Lost in Darkness IC

[Fouredged Sword]

You serve the king. Some out of honor, others practicality, others because service to the king is the only means you have to rise out of the absolute control of the lord who rules the towns and hamlets within their lands. The common population has it pretty rough at times, but there is little anyone can do about it. The King and Lords are all that stand between the commoners and being murdered by dwarves as pests or elves as animals, or death from orc raids or goblin bandits. A harsh king is better by far than a deadly enemy.

And as Guardsmen you are part of that defense. Defend King and Kingdom, from threats within and without, that is the oath. That oath has been called and you are to be dispatched on a mission to discover why the iron ore, vital for the kingdom, has stopped flowing out of the prison mines in the eastern hills. No notice of a problem has been sent, and no people seem to be fleeing a Dwarven siege of the Local Lord, a hard but loyal Lord named Fairhaven. He should have plenty of men at arms to defend from bandits and supplies enough to survive even a year long siege.

Sir Alexander, a fairly well known and respected commander of the guard raised to lesser nobility through service to the throne, has been placed in charge of this expedition. He is to a platoon of twenty well armed guardsmen, enough to ensure his safety and small enough to retreat if faced with a larger force of Dwarves. You, as members of the Special Taskforce, are to use your unique skills to assist Sir Alexander in whatever manner he requires.

Your mission, first and foremost, is to ensure his safety. Following that you are to travel to Fairhaven and discover the source of the missing iron shipments. If Sir Alexander deems that you have the resources to solve the problem at hand you are to assist him in doing so. Otherwise you are to withdraw and provide the crown with the information they need to respond to the threat.

Your meeting point is the room above the town tavern in Riverport, the closest settlement to Fairhaven that has sure lines of communication. The hills after that town make deploying one of the new Semaphore lines past Riverport difficult.

And you have made your way there. It is late afternoon as you all reach your destination. You are shown to a large room normally reserved for dining merchants, now with the table covered in maps and Sir Alexander and his aid pouring over them. He acknowledges you as you enter and motions for you to sit, a bottle of wine sits open on the table, four glasses next to it. Alexander and his aid did not seem to have waited, both hold glasses half full.

Post to enter the room and place yourself within the scene.

[JNAProductions]

Dwilla eyes the wine, pouring herself a glass and slamming it back. She starts pouring a second one as she says "What do we know so far?"

[Fouredged Sword]

Dwilla eyes the wine, pouring herself a glass and slamming it back. She starts pouring a second one as she says "What do we know so far?"

Alexander frowns. "Bloody well nothing. None of the locals have seen greenskin, and if there was a Dwarven force this bold i would expected to have seen encounters between local patrols and their scouts by now. The wagons just... Stopped showing up. Messengers sent have not returned. I'm not sure what this is just yet."

[JNAProductions]

"Helpful," Dwilla comments. She shuffles her wings around a little, trying to get into a more comfortable position.

[Silverphantasm]

"With all due respect Sir, is there any chance Fairhaven or someone beneath him is up to something, hoarding the ore or selling it elsewhere? I admit I don't know much about him."
Glancing at the maps from the top, he frowned slightly, "I realize I'm speculating, but with no word otherwise, I think the possibility should be considered, walking into a trap isn't enviable."

[Fouredged Sword]

"We will have to be on guard, but i don't think that is the case. That said, who would he sell TOO? Naught up in those hills but dwarves and goblins, and the odd giant. Even then, i would expect him to skim production if he intended to cheat the crown. To cut off production is too obvious. He lacks the smelters to use the ore himself, and without food imports he would starve."

[neriractor]

Dandelia listens intently, her eyes mostly inspecting the rooms as she repeats Dwilla´s movements as far as wine is concerned, leaning to the table before taking another sip " I believe finding with the local lord, should be our foremost concern, from then we can figure out the problem easily. what is our expected path to follow?"

[JNAProductions]

"Please. If it was that easy, they wouldn't be sending us. Do I look like the sort of woman that gets sent on basic missions that could be solved by a 14 year old courier?" Dwilla says, rolling her eyes. "No, something fishy is going on. I guarantee you, it won't be as simple as strolling in and talking to the lord. If it is, I'll eat my wings."

[Centaurion]

Raz Nightingale

Raz enters the room right after Dwilla's comment. He is a quite unremarkable looking man in his mid-twenties with brown, short hair and a neatly trimmed beard, wearing neat but similarly unremarkable clothes in grayish hues. His clothes are not made for the court, sturdy boots, his trousers having many small pockets, a shirt, topped with a simple leather jerkin, reinforced by a few chain rings here and there, and bearing the crest of the guard on the chest. The sleeves of his shirt are rolled up to his elbows. Upon closer inspection, his built is rather slender and not overly muscular. He carries a rapier in a sheath at this belt, near a small metal shield (buckler) made from precious metal, a combination found between modern fencers. When he enters, Raz has a curious smile on his face.

{(Dwilla) That would be quite a sight, eh?} While difficult, Raz had learned to add a certain intonation to his telepathic messages, marking this one more as a kind joke than anything else.

As if he had not said anything, he adheres to etiquette, slightly bowing to those present, in particular to Alexander, and greeting him with a short and humble "Sir."

Then, he also helps himself to some wine but only takes a short sip. Wine had always helped to loose the tongue of its friends, and he had long decided to never become too good friends with wine for this particular reason.


Raz has Draconic Knowledge and Humanoid Shape on, more or less continuously. I assume him to take off his (glamered) mithral chain shirt during morning preparations, where he performs some kind of Tai-Chi style mind-clearing exercises. During those, he also commits to the somatic components to bring up his self-buffs. He uses humanoid shape to look like himself, or rather, the way he looked before his skin had toughened and started showing scaly resemblance to dragons -- a mark that leaves him with pride but something he likewise prefers to keep secret.

[Fouredged Sword]

Alexander frowns at the map. "Unfortunately I am not setting a better option than to just walk in. I refuse to leave the wagon as it carries the supplies for the men, and I won't leave the men because if we DO run into the backside of a dwarven siege we will need them to preform a fighting retreat after spiking the wagon to block the road to slow the stunties down. Now that everyone is here, we leave in the morning. I will see to the men and ensure the wagon and supplies are ready to move. Unless there is anything any of you think needs to be addressed in the meantime you are dismissed to enjoy yourself for the evening. Enjoy good wine while you can." He smiles. "The bars in Fairhaven serve nothing but rotgut strong enough to wipe mine dust from the throat at 100 feet and I know from personal experience that Lord Fairhaven has horrible taste in wine."

[neriractor]

Ira frowns at the comment, responding in a condescending tone to Dwilla "you sound like it. Of course the solution isn´t going to be drinking some tea and laughing off inconveniences while we escort a shipment of iron the next day, I said figuring the problem out would be easy and it will be, depending on the state of affairs when we get there and whether or not anybody is actually... in conditions to help us. I do hope this is as simple as it can be, I wanna know if you´ll cut them first or bite them off while they still feel." a slight grin forms in her face as she turns to look at the new arrival, nodding back while still paying attention to the disrespectful guardswoman from the corner of her eye.

[Silverphantasm]

Leon's eyes had lit up when Raz had entered the room, despite spending a few years on the task force Leon had only worked with a handful of it's members, Raz being one of them. He'd heard enough gossip and read enough reports to recognize both Ira as she preferred to be called and Dwilla, but hadn't met either of them even in passing.

Returning his full attention to Sir Alexander, "Yes, Sir we'll be ready at dawn." He let smile spread across his face as he turned to Raz and extended a welcome hand, "Raz its good to see you, how many months has it been since we dealt with those phony tax collectors in the artisan district, 3? 4?"

After greeting his friend, Leon turns to the two women, "I've heard lots of good things about you two, would you do me the pleasure of joining me for dinner, I'd like to get to know my companions since we've a bit of time in and are off duty."

[Centaurion]

Raz

"Leon, old friend," he returns the greeting and also the handshake. "Three months and seventeen days since we took their leader into custody. Feels like only yesterday though..." He replies, smiling.

[JNAProductions]

Dwilla sighs and ruffles her feathers. She opens her mouth, then closes it without saying anything.

[neriractor]

Ira takes Dwilla´s silence as a victory and smiles at Leon, not too familiar with him or with anyone in the team for that matter "Sure thing, it´ll do us good to relax before we leave."

[Fouredged Sword]

Morning comes early. The band sets off for Fairhaven at a good pace, the weather is clear and the road empty. On the afternoon of the fourth day you reach Fairhaven's gate. The town sits in a valley, the fort, seat of both the garrison and the Lord's residence, acts as a cork, controlling access to the valley. An army must barricade both sides or risk supplies sneaking though, and the valley naturally prevents the divided army from supporting the other side, allowing sallies much greater effect.

For travelers, this means that to enter Fairhaven you must pass though the fort itself.

Everything seems fairly normal right up until you enter the gates. Once you and the guard pass through the outer gates guards barricade the door. The captain of the watch hurries out, his face grim, clearly just alerted to your arrival.

Alexander stands tall and barks out in an authoritative voice. "I am Lord Alexander, with me are Special Taskforce and the Guard. We are here to investigate why this fiefdom has stopped shipments of iron. Captain of the Watch, what say you?"

The captain's face goes slightly more grim. "I see. I bare ill tidings then. The city is quarantined. There is a sickness that came out of the mines. I am afraid the gates of the city are barred for all who would exit."

[Centaurion]

Raz Nightingale

---
At the first morning after the scene, right before leaving.

While the last preparations for the trip are being finished, Raz walks up to Sir Alexander and politely asks, whether he would like to receive a protection spell for the day; it would make the trip slightly more comfortable, and would protect him from the exposure of some of his spells should it come to combat on the way. If yes, Raz casts Endure Exposure. He also moves over to the Non-Taskforce-Guards, and asks each of them the same question, also protecting them if allowed.

Finally, he repeats the same with the Taskforce. While Leon and Dwilla already knew about his telepathic ability, the others might not, and so he also tells them about this power, and also briefs them over the knowledge he had come up with (see OOC).

---

At the gate.

Raz takes a step forward, to still stand slightly behind Sir Alexander, but far enough in front to talk to the guard.

"Those are grave news, Captain. Why did you not send these news or a distress signal to the capital, so that healers could be sent?" His voice is friendly, but somewhat demanding. He is not trying to play an authority card, but it is also quite clear that they would not leave without an answer to this question.
If you think it is already time for a diplomacy check, here goes:
[roll0]

{(Task Force) They could have just used magic to send the message. As I see it, he speaks the truth. Does anyone doubt his words?}

[Fouredged Sword]

Alexander accepts, as does Simon his aid. The platoon of guards are slightly more weary, but one accepts and after he confirms it feels good the others accept your aid.

[JNAProductions]

"Sir," Dwilla murmurs to Alexander, "should I do a flyby of the city? Examine the situation from above?"

[Fouredged Sword]

Raz takes a step forward, to still stand slightly behind Sir Alexander, but far enough in front to talk to the guard.

[B]"Those are grave news, Captain. Why did you not send these news or a distress signal to the capital, so that healers could be sent?" His voice is friendly, but somewhat demanding. He is not trying to play an authority card, but it is also quite clear that they would not leave without an answer to this question.
If you think it is already time for a diplomacy check, here goes:
[roll0]

{(Task Force) They could have just used magic to send the message. As I see it, he speaks the truth. Does anyone doubt his words?}

The captain looks thoughtful for a moment. "I can't rightly say. Lord Fairhaven has been very busy with the healers. Perhaps there is no spare magic. I don't rightly know, such matters are past my understanding. Wulfric, Fairhaven's wizard, was one of the first to catch ill though. It hit the church pretty hard as well, but I suppose that is what happens when you try to help the poor sods stuck in the mines. Damn near fifty men trapped down there by quarantine. If Lord Farihaven hadn't responded as quick as he did we would have seen more than the few we have sick Topside. Can't let stuff like this out. Nasty. I have seen the dead they carried out of the mine. Burned them just outside the mine we did."


"Sir," Dwilla murmurs to Alexander, "should I do a flyby of the city? Examine the situation from above?"

While the captain is being questioned and thus distracted Dwilla and Alexander have a hushed conversation. "Perhaps not at the moment." Alexander eyes the dozen archers on the walls. "I would prefer for you not to run into a... misunderstanding."

[JNAProductions]

Dwilla chuckles grimly, a sour look on her face, and nods.

[Silverphantasm]

Frowning slightly at the situation, Leon cleared his throat, "You've quarantined them within the very place that gave them the illness? A mine no less? that's paramount to killing them, not to mention you can't observe or track recovery or determine why or what started the illness." Frustrated he clenched his tongue between his teeth. "My apologies captain, I just don't like condemning people to death by disease even if they might be criminals & debtors. What are the symptoms? Do the healers need certain supplies?"

[Fouredged Sword]

The captain bristles at your remark. "It is plague. Those in the mine are already sick. The healers and Lord Fairhaven himself spend days in that hole, saving who they can. If the sickness gets out it will be all of our heads."

[Centaurion]

Raz Nightingale

Seeing that the situation might escalate, Raz intervenes.

{(Leon) I get you. Probably the captain had nothing to say in the matter though. Let's try to get more information about the situation from this guy, and then try to speak to someone else who knows more.}

"Please, Captain, we understand that the decisions were likely made based on all knowledge at hand. But you really need to give us all the information you have, otherwise, we cannot organize the support you need. And I think we all agree that you need support, right? If Lord Fairhaven was too occupied to send for help, fair enough, and he probably could foresee that we would come over to check. So, we need to get more knowledge on the whole situation, and if you cannot give it to us, I must insist on you letting us to speak to someone who can. We need to know how many are in the mines, how many are dead, how many still sick, how long the sickness takes to manifest its symptoms. And so on."

[Fouredged Sword]

The captain still looks irritated, but that is somewhat understandable for a man in his position.

"I cannot answer your questions. I just run the garrison. Lord Fairhaven is set to return shortly, likely with the healers. They will know more. I can tell you this though, this is like no other sickness I have seen. Filth fever, minerot, these we have seen before. This though... This is something else. I cannot say how many are sick, or how long it takes to kill, but we have burned three dozen bodies in as many days. Horrible, that what it is. Nothing should kill a man that way, brain melted out the side of your skull from the inside.

Best you move inside. I suspect rain before too long. As I said, Lord Fairhaven is set to return for dinner. I will need to be at the mines to oversee the burning of today's dead. Sargent, see Lord Alexander and his retinue into the main hall. His men can rest in the barracks."

With that the Captain dips his head in respect to Lord Alexander and turns to leave. A second man comes forward and extends his arm to direct you though a set of large wooden doors into the fort's keep.

[JNAProductions]

"Charming place, really. Delightful atmosphere, and mass graves. How lovely," Dwilla says to no one in particular as she walks in with the rest.

[Fouredged Sword]

One of the guards following you crosses himself with Palors sunburst and mumbles "No graves. Orders are to burn them all to ash... Nothing left." A haunted look fills his eyes.

[neriractor]

Ira follows along, not really too keen on trying to get more information out of the guard or go on her own without any more info.

[JNAProductions]

One of the guards following you crosses himself with Palors sunburst and mumbles "No graves. Orders are to burn them all to ash... Nothing left." A haunted look fills his eyes.

Dwilla opens her mouth to say something flippant, but thinks better of it. Instead, she gives the guard a sincere look, saying "I'm sorry."

Scene end? Or is there more?

[Fouredged Sword]

You are lead to a large meeting hall. The soldier escorting you bows respectfully. "The Lord will be returning shortly. He address you as soon as he is available." He then shuts the door leaving you and Alexander alone.

Alexander turns. The polite look washes off his face and a scowl appears.

"Ok, something really nasty is going on here. Thoughts? I need to know what our best guesses are before Lord Fairhaven shows up."

[JNAProductions]

"I've not gathered much info. There's a plague, unlike that they've ever seen before. If I had to guess," Dwilla says, "It's not natural. Something fiendish might've taken hold of this place. But I can't say what-I'd have to examine more closely."

[roll0]

Knowledge: The Planes, seeing if I can get anything useful from this.

[Centaurion]

Raz

"A disease in the mines..." He slightly hesitates as illnesses are not his most profound subject of knowledge. "If I understood correctly, the source of the disease is yet unknown. Usually, diseases spread from patient to patient, or may be a reaction to exposure to something poisonous... The fact that it appears to spread suggests the first, but as they have not let any of the patients out of the mines, it could still be the second." Again, a short pause, as the wheels behind his forehead are grinding. "Of course, the phenomenon could also be the result of a vile -- most likely -- magical attack... Brain melting out of the inside... Maybe a parasite?" He hesitates and then concludes: "Based on our sparse knowledge, we can't do more than wild guesses, unless someone is telling us more about the actual incidents, the outbreak, the symptoms and other characteristics. In my opinion, the best option would be to collect this information and relay this information to experts. Until these experts arrive, we should support the local troops in ensuring that the disease does not spread, and see if we can find evidence or at least hints about the origin of the disease. If it is not a natural phenomenon but an attack, we shall see if we can eliminate the threat."

[Silverphantasm]

I'd like to investigate the mines or speak with the people who first realized what was happening. Anything to get actual information rather then what has been allowed to be spoken by a guard, something isn't right, as Raz pointed out a disease or outbreak is usually capable of being contained, but if it's still spreading then someone or something is spreading it, and it isn't contained to the mines, further.... I'm not a medical or magical expert, but if a general is surprised by the enemy force he won't sacrifice all his men to delay them, without getting out a series of messages to make sure someone knows. So either Fairhaven or one of his underlings purposefully is keeping this contained, or someone or something is actively preventing communication, in which case they'll have to reveal themselves before long.

Frowning slightly as another thought passed through his mind,

Also it's terribly inept, that they let us in before telling us about the plague, they could have yelled it from the ramparts or sent a scroll before we came in, or hung a banner with a skull, anything to actually communicate, but they let us in so we couldn't leave.

[Fouredged Sword]

Alexander nods, a grim expression on his face. "I agree. Something is going on here, deeper than just a sickness. First we need to determine if Fairhaven is caught up in this as a conspirator or victim. Now let me question him when he arrives. I have the rank needed to compel..."

He is interrupted by the door opening to admit Lord Fairhaven and three people in black full body robes and veils that cover their entire faces. One who walks beside Lord Fairhaven has his veil pulled aside and tossed over his shoulder to reveal a face quite pale, as if it has not seen sun for many years. After a brief moment you realize that these must be the selfless healers who you have heard. They are probably caught up in this as well. If there is anyone suspicious it is the one without a face covering.

Fairhaven is the first to speak. "Alexander! I wondered when my cousin would get around to sending more people than just messengers. I wish I had better news. Unfortunately there are signs the sickness reaches beyond the walls. I had to give the order that any who reach the walls are to be confined. The first messenger died his first night here. The healers assure me that means he was infected before his arrival. I hope you being here means it hasn't spread to Riverport yet."


"Riverport is well. Tell me, who are these healers and where did you find them just as you discovered such a sickness?" Alexander is clearly suspicious of the healers, but his job is to be suspicious regardless of the individual.

Lord Fairhaven raises a finger to speak but he is interrupted my the sensation of hammers pounding the inside of everyone's heads. Everyone freezes, unable to move. (stun 4 rounds) Everyone except the healers.

The unveiled one turns to the others. He speak, his voice clearly reverent. "My lords, why now?... Yes, I see, things will escalate from here... Of course... Yes, the four seem interesting. I will deal with the bodies of the nobles after I secure the others."

He reaches into his robe and draws a box with flasks that appear to be common acid. He sets them aside and with his other hand raises a sap. More hammers pound your mind, the pain turns your body into a puppet with cut strings. Raz is the first to fall under his enthusiastic ministrations, the sack of shot swinging wildly on it's defenseless target. The others remain awake long enough to see the other three "healers" remove their veils.

There is no humanity there, just four horrible tentacles around a beak like mouth. Two of them decend on the lords while the third just watches you, the hammer like sensation falling like clockwork while their thrall works diligently to render you unconscious. The last thing you hear as you fade to black is their thrall.

"Of course my lords. This will just be a horrible sickness that claimed many miners and the town lord. It won't even be questioned as he has been seen entering the mines so commonly. We will take these four and..."

................................ Time passes ............................

You wake up to blackness. You jump awake in a dark 20ft x 20ft cell. The only light comes from moss along the walls that glows slightly, casing everything into a faint glow. All of your equipment except for your armor has been taken. Even items you may have had hidden. It is clear that something preformed a through search of you, taking everything save for what is literally the clothes on your back.

[JNAProductions]

Eeurgh... Head... Pain... Dwilla lets out. She pats herself down, and sighs a little. At least we have clothes. Right-let's figure out what's going on.

Dwilla begins a thorough examination of the room, scrounging around for anything that might be useful.

22 on a Search check, since I'm taking 20.

[Fouredged Sword]

You discover that one corner of your cell contains a small stream of water that pours down from some crack of crevice in the cavern above in the darkness. The droplets fall with enough spread to suggest the roof just above the 20ft roof of your cage. The water falls into a small pool before running into small hole in the floor.

This seems like a primitive sink and toilet.

Beyond that the cell is bare. One whole side seems to be a door, but it is bolted securely shut and a large lock holds it shut. As your eyes adjust to the darkness you can see you are in a line of cells, each set about 20ft apart. The cells futher than right next to you on ether side are too far to see in the darkness, but figures in the cells directly next to you can be seen. On one side you can see what looks like a solitary troll sitting quietly, having long since given up struggling with the thick bars. The other contains... is that an elf? It's skin is solid black and shows up in the darkness are more of an outline than shape.

[Centaurion]

Raz

"What... My head. The pain. What was that?" His words come low and pressed, as he slowly pushes himself up from the floor. Then, as if he is just now remembering his ability, he changes to telepathic communication:

{(Group) Is everyone alright?}

He stumbles to the door to check out its material and then checks the complete cell.

{(Group) Should we make contact with our fellow prisoners?}

[Fouredged Sword]

Raz can see further in the darkness due to low light vision. The next cages on each side of the ones right next to yours have humans, 4 in each cell. They look bored, like they have been here a while. You can make out what looks like simple hard worn clothing.

[Centaurion]

Raz relays his knowledge about Drow, Trolls and also the fact that there are further humans, telepathically. He thinks about whether his firebreath could burn through the door.

[JNAProductions]

"Sure, why not? Hey-you lot!" Dwilla calls out to the other cells. "What's going on here? Do you know anything?"

[Silverphantasm]

Having woken slower then the rest, Leon rolled over and hopped to his feet, the sudden movement jarring with Dwilla's call, "Barzul", he muttered, his favorite dwarvish profanity. He glanced around taking in the surroundings, before standing before the lock and examining it. "Anyone got a pick, or any talent at locks?" He glanced down at his hands wondering.

[Centaurion]

Raz

"I had tools, but they took them." He answers lowly. "Also, I know traps, but locks are not my expertise."

[Fouredged Sword]

All the creatures turn and look at Dwilla when she shouts. Rather than call back, the nearby troll and Drow both cringe back and hide in the corners of their cells. Out of the darkness to one side (from one of the cells with humans) you hear a response.

"Quiet! Please!" the speaker projects a whisper that carries in the quiet cavern. "Every time someone yells they come drag one of us off!"

Listen DC 20

The drow mumbles something to herself

Undercommon language known

"Stupid humans. Lolth please don't let the dumb creatures mess up my rescue."

[Centaurion]

Raz hears a mumble but can't be sure who it came from. He then focuses for a moment and broadcasts to everyone he can see in a range of 100ft.

{(Prisoners United) "Do not be afraid, I am one of the new prisoners. My name is Raz. We promise to be quiet, but please, we need to know all you can tell us. You don't have to speak up, you can simply answer in thought. If we work together, we may find a way out. I have a very strong friend here with me, who might be able to punch through the door. Please, if you know what is going on here, where we are, who our captors are - everything you know can be very helpful. I will now address you one by one because my tiny mind is not able to process if you all send me a message at the same time."}

Raz then does as promised, addressing them one by one, asking them what they know. He then relays the answers to his comrades.

[Fouredged Sword]

You get a jumble of responses all at once as a number of creatures all broadcast all at once.

{Punch though the door!? That's absurd!}

{How the blazes is that supposed to work? Think at you? Listen, on the off chance that this is working, we have been here a week. It's these squid looking things and their giant bug guards. I was in Fairhaven, working off my debt when they took us. I'm not sure how we got here. I... I think they are eating us. Please, please help!}

{Thinky man foolish. Cannot fight brain squid. Cannot fight hulky bugs. Brain squid eat useless. Brain squid eat noisy. Fighting makes them hungry. Just give up, live longer.}


{Telepathy?... Interesting. The Matriarch will be interested in you. Don't rile the flayers up and we can see about getting you out while we are there.}

[Centaurion]

Raz closes his eyes. He should have known that it would not work that easily. Again, he addresses each of those who answered, waiting until they have answered, relaying everything to the rest of the group, and THEN answering the next.


{Punch though the door!? That's absurd!}
{Maybe. Has anyone ever tried that before? What do you know about the guards? How long are you here?}


{How the blazes is that supposed to work? Think at you? Listen, on the off chance that this is working, we have been here a week. It's these squid looking things and their giant bug guards. I was in Fairhaven, working off my debt when they took us. I'm not sure how we got here. I... I think they are eating us. Please, please help!}

{We are serving the crown, and will do all in our power to get us all out of here. We came to Fairhaven to see what was wrong, and walked into a trap. What can you tell us about the bug guards? Are they coming regularly? Could you make out patterns in their behavior? Anything could help.}


{Thinky man foolish. Cannot fight brain squid. Cannot fight hulky bugs. Brain squid eat useless. Brain squid eat noisy. Fighting makes them hungry. Just give up, live longer.}
{Okay. I may be a fool, but I don't want to be eaten. For now, we'll be quiet. But we are not giving up. What do you mean with useless? What are they using you for?}


{Telepathy?... Interesting. The Matriarch will be interested in you. Don't rile the flayers up and we can see about getting you out while we are there.}
{I would have hoped that our two peoples would have made contact under different circumstances. You appear to be the most intelligent and educated here. It even sounds as if you had a plan to escape. What is there to know about this place?}

[Silverphantasm]

Walking over to the cage door, Leon flexed his fingers, "I wish I had a better idea then this, but I'm not interested in sitting around, plus Sir Alexander could be in trouble, this might make a bit of noise, I'd reckon it'll take a few hits each to get a bar out, Ira, Dwilla, could one of you try and grab it, when it's lose? They'd make nice clubs."

He positioned himself in front of the bars, aligned his wrist with his forearm then lashed out twisting his whole body into the motion, after striking the bar he withdrew his arm and assumed an "en garde" stance, his usual cocky stance to expedite using his techniques.

Spending a Full round to auto hit, deal bone-crusher while in punishing stance, then spend a Full round action making "flourish" maneuvers to re-ready.
I think 10 blows will cover it, so a grand total of 2 min, half striking it, half recovering, (unless I can recover as a swift during that attack round).

[roll0] +[roll1]
[roll2] +[roll3]
[roll4] +[roll5]
[roll6] +[roll7]
[roll8] +[roll9]
[roll10] +[roll11]
[roll12] +[roll13]
[roll14] +[roll15]
[roll16] +[roll17]
[roll18] +[roll19]

[neriractor]

Ira woke up, with a small migraine and luckily was alerted by Raz to not yell after letting her know what was going on, she quickly moved to where Leon was punching the bars, and whispered to his ears: "back off" before pushing him out of the way and letting out a wave of acid on all the bars of that side.

breath weapon attack on the bars he was punching plus all others on that side.
damage: [roll0] is acid, so it damages objects as it would creatures, and I figured Ira would just know that.
reload in: [roll1] rounds
Int check to replace the know(arc and eng): [roll2]
knowledge (arcana) to learn where Raz´s telepathy and abilities come from: [roll3]

[JNAProductions]

"I don't need a club. But thanks."

[Fouredged Sword]

The first blow rings loudly in the cavern. The second follows a short while later. The fourth snaps the bar.

Without support top segment of the bar falls out, and the bottom lifts out. You suspect you can squeeze though the bars.

Unfortunately your noise making was noticed.

Almost as soon as you get the first bar out of place two giant 8ft tall hulking monsters rush into the room to examine the commotion.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3P4DyWveIpA/TdwLUgXCVjI/AAAAAAAAAHo/MdSvwFmwoe4/s1600/umberhulk3.jpg
knowledge dungeoneering DC 18

Those are Umber Hulks
DC 23

Their gaze causes confusion at close range.



Worse, a Mindflayer glides in in their wake, malevolent eyes alert. It sees the broken bar of the cage and points a single finger. The two insect monsters turn. You can only make them out because the mindflayer is lit by an glowing light.

It will not take them long to reach your cell. State your actions round by round. Roll initiative.

[JNAProductions]

[roll0]

Dwilla swears under her breath as the guards come, and leaps for the ceiling. She flies up, and settles like a spider on the top of the cavern. Then, she begins to rain hell upon the targets.

Move directly up towards the ceiling (depending on how high, outside the cell) and cling to the ceiling with Spider Climb. Then, either Eldritch Blast. Target priority is as follows:

1) Flayer within 30'
2) Big thing within 30' (preferring targets already attacked or going to be attacked by allies)
3) Flayer if it's further than 30'
4) Big thing further than 30'

To hit: [roll1] +1 if within 30', thanks to Point Blank Shot.
Damage: [roll2] +1 if within 30' again.

[neriractor]

Ira grabs the bar that fell off and focus remembering her training as she lets a small wave of magical energy surge through her and her allies, forming an invisible and varely noticeable shell around their bodies. She then tries to brute force her way between the bars, not really known for being nimble.

not sure if I ever said that senses is the aura I keep on but I´ll roll the initiative without the bonus, in case I said it everyone gets a +2 to their initiative. Either way, swift action to change my draconic aura to toughness so everyone in the group (within 30 ft) has damage reduction 2/magic, move action to pick up the bar, and move action to try and squeeze outside the cage, I figure a escape artist check does it?

initiative: [roll0]
escape artist: [roll1]

[Silverphantasm]

As the insectoid creature entered the hallway Leon began squeezing thru the bars, making sure to keep himself aware of the beetle-headed gorilla.

"You lot know anything useful about bug breath that I should know before we start dancing?"

Pulling himself free from the bars, Leon assumed his previous power stance, raising both fists and preparing for a rather difficult fight.


Assuming I can squeeze thru as a double move or Full round action. I retain dexterity via uncanny dodge, so AC shouldn't be to low, did we get to keep shields?
Initiative: [roll0]

[Fouredged Sword]

A female drow sudden appears littertally out of thin air next to the cage holding the single drow. A string of what sounds like cursing flows from her lips.

Undercommon

Going LOUD!
Damn blind apes couldn't JUST KEEP QUIET.


She aims a crossbow and fires with accuracy. The bolt embeds itself into the shoulder of the mind flayer. While it couldn't have been a lethal hit the Illithid still drops bonelessly to the ground. The drow in the cell reaches though the bars and pulls something from the first drow's belt before rushing over to the lock and prepares to do something.

Raz mumbles and waves his hands. Suddenly lights appear and dance around near the door of the cage.

The first Umber Hulk move forward with slow deliberation, passing out of the little bubble of light around the now unconscious flayer. It move forward 40ft and is now in shadowy illumination.

Leon squeezes though the bars (roll 2+3 dex). Ira, on the other hand, fails to squeeze though. The second Umberhulk advances, following the first. A second drow appears out of thin air next to the first and fires a bolt at the first Umber hulk. It bounces off the creature's hard carapace harmlessly.

Dwilla launches herself up and glues herself to the roof of the cage. Unfortunately nothing is within range of her blast. Please choose another action or to delay until something comes within range.

[Centaurion]

After making light, Raz appears to remember something and quickly communicates to the prisoners:

{(Prisoners) Careful when you look at them, their gaze can confuse you.} With this, he averts his own eyes from the incoming creatures, thinking of how to continue. Yes, slowing them down would probably help once they were in reach.

[JNAProductions]

Dwilla mutters more swears, and, seeing as nothing is in range, surrounds herself with an Entropic Field, so as to prevent any projectiles from striking her. She thinks back to Raz, mentally saying {Does it have any kind of range, or is it unlimited?}

[Centaurion]

Dwilla mutters more swears, and, seeing as nothing is in range, surrounds herself with an Entropic Field, so as to prevent any projectiles from striking her. She thinks back to Raz, mentally saying {Does it have any kind of range, or is it unlimited?}

{(Dwilla) Short. No idea how short though.}


Just a short out-of-turn-speech.

[Fouredged Sword]

Dwilla takes a moment to envelope herself in a defensive application of her power. It isn't a moment longer than the first drow fires his second bolt. It sinks into the shoulder of the second Umber Hulk without the giant insect seeming to notice. (3 damage) Whatever felled the Mindflayer has little effect on the beast. The drow prisoner reveals the object she took as a scroll. She reads the scroll quickly causing a loud BANG as he cage flies open. (a knock spell for those who have spellcraft) The first hulk rushes forwards, ignoring the drow shooting at it's companion. It is now 40ft from the party.

Raz takes a moment to slip thought the hole and stand next to Leon.

Who takes that as a sign that it is time to punch a bug in the face. He charges forward. As he rushes foward the monster's face seems to twist along with space and time. Leon fails to resist the effect, and that fills him with rage. He finishes his charge and punches the giant bug in the face. It makes a swipe at him as he passes though it's reach, clawing him for a nasty 11 damage. A satisfying crunch sounds as he lands his fist into it's torso (6 damage).

-------------------- The battle continues

Need actions for the remainder of initiative.

Neriractor - dandelia "Ira" luxaphie - Initiative 17
Umber Hulk 2 - Initiative 10
Mind Flayer - Initiative 10
Unknown 2 - Initiative 8
JNA Productions - Dwilla - Initiative 4

[JNAProductions]

Dwilla begins to crawl forwards along the ceiling, heading out of the cage through the hole made earlier by her companion, aiming to find a better perch. She takes a moment to fire a bolt of energy at one of the creatures, though.

Going for the corridor ceiling, if possible. Also Eldritch Blast:

[roll0]
[roll1]

+1 to both if within 30'.

[neriractor]

Ira grudgingly decides to take her time leaving the cage seeing her previous failure.

just taking a double move to pass, not sure if I need any checks but I´ll do a roll just in case:

[roll0]

[Fouredged Sword]

Ira again fails to squeeze thought the bars of the cage. The second Umber Hulk decides that the first has the escaping humans in hand and moves towards the drow. The last drow incants a spell. A swirl of magic envelopes the second Umber Hulk, but does nothing.

Dwilla takes the moment to slip out of the cage.

Unknown 1 - Initiative 25

The first drow makes a frustrated sound and also casts a spell. A large monstrous spider materializes between her and the Umber Hulk. It immediately webs the hulk. The drow prisoner retreats behind her rescue party and grabs a dagger out of the belt of the female.

Raz takes a deep breath and, after a quick re-position expels a line of sticky burning ooze. The flame blazes like a torch as it entangles the Umberhulk (2 damage). As he lifts his eyes to target the blast the world twists. He forces his mind to clear though force of will.

The hulk ignores the flames and attacks the target in front of it. Leon takes another 11 damage.

This seems to shake Leon into a moment of clarity. Power and diciplin surge though him, cleansing his mind of the confusion. He rears his fist back and drives it forcefully into the beast, smashing it for 22 points of damage. The beast shudders as it's whole skeleton seems to vibrate with the blow.

..........

Neriractor - dandelia "Ira" luxaphie - Initiative 17
Umber Hulk 2 - Initiative 10
Mind Flayer - Initiative 10
Unknown 2 - Initiative 8
JNA Productions - Dwilla - Initiative 4

[JNAProductions]

Um... What about my Eldritch Blast?

[Fouredged Sword]

Ira finally manages to maneuver though the bars. The second Umber hulk moves slowly towards the giant spider and takes a swing at it with it's claw. It misses. The male drow incants again and points. A dark colored ray flies out of his finger and strikes the second Umber Hulk. The Hulk doesn't look hurt, but sags visibly. (spellcraft to tell the spell is ray of exhaustion)

Dwilla flies to the top of the cavern and shoots the Umber Hulk with her dark magic. The blast deals a solid blow (13 damage).

----

End of round. State your new actions if you have not already done so.

[JNAProductions]

{Hey, let everyone on our side know to cover their ears. I'm about to let loose,} Dwilla sends mentally to Raz. Once she sees everyone ready for her, she opens her mouth and speaks a word of fell power, shattering the lock on the troll's cage.

Shatter on his door, obviously.

[Centaurion]

{(All prisoners in range) Cover your ears, it's going to get loud. We'll blast the door open.}

Raz then tries to slow the umber hulks by letting out a cone of crackling, cold fire.


The entangled Umber hulk takes [roll0] at the start at my turn.

Using breath weapon with Slow Breath tacked on. No damage, but Fortitude DC 17 fort save.

"Rather than dealing damage, your breath weapon slows all creatures in its area for 2 rounds. A successful Fortitude save reduces the duration to 1 round. A slowed creature can take a single move action or standard action each turn, but not both (nor can it take full-round actions). Additionally, it takes a -1 penalty to its Armor Class and on its attack rolls and Reflex saves. A slowed creature moves at half its normal speed (round down to the next 5-foot increment), which affects the creature's jumping distance as normal for decreased speed."

If it is possible to get both umber hulks in a 15ft cone and no bystanders (except for the team of us who is protected anyway) by moving, I will do so.

[Fouredged Sword]

The Drow female flashes hand signs and points in the direction of the party. She then casts a spell causing a swarm of spiders to materialize around the Umber Hulk fighting the spider she summoned. The swarm flows over the already webbed hulk, biting and stinging. It takes only minor damage, but recoils in disgust. Her summon attempts to sink it's fangs into the threat. The fangs glisten as they sink into the neck of the beast, blood flows freely (crit 21 damage, poison for 2 str damage).

Raz cannot get both Umber Hulks into range of a single breath weapon, so he doesn't try. Instead he breathes a cloud of gas at the one facing Leon as it burns for 4 damage. The gas takes hold and the monster slows (failed save).

It does not stop though. It raises a claw and swipes at Leon. Entangled as it is, the swipe misses the nimble human. Slowed as it is, it cannot attempt a second swipe. Leon snaps a quick but ineffective punch and readies himself for another big hit.

--- Need Ira's action. If I missed the post, just point me to it or re-post your action.

Rest of the turn to go up later. Spoiled so I don't have to rewrite it.

The second Umber Hulk is unable to do more than stand and helplessly struggle with the swarm covering it.

The Drow male shrugs and turns to the Umber Hulk facing your group. He chants and again a dark ray shoots out, striking the Umber Hulk. The giant bug sags noticeably. It is now exhausted, slowed, entangled, and weak to crits.

Dwilla utters a word that hurts everyone's ears. The lock bar of the Troll's cage turns to metal shards as the gate swings open. The troll stands, looking confused and hopeful, and yet at the same time obviously terrified.

[neriractor]

Ira is glad to finally be free from the cage and walks towards the unber hulk near leon, speaking in the tongue of her ancester as she grins and moves proudly, confidence dripping of her as if she fought the bugs on a daily basis. she sniffs on the way, the smoke from Raz´s fire filling the air (draconic) "Your smell... it reminds me, I haven´t eaten in a while." her tongue slips amongst her teeth as she thinks of a roast.

going for a demoralize check, don´t really think the umber hulk understands draconic but intimidate isn´t a language dependent skill.

intimidate (taking in the -4 for the difference in size): [roll0] -4: 40

if the demoralize attempt is a success the umberhulk will cower for one round and then be shaken for another (if he lives that much) thanks to Imperious Command.

[JNAProductions]

You-troll! Dwilla says, gesturing at it in case it doesn't understand Common. Fight! she adds, pointing to one of the umber hulks. She follows the motion up with an attack of her own, sending magical force at the beast.

[roll0]
[roll1]

Point Blank Shot, as usual.

[Fouredged Sword]

Ira strides forward, stopping outside the maddening gaze of the Umber Hulk, she gathers herself. Suddenly she seems more dragon than human. The old parts of every living thing's mind remembers the fear of the first hunters. The room echos with the unspoken roar. 'I am death, fear me.'

And the Umber Hulk flinches. Under Ira's raw boiling presence the Umber Hulk can do nothing but cower in place.

The second Umber Hulk is unable to do more than stand and helplessly struggle with the swarm covering it.

The Drow male's jaw drops. The spell he was about to cast dies on his lips.

Dwilla utters a word that hurts everyone's ears. The lock bar of the Troll's cage turns to metal shards as the gate swings open. The troll stands, looking confused and hopeful, and yet at the same time obviously terrified.

[Centaurion]

Raz

For a moment, Raz freezes hearing Ira speaking in dragon's tongue. The way she spoke was worse than what she actually said. He feels something primal awake in him, neither decisively in favor nor in despise of her. A strange feeling of connection and also being miles apart. Breathing in deeply, he shakes off these thoughts and instead unloads dragonfire on the slowed (and entangled?) umber hulk.


the entangled umber hulk takes [roll0] fire damage from my entangling exhalation, no save.
the slowed umber hulk (i think it's the same?) takes [roll1] fire damage, Reflex DC 17, half. Using cone 15ft or line 30ft whatever hits him and does not hit any allies apart from the PC group (they're protected anyway). But I don't want to burn away the swarm if possible.

[JNAProductions]

Dwilla takes aim and fires, hoping to finish one of them off.

[roll0]
[roll1]

[Fouredged Sword]

The drow female continues her concentration while her swarm and summoned spider attack. The large spider bites (11 damage) and the swarm swarms (5 damage), but the Hulk, though exhausted, is regains it's wits.

The drow prisoner tumbles into a flanking position with the spider and strikes the Hulk. In the chaos her strike misses.

Centaurion - Raz Nightingale - Initiative 19

Raz spews more fire at the Umber Hulk facing his group, burning it harshly (3 damage from entangle, 11 from breath). Leon delivers a crushing blow for massive damage (24 damage). It rocks back on it's massive frame, ichor like blood flows freely. It is clear the beast is nearly dead.

--- Remaining initiatives.

Neriractor - dandelia "Ira" luxaphie - Initiative 17
Umber Hulk 2 - Initiative 10
Unknown 2 - Initiative 8
JNA Productions - Dwilla - Initiative 4

[neriractor]

Ira smiles, satisfied with the creature´s reaction. As it whimpers and struggles with the pain of a new breath of fire crashing towards it she takes a moment to enjoy their work before moving ahead, to where her real captor lies, walking firmly towards the illithid.

taking a double move and hoping the 40 ft put me close enough to the mindflayer to do anything.

[Fouredged Sword]

Ira strides forward, ignoring the cowering Umber Hulk and takes a closer look at the Mind Flayer. She get's within 60ft of it. It looks to be sleeping despite the crossbow bolt sticking out of it's shoulder.

The second Umber hulk swings at the large spider summon. The distracting swarm, exhaustion, and poison do their work though, and it is unable to connect.

The male drow rushes over to Ira. He raises his hand in the universal sign for stop and speaks in draconic. "Don't touch it. Don't wake it or kill it. If it wake, it will call for help and kill us all. If it dies, the others will feel it and it's death will do the same. The poison will keep it under long enough for us to make our escape. Gather your companion and armsmen and we must leave. We have food and safety if you follow. Come with us or go, ether way we must go quickly."

Dwilla on the other hand, finishes off the Umber Hulk. A bolt of fell magic flies from the tip of her finger and neatly spreads the Umber Hulk's face over the ground behind it. The giant bug drops like a puppet with it's strings cut. The flames on it's burning corpse fill the air with an acrid smoke as they start to burn down.

[JNAProductions]

Dwilla drops from above, wings flaring to catch her fall. Right-what do you know of this place? What can you tell us, so we're better prepared?

[neriractor]

Ira looks back, shocked at the mistake she was just about to make, she smiles to the dark skinned elf, not recognizing the blood on him but feeling some kinship to those who study the tongue she responds as she walks, nearing the (now death) umber hulk once again (draconic)"thanks for the warning, I don´t see any problem with leaving together I´ll check in with my group´and see if any of them will be going on their own path." with that she turns to the group and talks in a low voice, just in case (common)"I gotta say, plenty impressed with you guys, you are probably the best I´ve seen in my little time in the guard. ahem, The fellow over there is of the opinion that we should be leaving and I´m inclined to agree, he is offering food and safety if we go with them and I think that´s our best bet, should we?"

[Centaurion]

Raz nods at Ira's suggestion.

"We need to take the others, though."

{(Prisoners remaining in the cells) This our one chance to regain our freedom. Come out of the cage and leave with us. Now.}

{(Dwilla) Nice shot! Can you take down the other bug as well? We might need all allies we can down here.}

{(PCs) Can't say I fully trust those people. Leon, what marching order do you suggest?}

[JNAProductions]

I was under the impression that both Hulks were dead?

Here-let me get the rest of the cell doors. Everyone, ears again, Dwilla says, before rolling Dark Speech around in her mouth.

Shatter on any remaining cells with prisoners in them.

[Centaurion]

Raz again tells all present allies to cover their ears.

[JNAProductions]

After Shattering the locks, Dwilla starts pumping blast after blast into the last surviving Hulk, not stopping until it's very clearly dead.

[Fouredged Sword]

Several rounds of combat pass. The female drow and the ex-prisoner slowly fight the Umber Hulk to a stand still. It manages to rip the giant spider to pieces only for the male drow to replace it with some sort of quilled demon. Surrounded and harried, the giant insect aberration dies a painful death.

The party spends it's time freeing the prisoners. The lock bars of the two cells are shattered and the prisoners are freed. Unfortunately there are no signs of Alexander or Fairhaven. You fear they are dead, eaten as you where taken prisoner. Most of the prisoners are clearly miners, dressed in the rough clothing and with dirty and calloused hands. It is clear that they have been here for days in the least. Many seem thin and malnourished. There is only one exception. A tired looking woman dressed in a nun's habit with the sign of Zarus, clearly one of the missing church members from Fairhaven.

The troll remains in it's cage despite the door being opened.

You have just rounded up all the prisoners. The female drow caster ignores the party. She simply takes the prisoner drow by the hand and leads her directly though a solid segment of the wall. As she does so, it becomes clear that the wall is an illusion and a small crevice has been shaped into the surface. The male drow pauses and nods his head apologetically before speaking in Draconic. "Lady Agella is hasty to return to the Spire. Please, we can offer safety that few others can offer. House Arameth will be grateful if you are involved in the rescue of one of her daughters, and would likely offer matronage. If not, I believe I can talk the men's collage into affording assistance to such capable warriors in return for services you may provide. We are a humble group, but we hold sway with many high houses for our neutrality if not our power. We will have to close this passage behind us. Umber Hulks are fast diggers. We must leave no trace of our passing.

he then turns and follows the females though the passage.

You are now standing with 15 miners, 1 cleric and one troll who will not leave his cage in a prisoner hold of a mindflayer colony.

[Centaurion]

Raz Nightingale

Raz tries to round up the rest of the prisoners to follow the group, making sure everyone can walk, etc. Once this is cleared, he goes to the troll. Of course, it is a monster. Uncivilized. But the visible brokenness of the creature still plants a seed of pity into Raz' mind. Also, this could offer a new opportunity to learn more about trolls and their ways of thinking. If nothing else, the big guy could also serve a potential ally down here, wherever "here" actually is.

Remembering the apparent intellectual might of the troll, he uses rather short sentences.

{(Troll) Please, listen. You could be free again. We all leave this horrible place. No reason you stay here alone. Together we're strong. Come, quick! Before more bugs come.}


(Rushed?) Diplomacy check: [roll0] (-10 for rushed).

[JNAProductions]

Dwilla looks at the retreating form of the drow. Do we trust them?

...

Do we have any other choice?

[Centaurion]

Raz looks at Dwilla.

"Of course not. Regarding both."

[neriractor]

Ira taps her foot impatiently, waiting for Raz to get the brute out of the cage, she answers Dwilla without looking "following the only escape route We're aware of is a given. trust is for your equals, if you find yourself equal to them do as you please with your trust."

[Silverphantasm]

Reviewing the cages for either Sir Alexander or the other guard members, Leon let out a small grunt of frustration, before answering Raz's mental query. "I'd rather not abandon Sir Alexander, but our gear is probably halfway across the castle or more, and if what she says," gesturing to the female drow "we might get another one of those squid faces at anytime. I know dwarves not elves, so while I don't trust them, they are at least getting us out of here, for now the enemy of my enemy is my.....grudging associate."