, his torso collapses in on itself, sending blood and shards of bone flying out into the air. The scout dies nearly instantly.

Orlu, now faced with the reality of fighting a group of heavily armed and prepared opponents with no backup, seems to take stock of her situation and has found it wanting. With no room to escape, the hobgoblin takes the only reasonable route available to her: she drops her bow calmly on the ground and falls to her knees, clutching the arrow now stuck in her chest. The huntress looks at Eyena first, being the one more or less standing over her at the present time, although she gives the nearby Rask a shaken glance.

"Surrender..." she mutters in heavily accented Taldane. "I surrender."

So, the combat is over! Hooray! You guys also now have a prospective prisoner. I'm going to go ahead and assume you loot the three bodies, so I'll add their loot to the table under a new heading. The category is under 'Orlu's Hunters'. Let me know what you're taking, if anything. I don't have anyone confirmed for the Con belt either, and we now have a second cloak of resistance +1 (assuming that Narek casts detect magic and takes 10 on Spellcraft).

Searching the bodies of the fallen Ironfang soldiers, you also find a series of weathered notebooks, which contain rough maps of the area and notes of water supplies, game trails, and ideal routes for marching large groups. These books also contain a series of specific sheets of parchment with identical writing. Check out the spoiler below for more information on that.
BOUNTY!

Phaendar has not been secured to our glorious general's satisfaction, and in her name I now offer a bounty of 25 pieces of gold to any member of the Ironfang Legion who returns reliable information regarding the location of fugitive human-likes who fled Phaendar. The payment is doubled if you instead return their heads. Live captives may be claimed as slaves!

All rewards are doubled for the impudent ringleaders of this band! There are four such members: a human female with a magic sword, two male elves - one wielding a bow, the other filthy elf magic - and a tough greenskin orc. Return all information or heads to my cur of a son, Sergeant Scarvinious.

- Lieutenant Scabvistin

[Farmerbink]

Gilraen approaches slowly, having heard the scout's surrender from across the opening. He carries himself tall, bow taut, content to shoot her down should she attempt some ploy. Still several feet away, but close enough for the shot to be easy, he says "Ramus, Jodis: find Jet and Aubrin! Rask, please bind her and take her inside." He watches like a hawk ready to swoop until she's well inside the cave. Once she's moving he mutters, "as if we needed more trouble..."

[n0ble]

He pulled the hammer out from the crater of the Hob's chest. It made a wet sound that Rask was disturbed to find comfort in. Still, he'd be smart to not wash his gear yet. Would've just gotten dirty all over again.He gripped and the hammer in one hand. His other hand was balled up into a fist sufficiently tight to pop the stuff in his knuckles. Rask rounded, and squinted at the Legionary who'd "surrendered". He welled up a wad of phlegm and hawked it onto the ground in front of the Hob.

As Gilraen inquired of him, Rask offered a curt nod. He did not take his eyes off the Hob. He gestured at the two corpses. Someone would need to take them. He claimed a bow as his own and gave the old one to Jodis or Ramus. The he kicked the Hob in the back of the shins, so that she was face down. Rask waited for someone to tie her hands, for he had no rope, then grabbed a boot and began dragging her back towards the cave by one of her feet. The big man kept a death grip on his hammer and, when he felt the need, occasionally glared back at the Hob. At some point the knuckles in the hammer-hand popped but he wasn't paying attention. Rask hoped no one had put the ladder back into the pit down the elf had been watching. That would mean that he would have to take it out and what he had in mind for the Hob required two hands.

[Starbin]

Narek Skyskin

The wizard sighed in relief once the battle was complete, but frowned as the group prepared to depart the field. He pulled Gilraen and the other 'heroes' to the side. ”We cannot just leave the bodies and return to the cave. Who knows how many more patrols are near by, or waiting for them to report back? We need to clean up our mess before others find these tracks.

Rask, bring the bodies inside ... I will deal with them as I do with the troglodytes.

Gilraen, use this dust. It will remove any tracks we have left - and that they have left - permanently. If you can do it far enough away, these caves may yet remain a sanctuary.

Any questions?”

We need to cover our tracks ... and remove those of the hobgob hunting party. Can't leave any hints that we are around. Using the dust of tracelessness ...as was my plan BEFORE those damn hobs showed up!
Status
AC: 12 HP: 15 Init +9 Move 30'
F +1 R +3 W +5
Weapon: Hvy crossbow w/16 bolts
Spells: dancing lights, detect magic, ghost sound, acid splash / magic missile, magic missile, magic missile[/roll], [s]heightened awareness / glitterdust, glitterdust, gallant inspiration
Prescience: 4/7; Good Dreams 1/1; wand of magic missile (26); wand of prestidigitation (25); wand of cause fear (10)
Key skills: Perception +4 (+6); Stealth +2; Survival +3; Spellcraft +10; S. Motive +6; KS A/L +10 (+12); KS H/P/E/G/Na/D/R +8 (+10)
Effect: heightened awareness (+2 Per/KS, 25 min)

[Lord Of Mantas]

Ilsa

Not having much in the way of skills regarding track-covering, Ilsa opted instead to help Rask with bringing in the prisoner, her crossbow at the ready.

Finally. We may as of yet glean some information as to what is going on.

[Farmerbink]

Gilraen nods silently as he takes the pouch of dust from Narek. When Ilsa turns to follow Rask, he speaks up. "A word, Ilsa?" Assuming she pauses long enough to let the Half Orc cover a few yards, he glances meaningfully at the departing ally and prisoner and approaches Ilsa.

"Do not let him kill her," he begins, with a glance that brooks no argument of the Half-Orc's intentions. "Yet, anyway. She is our best source of information on the Ironfang's intentions." Nodding to the magically-inclined swordswoman, he turns back to the task at hand.

"I will bring in the bodies, Narek, and then make use of the dust. I suspect Rask will have his hands full with the live one, and do not want to risk her escape or..." he leaves the various alternatives unsaid, none of them pleasant. With a sense of purpose such that his pain is suppressed, he quivers his bow and sets to the task of adding the Hobgoblin scouts bodies to the pile of partially-digested Troglodytes already being consumed by the acid. On the way in, he notes Orlu's bag- left behind in the furor of the moment. What is this?

He rummages through the scouts' belongings, quickly noting the obvious value of the journals and maps. A frown of thoughtfulness mars his brow briefly as the ramifications of this information for the Shepherds dawns. Access to food, water... If anything proves dangerous about the pool... "Narek. Come look at this." As the wizard approaches, his eyes fall on the letter of bounty and widen outrageously. His mouth falls agape as he reads the final sentences. "What in the gods' names..."

Unable to form a more coherent thought, he thrusts one of the papers into the other man's hands without a word.

[Lord Of Mantas]

Ilsa

Ilsa nodded quiety at Gilraen's instructions, then continued following Rask.

This should be interesting. Not sure how Rask's going to get any info out of her given that he's mute. I suppose charades?

Come to think of it, apart from the heat of battle, have the two of us ever interacted significantly?

Ilsa pondered this as she continued to follow the half-orc.

[Starbin]

Narek Skyskin

Narek glanced at the page, eyes narrowing as he reached the bottom. ”It seems these fools are as nearsighted as they are evil. At least now we have some names and a source of information.

Fear not - the bounty will be unmanageable before we are through. Now if you will excuse me, I have bodies to dispose of and notes to absorb.”

Narek nodded towards the notebooks, gathering them for review later. Narek let Gilraen head off to do his job as he followed Rask and Ilsa into the caves.
No claims yet ... but maybe Rask should have the cloak.
Status
AC: 12 HP: 15 Init +9 Move 30'
F +1 R +3 W +5
Weapon: Hvy crossbow w/16 bolts
Spells: dancing lights, detect magic, ghost sound, acid splash / magic missile, magic missile, magic missile[/roll], [s]heightened awareness / glitterdust, glitterdust, gallant inspiration
Prescience: 4/7; Good Dreams 1/1; wand of magic missile (26); wand of prestidigitation (25); wand of cause fear (10)
Key skills: Perception +4 (+6); Stealth +2; Survival +3; Spellcraft +10; S. Motive +6; KS A/L +10 (+12); KS H/P/E/G/Na/D/R +8 (+10)
Effect: heightened awareness (+2 Per/KS, 25 min)

[n0ble]

Seemingly numb to any snippets of conversation he could hear, Rask kept dragging. He wasn't particularly quiet as he went back into the caves. His hammer made a scraping sound and he was being none too gentle in his transport of the Hob. Somehow, hammer in one hand, Hob in the other, the darkness of the caves seemed a touch less foreboding than before. Rask snorted to himself. There was still another level to explore. That left plenty of time and space for fear.

He dragged the Hob past the bone pit, the deposited her next to the tunnel going downwards. Once the Hob had righted herself, Rask rested his hammer on her shoulder so that both killing ends were parallel with the earth. A little bit of Hob-viscera drooled of the recently used end, as if to spite the distance the hammer had been dragged. He waited a moment, not taking his eyes from the Hobs. After a few more moments of awkward staring, the big man looked to anyone else present who might have wanted to ask questions of the Hob. If reminding her of dead comrades didn't do it he could always take an eye. That usually worked.



Intimidate on the Hob: [roll0]

[Farmerbink]

Only one word seems to penetrate the stupor or self-reflection brought on by the discovery of a bounty on their heads. "Unmanageable?" he wonders aloud, immediately suspicious of the inexplicable. As Narek nonetheless departs to continue the grisly work of disposal, Gilraen ventures deeper into the woods outside their cave to hide traces of their passage for some distance.

Gilraen is actually going to be less concerned with the area immediately outside the cave than further away. It seems reasonable, I think, to suspect that we'll have scouts and foragers coming and going regardless, so it may not be feasible to keep the area near the cave mouth free of the signs of people moving about. If we can protect ourselves further out, it stands to reason that such deceptions might be more valuable.

[3SecondCultist]

Eyena, Gilraen, & Narek

While your companion undertake darker deeds, you find yourselves alone in the forest with the bodies of the hobgoblin scouting party. Narek and Eyena move them into the darkness of the caves so that the other members of your band can haul them to your designated body disposal site is an easy enough task, but it takes the two of you longer than you might have initially bargained for to clean up the site. By the time all of the traces of blood or struggle are gone through application of hand and magic, the shadows have lengthened around you. The sun is nearly setting. From the mouth of the cave you can see Kern standing watch, his crossbow primed and ready should your efforts be interrupted for a second time in one day. While there's no sign of any more Ironfang soldiers, the sun is nearly setting by the time you make your way back inside for some well-earned rest.

Gilraen, meanwhile, has perhaps a more dangerous task. Although somewhat healed by magic, the woodsman confronts the Fangwood alone and wounded. With bow in one hand and the bag of magical dust in the other, he is forced to work backwards and follow the tracks of the enemy scouting party as well as any remaining trails left by the survivors on their way to the Cradle of Stone. In the end, the substance proves more than enough for the task, although the area covered by the Shepherds is perhaps too large to be covered entirely by its presence. Still, Gilraen manages to obscure enough of the group's passing that any scouts coming through here are much less likely to find the caves.


Ilsa & Rask

As Rask takes the lead into the caverns, the half-elf following in his path as he drags the bound and still bleeding Orlu, the various townsfolk part in shock and awe. A few of them start at the sight of a living hobgoblin in such close proximity after the horrors of the Night of Long Fangs, and some of them even spit - in both the verbal and physical variety - at the captured scout. However, most of them are dead quiet, knowing full well what the hobgoblin's fate is likely to be at the retired soldier's hands. Nobody stops you as you move past the entrance, through the main chambers and the cavern of bones, all the way to where the pit descends into darkness below.

There, you put Orlu to the test... and find that the hobgoblin seems nonplussed by a silent half-orc staring her right in the face. The scout leader has remained quiet ever since offering her surrender, and since none of you have asked her any questions or even really addressed her, that sense of quiet has been built up like a wall. She hardly seems inclined to break that now, even as the prospect of being tossed into a chasm with no weapons and her hands tied behind her does give her pause. The hobgoblin looks between Rask and Ilsa, as though not quite sure who's going to be asking the questions.

[Lord Of Mantas]

Ilsa

Ilsa had to strongly resist the urge to facepalm.

...why did we think having someone who doesn't speak interrogate the prisoner was a good idea, again?

She turned to Rask. "I think I'll handle it from here."

She then turned to Orlu.

"How good is your Taldane?"

If Orlu answers with any variation of 'not good', Ilsa will switch to Goblin.

"You'll have to forgive him. He doesn't really speak much."

"But let's get straight to the point. You are not exactly in a very good position, here. The people of Phaendar, these men, women, and children who you've displaced - they are going to demand some sort of justice, so to speak. As it happens, we need answers. And if you aren't forthcoming, I can guarantee that the others are not going to hold back."

She inclined her head toward Rask.

"Right now, your best bet is to answer our questions fully and honestly. If you do, we might be able to give you some sort of mercy. If not, well... your fate is pretty much sealed."

Diplomacy Check: 15 (see Roll20)

[PersonMan]

Once the work is done and the group returns to the caves, Eyena follows, gathering up the paper and charcoal pencil she'd had to leave when the attack happened; once her things are in order again she heads through the caves to find Kining. Shortly after finding her still at work prying gems from the walls, Eyena joins her, staying quiet as she settles into the work, speaking after she's loosed a few of the crystals.

"Do you...that is to say, how do you feel, about this place? I remember you saying caves were...good?" She asks.

[Farmerbink]

As he works, Gilraen finds himself more and more bothered by the missive discovered on the scout's bodies. How do they know who I am? Why do they even care? He wracks his brain for past experiences, before the invasion of Phaendar, that might have tipped the legion to his existence. What about me is so important?

Unable to come up with satisfying answers, the worry begins its inexorable gnawing.

His steps, nonetheless, are sure- instinct and training winning the day over unease and concern. The path left by the refugees is wide and easy to follow, making his work oddly both simple and challenging. It's no trouble to keep track of the areas needing the dust, but it's something of a chore to make sure he's covered its entire breadth, along with the more recent signs of passage left by their pursuers. Regardless, as the suns final rays begin filtering through the branches into the mouth of their unexpected refuge, Gilraen returns to the small grove outside the cave.

Fatigued, as only pain mingled with work can affect, he goes in search of Aubrin. "Excuse me," he begins, interrupting her activity as politely as he can. "Are you yet able to offer any healing this evening? I am in no immediate danger, but can still feel the pain of the Hobgoblin's arrow..."

[Starbin]

Narek Skyskin

Narek watched as Gilraen slipped off into the woods, nodding to himself after a moment, then following the others back to shelter. He held on to the satchel of notes tightly, his mind already abuzz. As he stepped into the caves, Narek's eyes glazed slightly ...
... across the room, warriors sat at various tables, arguing as they pointed to a map. One stood up and began to shout, pounding his fist on the edge of the table as he gesticulated towards a door behind him. The captain sighed, then looked towards the wizard with a resigned nod. He bowed slightly, then proceeded to the door. He slipped inside quickly, locking the door behind him before turning to the being in the chair.

The prisoner was heavily restrained, arms pinned back and locked to the chair and chains wrapped around his legs. The bloodied face glanced up at the wizard momentarily, but if he had anything to say, it was lost in the gag around his mouth. A wave of the wizard's hand removed the gag, eliciting a hungry gasp of breath that devolved into panting. After a few moments, the prisoner looked up and grinned. "What do you want? I already told your master to bring me some food or f*)k off!"

The wizard paused, then gestured again. This time, a small globule of acid appeared on the man's thigh, drawing a grunt of pain from the belligerent man. The wizard leaned down - close enough to talk, but not to get head butted or bitten. When he spoke, his voice was cultured and measured, barely spoken loud enough to hear. There will be no food. There will be no rest. There will be no respite. Say whatever prayers you need, but know that you will not leave this place alive.

Now, whether your dead will be fast or slow is entirely up to you."

Slowly, he closed the distance, a glowing dagger appearing in his hand. "Let's start with what you remember on the day of the attack ..."

Narek blinked, then continued into the main part of the caves. He nodded briefly to his wife and son before heading further back where Rask and Isla had gone. Finding them, he arrived just in time to hear Isla start asking questions. Pausing, Narek silently observed, taking notes as the woman asked questions.
Joining the others ...
Status
AC: 12 HP: 15 Init +9 Move 30'
F +1 R +3 W +5
Weapon: Hvy crossbow w/16 bolts
Spells: dancing lights, detect magic, ghost sound, acid splash / magic missile, magic missile, magic missile[/roll], [s]heightened awareness / glitterdust, glitterdust, gallant inspiration
Prescience: 4/7; Good Dreams 1/1; wand of magic missile (26); wand of prestidigitation (25); wand of cause fear (10)
Key skills: Perception +4 (+6); Stealth +2; Survival +3; Spellcraft +10; S. Motive +6; KS A/L +10 (+12); KS H/P/E/G/Na/D/R +8 (+10)
Effect: heightened awareness (+2 Per/KS, 25 min)

[3SecondCultist]

Gilraen

You find Aubrin easily enough: the woman is helping out with several of the others with converting the transported material from the various shelters and lean-tos you've been using throughout your time in the Fangwood into more stable, comfortable places to rest. The bedding used by the Children of the Stone is unsurprisingly foul, but the area where they nested forms a little protective nook. As you're directed to the cleric, you pass a healed Jodis and Ramus who have returned to their wolf pups. Thel seems to be tagging along with them, as he is wont to do when not with his mother or Narek. When Aubrin sees you, her eyes fill with evident concern at the sight of your injuries.

"Sweet Merrymead, why didn't you come to me right away?! Here, take a seat and I'll clean that up for you." The adventuring priestess all but pushes you down onto a nearby rock, pulling out the golden tankard holy symbol you've seen many times before. With a brief prayer to her god and a gentle touch at your neck, the worst of your wounds close. She repeats the process once more, just to be safe. "Those Ironfang bastards, they sure know what they're doing with those bows of theirs. Be careful out there, eh Gilraen? We'd hate to lose you - to lose any of you."


Ilsa, Narek, & Rask

In the long pause that follows Ilsa's ultimatum, Orlu seems to be considering her options. By the expression on her face, she's understood the brunt of the summoner's message, although the sneer that's now displayed on her face is hardly promising. Any fear she showed earlier at the prospect of an imminent death is gone now, replaced by a look that Rask recognizes: the Ironfang soldier does not break out into laughter, but her lower fangs are bared in naked defiance of your threats. Narek appearing behind the pair of you doesn't dissuade her any more either.

"<You'll have to kill me, elfling,>" Orlu says in her native language. "<That is a fate I'll gladly accept. Hadregash spits on traitors and collaborators. Besides, Scarvinious would have my hide if I talked, and I don't enjoy the prospect of having my skin added to his hut of screams.>" Although at first, that last part seems like it was lost in translation, it dawns on you that at no point did Orlu speak figuratively.

[Starbin]

Narek Skyskin

As Orlu finished speaking, Narek’s face quivered, straining as if against a higher power. His body began to shake, almost imperceptibly at first, then with more and more violence. Then, after a few moments of struggling, his face erupted into a creepy grin as the wizard did something neither Ilsa nor Rask had witnessed from him - Narek began to laugh. An almost dry laugh, it began to grow in volume and depth, slowly filling the cave with echoes of a deep, sinister cackle.

Once he composed himself, Narek’s stoicism slowly returned. Holding the bag of missives and notes, Narek leaned down - close enough to talk, but not to get head-butted or bitten. When he spoke, his voice was cultured and measured, barely spoken loud enough to hear. ”You are a fool. You have already betrayed your dear Lieutenant ... and his cur of a son, Sergeant Scarvinious. You obviously, and stupidly, do not fear what we will do to you. Know this, then - we will make sure that your ‘friends’ and comrades they find you. Hands broken, tongue removed, but not without a letter detailing your treason. I cannot imagine a better punishment for one such as yourself.

I’m sure you would prefer that to a swift death at the hands of a warrior.

Milady, you may wish to leave - this will not be pleasant. Rask, you know what to do. Start with the left hand."

Narek pulled out a clean sheaf of paper to start writing the note, seemingly oblivious to Rask’s not-so-tender ministrations ....
Narek will let Task smash a hand ... then we’ll see what she has to say.
Status
AC: 12 HP: 15 Init +9 Move 30'
F +1 R +3 W +5
Weapon: Hvy crossbow w/16 bolts
Spells: dancing lights, detect magic, ghost sound, acid splash / magic missile, magic missile, magic missile[/roll], [s]heightened awareness / glitterdust, glitterdust, gallant inspiration
Prescience: 4/7; Good Dreams 1/1; wand of magic missile (26); wand of prestidigitation (25); wand of cause fear (10)
Key skills: Perception +4 (+6); Stealth +2; Survival +3; Spellcraft +10; S. Motive +6; KS A/L +10 (+12); KS H/P/E/G/Na/D/R +8 (+10)
Effect: heightened awareness (+2 Per/KS, 25 min)

[n0ble]

Rask kept staring at the Hob while the others talked, oblivious to the Legionaries words. It was a cold gaze, full of scorn that seemed a natural fit to the half-orc's asymmetrical features. He held the stare comfortably, only turning away to look at Narek when the mage suggested torture.

He sighed and removed the hammer from the Hob's shoulder, then set it down so that the handle cordoned off the the Hob. He found it oddly sad that the most learned amongst them would suggest torture. Everyone else was good at talking. Rask had thought thats what it would of lead to, but he'd never been too smart or good at thinking ahead. Maybe the mage had read about torture's effectiveness in a book or something. The big man's meagre anatomical knowledge had always come first hand was ill suited to diplomacy.

Rask growled his way up away from squatting in front of the Hob. He made sure that both the mage and summoner had eyes on the enemy, then ambled around her in a casual half-circle. Without any ceremony, drama or warning, he grabbed a wrist and twisted with all the rage that had festered in him since Phaendar. Since Ramgate. It wasn't his strength that surprised him. The big man knew his limits. No manner of old age could quell the orc blood that was pounding through his ears. Thinking such a thought just made Rask more mad.

Once he almost had the wrist rotated back to where it'd been before, Rask stalked towards the pit, still holding onto the Hob-limb and whatever soon-to-be-dead flesh was attached to it. Once there, he methodically swung the Hob over the pit. With the blood running through his ears and the day's fighting in his bones, it took some effort but wasn't impossible.

He stared at the Hob dead in the eyes and began to squeeze harder.


Rolled a 19 OOC to aid Narek's intimidate.

[Farmerbink]

Gilraen shrugs at Aubrin's outburst. "Still had work to do," he explains quietly. With an odd smile- almost forced, but not really- he allows himself to be pushed around by the small (comparatively) woman without resistance. The relief comes almost immediately, and causes the amusement at Aubrin's more matronly behavior to mingle with the unique comfort of cured ails. "Your words are kind, Aubrin." He smiles, a bit easier, but still somehow unnerving. "The Ironfang may know their way with bows, but the Fangwood will never guide their steps as She does mine. She can be a fickle and remorseless guardian, but to those who refuse to even giver her the respect she is due?" He shakes his head with finality.

His wounds tended, Gilraen takes stock of the chamber, noting with some satisfaction the obvious progress towards making the place more habitable. Almost as quickly, he finds himself feeling suddenly out of place; unable to see the sky, surrounded by the eyes and ears of humans and others... With a decidedly awkward nod of appreciation for Aubrin, he rises quickly and ushers himself from the room. He finds some relative solitude in the passageway that leads towards the cave's mouth. Uneasy about the idea of repeating the evening's activity, he lays his bedroll a few dozen yards past the shrieker mushrooms, gently laying his bow and quiver easily within arm's reach...

[3SecondCultist]

Eyena

"Eh, what's that - oh sh*t, watch out!" Kining proves to be more than a little distracted by the time you get to her, as she's coordinating the efforts of removing the veins of gems from these caves. Now that the living spaces have been nearly all arranged, the dwarf has a few helpers, including Edran and Aster. The people here are paired up, with a smaller person on the shoulders of a larger to reach the rock ceiling where some of the crystals are located. It just so happens that Aster was in the middle of extracting a gem when a chunk of it falls out directly above her head. She twists and avoids a serious wound, but the amethyst bounces off the woman's collarbone and tumbles to the cave floor, where it shatters with a resounding crash.

"Gods above and below, what a f*cking idiot you are! I told ye to be careful, ye daft bitty! That's good coin and material ye just wasted there, y'know!" In her anger, Kining's voice takes on the harsh sounds and intonations of her home - wherever that may be. After berating the ashamed and hurt woman for another moment and banishing her to get some healing, Kining finally turns to you.

"Well, it’d be a lot better if people knew how to wield proper tools. I swear, these surfacers..."


Gilraen

Aubrin returns your smile as the worst of your wounds are closed. "You're absolutely right. I've known the Fangwood - and Chernasardo - to be many things, but forgiving to outsiders was never among them. In a way, we're lucky that our group's done as well as it has. I suppose we have you to thank for that though, don't we?" The cleric offers you a nip of the liquor from her holy symbol before putting it away, watching the progress of the others. Her eyes twinkle in the torchlight.

When you get up to leave, she gives you a short half-nod. The look in her eyes is that of understanding, mixed with just a little bit of concern. "Don't be a stranger, alright?"


Ilsa, Narek, & Rask

To her credit, Orlu manages to keep a brave face for a few moments after Rask casually breaks her bones and dangles her over oblivion's edge. She seems no stranger to pain, and this seems to be more in line with what she expected when she remanded herself to your care. However, now that you've made it very clear what the consequences of her not talking are, the hobgoblin's facade begins to crack. She actually slightly when the half-orc begins to squeeze the limb and holds her over the darkness, although her glances at Narek when he mentions Scarvinious. leave little doubt as to which fate frightens her more.

"<Okay, put me down! Damn you. Just - argh - get your brute to let me go first!>" The words are broken, punctuated by alternating gasps of pain and growls that likely signify pure hatred. The scout's glares are not for Rask though, but directed right at Narek for turning her plan around on her.

"<I'm... I'm only a scout, but I will talk. All you need to promise in return is a quick death. A warrior's death.>"

[Starbin]

Narek Skyskin

Narek pauses in his writing, a mild look of surprise on his face. It faded back to his impassive gaze as he responded to the Hobgoblin. ”Color me surprised - I had thought your decision made. Of course, to began your bargaining by telling us how little you know does not build confidence, nor strengthen your stand. We will honor the offer of swift death in exchange to information of value.

Rask, set her down and get her some water. We are not savages, after all.”

Narek readied his pen and parchment. ”So let’s get started ... beginning with why the League attacked the town, and we’ll go in from there.”
Spill yo beans!
Status
AC: 12 HP: 15 Init +9 Move 30'
F +1 R +3 W +5
Weapon: Hvy crossbow w/16 bolts
Spells: dancing lights, detect magic, ghost sound, acid splash / magic missile, magic missile, magic missile[/roll], [s]heightened awareness / glitterdust, glitterdust, gallant inspiration
Prescience: 3/7; Good Dreams 0/1; wand of magic missile (26); wand of prestidigitation (25); wand of cause fear (10)
Key skills: Perception +4 (+6); Stealth +2; Survival +3; Spellcraft +10; S. Motive +6; KS A/L +10 (+12); KS H/P/E/G/Na/D/R +8 (+10)
Effect: heightened awareness (+2 Per/KS, 25 min)

[PersonMan]

Eyena watches as Kining berates Aster, silent and pausing in her own work but not commenting. When the dwarf turns to her, she nods, and speaks after a moment's pause. "Would it be the case...that is to say - perhaps, they require training? Or, rather - more, if they have some, already. In order to ensure...competence," she says, glancing briefly at some of the gems.

[Lord Of Mantas]

Ilsa

"I... I'll get the water."

Ilsa, surprised at both Rask and Narek's brutality, staggered away, shaking a touch from the sudden onslaught. Upon retrieving a waterskin, she brought it back and handed it over to Narek, pausing only long enough to ensure it was actually given to Orlu before leaving.

[Farmerbink]

With an expressionless glance, Gilraen acknowledges Aubrin's words. He nods, his face still unreadable. Perhaps his steps are less weighty as he resumes his departure.

He crosses the common room with purposeful strides, halting midway as he catches sight of Ilsa. His steps hasten slightly as he makes the effort to catch up with her and grabs her by the arm with a worried expression. "Where is Rask? Is he done already?"

[n0ble]

Nonetheless the Legionary's squeals washed some calm into Rask's bones. He'd never bothered learning anything besides common, and even that had been a journey worth a wyrm's hoard of armaments. It irked him, which in turn made his face even uglier with anger. He squeezed a little harder during the conversation, moreso for his own satisfaction than anything else. He saw it have little more effect than if he'd simply mashed the Hob's brains in. Perhaps the mage could have divined something useful from that. Then Rask wouldn't have had to endure a one sided conversation. His rage stumbled, faltered, and veered into a fleeting sense of shame and the most frustrating part of it all was he wasn't even smart enough to think through if it was not being able to understand Goblin or what he'd done to the she-Hob's arm that was responsible for the shame. **** it. Probably both.

He could feel the shakes coming before they started. The warning signs came just in time to coincide with the mage's request. Rask all but flung the Hob behind him onto the cave floor. For a moment he stared down into the pit's shadows, finding comfort in the shapes and figures he saw. Then he rounded and righted the she-Hob so that she was facing the object of her fear. Rask kept an eye on her as he went and got his hammer back. He face still held the same cold glare, though now it was pointed at the Hob's back. Had he the mind for it, Rask would have probably found it ironic that that the hammer stilled his hands from trembling.

[Lord Of Mantas]

Ilsa


"Where is Rask? Is he done already?"
"Rask... got her to start talking. After snapping her forearm. I was sent for water. For the prisoner."

"You should probably come."Ilsa lead Gilraen back to the impromptu interrogation room.

[3SecondCultist]

Eyena

"Och, aye." Kining shakes her head slightly, as though just now noticing the shift in register. She points at one of the other members of the group to replace Aster, as Edran rubs his shoulders in anticipation of a second burden. The smith then starts to gather the shards from the ground where people might end up standing, although you suspect that's not why she's doing it.

"I'll do my best, but I'm sure these cabnula will find a way to ruin everything anyway. Stoneworking's a delicate craft, but it'd take me days to get everything by myself. Still, I'm almost tempted to just put in the work. At least that way we'd maybe have something to show for it." Still grumbling even as she misses - or perhaps ignores - the looks that the townsfolk shoot to her in response, Kining sweeps the gem shards into her own leather pockets.

"So, you gonna keep chatting at me or are you going to get to work?"


Gilraen, Rask, & Narek

"<Well like I said, I'm only a scout. Our commanders don't tell us much beyond where to go, where to sh*t, and who to kill. I've no idea why the Legion took your town, and honestly I don't care.>" Rubbing her damaged limb as Gilraen enters the chamber, she narrows her eyes at the sight of his healed wound. As before, the female hobgoblin's gaze returns to her interrogator. "<I do know Legion protocol is to take fortified civilian centers with as few casualties as possible beyond armed guards and heroes. Nice, domesticated slaves are hard to come by.>"

"<What else do you want to know? I've got the rest of my life.>"

[PersonMan]

Eyena nods as Kining speaks, brows furrowing slightly but saying nothing, looking briefly at some of those nearby before turning back to Kining as the dwarf turns back to her. "Oh! Yes. That is - what is meant, is...The work. I will be, doing. It." She says, nodding rapidly a few times before getting to work with whatever tools she's given; her work is slow, methodical, but safe.

Eventually, once she's freed a gem from the surrounding stone, Eyena speaks again, approaching Kining with the wordless question of the gem in one hand - where to place it? - and another, spoken aloud. "What - that is to say, if it would not be a bother...what are the gems, what will they be used for?"

[Farmerbink]

Gilraen walks in upright, his posture bearing the formality of duty. He listens to the Hobgoblins words, frowning slightly at the harsh syllables and rambling lilt of the Goblin tongue. If the comment about 'domesticated slaves' bothers him at all, he doesn't show it. <"What do you know of the bounties?"> He interjects in the same language, with an unmistakeable expression of distaste. <"Is it common for such things to be called for among your people, and what do the rumormongers think is the cause?">

[3SecondCultist]

Eyena

The work is surprisingly difficult: the gems themselves are not exactly easy to pry out of the stone, and even when they are, they have a tendency to crack off into tiny shards that fall to the chamber floor if you're not exceptionally careful. Every once in a while, this will occur no matter how hard to try to avert it, often leading to curses from Kining who is busy gingerly extracting some amethyst from her own vein. The crystals are being gathered in a basket near the main firepit, which is gradually filling up as time goes on. The dwarf seems to be chipping the crystal out as fast or faster than anyone, with a bare minimum of spillage. As the minutes drag on, you come to the realization that this process is being hurried along unnaturally: this could probably be done more carefully over the course of days, rather than hours.

"For trade," Kining says in reply to your question, her focus still on the vein in front of her. She wipes a few beads of sweat and locks of white-blonde hair out of her face. "We're bound to run into people eventually. Also, your friend Skyskin will probably want gems for spells and such, right?" The fact that the dwarf avoids your gaze isn't odd in and of itself, but you've spoken to her long enough that there's something in her voice that doesn't sound quite right.


Gilraen, Narek, & Rask

Orlu's eyes widen slightly with surprise to see that not only one, but two of your group speak her goblin dialect. She looks at Rask for a second, as though wondering whether or not the half-orc has also understood the exchange so far. Eventually though, she returns her attention to Gilraen.

"<We use bounties sometimes, yeah. It's useful to give otherwise uninterested parties incentive to turn in those we're hunting. If your quarry goes to ground, leave no ground to go to.>" The words have the cadence and intonation of a phrase oft-repeated, and Orlu says them with the kind of learned practice that suggest it might be a creed or a mantra of some kind. "<And I'm not one for rumors.>"

[Lord Of Mantas]

Ilsa

Ilsa, having had quite enough excitement for one evening, sought out the nearest fire and warmed herself beside it, letting the deep heat permeate her frame.

[Starbin]

Narek Skyskin

Narek kept scribbling for a moment, annotating the hobgoblin’s responses. He glanced up at the last statement, an obvious mantra for the scout. Eyes narrowing, the wizard began to ask a series of questions, pausing only to record Orlu’s answers. ”How many other towns have you attacked? How many other nations? Who leads the Legion? What is the current size of your forces? How many scouting parties are in the field at any given time? Where is your current base of operations?
Takinh notes
Status
AC: 12 HP: 15 Init +9 Move 30'
F +1 R +3 W +5
Weapon: Hvy crossbow w/16 bolts
Spells: dancing lights, detect magic, ghost sound, acid splash / magic missile, magic missile, magic missile[/roll], [s]heightened awareness / glitterdust, glitterdust, gallant inspiration
Prescience: 3/7; Good Dreams 0/1; wand of magic missile (26); wand of prestidigitation (25); wand of cause fear (10)
Key skills: Perception +4 (+6); Stealth +2; Survival +3; Spellcraft +10; S. Motive +6; KS A/L +10 (+12); KS H/P/E/G/Na/D/R +8 (+10)
Effect: heightened awareness (+2 Per/KS, 25 min)

[PersonMan]

Eyena pauses as Kining replies, looking over at the dwarf silently for a few moments before stepping closer - just enough that her quiet words are less likely to reach the others at work. "It seems - that is to say, there may be...aspects, of which I am not aware, which make this pace necessary, however - it appears to me, that is, would it not be...better, to spend more time in the extraction, of these?" Eyena nods to some of the gems still in the wall. She pauses. "There is - that is to say, if it would not be a problem - I would bring up...another matter. That is, the matter would be if there was, a matter, which you would...wish to speak of?"

[3SecondCultist]

Eyena

"You're talking in circles again," Kining replies to your approach. The words match your pitch, and are not altogether unkind, but her glances at the others only confirms any suspicions you might have had. This time, when the dwarf looks back at you, there's something adamant in her gaze, something resolved. The burn scars on her face twist in the same way they always do when she's frowning, but for a moment you see Kining as she must have been before coming to Phaendar: a true smith, a crafty engineer, an unscrupulous merchant. At the same time, it's clear that the dwarf sees all of you as well.

"I won't lie to you. These gems, this cave... they remind me of home. And I can use the wealth here to get back there."


Gilraen, Narek, & Rask

"<I don't know anything about the Legion's larger plans, what other towns or places we've attacked. But our leader is General Azaersi herself, the greatest hobgoblin marshal in history! She wasn't leading the attack herself, and only the highest ranking officers - like the Lieutenant back at Fort Phaendar - are allowed to speak to her.>" Orlu's voice raises steadily throughout her declarations, as though to prove a point.

However, at the prospect of giving up her current base of operations, the hobgoblin only growls at you. Somewhere, whatever remnants of goblin pride have intervened, and Orlu bares her fangs once more. "<Just kill me already, if you're going to do it. Or hand me over to Scarvinious, if you can. I've said all I will.>"

[Farmerbink]

Gilraen follows the Hobgoblin's glance with disinterest. It is best they do not know how much we know, he wonders, as he tries to recall if the Half-Orc has ever demonstrated understanding of the Goblin language. His eyes narrow as he considers just how broad their prisoner's education might have been.

After a brief consideration, he settles on the language of the forest and especially the fey among it: Sylvan. "<Narek, do you know this tongue?>" His eyes remain on the Hobgoblin, to judge her understanding or lack thereof. At the wizard's acknowledgement, he continues. "<Can you think of anything else we should ask of our guest here? I do not think she will be much more forthcoming without more unpleasant measures, which I do not think I can condone. She has already suffered much, and we cannot afford to let her live. Is it time?>"

[PersonMan]

Eyena nods slowly as Kining continues - the movement is slow, and she spends a few moment silent, almost motionless. "Apologies, if my understanding is...incorrect. Is it - is the meaning, of what you said, that you intend to leave? To return to...where you were before?" She asks. "Additionally, though I admit my understand is limited, if your departure, that is, if it was necessitated, by your worship of Droskar - would that be different, now?" She pauses. "My apologies, if this is a matter, or - a time - that is...poorly suited for discussion."

[Starbin]

Narek Skyskin

Narek completed his notes, stopping at the note of finality in Orlu's voice. It seemed the interrogation was complete, and it was questionable whether torture would result in success. At Gilraen's question, he nodded once, letting the elf finish before responding in Sylvan <"I guess - we have exhausted our current source of information. She has earned her swift death">

Nodding his head to Orlu, he motioned to Rask and spoke in guttural orcish, <"No tears, but she dies now. Your hammer or my blade?">
Ready to press ...
Status
AC: 12 HP: 15 Init +9 Move 30'
F +1 R +3 W +5
Weapon: Hvy crossbow w/16 bolts
Spells: dancing lights, detect magic, ghost sound, acid splash / magic missile, magic missile, magic missile[/roll], [s]heightened awareness / glitterdust, glitterdust, gallant inspiration
Prescience: 3/7; Good Dreams 0/1; wand of magic missile (26); wand of prestidigitation (25); wand of cause fear (10)
Key skills: Perception +4 (+6); Stealth +2; Survival +3; Spellcraft +10; S. Motive +6; KS A/L +10 (+12); KS H/P/E/G/Na/D/R +8 (+10)
Effect: heightened awareness (+2 Per/KS, 25 min)

[n0ble]

Rask looked to Narek, the she-Hob, Narek then the Hob again. Blood was pounding through his ears. He could barely make out the mage's words despite them being the first thing he'd understood in a while. This is what the Legion wanted, and he'd always been a half orc of narrow talents. He tightened the death grip he had on the hammer. Then Rask swung the masher with same nonchalance that'd seen the Hob's arm broken. He aimed at the spot where the Hob's neck, torso and shoulder met.


CDG on the Hob scout

DMG x3 (power attacking, after presumably taking enough time for studied target): [roll0]

[3SecondCultist]

Eyena

Kining shakes her head slightly at the sight of the other townspeople. It's clear from her expression that she does not care to continue this conversation any further here. The unspoken look in her eyes clearly says 'later'. It's not quite a dismissal. Moving away from you, the dwarf returns to her task of iron and stone.

After some time, the veins in the main chamber are more or less bereft of any more usable material. The basket of gathered ores is certainly close to full, and there are more yet to come, but with night falling the people of Phaendar are preparing for their first night. Kining situates herself in the more isolated northern cavern, near the pool, and waits for you to approach. "Of course I'm leaving," she says when you draw near. "That was always the plan, once these people were back on their feet. If I bring home enough riches, might be I can buy my way back in."


Gilraen, Narek, & Rask

The scout, for her part, watches expressionlessly as two of you switch over to a language that she does not understand. However, in noticing Orlu observe your conversation, you can see the tension slowly leave her shoulders. She knows what's about to happen. Waiting for the end, the scout closes her eyes and bares her neck for execution when Rask draws his earth breaker hammer. During the windup of the swing, she begins to mutter something under her breath, a litany that's barely audible to your ears.

"<Supreme Chieftain,
attend to me your might.
Clad me in night
and in iron red rain.>"

The hammer falls, and Orlu with it. Rask's blow separates nearly her entire head from her body, and what's left is completely unrecognizable. The rocks are black with the hobgoblin's blood, spray that reaches all of you no matter where you stand in the room. There are no death throes; the body does not even twitch as it tumbles into the dark below. Orlu's wish has been granted.


The next morning greets you with by the sound of rain fall and the calling of thunder from the surface. Your first night in the caves is hardly a restful one, the lingering stench of troglodyte still in the air despite the townspeople's best efforts to fumigate it. Still, being sheltered from the rough elements and the whims of forest predators is a decent trade-off, and the guards at the tunnel entrance have reported no other hobgoblin sightings since the arrival of Orlu's hunting party. Similarly, nothing seems to crawl out of the hole below your shelter during your night watches. For the time being, it would seem as though the Shepherds of Fangwood have lived up to their mandate.

Breakfast is served around the various fires that Jet and a few others have tended to, the pack animals and existing supplies having already been organized in order to keep the people going. By the woman's estimate, you have enough food and water stockpiled to keep everyone well-fed and comfortable for nearly a week even without hunting or fishing. "Don't you worry about us," she says as she chews on a stick of preserved jerky from one of the ration packs. "We're gonna be fine for a little while. You just worry about whatever the hell is down there waiting to give us a nasty surprise. Some of the people are betting on what might be down there. Me? I'm thinking old dwarven ruins, taken over by a necromancer." Jet chuckles to herself. "There's always a necromancer. Every time, without fail."

Assembling your group, you make your way back to the room where Orlu died only hours ago. The crude wooden ladder is right where you left it, flecks of dried blood still visible despite the advanced condition of the scaffolding. Ahead of you, only darkness awaits.

[Farmerbink]

Gilraen forces himself to watch grimly as Rask puts an undeniable end to their interrogation. As the Ironfang scout's body falls into the darkness below, he releases a deep breath he hadn't realized he was holding. He shakes his head slowly, somewhere between depression and disgust. Without warning, cracks split the stoic facade. "What a f*cking waste..." At the shock elicited by his outburst, he gestures almost wildly to the pit. The dam is breaking. "Her! Lirosa! Taidel! Oreld! Who knows how many villagers perished or worse when the Legion fell upon Phaendar!?" He spits, unable to contain the fire that's been simmering quietly under the surface for days.

"And for f*cking what? So some sick b*tch can slake her lust for blood?" His face is ferocious, such that would fit on a snarling beast, as the torrent of fury continues to rage.
When morning comes, Gilraen's humor is either better or better hidden. He smirks at Jet's comment. "It would be nice to find something abandoned and empty, for once, he muses. He looks around the cookware at the various expressions gazing back. "I do not expect it either," he admits. "but one can dream, no?"

He grips his staff, recalling the combative remains of the people of Gristledown. With a grimace, his eyes close. A few heartbeats later, a single tear squeezes past the closed lids as the weight of the last several days (or weeks?) makes its presence known. With a huff, he rises, and stalks away from the fire, towards the pit...

When the rest of the Shepherds arrive, he has relieved the watch, and stands like a statue gazing into the darkness with his bow held at the ready. If you wait long enough, Gilraen illuminates a pebble and casts it into the darkness. Waiting.

[n0ble]

He watched the corpse slide into the pit, then wasted some spit hawking a gob of phlegm after it. He kept staring after it for a moment then took to reading the mage's papers on what had been said. He peered at the papers with a jealous scrutiny and noted whatever he could understand from them. Then the elf started yelling.

Shogglick had always said war was Nulgreth's great work, but thirty years of butcherings had seen the sentiment worn thin on the big man. Werent nothing to battle or killing that was great. Rask could empathize with that, to an extent. The elf had forgotten about the half-orc woman who'd perished. Rask couldnt pass blame on that. He couldnt even remember her name. The plain fact of the matter was the same thirty years had dulled his ability to care. People dying was a fact of a soldering life, much as it stilled pained Rask to think on it as such.

He listened to Gilraen, making sure to match the bowman's fury with an even stare.


Rask rose early and found himself some food. He nodded some thanks to Jet for it, then took a place around a fire. He'd been thinking on what might be down the pit. Could be it was some sort of cave life. Dwarves would be a might better Maybe there'd even be a necromancer he could smash to pieces, like Jet said.

He joined the others at the pit and waited, ladder in one hand, hammer in the other.

[PersonMan]

Eyena arrives at Kining's chosen spot quietly, her movements a touch more deliberate before the dwarf speaks. She nods at the words, but pauses halfway through the movement. "It is...that is, surely it is a factor you have taken into account - however, is it not dangerous to travel, while the Legion is...active?" She asks,



In the morning, Eyena closes the chained book, puts away her charcoal pencils, and studies her spells before joining the others at the hole; she indicates her readiness with a silent nod, following Rask shortly after he heads down, raising Eisenherz after setting it aglow once again.

[Lord Of Mantas]

Ilsa and Ramiel

Near the hole, Summoner and Eidolon stood together, communing in relative silence as Ilsa shared the events of yesterday with Ramiel.

<Such violence... I know they are all angry, and rightfully so, after what was done to their home. But even so... Are you sure you will be alright?>

<I will be better, now, after sharing. I am sorry that I'm not bringing you again, but I don't anticipate things being any more open down there than they are up here.>

<Be safe, Ilsa. I will hopefully see you soon.>

The two embraced, and then, with a gesture, Ilsa dismissed Ramiel. Loading her crossbow, she looked to Gilraen.

"Let's do this ."

[3SecondCultist]

Eyena

Kining ponders your point for a moment, scratching one of the scars on her cheek before shaking her head slightly. "I'll be fine. It's not too far, and one dwarf traveling alone won't attract too much attention." She seems fairly confident on that point, although you cannot be entirely certain if she really believes her own words. She watches you curiously out of the corner of her eye for a moment, hesitates, then speaks up once more.

"You don't have a problem with this, then? My taking the gems? I don't want to tell the others."


Enter the Stone (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=axGPHOGxVCA)

When all five of you are ready, Rask puts the ladder down and you all begin your descent. The corridor here is slick with blood and pebbles, as you are forced to step over Orlu's already-decaying corpse. Eyena follows behind the retired soldier, glowing sword in hand to light the way for those of you unable to already see in the dark. Gilraen's arrowhead complements the magical aura, giving all of the Shepherds a good idea of your surroundings. It is just as the elf said: up ahead of you, the passage continues for a time, and eventually descends through another crack into what appears to be another chamber. There the second ladder rests, waiting untouched for your arrival.

In the same order, the five of you clamber down to find yourselves in a different world. This large space seems more finished than the upper chambers. Walls of smooth masonry stones intersect a mirrorlike marble floor. A statue of a twisting, insectile form stands in the center of the large chamber, as if a beetle-like god were flowing like water. Reliefs along alcoves to the east and west depict rough-hewn reptilian forms gathered around a step pyramid. Rough purple gems have been wedged into the reliefs, forming starburst patterns; they look as though they were placed there long after this room's original construction. The southern wall has partially collapsed, cracking the floor and blocking what was once the only hall leading out of the room behind tons of stone and rubble.

Of course, that's what it looks like at first. With your makeshift magical lanterns at hand, it doesn't take you long to uncover two separate doors hidden in the stone wall panels to the left and right of you. By the look of the worn stone, these passages might have been hard to spot once upon a time. Today, however, they are almost as plain to see as the strange statue looming over your heads.

The new Roll20 map (https://app.roll20.net/editor/) is up! I've set all of the lighting permissions for now accordingly, just let me know before moving too far ahead. I assumed the marching order would be Rask and Eyena in front, Gilraen in the middle, then Narek and Ilsa at the back. If that changes, let me know.
Examining the stonework further, it is clear that whoever carved this chamber was definitely not a troglodyte: the statue alone shows artistry and skill with stone that rivals - if not surpasses - masterwork dwarven craftsmanship. The original architects of this place almost definitely predate the Age of Darkness. However, the stone here has been warped and reworked numerous times, reflecting known derro and more recent troglodyte styles of carving, which includes the addition of the gems.

[PersonMan]

Eyena is silent for a few more moments than is typical. "I..." she pauses again. "Oh. Would it be - that is, would these gems, taking them, be it?" She stops, frowns. "That is - the debt. From, the bridge?" She asks. After a moment she continues. "I would - that is, I myself would not have any problems with removal, of the gems, from, here. However, I..." Eyena frowns again.

"When we came back in, here, to take the caves, they had put out a head, on a stick. I...it was not, something I wanted to see. I would...it would be bad, to find you, like that, from the Ironfang. It's - I do not want you to be dead," Eyena continues, seeming somewhat frustrated with her words as she speaks them. "It is - that is, there is difficulty, in the...details. Of what I, that is, what I am meaning to say, and what is being said, and it is unclear as to precisely what, I intend. However. Kining. It would be bad, if you died. I want you to not die, and - and if you're here then I can help. I can do something. But if you go, then maybe - ten Ironfang see you, and then..." Eyena sags somewhat, before straightening, looking at Kining, clearly finished for the moment.

[3SecondCultist]

Eyena

Your dwarven companion returns your stare for a long while, before cracking a smile that can only be described as rueful. "So I should stay for you, that's what you're saying? I saw Lirosa too, after. But I... heh. If the hobs capture me, I reckon I'm more useful to them alive. Life of a slave can't be too bad, can it?" The words have the taste of a bad joke, the kind told between two people who are halfway close.

"Okay, I see why you want me to stick around. But why should I want to? Convince me of that, Eyena, and maybe I'll listen."

[PersonMan]

Eyena nods, and presses her lips together. She's silent, staring at a spot on the cave floor for some time before nodding to herself, turning to Kining. "It is - that is, there are multiple points. Arguments. Matters, in which, you, which is to say, the..." she pauses, frowns, and continues. "Your interests, they will be furthered, by staying with us. Firstly, there is the matter, in the short term, of the gems. There are many, which we can gather, and the debt owed to you can be, well, it will be settled. Furthermore, your chances of acquiring...further...wealth," Eyena pauses for a moment, looking at Kining before continuing. "They are higher, that is to say, they will be...very low, if you leave here and cannot immediately...arrive. At, that is, somewhere with more people." She nods.

"F-finally. There is - and this is not to say your own considerations were not, that is, are not, proper. However, based on the experience we have had, in the past, the Ironfang Legion, which is to say, all of them, that you may encounter, are..." Eyena pauses again, and frowns. "My apologies, the terminology is difficult. It is, well, they will...even if it does not serve, that is, even if it is contrary, contrary to their interests..." she pauses one more time, looking down for a moment before turning back to face the dwarf.

"It is my sincere belief that the Legion would sooner skin you alive and torture you to death before they think of any other courses of action. As long as they remain, it will be - dangerous. When we have finished exterminating them..." Eyena nods. "I - I will ensure, you will have the means...to return. To wherever you wish."

As the group enters the chamber, Eyena steps forwards, eyes going around it before some of the tension in her body drops away. Looking at the carvings, she frowns, and turns to Narek.

"Would you be - that is - are you in possession of magic that would allow us to view the originals?" She asks, not giving any indication as to what she's referring to.

[3SecondCultist]

Eyena

Kining ponders what you've said for a long time after you finish talking. At several points, she makes as though to interject, but clearly thinks better of it. If nothing else, she is aware of how hard it is for you to speak up like this. The smith looks away into the middle distance with a calculating eye.

"You're not wrong," she begins, exhaling softly as she leans over and slowly dips her head so that she's speaking into the earth. "If the Ironfangs caught me, chances are I'd be killed. That Scarvinious sounds like a real assh*le. And I guess my debt can't be satisfied by a few gems. If you can promise me... if you can promise that you're gonna make sure I get home, then I can stay."

[Farmerbink]

Without asking permission or giving warning, Gilraen steps forward from the formation to more closely inspect the room. He gestures with a closed fist to silently tell the others to stay back, and proceeds to the rightmost door- cautious of pressure-sensitive stones in the floor or other trap triggers. Then he shifts his bow grip to his left hand, puts his elongated Elven ear to the door and tries to listen beyond.

[/roll]1d20+8[/roll] perception for traps
[roll0] perception on the door

[n0ble]

Rask watched the bowman stalk forward towards the second hole down. He got a good grip on the hammer with both hands and was glad that the sword-light was at his back. Rask kept an eye on the leftmost door and waited.

[Lord Of Mantas]

Ilsa

Ilsa shifted her grip and waited for the others to scout ahead. Being the advance guard was not, nor would ever be, her forte - her talents lay elsewhere, in the realm of summoning monsters.

[Starbin]

Narek Skyskin

With Orlu
Narek watched dispassionately as Rask’s hammer rose and fell, stepping slightly back to avoid the spray of blood. Orlu’s last words were still echoing in his ears as he quickly wrote them down, before pausing to consider how violent life had become. For himself, he knew he had lived hundreds (thousands?) of lives amidst violence, but for the others ... it had to be quite strange and unfamiliar territory.

Lost in his thoughts, Gilraen’s sudden outburst caught the wizard by surprise, startling him into stepping back defensively. Blinking, he stared at Rask and the angry elf for a moment before shaking his head. ”I don’t pretend to know what demons you carry, Gilraen, or why you seem to both crave and despise the company of others, but if this helps keep you sane, then by all means rage. If this must be your outlet, release it now. But leave it here, away from the others. We need you calm and ever the rock in the ongoing war.

Make no mistake - with what we learned, we are not simply leading an exodus, we are simply retreating to gather our strength and build our forces. This general, Azaersi, will not stop until we are wiped out or in chains. Our freedom will come at the cost of more violence and blood. So release your pain, push away your doubts, and clear your mind. You are needed.”

After a moments pause, Narek knelt down with a small rag and collected a bit of blood before standing and returning to the main chambers. If either looked questioningly at the mage, he simply shrugged and said, “Blood has power” and continued on.

Back in the chambers
Once back with the others, Narek waited for the small council to be gathered before sharing much of what he had learned from Orlu. He stuck to the basics - names and general disposition, and the fact that hunting parties were out and about. He urged everyone use caution when hunting outside the caves, and stressed the importance of not leaving any clues as to their whereabouts.

With his companions, the ‘heroes,’ he shared the details of the bounty and his concerns at the nature of the disciplined force they faced. "We have seen numerous times that even the basics troops are well equipped and well trained. Scouting parties like the one we faced this evening are even better. Soon we will be facing their elites.

Additionally, after checking some of my notes and skimming through those of the prisoner, I think the Ironfangs continue to be led by the same Azaersi that started the group as a band of killers in Molthune. I also believe that while Molthune thought they were employing a mercenary ally, they were instead providing training to a force with eyes on a greater prize. Azaersi does not seem to be a flash in the fire - she has built a force that can carve a swath through the region for whatever dark purpose she has.

We must now consider that the refugees can no longer simply survive in the face of such a threat. If we are to continto call these woods, these lands home, they must be trained. Trained and forged into the core of a resistance. Otherwise, they will probably all perish.”

After the discussions, Narek spent some time with his spell of prestidigitation to remove the doors from the troglodytes before returning to his spot with his family, sharing a simple evening of talking ... about the weather, the trip, the caves, anything that kept their minds off the death all around them.

The next day
Narek joined the others, refreshed and ready to go. Upon reaching the first ladder, he used the wand to cast a cantrip to remove the blood from the area, then followed the others down. Upon reaching the first chamber, he cast another spell to heighten his senses, before peering about to identify any clues to the construction or former inhabitants.

As he looked at the architecture, he nodded absently. ”The original builders of this area are from before the Agenof Darkness, but at least two other styles have clearly reworked these halls since then ... the last obviously being the troglodytes. We might not have ended the threat yet, if there are other tribes or a centralized hub. Perhaps above was only an outpost.”

To Eyena’s question, he shrugged slightly. “It depends on the extent of damage, decay or erosion. I cannot repair the collapsed hall, if that is your intent. Also note, I hear some type of tapping or clacking beyond that door.” Narek pointed to the door before he reached out with his arcane sight. He would attempt to repair any minor damage he could.
Night before [roll0] and [roll1]
Next day, cast prestidigitation and heightened senses; [roll2], [roll3]
Detect magic down below , with mending if it helps repair anything.
Status
AC: 12 HP: 15 Init +9 Move 30'
F +1 R +3 W +5
Weapon: Hvy crossbow w/16 bolts
Spells: dancing lights, detect magic, acid splash, mending / snowball, grease, enlarge person, heightened awareness / glitterdust, glitterdust, gallant inspiration
Prescience: 7/7; Good Dreams 1/1; wand of magic missile (26); wand of prestidigitation (24); wand of cause fear (10)
Key skills: Perception +4 (+6); Stealth +2; Survival +3; Spellcraft +10; S. Motive +6; KS A/L +10 (+12); KS H/P/E/G/Na/D/R +8 (+10)
Effect: heightened awareness (+2 Per/KS, 30 min)

[Farmerbink]

Rask's even stare only incenses Gilraen further. HIs voice rises in urgency and fervor until it seems unlikely to go unheard in the rest of the caverns. When Narek interrupts, both acknowledging the catharsis and at the same time redirecting Gilraen's fury, the Elf's emotions begin to subside. "Gather what strength?" he demands, more calmly now, but none the less passionately for it. "We lead a ragged band of fruit vendors and a single crotchety smith. Were it not for our efforts and more than our fair share of luck, they would all be dead or worse by now! What hope can we have to ever openly resist the Ironfang Legion in all its force and brutality?"

[n0ble]

Last Night

Rask kept his stare even and swivelled it to Narek. His face softened a little. He said nothing and decided that he felt oddly calm in the wake of mashing the Hob. Something else to ponder perhaps, when he wasn't so Zagresh-damn tired. He nodded at the good sense in Narek's words about blood as an idea started to form in his head.

Gilraen's anger made sense, especially the bit about luck. Rask pondered for a moment. Without provocation, his slapped the head of the hammer, hard as he could. He aimed for the side with Hob blood on it, then took his hand away from the earth breaker. Anyone who wanted to do killing needed some weapons. Then he repeated the gesture, but on his breastplate. It left a red handprint. If you were going to go about killing stuff, it was best to take all efforts towards avoiding your own destruction. That meant survival and armour went hand in hand, just like a good killing-object.

Rask rested the hammer on his shoulder, still surprised at how light it was. He began to walk out of the cave. On his way he smacked the bloodied hand down on Gilraen's shoulder and gave it an encouraging squeeze. Wearing and wielding the right **** counted for a lot. Werent even half so good as having an ally at your back with a bow. He looked back to Narek. Or magery. You could kill a whole lot of Hobs with that too. He smiled and it was an ugly grin in spite of how earnest the big man was being. They'd do it the same way they'd done so far: one dead Hob, trog or bugbear **** at a time.

[Starbin]

Narek Skyskin

Night before
Narek waited as the woodsman cooled. However, at the man’s response, he raised his eyes brows in surprise. ”Of course they don’t stand a chance. If we left them tonight, I do not think they would survive the week. At least not without casualties. That being said, we obviously won’t leave them to die, otherwise you both would have left long ago. So why are you here if not to keep these people safe? And how better to keep them safe than to teach them to fight and survive on their own - teach them the tricks that have kept you alive. And when you are done, you may find you have a weapon to use against the hobgoblins.

Otherwise, you know the way out - thank you for your help and best of luck. I don’t want you here if you are not committed - not when I’m entrusting my wife and son’s safety to you.”

Narek’s gaze was even and measured, but deadly serious.More convo
Status
AC: 12 HP: 15 Init +9 Move 30'
F +1 R +3 W +5
Weapon: Hvy crossbow w/16 bolts
Spells: dancing lights, detect magic, acid splash, mending / snowball, grease, enlarge person, heightened awareness / glitterdust, glitterdust, gallant inspiration
Prescience: 7/7; Good Dreams 1/1; wand of magic missile (26); wand of prestidigitation (24); wand of cause fear (10)
Key skills: Perception +4 (+6); Stealth +2; Survival +3; Spellcraft +10; S. Motive +6; KS A/L +10 (+12); KS H/P/E/G/Na/D/R +8 (+10)
Effect: heightened awareness (+2 Per/KS, 30 min)

[Farmerbink]

At Narek's question, Gilraen shrugs. "It is the right thing to do." With a hopeless expression, he continues. "As you said, I would have left long ago were I planning to, but there is the same difference between a mountain and a molehill, to imagine these refugees will ever bee able to withstand the Legion. Teaching them self-sufficiency and survival skills in the wilderness is one thing. Making them equals to a trained army? That is madness." He shakes his head in disagreement with Narek. "Obviously, I will stay. Though it may seem odd, these are the people I know. They have value, and less chance of survival if any of us abandon them."

He meets Narek gaze, noting the man's posture and seriousness. "They will be as safe as I can keep them," he promises.

Frowning, Gilraen looks back to his allies from the rightmost door. "Nothing," he murmurs. "Nothing I can hear, anyway." He turns to Narek, nodding at the man's report from the other door. "This one can wait." He steps away, far enough back to see both doors, and readies his bow for whatever's making the tapping noise as well as a potential ambush.

[PersonMan]

Eyena straightens as Kining speaks, tension visibly fading from her as the dwarf finishes. She nods. "I can. I - I do! I promise, it. Your home, it - you will return to it," she nods again, a bit more forcefully.

Eyena nods, both hands on Eisenherz as she approaches the door.

[3SecondCultist]

Eyena

Kining lets out a breath, as though that settles the matter. "So it looks like I'll be the expert around here for a while longer. Better see about organizing the haul, then. You should get some rest - you've a long day tomorrow." The craftsman rises, ready to get back to work.

It's hard to tell in the half-light, but right as she turns away, you'd swear that you can just the barest hint of a smile on the dwarf's face.


Narek's revelations about the potential origins of these chambers is surpassed in urgency by the persistent clattering sound from the door to the right of the strange insectoid sculpture. The question of repair is likewise put aside as the five of you - the Shepherds of Fangwood - prepare yourselves for an ambush. In the end, it's Eyena who moves forward to grab the door, pushing the hidden panel aside to reveal the space beyond. Behind her, Gilraen's bow is already nocked, Rask has likewise drawn his blade, and both Narek and Ilsa ready their minds to call upon their magics.

The chamber beyond the hidden door is all but buried in a pile of rubble. Finished walls encircle part of the room but end in a collapse to the south. Dried flesh and wisps of white hair still cling to a handful of ancient bones lying on the floor. By the looks of things, whatever lies beyond the portal hasn't been touched for decades at the very least. The smell is that of dust and decay, as well as something else: a subtle scent that none of you can quite identify. Immediately, this smell wafts out over the main chamber, and both the archer and the summoner among you are reduced to coughing fits as the gas constricts their airways and ravages their bodies from within.

However, the environmental hazards of the room on the other side of the panel are not your most pressing concern. The sound of the clattering immediately makes itself recognizable as a squat skeletal figure wearing rags and wielding a strange looking hooked blade. Beyond its stature and the lack of gore on its bones, it looks a great deal like the undead you dealt with at Gristledown. Between those of you looking through the doorway, you can spot no less than three such undead figures in the room, and judging by movements in the shadows, there is at least one more in the wings.

Roll20 Map (https://app.roll20.net/editor/)

Another fight! :smallbiggrin: I've already rolled Initiative for everyone: Narek and Gilraen will be posting their Round 1 actions first, followed by the enemy undead. After that, we'll go into our regular block, with Round 1 into Round 2 actions moving things along. Furthermore, because of the gas, I'm going to need all of you to make DC 12 Fortitude saves on each of your turns. If you fail, you take 1d6 nonlethal damage, and are fatigued (https://www.d20pfsrd.com/gamemastering/conditions/#TOC-Fatigued). A character can spend 30 minutes outside the chamber breathing normally to remove the fatigued condition and any accumulated nonlethal damage caused by the gas. Both Ilsa and Gilraen have both already failed, the former taking 1 point and the latter 2 points. They are therefore fatigued until they are removed from the environment.
Skeletons are the animated bones of the dead, brought to unlife through foul magic. While most skeletons are mindless automatons, they still possess an evil cunning imparted to them by their animating force—a cunning that allows them to wield weapons and wear armor. These skeletons in particular seem to have belonged to either dwarves or derro.

[Farmerbink]

Gilraen's eyes narrow as his lips part in a wordless, feral sneer. He snorts, immediately noting the uselessness of arrows. "Rask, Eyena, come back! Make them come to us!" He steps forward, trading his bow for the quarterstaff on his back. Within a few moments, he stands several paces behind the door, leaving room for his allies to retreat as well.

In less urgent tones, he mutters, "If there were a doubt before, clearly the Dwarves were involved..."

Gilraen Súrion (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=1246835)
M CG Elf Oracle (warsighted), Level 3, Init 5, HP 22/22 (1 nonlethal), Speed 40
AC 17 (16 for loner), Touch 13, Flat-footed 13, CMD 17, Fort 3, Ref 4, Will 2, CMB +4, Base Attack Bonus +2
PBS MW composite long bow (37 arrows) +8 (1d8+2, x3 )
Quarterstaff +5 (1d6+3, x2) or 1d6+2/1d6+1
Shillelagh Qstaff +6 (2d6+4, x2) or 2d6+3/2d6+3
MW Chain Shirt (+4 Armor, +4 Dex, -1 ACP)
Abilities Str 14, Dex 17, Con 12, Int 14, Wis 8, Cha 13
Condition Charisma to saves vs enchantment
Chernasardo Hopeful: reduce concealment as a move action
-1x +1 frost arrows
Spells, 1st level: 6/6 remaining
Martial Flexibility: 4/4

1st move: stow the bow.
2nd move: as noted, including drawing quarterstaff.

[Starbin]

Narek Skyskin

Peering into the room, Narek sighed. They had found some necromancer’s failed guardians still operating in their mindless way. ”Skeletons - animated bones vulnerable to blunt objects, but immune to enchantments and ice magic. Likely constructs from the derro or dwarves. Let them rot for now.”

Narek stepped forward and slammed the door shut.
Close the door and let the troops ready themselves (summon creatures, get blunt weapons out, etc ...)
If the door move doesn’t work, acid splash!
Status
AC: 12 HP: 15 Init +9 Move 30'
F +1 R +3 W +5
Weapon: Hvy crossbow w/16 bolts
Spells: dancing lights, detect magic, acid splash, mending / snowball, grease, enlarge person, heightened awareness / glitterdust, glitterdust, gallant inspiration
Prescience: 7/7; Good Dreams 1/1; wand of magic missile (26); wand of prestidigitation (24); wand of cause fear (10)
Key skills: Perception +4 (+6); Stealth +2; Survival +3; Spellcraft +10; S. Motive +6; KS A/L +10 (+12); KS H/P/E/G/Na/D/R +8 (+10)
Effect: heightened awareness (+2 Per/KS, 30 min)

[3SecondCultist]

Even as Gilraen and Ilsa find themselves debilitated by the gasses emerging from the newly uncovered room, the elven archer composes himself. Putting away his bow, he falls into a closer attack formation and draws his quarterstaff. The doorway does seem like a good bottleneck, if nothing else. As the rest of prepare yourselves for a fight, Narek immediately identifies and explains the nature of the threat in front of you. It's barely in time for the wizard to angle himself forward and fire off a spray of acid into the room, aiming for one of the leering undead. Unfortunately, his aim is quite off and it spatters harmlessly against the stone.

Crumbling forward unintelligibly, the force of derro skeletons converges on the door entrance, and the only member of your group to remain on their side of it: Eyena. The magus is not quite fast enough to retreat in time before they're on her. The first swings its hooked blade - those among you familiar with more outlandish weapons recognize this as an aklys, a curved blade designed for irregular warfare - at the woman's feet. Eisenherz is more than ready, and its point cleaves right through the undead's torso, leaving a gaping wound. However, the skeleton is able to complete its swing regardless of any pain that the blow might have caused it, sending Eyena toppling to her feet.

The other two skeletons in their front line, seeing a warm body lying directly in front of them, take the opportunity to gouge out a few chunks of their prey's flesh. With her prone in that position, it won't take the skeletons very long to finish her off, and none of you are in a position to be able to step over her to defend her. Closing the door will likewise strand Eyena on the other side.

Updated Map (https://app.roll20.net/editor/)

So... I edited the post above, but it's important to note that anyone who fails their DC 12 Fortitude saves against the gas (which all of you should be starting to make at the top of Round 2) becomes fatigued (https://www.d20pfsrd.com/gamemastering/conditions/#TOC-Fatigued) as well as taking 1d6 nonlethal damage. That means Gilraen and Ilsa both take -2 to Strength and Dexterity, and are unable to run or charge. At the top of Round 1, the skeletons moved in. Despite Eyena getting a confirmed critical AoO on the lead one, he managed to trip her and set up his friends for a few successful attacks. She takes a total of 6 damage from claws this round, and is currently prone (https://www.d20pfsrd.com/gamemastering/conditions/#TOC-Prone).

[Lord Of Mantas]

Ilsa

Coughing and hacking from the choking gas, Ilsa was caught off guard by the initial assault, and peeking through the door, she could see the skeletons begin to go to town on Eyena. Sidestepping to get a good view, Ilsa began making the gesticulations and channeling the energy necessary to summon forth yet another small Earth Elemental.

<"SUMMON MONSTER!">

Ilsa Fort Save: 20

Ilsa moves, then uses a standard action to use her Summon Monster SLA, bringing forth a small earth elemental for 3 minutes as if she had used Summon Monster II. The monster is boosted via Augment Summoning as usual.

Attack: 24
Damage: ​13

[PersonMan]

Eyena shifts while prone, bringing her legs under her and swinging Eisenherz in a wild arc as she stands before moving back out of the doorway.

Total Defense, then stand and 5' step back.

Fortitude: [roll0] - Gas effect hits on round 2

[Starbin]

Narek Skyskin

Unable to close the door with Eyena still inside, and unwilling to get closer than necessary, Narek stayed as far back as possible and used his wand to lange an orb of force into the leading skeleton.
[roll0] Maintain distance from the door ... draw wand and fire! [roll1]
Status
AC: 12 HP: 15 Init +9 Move 30'
F +1 R +3 W +5
Weapon: Hvy crossbow w/16 bolts
Spells: dancing lights, detect magic, acid splash, mending / snowball, grease, enlarge person, heightened awareness / glitterdust, glitterdust, gallant inspiration
Prescience: 7/7; Good Dreams 1/1; wand of magic missile (25); wand of prestidigitation (24); wand of cause fear (10)
Key skills: Perception +4 (+6); Stealth +2; Survival +3; Spellcraft +10; S. Motive +6; KS A/L +10 (+12); KS H/P/E/G/Na/D/R +8 (+10)
Effect: heightened awareness (+2 Per/KS, 30 min)

[Farmerbink]

As the door shuts behind Eyena, Gilraen breaths a short sigh of relief. He voices a brief benediction/incantation, "Spirits of the Fangwood, give us aid!"

Gilraen Súrion (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=1246835)
M CG Elf Oracle (warsighted), Level 3, Init 5, HP 22/22 (1 nonlethal), Speed 40
AC 17 (16 for loner), Touch 13, Flat-footed 13, CMD 17, Fort 3, Ref 4, Will 2, CMB +4, Base Attack Bonus +2
PBS MW composite long bow (37 arrows) +8 (1d8+2, x3 )
Quarterstaff +5 (1d6+3, x2) or 1d6+2/1d6+1
Shillelagh Qstaff +6 (2d6+4, x2) or 2d6+3/2d6+3
MW Chain Shirt (+4 Armor, +4 Dex, -1 ACP)
Abilities Str 14, Dex 17, Con 12, Int 14, Wis 8, Cha 13
Condition Charisma to saves vs enchantment
Chernasardo Hopeful: reduce concealment as a move action
-1x +1 frost arrows
Spells, 1st level: 5/6 remaining
Martial Flexibility: 4/4

Cast Bless. Errbody gets more punchy!

[3SecondCultist]

The sudden appearance of a familiar earthen figure erupting from the floor of the chamber right in the midst of the undead is exactly what you needed to turn the situation around. The summoned elemental wastes no time in pummeling one of the derro, ripping apart the hole that Eisenherz already made in the nearest dead assailant. The skeleton falls apart in a shower of dust and bone. The rest of them, distracted by this new threat, miss Eyena entirely as the magus picks herself up and backs through the doorway just in time for Rask to come in from behind her and slam the stone portal shut.

All of you now stand on the same side of the door that you began on. From behind the stone, you can hear the muffled noises of clashing iron and bone on rock as the skeletons all presumably begin to engage Ilsa's conjured help. However, none of you have a clear view through the now closed door, as the half-orc holds it down against any potential threats pushing through from the other side. In the spirit of preparation, both Narek and Gilraen cast spells. However, the samsaran's is clearly an offensive barrage ready to fly from his fingertips while the elf's is a gentle call for aid that courses through all five of you, invigorating your minds and spirits against the coming tide of the dark.

But the door is still, the restless dead behind it clearly occupied with a more present danger.

Updated Map (https://app.roll20.net/editor/)

We're rolling right along here! One of the skeletons is down, leaving only a few left for you to deal with. The rest of them are going after the elemental, so you have room to prep or come up with a proper battle tactic now if you want. After Round 2, if the door remains closed then I'm going to waive any Fortitude saves against the gas since it'll disperse through here more or less harmlessly. That means that Ilsa, Eyena (who takes 5 nonlethal damage), and Gilraen are all fatigued for now, but nobody else has to make Fort saves until you choose to open the door again.

Onward we go! It's Round 2 for everyone but Narek and Gilraen, then those two top off Round 3 for us. :smallbiggrin:

[Lord Of Mantas]

Ilsa

With the door now closed, the air cleared, and Ilsa gasped for breath as (relatively) fresh air filled her lungs again. The sound of crunching could be heard from behind the door, where her elemental fought against the skeleton warriors (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3ZlpTp_dJA).

"So, do we have a plan? Not that I object to having the elemental soften them up a touch, but I don't think that's going to be enough."

Ilsa doesn't really do anything.

The elemental, on the other hand, swings at the southernmost elemental.

Attack: 16
Damage: 12

[Starbin]

Narek Skyskin

Narek held the charge on the spell, glancing at the others. "Gilraen's enhancements will only last a few minutes. As previously suggested, open the portal and use the doorway to minimize their approach. I can attack from here and we can monitor the elemental's progress."
Recommendation ...
Status
AC: 12 HP: 15 Init +9 Move 30'
F +1 R +3 W +5
Weapon: Hvy crossbow w/16 bolts
Spells: dancing lights, detect magic, acid splash, mending / snowball, grease, enlarge person, heightened awareness / glitterdust, glitterdust, gallant inspiration
Prescience: 7/7; Good Dreams 1/1; wand of magic missile (25); wand of prestidigitation (24); wand of cause fear (10)
Key skills: Perception +4 (+6); Stealth +2; Survival +3; Spellcraft +10; S. Motive +6; KS A/L +10 (+12); KS H/P/E/G/Na/D/R +8 (+10)
Effect: heightened awareness (+2 Per/KS, 30 min)

[Lord Of Mantas]

Ilsa

"Anyone else have any other ideas? Not that I'm objecting; I certainly can't think of any better ones."

[Farmerbink]

Gilraen exhales loudly, as he tries to clear his lungs of the foul gas. He grips the quarterstaff tightly, shoulders hunched in vain defiance to his state. "Obviously," he pants, "I agree."

Stance wide, the Elf seems ready for the door to be thrown open, though he's obviously struggling to maintain his poise.

Gilraen Súrion (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=1246835)
M CG Elf Oracle (warsighted), Level 3, Init 5, HP 22/22 (1 nonlethal), Speed 40
AC 17 (16 for loner), Touch 13, Flat-footed 13, CMD 17, Fort 3, Ref 4, Will 2, CMB +4, Base Attack Bonus +2
PBS MW composite long bow (37 arrows) +8 (1d8+2, x3 )
Quarterstaff +5 (1d6+3, x2) or 1d6+2/1d6+1
Shillelagh Qstaff +6 (2d6+4, x2) or 2d6+3/2d6+3
MW Chain Shirt (+4 Armor, +4 Dex, -1 ACP)
Abilities Str 14, Dex 17, Con 12, Int 14, Wis 8, Cha 13
Condition Charisma to saves vs enchantment
Chernasardo Hopeful: reduce concealment as a move action
-1x +1 frost arrows
Spells, 1st level: 5/6 remaining
Martial Flexibility: 4/4
Bless: +1 attack/saves vs fear (10 rounds)

Ready an action to attack if anything enters threatened space:
[roll0] quarterstaff (-2 fatigue, +1 bless)
[roll1] CC (24, x2)
[roll2] dmg
[roll3] crit bonus

[n0ble]

Rask scratched at his chin, then nodded and moved into position opposite the door's right side. He got a swing ready for when the door was opened.


Move to the right of the door
Ready an attack on the first baddie to come out into the threatened space:
to hit (power attacking): [roll0]
dmg: [roll1]

[3SecondCultist]

A moment passes, and another right after it. The faint muffling sounds of combat can still be heard behind the door, but they decrease in frequency and quality. At first, all of you on your side of the wall assume that the fight must be resolved one way or another. Then, just as you're about to open the door to check, you hear the feral sounds of metal and nails on rock. There can be only one source of that noise, and it's certainly not the elemental companion that Ilsa called in to fight on her behalf.

That's when Eyena pulls the door open. The skeleton on the other side is alone, the broken remnants of its brothers scattered pitifully among the rubble of the chamber beyond. The earth elemental must have accosted itself admirably. Raising its curved blade, the undead monster steps into the gap... which proves to be its fatal mistake, as Rask's great hammer comes down on its form, utterly shattering it in a single blow. Whatever dark magic was holding the creature together beyond death fades with a sigh, as it becomes dust and bone once more.

Silence reigns once more, but for the sound of your breathing.

Updated Map (https://app.roll20.net/editor/)

For the sake of brevity and to keep the narrative going, I just made a few GM rolls for the next few rounds and then used your readied rolls for the consequences. The elemental took out all but one skeleton, but Rask's readied attack just absolutely wrecked the guy. So congrats, that's one fight down!

We're back to 'non-combat' posts for now. Hopefully you folks can get back on your horses so we can clear out this dungeon! Because of my birthday I'm a year older than I was two days ago, which means I'm that much wiser, so I know just what to say to motivate you all into posting in this wonderful game of ours. :smallbiggrin:

[n0ble]

Rask blew some of the bone-dust from the hammer and found that the smell agreed with him more than trog-musk or the stale air of the skeleton-room. He was glad it the masher was still intact, then silently marvelled at how it wasn't chipped from the blow. Definitely trog magery. Still, it'd make cleaning the bone-room upstairs easier. The thought made Rask screw his face up into a momentary grimace. He picked a little fleck of bone out from a fissure-the only fissure-in the hammer. Then he turned from the stale smelling room and moved to the other door's right.

[PersonMan]

Eyena steps back from the door, nodding, a frown still on her face. "Would it - that is to say, do you think we should make it a priority?" She asks, nodding into the room.

From a meta-perspective, what I'm trying to do here is give a question that draws out a sort of "what do you mean?" response that will result in Eyena sharing what she knows, since otherwise she'll assume everyone else is aware of it. Since I'm heading to bed and don't want to slow things down, I think we can just assume one of the others does so, and she gives her knowledge as a reply, so we're on the same page IC as well.

[Starbin]

Narek Skyskin

The flat look Narek have Ilsa spoke volumes, but instead he held his tongue, nodding as Task stepped back to prepare for combat. As Eyena opened the door, he watched in grim satisfaction as Rask pulverized the remaining skeleton. Noting the gas was still there, Narek pulled the door closed as the group remained gathered. He heard Eyena speak, but only responded with a faint ”Hrmmm?” as he stood lost in thought, regarding the room.
[roll0], [roll1] ... and detect magic.
Status
AC: 12 HP: 15 Init +9 Move 30'
F +1 R +3 W +5
Weapon: Hvy crossbow w/16 bolts
Spells: dancing lights, detect magic, acid splash, mending / snowball, grease, enlarge person, heightened awareness / glitterdust, glitterdust, gallant inspiration
Prescience: 7/7; Good Dreams 1/1; wand of magic missile (25); wand of prestidigitation (24); wand of cause fear (10)
Key skills: Perception +4 (+6); Stealth +2; Survival +3; Spellcraft +10; S. Motive +6; KS A/L +10 (+12); KS H/P/E/G/Na/D/R +8 (+10)
Effect: heightened awareness (+2 Per/KS, 30 min)

[Farmerbink]

Gilraen shrugs as his companions explain the gas. "Lines?" he asks, still not quite following. "At worst, it seems that shutting the door is an effective delaying measure. We should press on for more... erratic hazards." He follows Rask to the other door, giving the Half-Orc plenty of space. With a word, he lights his arrow aglow, to see what the doorway reveals.

[3SecondCultist]

When all of you reconvene, waiting for the worst of the effects of the gas to leave your bodies, Rask throws open the second door in order to lead you all through. Once more, the way is lit by Eyena's sword and Gilraen's notched arrow, only this time there is no enemy to attack you right on the other side, nor is there any trace of poisonous gas. Instead, the five of you are greeted by darkness, silence, and - somewhat surprisingly - the faintest hint of a breeze.

The room here is just as dilapidated as the ones that you've left behind. Crumbling stone and cracked mortar ring the sides of this chamber. However, as you have the time to take a closer look, you can see what appears to be markings on the walls down here. Tiny, incredibly intricate carvings fill the space with an almost feverish intensity, as though the hand that scribed the stone needed to make sure to use every inch of it. Examining these carvings, you note that they tell a story of some kind, about a race of people who ascended from the darkness deep below and were forced to cower from the great torch in the daytime sky above. Those of you who have studied the provenance of subterranean species find these works familiar as those of the derro, perhaps with a touch of something deeper.

At the far end of the room, you identify the source of the air current: the wall has collapsed, leading into a rugged, more natural looking tunnel beyond. The passage twists after just a few feet, but anyone capable of seeing in the dark can spy more unworked rock tunnels beyond.

It's hard to make out due to all of the damage, but you can see a phrase that recurs several times in the stonework. It reads thus: "...grandmother, in seeking the Excavator, turned her eyes to the Stone, and to the Steel, and finally to Woe."

[Lord Of Mantas]

Ilsa

Ilsa hefted her crossbow as her eyes caught the rock tunnels.

"Well, I think we've got our next thing to try." She eyed the carvings. "Can anyone here read this?"

[Farmerbink]

Gilraen peers curiously at the intricate scrawling. He relaxes his posture, allowing the bow and arrow to be held loosely against his palms freeing his fingers. As his hands begin to gently track the angular lettering, the Elf shakes his head to the negative. "It seems to be script, as these symbols repeat frequently-" his fingers pause for a moment, each hand indicating a shared pattern in two places. The Elf frowns as he steps back and takes a moment to survey his surroundings again- readying his bow.

"but I have no idea what it could mean..." With no ability to parse the text, he glances at the wizard. "Are you able to decipher any of it, Narek?" He turns away to begin searching the turnnel, dividing his attention between them.

[Lord Of Mantas]

Ilsa

Ilsa also moved forward toward the entrance to the tunnel, her eyes glittering in the dark as the tunnel showed itself in shades of grey.

[Starbin]

Narek Skyskin

Narek steppes forward to assess the script on the walls. To Gilraen’s question, he nodded slowly. ”I recognize the script as aklo, but unfortunately I am not fluent in that particular tongue. However, I can infer a few words, since there are some similarities with ancient dwarven.

Let me see ... ‘grandmother, in seeking the Excavator, turned her eyes to the Stone, and to the Steel, and finally to Woe.’ Interesting ... I wonder if it is a historical account. Or, more likely, a piece of tribal story-telling regarding ancient entities, namely this Excavator, Stone and Woe. Without additional context, I cannot decipher more.

Oh, and I had a few thought on how to cleanse the previous room from the gas. But until then, I am ready to investigate further. ”
Moar detect magic!
Status
AC: 12 HP: 15 Init +9 Move 30'
F +1 R +3 W +5
Weapon: Hvy crossbow w/16 bolts
Spells: dancing lights, detect magic, acid splash, mending / snowball, grease, enlarge person, heightened awareness / glitterdust, glitterdust, gallant inspiration
Prescience: 7/7; Good Dreams 1/1; wand of magic missile (25); wand of prestidigitation (24); wand of cause fear (10)
Key skills: Perception +4 (+6); Stealth +2; Survival +3; Spellcraft +10; S. Motive +6; KS A/L +10 (+12); KS H/P/E/G/Na/D/R +8 (+10)
Effect: heightened awareness (+2 Per/KS, 30 min)

[3SecondCultist]

As all of you stand throughout the room, Ilsa strikes out to check out the passage beyond. The tunnel opens into a long, irregular cavern running north to south. Streaks of vaguely purple crystal are buried below the surface here just like they were in the caverns above, but they don’t protrude as much and what veins you can see have been smoothed out or degraded as though by an intelligent force. The worn down crystal nubs here continue to run to the south-west.

However, this is not the only passage in at the juncture. To the east, the room descends down at a steep angle to a tunnel. A low, ethereal moan rises from the cold depths, and a distant barricade built of masonry blocks and crudely quarried chunks of stone partially blocks the way down further. Ilsa recognizes that the eastern passage is the source of the air flow.

Other than the faint wind, both prevailing tunnels are sources of complete silence.

[Lord Of Mantas]

Ilsa

As much as to herself as to anyone else nearby, Ilsa spoke aloud.

"I would recommend taking the southwest first. We can try to loop back around to where that other door would have lead, maybe. Also, that moaning from the East sounds rather... yeah."

[Starbin]

Narek Skyskin

Narek gazed down the choices, stroking his chin pensively. He used his Sight to seek signs of magic in any of the directions available before responding to Ilsa’s recommendation. ”I understand your concerns, although as a man who can run out of spells, I can attest that leaving a challenge for last does not increase the odds of victory. However, at this point one way appears to be as good as another, and any way is better than floundering in indecision. Barring a vote otherwise from our companions, I agree with your suggestion. ”
Detect magic towards the direction choices.
Status
AC: 12 HP: 15 Init +9 Move 30'
F +1 R +3 W +5
Weapon: Hvy crossbow w/16 bolts
Spells: dancing lights, detect magic, acid splash, mending / snowball, grease, enlarge person, heightened awareness / glitterdust, glitterdust, gallant inspiration
Prescience: 7/7; Good Dreams 1/1; wand of magic missile (25); wand of prestidigitation (24); wand of cause fear (10)
Key skills: Perception +4 (+6); Stealth +2; Survival +3; Spellcraft +10; S. Motive +6; KS A/L +10 (+12); KS H/P/E/G/Na/D/R +8 (+10)
Effect: heightened awareness (+2 Per/KS, 30 min)

[PersonMan]

Eyena follows Ilsa, and nods at her suggestion, Eisenherz at the ready.

[Farmerbink]

Gilraen looks to Ilsa with open curiosity and consideration. "The wind casts many odd sounds. I would not fret overmuch over that we do not know. " He glances to the left and right, before shrugging. "I am content with going right first."

His gaze wanders, taking in the tunnel with an appraising air. In particular, the apparently-deliberately shaped crystal catches his eye. His eyebrows furrow in thought as he reaches out to gently run his fingers along it. Glancing to the left and the right, he traces the veins of purple in his mind as they course through the stone. After a moment, he repeats his light-producing incantation, laying his hand to a piece of the crystal nearby.

Just to see what would happen. It might be neat for certain things to carry a magical effect and produce a very different outcome, though I don't really expect a cantrip combined with semi-generic craftsmanship to have that kind of compounding ability. It's a fun thought to explore, at least.

[n0ble]

Rask nodded along with everyone else then turned rightways and kept walking at a steady pace. His orc eyes made everything seem a dull grey which was a touch better than pitch black by his own estimation. Rask walked in the front. He braced the trog-mallet in slantwise, head up, and in front of himself, as though he were warding off anything his senses couldnt pick up.


Onward!
Perception: [roll0]

[3SecondCultist]

The Oracle's Lair (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aK6_v7QT7u8)

With Rask now taking the lead, the five of you make your decision. Moving ahead, it looks like the tunnel opens up slightly, turning suddenly back to the smooth stone you first encountered when you arrived at this level. A partial collapse through which you walk mars the symmetry of this large, circular chamber. Crude carvings of reptilian heads and bodies cover the wall, snaking around empty sockets in the stone walls. A thin, bluish mist hovers around you, swirling gently. The mist rises to your waists, clinging to the walls of the room like a diaphanous ocean.

Looking more closely, the half-orc is the first to notice that like the smoothed out gems in the passage you've just left, there seems to evidence that the crystals in this room have been tampered with. However, whereas in the carved tunnel the edges were frayed and worn - and gleamed softly when exposed to Gilraen's magic in a way that their unmarked brethren did not - here you see only the absence of precious minerals. Whatever veins used to be in the walls have been completely and carefully pried out.

All of these striations of negative space converge to the south, where you spy a pair of double doors that lead further into this unknown complex. Beyond that threshold, you can hear no sound, and from this distance, there does not appear to be any light coming from the cracks in the stonework.

It's hard to make out at first, but now that the wind from the eastern passage has died down, you pick up what seems to be a faint clattering noise from somewhere in this large circular chamber. It sounds faintly like two rocks being tossed together, and seems to be emanating from near the middle of the room.

[Lord Of Mantas]

Ilsa

Now having a better view of the room, Ilsa shifted uneasily, the blue mist bathing the room in an eerie atmosphere.

"So... anyone else concerned there might be something hiding in the fog?"

[Farmerbink]

Gilraen shakes his head to the negative. “I think not,” he begins confidently. “The mists are only a few feet high. What would it be?” He strides around the chamber with a curious expression, letting his arrow hand trace the unusual vacancies in the stone.

“Someone has been here, however. And spent quite a bit of time removing the crystals here.”
He turns back to his companions with a shrug. “For some reason.”

[n0ble]

Rask halted and cupped a hand to one cauliflowered-over ear. Then he snapped his fingers and pointed a finger into the air, like he was trying to point out the clattering sound. The big man levelled the hammer at the middle of the chamber. Had he not been apprehensive at the sound, Rask would have been bemused at his own posture.

[3SecondCultist]

As you spread out into the chamber, all of you get a better look at the pictographs and the removed crystal veins that dot the stonework here. There is still no sound from beyond the double doors, but as Rask cups his ear and grips his hammer tightly, all of you stop and listen to whatever the half-orc has heard. He's not much of a talker, but he's certainly proven himself an able enough scout in the past.

Eventually, you all begin to pick up on the noise... the clattering. The sound moves along the floor of the stone in irregular rhythms, almost like the occasional drumbeat of fingers on a wooden table on an idle afternoon. But as you have moved further into this domed room, the sound seems to increase in pitch and frequency. Whatever it is, your movements in here have given you away. Within seconds, the sound begins to grow even louder, as it rushes through the mist towards you. In seconds the ripples of blue veil part, revealing the source of the noise.

The creature is small, about the size of a small dog. However, it looks more like a very particular glimmering insect. An animated cluster of translucent crystals shaped disturbingly like a gemstone scorpion scuttles towards you. Its coloration appears to be primarily orange and blue, although it sports a pair of red beads for eyes, and you can spot little veins of purple rock throughout its body. The strange entity charges forward and out of the mist directly towards the closest member of your group... Rask. It moves directly into the half-orc's vicinity, keening in a crystalline tongue that sounds to the uninitiated rather like the scraping of nails on a chalkboard.

"Treats! New meat has brought Clilassh treats! Oh please, fleshy ones, give us shiny rocks! Chrysanthemums, sapphires, or cat's eye gems! Anything!"
The creature before you is a crysmal. These scorpion-like creatures originate in the deepest caverns of the Plane of Earth. On rare occasions, these strange creatures wind up on the Material Plane, usually in subterranean areas rich with natural gem and crystal formations. The crystalline planes of their bodies absorb and refract natural light, which some claim is the source of their supernatural powers.

Singular in purpose, a crysmal seeks only to reproduce. It does so by gathering stone crystals and gemstones, fashioning them into a tiny facsimile of its own body, and jolting the new creature to life with a burst of the crysmal’s own life energy. These newly created crysmals are known as shardlings, and grow to adulthood after a few months of gorging on crystals and gemstones.
https://beta-static.photobucket.com/images/ag75/3SecondCultist94/s0/36e16948-cbe7-4948-b6d1-0eccd683c637-original.jpg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds

[Farmerbink]

Gilraen jumps slightly, undeniably startled by the creature's sudden appearance. As it turns out, it's less than half their height, though, so he feels less embarrassed than he might otherwise. His bow rises instinctively, as he expected more Troglodytes or worse in the tunnels, but he catches the reflex quickly, forcing it into a ready-but-not-aiming position.

"I..." He listens carefully for a moment. "Is it trying to talk to us?"

Gilraen does not know Terran. I doubt we have a better option here than kill it because we are unable to communicate and it is likely to at least seem threatening.

What sh***y rationale.

[PersonMan]

Eyena readies Eisenherz as the creature appears, relaxing after a moment as neither it nor any of the others attack. At Gilraen's question, she frowns. "That is - by which I mean, I believe it to be the case, based on my knowledge - true. This would be...that is, if I am correct, in my recollection, a creature, from the Elemental Plane of Earth. Based on its behavior, I believe it is searching for food. Which would be, given its nature, gemstones, and their like."

Eyena nods a moment after she finishes.

[Lord Of Mantas]

Ilsa

Ilsa had to double take initially, the creature's tongue a strange one. Then, she realized what she was hearing. Not the mere chittering of an animal, but, in fact, another language.

It's speaking Terran! First time I've ever heard it spoken aloud - usually the elementals I summon aren't so chatty. Mostly because I'm pretty sure they can't talk.

Realizing the others were talking, she hurried and replied.

"Y-yes, it's talking. It's name is Cilassh. What Eyena's saying is correct; he's asking if we have any gems. He wants sapphires, crysanthemums, or cat's eyes if we have them. We still have those crystals from up above, right?"

Not wanting to leave the creature hanging, she replied to it.

"Hello. Yes, I think we may have some gems. If you give us a little time we can see what we can get for you. In the meantime..."
Ilsa reached into her back and pulled out some onyx she had.

"I know it's not crysanthemum, but I do have some onyx. Would that be good?"

[Farmerbink]

Gilraen nods slowly as his allies confirm his suspicion. He doesn't relax, as unfamiliarity breeds distrust, but listens with forced calm as Ilsa responds with an impressive rendition of the same sound. Though the vocalizations seem less harsh, the rhythmic lilts are undeniably similar. A faint smirk crosses the Elf's face as his thoughts are vindicated.

"I believe the gems are still with Kining and the refugees. I am quite sure we could get them, but to what end? We have need of them as well, if nothing else as means of supporting the refugee's recovery efforts. This.. Cilassh?-" the sound comes out awkwardly, as Gilraen attempts to form the same sounds Narek and the creature have used to name itself- "plans to eat them, no? What would... he? ...offer in return?"

[Starbin]

Narek Skyskin

Narek took notes as they traveled further, noting the worn crystals that eventually turned into empty veins. Upon reaching the room with swirling mists, he paused, somewhat nervous about what could be hidden in the mists. Before he could respond to the discussion, Rask raised a hand and pointed. Freezing, Narek watched in fascination as a crysmal emerged, chittering at them.

His initial assessment was confirmed by Ilsa and Eyena’s replies, but that didn’t make the situation any easier. To Gilraen’s question, he snorted. ”Offer? For your crystals, you’ll receive only one prize - more crysmals. They eat to reproduce, and their spawn eat to grow and propcreate. To be honest, we would be better off without this creature.

Ilsa, see if you can trade food for information with the crysmal. It might know something of what lies beyond, the history of former occupants, or whether a troglodyte ran this way.”
Detect magic and guidance all around.
Status
AC: 12 HP: 15 Init +9 Move 30'
F +1 R +3 W +5
Weapon: Hvy crossbow w/16 bolts
Spells: dancing lights, detect magic, acid splash, mending / snowball, grease, enlarge person, heightened awareness / glitterdust, glitterdust, gallant inspiration
Prescience: 7/7; Good Dreams 1/1; wand of magic missile (25); wand of prestidigitation (24); wand of cause fear (10)
Key skills: Perception +4 (+6); Stealth +2; Survival +3; Spellcraft +10; S. Motive +6; KS A/L +10 (+12); KS H/P/E/G/Na/D/R +8 (+10)
Effect: heightened awareness (+2 Per/KS, 30 min)

[3SecondCultist]

"<Onyx?! You have onyx?! Clilassh has never had onyx before! Ighiz never feeds us properly, no she doesn't. Give it to us!>" Before any of you have a chance to react, the crysmal is already rushing Ilsa in a desperate hunger. Stone pincers reach out as the creature more or less tries to clamber up the half-elf's leg to get into reach of the hunk of gems that have been held out. However, its small size and lack of reach prove its foe, with Ilsa simply raising the metal out of its reach. When it proves unable to take what it wants on its own, the crysmal collapses back to the floor in anguish.

"<Please, feed us. We need food, need it. Nice strangers should give Clilassh their crystals. We can even tell them about the scaly ones, oh yes we can!>"

Scanning the room ahead, Narek's spell actually brushes up against an aura of some magic from further into the fog. It's not very strong, likely coming from either some magical item or else a lingering spell that was cast in the immediate past. Giving his nominal divination time to run its course, the samsaran wizard puts together that the magic is of a transmutative nature, and comes from what looks like a half-broken clay pot strewn on the ground.

Those of you listening very intently can hear the sounds of murmuring and the shuffling of feet on stone from behind the closed doors to the south. Due to the distance and the barrier, it's impossible to tell exactly what lies beyond, but there's definitely multiple somethings on the other side of the gate.

[n0ble]

Rask looked from his hammer to the rock-thing then back but to the area around it. He weighed smashing the thing against any information it might have. As was the thing and Ilsa might've been speaking draconic for all he understood what was transpiring. So Rask waited and stood on guard.

[Starbin]

Narek Skyskin

Narek let Ilsa deal with the chittering crystal creature. He had given her his advice, so he turned his matter of continued investigation. His magic warned him of transmutation magic surrounding a broken clay pot. He paused, frowning slightly as he recalled a vague discussion regarding a subject he was not as proficient in ... or was it an ancient text his master had taught him from?

Tailing a hand, Narek spoke softly. ”There are faint transformative auras around that broken pot. While it may be simple alchemical regents or salves, I seem to recall a number of necromancy spells that use similar pots for the creation of undead. Use caution as we advance ...”
Continue using detect magic, but giving Ilsa a chance to interact with the crystal scorpion
Status
AC: 12 HP: 15 Init +9 Move 30'
F +1 R +3 W +5
Weapon: Hvy crossbow w/16 bolts
Spells: dancing lights, detect magic, acid splash, mending / snowball, grease, enlarge person, heightened awareness / glitterdust, glitterdust, gallant inspiration
Prescience: 7/7; Good Dreams 1/1; wand of magic missile (25); wand of prestidigitation (24); wand of cause fear (10)
Key skills: Perception +4 (+6); Stealth +2; Survival +3; Spellcraft +10; S. Motive +6; KS A/L +10 (+12); KS H/P/E/G/Na/D/R +8 (+10)
Effect: heightened awareness (+2 Per/KS, 30 min)

[Lord Of Mantas]

Ilsa

More of suprise than anything else, Ilsa instinctively drew the onyx back, but then looked to the others after Cilassh begged her.

"He's offering to tell us about other dangers further in if we feed him."

Not bothering to wait for a consensus from the group, Ilsa put the onyx back within Cilassh's reach, the summoner drawn in both by its heartfelt pleading and odd cuteness. She spoke to him again, a kindly tone in her voice.

"You have a deal, Clilassh. Eat up."

[3SecondCultist]

Needing no more encouragement, the odd azure and orange arachnid leaps forward once more, nibbling the onyx right out of Ilsa's hands. Clilassh's body is surprisingly smooth to the touch, the energy of the extraplanar entity having run off the more jagged edges of the stones that make up its corporeal form. There is also a warmth to the crysmal that the half-elf might not have been expecting, one that itself borders on heat. The consumption of the gems itself is a noisy affair, and one that takes the better part of half a minute. It's a minor miracle that Clilassh is able to fit the onyx into its body, but somehow the crysmal's glittering carapace bends and shifts under the light of the chamber's blue mist.

When it's finally finished, Clilassh makes a couple of sounds that you imagine are the rough equivalent of a human licking their lips after a feast. "<Delicious, so delicious! Clilassh thanks you very much, beautiful lady. What would the tall ones like to know about Ighiz? She is the ->"

It barely has time to start moving its mandibles to speak when the doorway to the south slams open with a cacophonous thud. Only Narek reacts in a timely manner, the wizard's unique visions giving him a split-second glimpse into a future where he remains locked in place, watching frozen as his companions are butchered. Even with his forewarning, the diviner is slightly too slow on the uptake, as a robed troglodyte from the mist-shrouded chamber finishes gesticulating on a spell. Narek can do nothing as his limbs lock up, leaving him unable to move. His future has become his present.

Almost instantaneously after that, a second troglodyte - who some of you now watching recognize as the wounded member of the group who fled after yesterday's conflict - throws down a familiar field of shiny, slippery grease upon the chamber floor. Rask is miraculously able to keep his footing despite the surprise, but Narek's current condition renders him unable to move, and he tumbles face first to the ground like a statue. Beyond the doors, the rest of you can now see at least three of the remaining members of the Children of Stone. There are several acolytes, as well as one more robed cave-dweller. This one's robes are covered in studs of blue gems, a decor that extends to a rough looking morningstar clutched in her left claw.

Ighiz's yellow reptilian eyes stare back at all of you with a single-minded intensity as she prepares a second magical working.

Map of Combat (https://app.roll20.net/editor/)

Leeeeeeeet's go! This recap covers the surprise round only, since Gilraen was able to beat the trogs on their actual Initiative roll. Once he posts (or Bink tells me that he's letting me bot Gil due to RL things) then I can updated for the enemies' Round 1 actions. Narek normally would get actions in the surprise round due to his class feature... but the way this shook out, he wasn't so lucky. The trogs beat him on Initiative, and he got hit with a hold person spell which he can't save against until Round 1 since it's a full-round action to do. Until he makes a successful Will save of DC 15, Narek is paralyzed (https://www.d20pfsrd.com/gamemastering/conditions#TOC-Paralyzed) and helpless (https://www.d20pfsrd.com/gamemastering/conditions/#TOC-Helpless).

The other trogs fired off a few ineffectual attacks and positioned themselves, with the exception of one of them throwing down a grease spell marked on the map. Rask managed to save, but due to Narek's paralysis he failed and is also prone (https://www.d20pfsrd.com/gamemastering/conditions#TOC-Prone) until he takes a move action to get back up (ironically, this helps him out a lot against the incoming barrage of ranged attacks).
https://image.ibb.co/e38sxK/Ighiz.png

[Farmerbink]

"To arms!" the Elf cries, leaping into action as best he can. Clearly, the enemy already has the upper hand, but perhaps with effort, tactical choices, and a little bit of luck, they will overcome. "Spirits of the forest, your guardian calls for aid!" A faint hum of energy flows out to Gilraen's companions, inspiring them to greater feats and stoicism.

Gilraen Súrion (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=1246835)
M CG Elf Oracle (warsighted), Level 3, Init 5, HP 22/22 (1 nonlethal), Speed 40
AC 17 (16 for loner), Touch 13, Flat-footed 13, CMD 17, Fort 3, Ref 4, Will 2, CMB +4, Base Attack Bonus +2
PBS MW composite long bow (37 arrows) +8 (1d8+2, x3 )
Quarterstaff +5 (1d6+3, x2) or 1d6+2/1d6+1
Shillelagh Qstaff +6 (2d6+4, x2) or 2d6+3/2d6+3
MW Chain Shirt (+4 Armor, +4 Dex, -1 ACP)
Abilities Str 14, Dex 17, Con 12, Int 14, Wis 8, Cha 13
Condition Charisma to saves vs enchantment
Chernasardo Hopeful: reduce concealment as a move action
-1x +1 frost arrows
Spells, 1st level: 4/6 remaining
Martial Flexibility: 3/4
Bless: +1 attack/saves vs fear (10 rounds)
MF: Precise shot (10 rounds)

Cast bless, for +1 attacks and saves vs fear for all allies
use Martial flexibility for precise shot
5-foot step as noted

[3SecondCultist]

With Narek down for the count, none of you are prepared for what comes next. Only Gilraen is able to mobilize himself in time, stepping away from the group and casting his benediction for the rest of you to weather the coming storm. Despite the stones where you stand, the Fangwood has heard its shepherd, and you feel the blessing of the forest wrap you in its now familiar grasp. You only hope that it's enough.

As the troglodytes on the other side of the door begin to ready themselves, those of you with keen enough senses witness Ighiz slowly retreat further into what looks to be her inner sanctum. The blue mist wraps around the priestess' robes as she closes her eyes, humming to herself in an incantation that you somehow manage to feel through your bones. She only stops when she's reached the base of what looks like some sort of crystalline platform, before holding up one hand with her palm facing the ceiling. However, when she speaks it's not in the slithering tongue of dragons, but in the rumbling tones of the same earthen tongue that Clilassh and Ilsa are fluent in. "<Mother Excavator, hear my plea! Cast out the invaders who have robbed your children of life. Shred them of their flesh and gnaw on their bones!>"

It is at that precise moment that the chamber around you explodes. Cavern, floor, and walls alike erupt into a storm of gravel, pebbles, and dirt that rip through your ranks with no chance for recourse. All five of you are left bleeding, while the floor is rendered more impassable for all the new earth at your feet. Before any of you can right yourself, Ighiz' remaining followers spring into action. Two troglodyte warriors charge across the room, the first making it all the way to Gilraen by leaping over debris to stand directly in the elf's path while the second lopes towards Rask. Meanwhile, the other two acolytes of the Children fire off their acidic bolts at the half-orc as though by unspoken agreement. One of the beams manages to catch Rask at the ear and neck, causing a sizzling sound to fill the room.

All around you is the musk of the cave-dwellers and the promise of death. Yours or theirs, it's hard to say.

Updated Map (https://app.roll20.net/editor/)

So, Ighiz opened this round with a particularly brutal spell (DC 17 Spellcraft to recognize stone call), which dealt 8 damage to everyone but Eyena and covered just about the entire room in debris, making it difficult terrain (https://www.d20pfsrd.com/gamemastering/exploration-movement/#TOC-Table-Hampered-Movement) for the next 4 rounds (it only missed her because of the spell's point of origin, which was chosen so as to not include any of Ighiz' trogs). Then the trogs moved in, a bunch of them missed against Rask but one of them hit him for 2 more damage. I've been keeping track of everyone's hp totals, which are up to date on the map. Rask, Gilraen, Ilsa, and Narek also failed their Fortitude saves against the stench of these trogs, meaning they're sickened (https://www.d20pfsrd.com/gamemastering/conditions/#TOC-Sickened) for 1 minute.

So, everyone is now free to take their Round 1 actions for the turn (Gilraen's taking top of Round 2). Best of luck! :smallwink:

[PersonMan]

Eyena moves forwards, picking her way across the rubble as she shifts Eisenherz to one hand, frowning as she pulls one of her daggers from her belt - at the same time, Eisenherz's glow pulses briefly, just before she throws the dagger in her hand, returning to her two-handed grip of Eisenherz.

Move up three squares. While moving, take a hand off Eisenherz and draw a dagger, as free actions. Also activate Arcane Pool to enhance Eisenherz. Then throw the dagger and return the hand to Eisenherz.

A: [roll0]
D: [roll1]

[n0ble]

He was getting plain sick and tired of trog magery. Rask snorted out some of the foul smelling air and gripped the hammer hard enough that the cartilage in his knuckles popped. He swung, aiming for the trog's side.



Move Action: Studied Target on the trog
Standard Action: Power Attacking the same trog
to hit: [roll0]
dmg: [roll1]
CC: [roll2]

[Lord Of Mantas]

Ilsa

Ilsa scrambled as the troglodytes, once again, burst in.

"Clilassh, get behind me!"

The above assumes he's still alive. I can't find anything that says he was specifically targeted, but I don't see him on the map.

I am getting really tired of this!

Ilsa immediately resumed her default tactic in this situation - summon an elemental, then get to pounding.

Standard action to summon a Small Earth Elemental next to Ighiz, then move back slightly.

The Earth Elemental attacks in the usual fashion.

Attack: 10
...aaand it gets a Nat 1, meaning the attack automatically misses.

[Farmerbink]

"Ungh!" The stones erupt, driving the breath from Gilraen's lungs and the speech from his lips. His eyes take in the devastation of the floor, and the crushed rubble now dangerously underfoot, and the Troglodytes approaching threateningly.

Gilraen Súrion (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=1246835)
M CG Elf Oracle (warsighted), Level 3, Init 5, HP 14/22, Speed 40
AC 17 (16 for loner), Touch 13, Flat-footed 13, CMD 17, Fort 3, Ref 4, Will 2, CMB +4, Base Attack Bonus +2
PBS MW composite long bow (37 arrows) +8 (1d8+2, x3 )
Quarterstaff +5 (1d6+3, x2) or 1d6+2/1d6+1
Shillelagh Qstaff +6 (2d6+4, x2) or 2d6+3/2d6+3
MW Chain Shirt (+4 Armor, +4 Dex, -1 ACP)
Abilities Str 14, Dex 17, Con 12, Int 14, Wis 8, Cha 13
Condition Charisma to saves vs enchantment
Chernasardo Hopeful: reduce concealment as a move action
-1x +1 frost arrows
Spells, 1st level: 3/6 remaining
Martial Flexibility: 3/4
Bless: +1 attack/saves vs fear (9 rounds)
MF: Precise shot (9 rounds)
Divine Favor: +1 attack, +1 damage (10 rounds)
Sickened: -2 everything :smallmad:

Move as noted, with acrobatics (rolled in Roll20 21)
cast divine favor

[Starbin]

Narek Skyskin

Narek was distracted from his study of the pot by the crystal elemental’s chittering. But right before Ilsa could translate, the world shimmered and ...

The troglodytes burst forth, spells enveloping the group. One froze him in place, and he was forced to work arch as the lizard-like monsters swarmed in and killed them all. He was saved the horror of watching them be eaten as he saw a huge mace descending towards his face ... ,

Blinking, Narek tried to croak out a warning, but he wasn’t too late as his vision became reality. Frozen, the mage struggled mentally to break free off his arcane bonds, certain they would die if he couldn’t free himself soon.
[roll0] -2 for 22 for the fail win! If he does make it, Narek will try to crawl away if possible (no AOOs), or just draw a wand
Status
AC: 12 HP: 7/15 Init +9 Move 30'
F +1 R +3 W +5
Weapon: Hvy crossbow w/16 bolts
Spells: dancing lights, detect magic, acid splash, mending / snowball, grease, enlarge person, heightened awareness / glitterdust, glitterdust, gallant inspiration
Prescience: 6/7; Good Dreams 1/1; wand of magic missile (25); wand of prestidigitation (24); wand of cause fear (10)
Key skills: Perception +4 (+6); Stealth +2; Survival +3; Spellcraft +10; S. Motive +6; KS A/L +10 (+12); KS H/P/E/G/Na/D/R +8 (+10)
Effect: heightened awareness (+2 Per/KS, 30 min); sickened (-2 to all rolls)

[3SecondCultist]

In the aftermath of the falling stones, the chamber remains hazardous to move across, but a few of you manage. As Eyena enters the fray, she flings a dagger that unfortunately goes wide of its target and is buried amid the distant rubble. Rask steps forward as well, but the smell combined with the rough terrain ensure that his aim is off. Conversely, Gilraen is able to successfully disengage from the reach of his monstrous opponent. Darting to the room’s northern end, the woodland archer is able to bestow more of his patron's magic upon himself.

"<Clilassh wants no part of this!>", the crysmal exclaims as it moves away from the fight. "<More treats from the winner though, yes?>" With that, Clilassh burrows a small hole into the floor and disappears from sight.

When Ilsa's earthen ally appears in the middle of the hall, some of you hear a sharp intake of breath from Ighiz, followed by a curse that none of you recognize. Glaring at you, the caller of stone moves slightly to get a better sight of her target. From the folds of her robes appears an uneven rock that's been shaped to form a rough looking wand. As she flicks it, grooves in the item begin to glow and Rask is completely immobilized.

At the same time, the rest of the Children begin their offensive in earnest. The troglodyte to the north closes once more with Gilraen, bringing his club to bear in a brutal blow across the elf's ribs. At the same time, the fighter who was engaged with Rask moves to engage Eyena while the magus is confronted with a bolt of burning acidic energy. Finally, the last acolyte reverses its staff to reveal a wicked glowing spear point. In a single blow, it completely gores the elemental, ripping a massive hole in its natural defenses.

Updated Map (https://app.roll20.net/editor/)

Only one of the enemies missed this turn (the one melee attacking Eyena). She took 4 damage from one acid ray, meanwhile Gilraen took 7 damage and the earth elemental took 8 damage from a near-minimum damage critical. Rask also got hit with a hold person, which means he needs to make a full-round action Will save (DC 15) to break the effect on his turn. The rest of them have moved to engage you on all fronts.

[n0ble]

Rask pivoted and made to catch the trog ****er on the backswing. Then more magery struck his tissues and he was struck still, mid-bellow. Had his muscles or nerves allowed for it Rask would have grimaced with embarrassment. As was he channelled his hatred of the trog stench and willed himself to start moving again.



Full Round Action: Will Save vs. Hold person
The save itself: [roll0]

[PersonMan]

Eyena grits her teeth and takes a half-step back before turning, bringing Eisenherz down against the trogdolyte in front of her.

Attack!

Rolled on Roll20; Attack 20, Damage 12

[Lord Of Mantas]

Ilsa

****! This is bad. I need to even the odds.

Drawing once again on her sheer force of personality, Ilsa breached the veil and summoned a second elemental to the field, opposite the troglodyte attacking Gilraen. Each elemental, both new and old, swung their fists at the attacking troglodytes.

The first elemental takes a swing at the Trog in front of it.

Attack: 13
Damage: I'm pretty sure that's a miss.

Ilsa uses her Summon Monster SLA for the 3rd time today, summoning another Small Earth Elemental to attack the Troglodyte attacking Gilraen.

Elemental 2 Attack: 31
Critical Confirm: 20
Damage: 11
Crit Damage: 8

[Starbin]

Narek Skyskin

Away from the fighting and free of the grease, Narek rose gingerly to his feet, wincing at the pain from the spell cast earlier. Eyeing the group of troglodytes around the bend, Narek tried to help his companions with a spell that had recently done little to help. But right now his options were limited ...
Cast glitterdust (DC 16) I think I can catch three trogs in it (to include I) w/o getting the elemental
Status
AC: 12 HP: 7/15 Init +9 Move 30'
F +1 R +3 W +5
Weapon: Hvy crossbow w/16 bolts
Spells: dancing lights, detect magic, acid splash, mending / snowball, grease, enlarge person, heightened awareness / glitterdust, glitterdust, gallant inspiration
Prescience: 6/7; Good Dreams 1/1; wand of magic missile (25); wand of prestidigitation (24); wand of cause fear (10)
Key skills: Perception +4 (+6); Stealth +2; Survival +3; Spellcraft +10; S. Motive +6; KS A/L +10 (+12); KS H/P/E/G/Na/D/R +8 (+10)
Effect: heightened awareness (+2 Per/KS, 30 min); sickened (-2 to all rolls); glitterdust (1/3)

[3SecondCultist]

With the battle not going the way you wanted so far, you all - with the notable exception of the still-frozen Rask - spring into action. Eyena's downward cut all but eviscerates one of the troglodyte warriors, leaving it screaming in pain as it desperately tries to recover. In the wake of the swing, Narek manages to get to his feet and conjure an explosion of glowing particles that leave neither of its targets any worse for wear. Ilsa's first elemental is similarly unsuccessful, but the half-elf creates another planar breach to call forth a second one. After a great wind-up, the monolith's stone fist crashes into the enemy fighter currently tangling with Gilraen, dropping it in a single blow. It collapses without a sound. That leaves Gilraen with enough room to draw back his bow and finally loose a shot over the tumultuous battlefield, his arrow sinking right into Ighiz' side.

"<Fools! The ground will swallow you all!>" The leader of the Children of Stone stares you all down, unfazed by her injury. She utters a single word in Terran, which translates roughly to 'unhewn ground'. At this moment, the two remaining acolytes turn their attention directly to the elemental directly in front of them. The first assault is a bolt of acid that wears through the existing injuries, leaving room for the mage wielding the spear to finish off Ilsa's summoned monster. With no more obstacles in their way, Ighiz' disciples retreat back through the double doors, giving her room to cast yet another spell.

For the second time, the space around you erupts into errant masonry, shards of rock scoring your bodies yet again. Dust clouds your vision, and all goes dark for a second. This time, the explosion is centered on Eyena's feet, and as such it extends even further in all directions. The stones reach as far as Ilsa in the corridor and through the doors to the south, although they stop just south of the surviving Children. As the magic finally subsides, you see to your dismay that both Narek and Gilraen lie prone and bleeding on the ground. Neither the elf or the samsaran seems to be moving, and those of you that remain on your feet doubt they will be getting back up without any aid.

Updated Map (https://app.roll20.net/editor/)

Another... not great round for you guys. Gilraen managed to pew Ighiz for some damage and you've taken out the two grunts, but Narek's glitterdust completely failed due to enemy saves, Ilsa's first elemental is dust, and most importantly Ighiz was able to recall her troops back to her before casting stone call for a second time. All of you take 8 damage, which puts both Narek and Gilraen at -1 and dying. The rest of you aren't looking so great either.

[Lord Of Mantas]

Ilsa

"Someone... remind me... why we didn't bring Aubrin..."

Shakily, Ilsa pierced the veil yet again, summoning the fourth elemental of the day into play.

Uncreative, yes. Necessary, also yes.

The already-standing elemental, spotting no new targets in the antechamber, moved toward Ighiz, but was delayed on account of its slow speed.

Ilsa summons another elemental as described above.

The existing elemental moves in, as does the new one; the new one reaches Ighiz and slams her.

Attack: 22
Damage: 13

[PersonMan]

Eyena frowns, but nods as Ilsa takes action, advancing behind the elementals.

Thought about casting, but this'll already take ages, so...Just moving up.

The green area indicates difficult terrain, correct?

[3SecondCultist]

Of the five of you, only two remain standing and mobile; neither Gilraen or Narek rise from their positions, and Rask continues to stand as though petrified. That's why it's such a surprise for Eyena and the elementals to charge directly into the fray, moving over Ighiz's called rubble and into the room beyond. Enormous salt crystals hang from the ceiling here, glittering in the light of a glowing blue crystal set in an inhuman, insectlike statue at the far end of the floor. The same blue mist drifts along the floor of the rectangular chamber, swirling in the gentle currents of air. The western wall has collapsed into stony debris, but on the eastern wall a carving of a huge, withered dragon's face leers above a metallic door set deep in the stone. The oracle seems to have placed all number of plants in this room as well, flowers that grow without access to the sun.

Ighiz herself reacts in utter panic at the sudden appearance of a new elemental, and in her haste to scramble backwards out of reach the stone entity connects solidly with her spine. You hear a hideous crack as the troglodyte leader nearly stumbles and falls, screaming out. Pushing herself just out of its reach, Ighiz manages to touch her hand to the wound and stand upright once more, even as her disciples fire off two more bolts of eldritch acidic energy. One of them connects, while the second goes wide, nearly hitting the reptilian's comrade in arms.

Updated Map (https://app.roll20.net/editor/)

Not much happened this round, thankfully for you. Ighiz healed herself up a bit, while one of the acolytes hit the new elemental for 6 damage. The map has been filled in, and they both avoid the difficult terrain, so they should be able to move in and attack anyone this round (as should Eyena).

[PersonMan]

Eyena advances, chanting and freeing one hand to perform the motions that channel the arcane energy for her spell. The free hand glows until a faintly-visible runic symbol floats just above it as she closes into melee. With her glowing hand, she swipes at Ighiz, before returning the hand to Eisenherz's hilt and taking a step back, bringing the weapon down on the lizardfolk in a wide downward arc.

Quick note, here - I actually didn't think of the honestly better strategy of trying to hit touch AC first, and then swinging with Eisenherz, and only got the idea when I saw the crit on the Eisenherz attack (and thought, hey, Ighiz probably has over 10 touch AC, and it'd be silly to describe what'll probably be this awesome crit and then say "oh yeah and she tries to poke"); so mechanically speaking the Rime Frostbite touch attack is coming after the sword attack, I just thought this sounds better and I don't think it makes a difference (unless Ighiz is rocking 23 AC or something in which case why).

Anyways. Eyena moves in and attacks, rolls on Roll20 (and the chat, too)
Eisenherz A: 24
Eisenherz D: 9
Eisenherz crit confirm: 22
Eisenherz crit damage: 13

Rime Frostbite touch attack: 10
Rime Frostbite damage: 6 (nonlethal cold) + fatigue until the damage is removed + entangled for one round

[Farmerbink]

Gilraen Súrion (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=1246835)
M CG Elf Oracle (warsighted), Level 3, Init 5, HP -1? -2?/22, Speed 40
AC 17 (16 for loner), Touch 13, Flat-footed 13, CMD 17, Fort 3, Ref 4, Will 2, CMB +4, Base Attack Bonus +2
PBS MW composite long bow (37 arrows) +8 (1d8+2, x3 )
Quarterstaff +5 (1d6+3, x2) or 1d6+2/1d6+1
Shillelagh Qstaff +6 (2d6+4, x2) or 2d6+3/2d6+3
MW Chain Shirt (+4 Armor, +4 Dex, -1 ACP)
Abilities Str 14, Dex 17, Con 12, Int 14, Wis 8, Cha 13
Condition Charisma to saves vs enchantment
Chernasardo Hopeful: reduce concealment as a move action
-1x +1 frost arrows
Spells, 1st level: 3/6 remaining
Martial Flexibility: 3/4
Bless: +1 attack/saves vs fear (6 rounds)
MF: Precise shot (6 rounds)
Divine Favor: +1 attack, +1 damage (7 rounds)
Sickened: -2 everything :smallmad:

No actions or anything, just posting to keep my stat block current.

Oh, [roll0] to stabilize (I'm not positive of my current HP, but it's at +1 for Con)
edit: prob worked.

[Lord Of Mantas]

Ilsa

*will fill in with RP later*

Ilsa moves up and casts grease in the area on roll20.

The eastern elemental:
Attack: 18
Damage: 12

The western elemental (attacks acolyte if the first elemental kills Ighiz)
Attack: 24
Damage: ​9

[n0ble]

With the trog magic palsying his limbs, Rask hadn't been able to do much besides stare at where the trog'd been while the world went to **** around him. He couldnt see what was going on behind him, but when Ilsa and Eyena were the only two to step past him even Rask could surmise what had happen. It was enough.

The anger began metastasizing where it was needed most. First it wormed way into his elbows and knees, the parts that did the swinging and stomping. Then the rest of his limbs, because a killing-construct needed all its parts to function. Rask blinked and was only half as bothered as normal as the sting in his eyes. He didn't look at the enemy or allies or even the hammer. As his neck muscles worked in tandem with the rage, Rask turned his neck down to look at where he'd lashed the trog-champions head to his belt. Rask paid no mind to the malignant smile that took to his face. It drove the anger from his body sure as the anger had drove the magic. For the first time in a while Rask found himself thinking clearly. He rolled his shoulders in their sockets and made ready to go forward.

[Starbin]

Narek Skyskin

He watched helplessly as the mage roared, flinging a growing ball of flame towards the group. He never even cried out as he and the others fell victim to the spreading conflagration.

It had always been inevitable...
[roll0] vs DC10. Using Good dreams. Does sickened affect this too?
Status
AC: 12 HP: -1/15 (Stable) Init +9 Move 30'
F +1 R +3 W +5
Weapon: Hvy crossbow w/16 bolts
Spells: dancing lights, detect magic, acid splash, mending / snowball, grease, enlarge person, heightened awareness / glitterdust, glitterdust, gallant inspiration
Prescience: 6/7; Good Dreams 0/1; wand of magic missile (25); wand of prestidigitation (24); wand of cause fear (10)
Key skills: Perception +4 (+6); Stealth +2; Survival +3; Spellcraft +10; S. Motive +6; KS A/L +10 (+12); KS H/P/E/G/Na/D/R +8 (+10)
Effect: heightened awareness (+2 Per/KS, 30 min); sickened (-2 to all rolls); glitterdust (2/3)

[3SecondCultist]

Still navigating through the field of stone, Ilsa keeps her footing and stays the course until she can safely see through the doors. The first elemental has already breached Ighiz's defenses once, and as the half-elf looks on, the creature performs the feat a second time. One rock fist nearly trips the caller of stone, who snarls at it before locking eyes with you. That proves to be her undoing, as Eisenherz is already moving. Eyena has wasted no time calling forth her magic to imbue the blade with maximum force. As it descends towards Ighiz, there is a faint tearing sound as it rips through an invisible barrier, cleaving into the matron's shoulder bone and digging into the meat of her.

When Ighiz screams, it is with enough force that you're worried the entire cavern system will collapse. "<Nooooo! I am... Ighiz... the voice of the stone... Mother Excavator, give me strength!>" With one final gasp of strength, the oracle tosses aside the wand in favor of a small club encrusted with the same stones that are no longer a mystery. With one great swing, she cracks her maul directly into the magus' ribs, at the same time as a glancing blow of acid hits her from behind.

As she stumbles backwards, Eyena's first step is shaky on the stone. The second is steady. Behind her, Rask begins to shake himself free of his bonds, the effects of Ighiz's enchantment wearing off as her life nears its end. The two acolytes let out howls of anger and anguish. And the end of the battle begins in earnest.

Updated Map (https://app.roll20.net/editor/)

This was not a great round... for them. Eyena and one of the elementals hit Ighiz for a combined 30 damage, so she's clinging to life now. The one acolyte did save against the grease spell, but promptly rolled a second natural 1 on his attack. All in all, Eyena only took 7 damage this turn, which brings her down to exactly 1 hit point.

Whoever wins this battle, you can safely say that this is one hell of a close thing! :smalleek:

[Lord Of Mantas]

Ilsa

Ilsa screamed out in Terran as Ighiz was brought to the brink, leveling her own crossbow.

"GET HER!"

Crossbow was fired, and stony fists swung in.

Elemental East: 23 attack, 13 damage.
Elemental West: 14 attack, misses
Ilsa: 9 attack, misses

[PersonMan]

As Ighiz falls, Eyena turns to one of the remaining acolytes, chanting as her still-glowing hand makes the motions of her casting. Then, she disappears.

Casting Vanish; I'd rather not risk getting downed, or spend an entire turn drinking a potion. Better to make sure the elementals draw their fire and spend a resource that'll be back tomorrow.

Then move to the other side of the acolyte.

[n0ble]

Rask quashed down the anger just as surely as each step forward stomped down on some rubble. It was a good thing he'd managed to parse through the negatives of hefting the severed head. The most obvious one was aiming for a trog and hitting an ally instead. But the one that stood out to Rask the most was that it was just a plain waste of time that could be spent killing. He kept going forward, towards the trog Eyena had been engaging before she went and vanished.


Double move up!

[3SecondCultist]

Ighiz's last defiant cry is cut short as she watches Eyena disappear into thin air, and hears too late the whooshing of air that is displaced as the elemental behind her drives one earthen limb into the back of her neck. She falls to the floor, eyes fluttering and body twitching as her thick blood begins to adorn the chamber floor. Rask and Ilsa, both of them barely able to stand, have more or less reached the doors as they watch the sediment that has been covering the ground begin to recede along with the glowing dust particles in the air. Only ephemeral fog stands in their way now.

At this point, the two remaining Children of Stone begin to panic. One of them flails forward, nearly tripping over the shimmering oil at its feet and missing the elemental before it completely with its spear. Cursing the mutinous ground in its snake tongue, it is barely able to right itself before toppling to the ground. Its companion is even less lucky. Muttering an invocation, the troglodyte's claws begin to fill with viscous green energy... only for Eyena to appear before it, touching the creature and freezing its body with her prepared spell. The spell interrupted at the nexus of its power, the acidic energy fizzles out of existence.

Updated Map (https://app.roll20.net/editor/)

Ighiz is officially down! Eyena got off her Rime frostbite combo on her AoO, and it failed the Concentration check to get off the acidic bolt, while the other one missed completely. It looks like you guys are making your turnaround now. :smallbiggrin:

[n0ble]

Rask went forward fast and silently. He aimed a wide killing blow at the trog's midsection.


Full Round action: Charge the trog directly in front.

To hit (Power attacking): [roll0]
Dmg: [roll1]
CC: [roll2]

[PersonMan]

With both hands on Eisenherz, Eyena brings the glowing, frost-covered weapon to bear against the final troglodyte.

Either attacking the adjacent trog or charging the other, depending on which one Rask probably one-shot.

A: 26
CC: 26
D: 15 + 10 NL cold + entangled + fatigued

[Lord Of Mantas]

Ilsa

"We can do this! Keep at them!"

Ilsa raised her crossbow and shakily fired at one of the troglodytes, missing completely. The elementals had better luck.

Ilsa Attack: 6
Damage: Miss
Western Troglodyte Attack: 29
Crit Confirm: 24
Damage: 18
Eastern Troglodyte Attack: 19
Damage: 8​

[3SecondCultist]

Rask's arrival heralds the final push needed for your victory. His footsteps echo slightly on the stone as he moves in, cleaving a flank of flesh off of the semi-frozen reptilian sorcerer just as Eyena comes in for the kill. The spellsword raises her sword and drives it home, completing the cut that the half-orc started. The troglodyte falls to the ground in two halves.

On the other side of the sanctum, Ilsa's focused assault concludes with a salvo of heavy thuds. The last tribe member of the Children stands clutching its bleeding chest and turns to try and run. However, in its haste it stumbles on the treacherous ground before it, tumbling in a mess of blood and robes. The earth elemental enforcer edges in, ending the enemy's existence.

In the heartbeats that follow, the room is quiet save for your blood in your ears and the unique thrill of a close victory.

Updated Map (https://app.roll20.net/editor/)

With all but one trog spellcaster dead (not to mention the survivor being prone and cornered at less than half health) I'm willing to waive the last little bit of this combat so that you guys can properly recover as a team. That was pretty awesome, I have to say - three nat 20s in one round! Good work.

Since this concludes the dungeon proper, it is time to level up your characters up to level 4! I assume that Ilsa will be able to help Gilraen and Narek get back to the land of ambulatory with a potion, or you guys can fetch Aubrin to drop a few channels on you. :smallsmile:

[Lord Of Mantas]

Ilsa

Ilsa shakily grasped her crossbow, looking to Rask and Eyena, panting as the adrenaline wore off.

"I think... I'm gonna go... grab Aubrin. Try not to let the others... bleed out while I'm gone."

Hurrying back toward the main cavern, Ilsa then did just that.

"Fight down below... We won, but Narek and Gilraen are down... Some help, please..."

[3SecondCultist]

After several minutes of tense silence, Aubrin follows Ilsa back down through the passages and into the fog-filled rooms. Those of you still recovering from your wounds can hear the cleric of Cayden Cailean before you see her, the sound of wood on stone echoing through the air as she leans on her staff. When she turns the corner and gets a good look at the scene, her eyes widen. "Sweet saints," she breathes, "what the f*ck happened here?"

Rushing over to the prone forms of both Narek and then Gilraen, Aubrin releases small bursts of divine energy from the golden tankard at her neck. Eventually, the wounds of each of the Shepherds close in their severity, allowing both elf and samsaran to rise back to their feet. When it becomes clear that the rest of your group is also injured, the priestess calls you all together to continue her work.

"I guess the Children were just buying their time. Did you see any more of them?"

[Lord Of Mantas]

Ilsa

Ilsa cricked her neck as Aubrin's divine energies knitted her wounds back together, then answered.

"We did see some skeletons in a room back near the ladder, but we haven't gone back there, mostly because it was full of some kind of suffocating gas. I'm pretty sure this was the last of the troglodytes; near as I can tell this was all of them who attacked us and I don't see any other places to run to. Also there was this adorable scorpion monster who eats gems who talked to us briefly."

[Starbin]

Narek Skyskin

The mage’s eyes fluttered as he came to, a hand going to his ribs that had been broken mere moments before. Glancing around, he saw his companions all enjoying the energy flowing from Aubrin. As he rose to his feet, his gaze took in the scene. It was obvious by the wounds on the troglodytes that the elementals has been key in the victory, with aid from Rask and/or Eyena as well.

Narek called upon his cantrip to clean himself up, but a sniff reminded him of the troglodytes’ stench. He used the cantrip to perfume the area, then took a deep breath. ”It seems we were successful, even if the situation was closer than I would like. There is a lesson here - pride leads to disaster ... and fortune favors the prepared. With this experience comes wisdom - it will guide our actions.”

Looking around, Narek cast another cantrip and sought any magical auras in the area.
Casting Prestidigitation to clean his robes and hopefully de-stenchify the trogs a bit.
Detect magic on the area. And just in case ... I’ll roll correctly in OOC :smallsmile:
Status
AC: 12 HP: 19 Init +10 Move 30'
F +1 R +3 W +6
Weapon: Hvy crossbow w/16 bolts
Spells: dancing lights, detect magic, acid splash, mending / snowball, grease, enlarge person, heightened awareness / glitterdust, glitterdust, gallant inspiration
Prescience: 6/7; Good Dreams 0/1; wand of magic missile (25); wand of prestidigitation (24); wand of cause fear (10)
Key skills: Perception +4 (+6); Stealth +2; Survival +3; Spellcraft +11; S. Motive +6; KS Arcane +11 (+13); KS Local +10 (+12), KS P/Na/D/R +9 (+11); KS H/E/G +8 (+10)
Effect: Prestidigitation (1hr); heightened awareness (+2 Per/KS, 30 min)

[Farmerbink]

Gilraen coughs out a reddish glob of phlegm, a relatively benign reminder of what was very nearly a much less desirable outcome. "And never assume that the enemy lacks reinforcements," he adds to Narek's nuggets of wisdom, groaning. He pulls himself to his feet, using his own staff for a more domestic purpose than its usual. He nods to the Cailean, once more finding himself indebted to her efforts and an odd God. "And maybe invite the cleric along in the first place- though when the ground erupted, there was not much..." He shakes his head, dispelling the unpleasant possibility. "Perhaps this is for the best. Your aid is much appreciated, Aubrin."

Breathing deeply a few times to steady his steps, Gilraen carefully plods into the chamber that Ighiz, until recently, occupied. He observes and inspects the space, curious of what exactly they stumbled across that was still worth defending, having already lost the caverns above.

If possible, Gilraen will take 20 (for 28) to search this chamber, including for secret doors and traps.

Gilraen is not yet leveled, but I'll be updating him tomorrow. Going Oracle 4, because 2nd level spells are way more important than 1st level of anything else. (y)

[n0ble]

Rask dragged the dead Trogs out and away from the altar of whatever weak god hadn't saved them. He put them a far distance from Narek and Gilraen's prone forms. Otherwise he leaned on the hammer, largely content to wait. The rock shards the trog had called had dam near shredded his tunic. Thankfully none had lodged in the breastplate or torn it's steel. He'd not the mind to mend such metal. He traced a hand over the dented and pitted portions, stopping to probe at a crater that a hob arrow had made. Then his eyes found the Trog strapped to his belt and Rask felt a bit heavier for carrying it. He blinked at it once, then sighed and threw the head to the ground, next to the Trog bodies. The whole thing made him feel right foolish.

He nodded thanks to Aubrin for the healing. The prayers did little for his tunic, but it mended his flesh well enough and shifted his mind from the Trog-head, towards more purposeful ruminations. Like where that dam rock bug had gone. And what they were gonna do about the skeletons. He'd not known insects to take to domestication, but if anyone could wrangle the thing it was probably the woman who could order the earth about. She'd called enough stone to put the Trog magery to shame.

He moved to search the Trog's altar.

[3SecondCultist]

Aubrin only nods sagely in acknowledgement of Gilraen's thanks, her attention still mostly fixed on making sure that none of you have any serious wounds left to tend to. When that's finished, your ally finally releases a long breath. "Well, at least we can rest easy knowing there aren't too many more strange creatures about the area. I saw one side passage, it looked like it kept running down for a while. Once we're sure that there aren't any more active threats to deal with, I can go and fetch Ramus or Jodis to make sure nothing else bothers us."

While the cleric speaks, several of you begin to get a better sense of your environment. With Ighiz and her followers now dead and broken at your feet, the depths of the Cradle of Stone unfold before you. The pale blue mist continues to swirl around your legs and ankles as you proceed beyond the circular room and into the oracle's innermost sanctum. Much of the room's aroma remains unchanged since Eyena first charged in. The stench of herbs from the various plants that the Children of Stone kept in this place have been mixed with some sort of foul incense and the natural musk of your fallen reptilian foes, creating an awful amalgam of smells.

Eventually - once the dead have been stripped of their belongings and the strange aura that Narek first detected is identified as a brooch stuck in a jar - you all turn to the last feature of note in this room: the great door. The portal seems to be almost otherworldly in the largely stone chamber, being made of polished, blue steel. It is decorated with a ring of pictograms, and at the center is a depiction of an unusual head with bulging eyes and wisps of hair radiating in every direction. The head - which looks at once like an insect and an old woman - spins freely, and the wheel of pictograms depicts a beetle, a rock, a wedge, a hammer, a crying face, a flame, a claw, a door, a metal bar, a figure standing in triumph, and a bottle.

Looking closely, you recognize a few of these symbols as similar or identical to those back in the chamber with the wall murals...
So to save me the time of describing everything you find on the trogs' bodies, I've just gone ahead and updated the Loot Tracker (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1mjC7qqyo3L39_OYfcvTqAPXYAevAWbeH-0Cp8sJwQ2E/edit#gid=2102042134) with everything, assuming between Eyena and Narek you are all able to figure out what the magic items do and how much they're roughly worth. If you want to claim something, just put your PC's name beside it and I will add it to the Party Loot tab of the spreadsheet.

[PersonMan]

Once the battle ends, Eyena cleans and sheathes Eisenherz, transferring her light to her armor; once the wounded are no longer in immediate danger, she helps Rask haul the corpses of their fallen enemies away, silently frowning at the dead troglodytes. She stops frowning when Aubrin arrives and Ilsa returns, silently stepping up to receive healing and giving the cleric a soft, formal thanks.

Eyena examines the door silently, looking it over but saying nothing. Eventually, she steps forwards, turning the face in the center of the wheel to the rock, then the iron bar, and finally the crying face. Then she steps back again, hand on Eisenherz, watching the door closely.

[3SecondCultist]

As Eyena begins to fiddle with the strange metal door, you all hear a faint grinding noise from beyond the blue surface. The ring stops first at the stone, then the bar of metal, and finally the crying face. At each point, you all hear a barely audible click behind the outside of the mechanism. With the final piece of the puzzle in place, the doors swing open to reveal the room on the other side. The light from Eisenherz is projected far into the darkness beyond.

The space on the far side of the door is surprisingly small, less than twenty feet across in each direction. Where Ighiz's rooms were filled with growing things and the caverns above boasted natural water and other signs of life, here is only stark stone. A three stepped riser fills most of the room, atop which lies a cracked sarcophagus depicting a vaguely insectoid creature similar to the ones depicted in the various statuaries you've witnessed in these chambers. Peering into the cracked lid of the coffin itself, you spot the partially crystallized remains of an ancient, four-armed, insectoid creature of unknown origin. They look delicate enough that touching them would likely end in their destruction. Two more undisturbed stone coffers of smaller sizes flank the dais.

As you filter into the space, some of you remember the name that Narek translated: the Excavator.

The dead creature that lies within the coffin is none other than a xiomorn, a primeval elemental being that in ages long past traveled to the Material Plane in search of new life to experiment with. The worlds these enigmatic beings have visited feature strange ruins in remote regions and immense, vault-like caverns deep underground where ecologies that shouldn't exist flourish. On Golarion, the xiomorn race is believed to be responsible for the creation of the great Vaults of Orv down in the Darklands, vast and ancient structures that precede the drow, dwarves, and even many of the aberrations that now call that kingdom home.

Xiomorns have little interest in protecting a world's indigenous life, except as necessary for their experiments' goals, and wage war against such races when native empires encroach upon the xiomorns' experimental realms. Nobody knows what really happened to the xiomorn on Golarion, but their experiments on this plane persist to this day.

[Farmerbink]

Gilraen treads softly, his leather boots making almost no discernible sound at all on the stony floors. Bow at the ready, with a glowing arrow nocked, he follows Eyena in to the small chamber. His eyes dart to the walls and ceiling, wary of another potential ambush. Seeing nothing threatening, and remaining unmolested, he finally allows his attention to gravitate towards the coffin where his allies gaze upon its contents.

His eyebrows furrow, and his lips rise involuntarily in a confused expression bordering on disgust. "How..." He falters for a moment, struggling to find the words. "It looks so fragile. How can it have lasted, even protected from the elements in the depths?" He looks to Ilsa and Narek in turn, expecting one (or both) of them to have an answer.

[Lord Of Mantas]

Ilsa

Ilsa shrank under Gilraen's gaze, rubbing the back of her neck awkwardly.

"You would think that as a Summoner I would know more about this sort of thing, but... I was never much good at academics. What little I do know relates mostly to practical matters - spellcraft and the languages used by summoned creatures."

She looked to Narek and Eyena.

"I don't suppose either of you know anything?"

[Starbin]

Narek Skyskin

As the group investigated the strange lock, Narek realized the connection with the ancient script even as Eyena moved into action. Nodding in approval, he followed the others into the room, taking it all in. As he pondered the name Excavator, he stepped up to the cracked sarcophagus to peer inside. He stared in stunned silences as the others murmured around him, questions on their lips and eyes turned toward the learned of the group.

This time, there were no visions, no memories. This creature was beyond his time, beyond normal mortal ken. Almost without knowing, he whispered ”Vault builders ...”

Blinking, Narek turned back to the others. ”I’m not surprised you have little knowledge of these yet - they are a primordial race as far evolved beyond an earth elemental as we are from an ant. The xiomorns are creators of a high order, molding and shaping rock and flesh in their experiments to create new life. Unfortunately it is usually without regard for the existing life. They are thought to have created the Vaults of Orv. This is an amazing find, if somewhat disconcerting.

Let us hope all we find are ancient remains.”

Looking around, Narek cast about for signs of magic, focusing on the caskets. He would lend his eyes to the search as well, concerned at what they might find.
Detect magic and Lerception (take 20 on the sarcophagi for 26)
Status
AC: 12 HP: 19 Init +10 Move 30'
F +1 R +3 W +6
Weapon: Hvy crossbow w/16 bolts
Spells: dancing lights, detect magic, acid splash, mending / snowball, grease, enlarge person, heightened awareness / glitterdust, glitterdust, gallant inspiration
Prescience: 4/7; Good Dreams 0/1; wand of magic missile (25); wand of prestidigitation (24); wand of cause fear (10)
Key skills: Perception +4 (+6); Stealth +2; Survival +3; Spellcraft +11; S. Motive +6; KS Arcane +11 (+13); KS Local +10 (+12), KS P/Na/D/R +9 (+11); KS H/E/G +8 (+10)
Effect: Prestidigitation (1hr); heightened awareness (+2 Per/KS, 30 min)

[Farmerbink]

Gilraen focus on Narek as the wizard explains their find. "Vaults of... what?" He breathes, in rhetorical confusion. Clearly, none of Narek's exposition helps to clarify the findings, nor why some supremely-developed creature would be laid to rest and preserved here- in a nondescript cave beneath the Fangwood. His mind considers the trees laying forth a sprawling canopy above, and for a moment focuses on the Xiomorn's apparent disdain for "existing life." He scowls.

"As you say, perhaps it is for the best that this creature has already fallen. I do not think I would like to meet others."

[Starbin]

Narek Skyskin

At Gilraen’s confusion, Narek sighed internally. ”I’m not surprised you haven’t heard of Orv. The vaults make up the third level of the Darklands, well beyond where Drow and deurgar make their homes. Suffice to say they are powerful elemental beings that come to our world to experiment. They shape and mold their subjects like mortals do clay. You are right - we are lucky it is dead. I just hope their presence and influence within these caves is also long past. We should check for any is of interest before we continue our search.”

As they investigated the room, Narek wondered if the crystal elemental would know more of the presence of he builders.
Not sure what else is around here, but still using detect magic and perception 26 to search ...
Status
AC: 123 HP: 19 Init +10 Move 30'
F +1 R +3 W +6
Weapon: Hvy crossbow w/16 bolts
Spells: dancing lights, detect magic, acid splash, mending / snowball, grease, enlarge person, heightened awareness / glitterdust, glitterdust, gallant inspiration
Prescience: 4/7; Good Dreams 0/1; wand of magic missile (25); wand of prestidigitation (24); wand of cause fear (10); wand of hold person (12)
Key skills: Perception +4 (+6); Stealth +2; Survival +3; Spellcraft +11; S. Motive +6; KS Arcane +11 (+13); KS Local +10 (+12), KS P/Na/D/R +9 (+11); KS H/E/G +8 (+10)
Effect: Prestidigitation (1hr); heightened awareness (+2 Per/KS, 30 min)

[Lord Of Mantas]

Ilsa

Ilsa absorbed the information that Narek shared, shuddering all the while.

"If even a fraction of what I've heard about the Darklands is true... yeah."

She scratched her chin.

"I think I'm going to see if Clilassh is still around. See if he can tell us anything else about these caves we've missed."

​Scritch his adorable head.

"But before I do, I have a question: Where do we all go from here? Do we try to fortify this place up? Send a scout someplace to see if we can figure out what's going on?"


*** After hashing things out... ***

Going back out to the area where Clilassh had burrowed into the ground, Ilsa called out again in Terran.

"You can show yourself now, Clilassh. The battle is over."

[Farmerbink]

Gilraen follows- but only just barely- Narek's second explanation. He nods, as the wizard mostly reaffirms his opinion and the preference that they find no more of the Xiomorns still living. "Well, we still do not really know whether or not we are safe here. I suspect these tunnels run deeper than we know- in light of this-" he gestures at the fallen outsider. "The question is whether we care to continue exploring, knowing full well we may not like what we find, or if we can instead seal the tunnels somehow, and protect the refugees bore ably than kicking the hornet's nest would."

He lets the question linger for a moment, before continuing. "For now, I think it is best we return and rest. Whatever the morrow brings, I doubt it will be gentle."

[PersonMan]

Eyena frowns at the corpse in the coffin, nodding slowly as Narek explains before following Ilsa when she leaves, silently accompanying her as she goes to speak with Clilassh.

[Starbin]

Narek Skyskin

Narek approaches the body cautiously, reaching out with his arcane senses before touching the body with the end of his quarterstaff. He was very interested in the sarcophagus and the creature’s remains, wondering if they possessed any special properties that could aid the group.

”Once I have checked the remains, we can set about closing off the corridor and clearing the gas.”
Not sure what else is around here, but still using detect magic and perception 26 to search ...
Status
AC: 123 HP: 19 Init +10 Move 30'
F +1 R +3 W +6
Weapon: Hvy crossbow w/16 bolts
Spells: dancing lights, detect magic, acid splash, mending / snowball, grease, enlarge person, heightened awareness / glitterdust, glitterdust, gallant inspiration
Prescience: 4/7; Good Dreams 0/1; wand of magic missile (25); wand of prestidigitation (24); wand of cause fear (10); wand of hold person (12)
Key skills: Perception +4 (+6); Stealth +2; Survival +3; Spellcraft +11; S. Motive +6; KS Arcane +11 (+13); KS Local +10 (+12), KS P/Na/D/R +9 (+11); KS H/E/G +8 (+10)
Effect: Prestidigitation (1hr); heightened awareness (+2 Per/KS, 30 min)

[n0ble]

Rask looked at the thing in the tomb and was about to touch when everyone started talking about what it was. He got a bit lost amidst talk of ants and earth elementals, but ended up agreeing with everyone that it was a good thing this Excavator thing was dead. As was Rask didn't think he had it in him for another fight. Leastways not today. So he nodded along with the bowman for a second time. He departed along with any others.

[3SecondCultist]

When Narek moves to touch the body of the dead xiomorn, there is a sharp crack, followed by a soft hissing noise as air begins to fragment the brittle structure of the ancient creature's corpse. Whatever preservative magics were holding this body together, protecting it against the ravages of time have not seen fit to keep the mage's staff from starting the collapse. Within seconds, what was once an intact crystalline corpse is a jumble of barely recognizable rocks and dust. For the briefest of moments, you hear what might possibly be a distant sigh on the wind... but it's probably your imagination.

The rest of your affairs proceed without incident. As Eyena and Ilsa set out to look for Clilassh, the rest of you are able to scrounge up quite a haul from the coffers in the Excavator's chamber: a small trove of old coins and gems lie in wait, alongside a beautiful old copper circlet and a few magical stones. What lies among the treasure you all accumulate and distribute among yourselves as you see fit. Meeting up with Aubrin, who has been waiting patiently in the circular nave for you to finish your exploring, eventually you are able to confirm that you are in no real danger here. The passage that leads down into darkness is still for the time being, and whatever gas resided in the old derro forge - while still seeping out from the broken metal apparatus - is not as overwhelming as it once was.

All that's left to do now is rest, regain your strength, and plan your next move.


Eyena & Ilsa

Standing in the partially collapsed chamber of circular stone, the two of you wait in the blue mist as Ilsa's call goes unanswered once. And then again. You wait quietly, patiently. A being like Clilassh will not forgo potential food, and with the prospect of a peace, that seems to be a promising reality. Sure enough, after a few minutes you hear the faint skittering on stone that is the sign of the crysmal's appendages scratching the stone floor of the room.

"<This is the pointy-eared lady, right? Does she have more food for Clilassh?>"

[n0ble]

Rask took his meal alone while he stood guard at the cave entrance that lead to the forest. Being out in a forest this time of night struck him as a bad proposition, though perhaps it was a better place to be than in the caves. At least there one could sometimes see the sky through the foliage. And there werent no long dead "zee-oh-morns" or whatever the mage had said they were either. Still. Rask toed at the stone from his sitting position, then looked over to the hammer, which looked to be made of something similar. He sighed and got up to a standing position. At least the stone couldnt catch fire.

Later

When he was done guarding Rask took the time to fix his armour and tunic. He couldn't repair any of the bigger gouges in the breastplate, so instead he just kicked out any indentations he could. Then after washing off the scraps good and proper, Rask threaded needle and tried to sew his tunic back together. He had to squint to get the thread through properly, even with his orc eyes casting the room is black and white. He worked patiently, first working on a sleeve that had been all but amputed by a stray splinter of limestone or summuch thing. He had other things on the mind right now. Like whether there was any sense in smacking the tunic against a rock to dry it out afterwards or to just let it dry naturally. Dam thing might just come apart in his hands either way. With no shirt he was bound to look more foolish than if he'd not washed the blood from the fabric in the first place.

Rask grunted as the needle nicked a small droplet of blood from his thumb. The big man rolled his eyes and stubbed the cut out on the cave floor. Normally he'd be worried about Trog-borne diseases, but there was a perfectly good pool of water nearby to wash the thumb in if things came to that. And it wasn't nearly bad enough to impair his wielding of the hammer. Rask grumbled, then resumed his work, eager to get the Mother-damned thing washed and back on his back.

[Lord Of Mantas]

Ilsa

Ilsa smiled. <"I do.">

Reaching into her pack, Ilsa pulled out a rather plump cat's eye that she had located in her pack earlier.

On the loot tracker, one of the things I claimed was 250 gp worth of unspecified gems. Cat's eye is a form of chrysoberyl, which has a listed value of 100; we will assume this one is a bit plumper than usual and round it up to 125.
<"You were telling us about the others who just fought us right beforehand. Is there anything else about this cave that you can tell us?">

After some deliberation, I have decided I have nothing to add to the clearing of gas or selection of the guard, and would rather simply roll it.

[3SecondCultist]

Rask

"Sentry duty again, eh?" The words follow the sounds of several footsteps, as from behind you three figures approach you. You recognize Jet first - the dark-haired woman's wry smile at seeing you out here alone is the first thing you notice - and the nearly twin profiles of Jodis and Ramus emerge from the darkness behind her. The three of them are all armed like you've seen them before, with the wooden training swords you've had them make for your sparring sessions in the past. It's fairly obvious why they've approached you.

Following your gaze, Jet's smile widens. "Yeah, we were talking and we figured we'd help ease the boredom with a match. I've seen the mess downstairs though; if you're too tired after the day you've had, I get it. Some of us might need the practice though." A playful elbow to Ramus makes the man grumble good-naturedly, but all three of them seem to wait for your response.


Eyena & Ilsa

"<The Cradle, Ighiz called it! A home for their Excavator, very sacred. Clilassh came here through a deep crack a long time ago, and the scaly ones soon after. They fed us sometimes, so we'd guard the entrance.>" The extraplanar outsider is fully visible now, the orange and blue flecks of crystal glinting in the light of Eyena's sword as it paces to and fro on the cracked stone at your feet.

"<We have not ventured beyond these walls, but there is a passage that runs on. Clilassh has traveled down it once to get home... too far. We came back after a day of walking.>"