Module: Quest for the Unknown

Rogahn the Fearless and Zelligar the Unknown are legendary names.  Even you, a young fledgling raised far from the great cities of Garweeze Wurld, know of their reputation – even though their tale begins years ago.  The elders and the sages speak both names with respect, even awe, in a distant admiration for the two legendary figures.

                You have heard parts of the story before, but never enough to know all of it, or even what is true and what is only legend or speculation.  But it is a great and fascinating beginning in your own quest to learn more.

                Rogahn the Fearless earned his name as a great warrior, and his reputation spread far and wide across the land.  Zelligar the Unknown, equally renowned, earned his respected status and power as a foremost practitioner of the mystical arts of magic and sorcery.

                No one knows what occurrences or coincidence brought these two men together, but tales tell of their meeting and forming a strong bond of friendship, a union that would last for the ages.  As this occurred, legend has it, the two men virtually disappeared from the view of civilization.  Stories occasionally surfaced about a rumored hideaway being built deep in the wilderness, far from the nearest settlement, away from traveled routes, and high upon a craggy hill – but no one seemed to know any more than that, or where this supposed hideaway was really located, or indeed if it was.  No one knows for sure, but some say their motive was to pursue the common goals of personal greed and some kind of vague (or chaotic) evil.  In any case, they jointly led a hermit life with but a few occasional forays into the outside world to add to their own reputations.

                Many years passed, until one day a great gnome-titan invasion came from the lands to the northwest, threatening to engulf the Meletian Kingdom with the excessive carousing and oppression of the unchecked gnome-titan horde.  Just when things seemed the darkest, Rogahn the Fearless and Zelligar the Unknown made their unexpected yet most welcome reappearance.  Joining their powerful forces, they and their band of loyal henchmen met the gnome-titan army in a great battle at a narrow pass in the hills, and decisively turned back the invasion.  Rogahn slew a horde of the little guys single-handedly and Zelligar’s powerful magic put the army to flight.  It was a great victory, and a grateful populace of Frandor rewarded the pair and their consorts with considerable treasure.  After that, the two heroes returned to their hideaway, and rumor has it that the spoils of victory were spent to further its construction, although some of it may yet be hidden somewhere.

                The most exciting portions of the legend are the most recent.  Last year, Rogahn and Zelligar apparently decided upon a joint foray into the lands of the hated Gnome Protectorates.  Taking most of their henchmen and associates along with them in a great armed band, the two personages, it seems, disappeared into the forbidding little-folk lands to the northwest on a great adventure which come say may have been asked by the very gawds themselves.

                Word just reaching civilization tells of some great battle in the gnome-titan lands where the legendary Rogahn and Zelligar may have met their demise.  This rumored clash must have occurred some months ago, and there are few details – and no substantiation of the story.  The only thing certain is that, if all this is true, Rogahn and Zelligar have left their secret base virtually unguarded…if only one had the knowledge and wherewithal to find their hideaway, he would have great things to explore!

                Now, just recently, came the most promising bit of information – a crude map purporting to show the way to the hideaway of the two men, a place apparently called “Q.”  One of your acquaintances has this map, and if its accurate, it could perhaps lead you to the mythic place that was their home and sanctuary.  Who knows what riches of wealth and magic might be there for the taking?  Yes, the risk is great, especially since the pair may yet still be alive and might even return any day, but the challenge cannot be ignored.  Besides, others may get there first if you tarry long.  Gathering a few of your fellows, you share the secret and embark on a Quest for the Unknown…

 

Characters:

Celesa - a beautiful Sylvan Elf Thief apprentice in leather armor over fine leather

garments and armed with a longsword, a dagger and a light crossbow.  Has a riding horse

Jakob Verlinder - a butt ugly one-armed Human veteran wearing studded leather armor

over common garments with a good cloth cloak. Armed with a longsword, dagger, magic dagger +1 and spear.

Orlen Thargish

Taread

 

The door to the tavern opens and tall figure can be seen filling the doorway. He steps into the common room, unceremoniously dropping some saddle bags to the floor at his feet. The man's age is hard to figure out at first. He has a large, craggy nose and small, dark, deep-set eyes. In fact, his eyes are hard to see at all in the shadowy light of the tavern. He wears a scraggly beard black beard and his shoulder length hair hangs around his face. When he sees the adventurers, he smiles, revealing large white teeth. Instead of helping his shiftless appearance, they make him look like a predatory animal. Leaving his equipment by the door, he strides across the floor towards the party. As he moves, his ringmail armor clinks loudly, as does the scabbard of his longsword against his leg.
                "You must be the ones I heard about. The thwarters of the wickedness I've heard while traveling through these parts. The name's Orlen. Orlen Thargish. I just got into town, myself, but I heard several different conversations on the subject on my way here. I also heard you went out with more people than you came back with. A shame, is what it is, but certainly a part of this life of yours...of ours, actually."
                Orlen pauses for a moment, sizing up each member of the party quickly.
                "Let me get to the point. It appears you may vacancies in your band and I would like to help you with that. Help you in two ways. For one, I would like to fill one of those vacancies. For the second way, I'd like to keep there from being anymore vacancies created. You see, I am a Priest of Shona and Shona allows me a certain edge when it comes to this game of staying alive. Another roll of the dice, if you will. I'd like to help you in your endeavors, if you'll have me."

"Pequeno Muerte's the name tall one." Pequeno says hopping down from his chair.
                The black clad halfing approaches. His tattered padded armor showing silk clothing underneath. The shabby blue feather in his hat must have looked nice at one point in time....
                "It was a rough outing last time out but Jakob and myself managed to complete the task. Some people felt like resting..." he grins at Celesa.
                "Allow me to get you a tall ale while we discuss it, but first, did you say something about dice?"
                Orlen smiles, looking very wolfish.
                "Dice? Yes I did."
                The priest reaches into his faded blue cloak, but when he pulls his hand back out, he's holding nothing.
                "Well, I had some dice. Nice painted wooden pair. Must have lost 'em since the last game. Ah, well...we should find some. Shona is, afterall, the gawd of games and I wouldn't want to remiss in my prayers."
                As he speaks, a thin line of red drips down out of his left nostril. Almost absently, Orlen grabs a wiping rag from the bar and stuffs a corner of the cloth up his nose.

Pequeno seems distracted by the rag, and the mans nose...
                He stands there silently watching this unfold.....
                Awkwardly staring.....

And lest we not forget, you are given your reward of 200 gold pieces and need pay for no drink, meat nor room during your recovery in Laert.

Orlen notices Pequeno staring at his makeshift handkerchief.
                "Eh? Oh, I apologize. I've been traveling so long that I keep acting like no one else is around. I've got this nosebleed problem. I busted this nose up plenty as a boy. It's a big target, if you know what I mean? So, I tap it...or even breathe to heavy through it and...well you can see."
                Orlen dabs his nose a bit with the rag.
                "See? All better. Anyway, you were saying something about dicing. If I've found a gambling buddy and a traveling companion in one, well...I think we'll get along just fine."
                Orlen suddenly gets a better look at Celesa. His eyes become fixated and his grin becomes even more mischievous.
                "Well, hello. What is your name?"

"Ahh I see. I guess thats understandable." Pequeno says as the man explains.
                "Gambling, ahh yesss!" He continues but the man soon gets distracted by Celesa.

Celesa who was deep in thought, looks up from her wine. "Celesa, of Darkhaud. And you are?"
                Celesa's nose looks a little red as she stifles a sneeze. "By the Gawds, can't people use something other then silver?"
                Celesa looks back at the newcomer "I'm sorry that was rather rude of me, it has just been a very trying few days. Please sit and join us. What was your name again, I didn't catch it the first time."

Orlen trots back to the belongings he dumped on the floor and throws them over his shoulder. He brings them back to the the party's table and dumps them by his chair. Orlen sits, leaning back in his seat while stretching his long legs in front of him.
                "Orlen. My name is Orlen. Not as nice a name as Celesa but, really, what name is? Anyway, tell me about yourself..."
                The priest notices he is giving all his attention to the elf woman.
                "...all of you, I mean. Where are we headed next? That is, of course, if you allow me to accompany you."

Pequeno downs his third ale in one large gulp.
                He turns to the newcomer as he hears the question.
                "Huh? Oh, you talking to us?"

Orlen glances at the halfling.
                "Of course. I'm speaking to all of you. just trying to get myself acquainted with you all. Find out where we're going, what we're planning, what skills you all possess..."
                Orlen trails off a bit, his eyes falling on Jakob, then quickly looking away.
                "Oh, I'm sorry, sir. I didn't catch your name."

Pequeno waves a serving wench over.
                You overhear him requesting to have his 2 wineskins filled with water.

*Jakob Verlinder. A priest, eh? We could've used you here recently."

"We could have?" Pequeno asks Jakob.
                "I thought everything went fine." he smirks at Celesa.
                "You know, Celesa. I've been thinking about it.... And I dont think you should get that armor of yours fixed. It looks fine the way it is."
                Celesa looks at Pequeno with a mock glare. "Yes, I'm sure you all think it looks quite fine. However it doesn't really do much good in this condition, that last fight was a little too close for comfort if you ask me."

A man walks in, looking slightly bedraggled. He and his mostly-brown travelling clothes are dirty from the road, but you can tell he is a human. His head is completely bald, though he does have a goatee that is blond in color. His blue eyes sweep the room and he immediately heads to the bar. He appears to be unarmed, though there is a leather strap at his side that could be a sling.
                At the bar, he pulls out several things that look like hand-sized cards of some sort. He flips through a couple, and then holds one up to the bartender, followed by another one shortly thereafter. The bartender frowns and points back towards Celesa.
                The man smiles and holds up another card to the bartender and then makes his way over to the party's table. He gives a very beautiful smile and up close you can see he is better than average looking.
                He holds up a card that depicts the following words:
"Hello! My name is Taread. I am deaf, hence the cards. Please to meet you!"
                He waits until anyone who tries to read it appears done and then produces another card that reads:
                "I am a finder of lost articles, looking for work."

Pequeno leans in to Jakob...
                "looks like he lost his ears..."
                Then when the man can see Pequeno he points to Celesa.
                "Speak with her." he says slowly.

Taread shrugs and smiles since he was holding the cards up for all of them to see. He does then direct his attention more intently on Celesa, noting that she is very attractive but he'd been hurt by pretty girls before so he did nothing but wait for her reply.

Orlen looks at the fellow newcomer.
                "Ah...a finder of lost articles, eh? I'm not quite sure what that means. Um, do you read lips? Can...you...un...der...stand...me?"

Sorry, one point of clarification: At least that’s what the bartender tells you the cards say – you group of illiterates!

((This should be interesting since not a one of us can read. May the Gawds help us))

"Taread...can...you...read...lips? We...do...not...know...how...to...read...your...signs.
You...are...welcome...to...join...us."
                Celesa makes sure to say everything clearly and to make sure she is looking at Taread the whole time she speaks and then pulls out an empty chair from the table and offers it to Taread.

Taread makes a sigh, exaggerrating it slightly, to make sure you see it. He points at his eyes, then points at Celesa's lips, then shakes his head. Then he shrugs and frowns.

Orlen chuckles. Pulling the bloody rag from his nose, he smiles at Celesa.
                "So...he can't understand us. We can't understand him. Yet he wants to travel with us. I knew I was getting involved with the right company."
                Orlen stands and heads over to the bar.
                "One ale, please," he orders as he pushes a few copper across the bar. "Oh, if you have a pair of dice under there, I would appreciate if we could loan 'em for a while."

(This is hysterical. A deaf PC and the rest of us cant read.)
                Pequeno orders another round for the table.

"This should be interesting to say the least. We can't even tell him who we are or where we are going."
                Celesa pulls the map out of her bag and rolls it out on the table for Taread to see. Celesa points to herself and the others, then uses her fingers to show walking and points points to the Q on the map. Hoping that Taread understands what she is trying to say.

As Celesa is doing this, Pequeno dismounts from his chair. As if going to visit the privy.
                After doing so, he gets in behind the newcomer to test his so called deafness.
                He stands behind him and declares. "Reach for the sky! This is the watch!"

Taread leans over the map and watches Celesa closely. He frowns again, but then kind of half nods. Eyeing the others, he makes some gestures with his hands to see if anyone understands sign language.
                There is no reaction to Pequeno.

Celesa shrugs at the gestures and shakes her head. "Ok this is going to be harder then I thought." She says to no one in particular.

He sighs again. But then he brightens slightly and smiles. He reaches out, behind Celesa's ear and pulls out a copper piece, making the mock-surprised face of having just done a magic trick. He shrugs slightly, as if he knows it was dumb but was just trying to show he was good at something, and sits down.

Pequeno downs his (1,2,3,4, 5th ale) and stops momentarily to hang on to the table. By the look on his face the room is anything but still at the moment.
                "Perhaps I can get thru to our impaired new friend here. In the universal language of coin!"
                He reaches into his purse and produces a handful of gold coins (roughly 35) and plops them down on the table.
                A huge grin washes over his face. His bloodshot eyes go wide just seeing them. He reaches clumsily across the table to Celesa's map unrolled in front of her. He points at the Q with a stubby finger while staring intently at the deaf man. As if waiting for him to respond. Then he moves his hand back to the gold on the table in front of him and points at it.
                He waits a moment then stretches his arms out wide as if to indicate how much gold they would find. As he does he leans too far back on his stool and falls loudly to the floor beneath.

Taread blinks in surprise and leans over the table to see better and then nods, but you get the feeling he kind of understand what Celesa meant earlier.

*Jakob's eyebrows suddenly raise up, and he leans over to find something that denotes the town. as soon as he's fairly certain that he's found what he's looking for, he motions for Taread's attention. As soon as taread notices, Jakob throws his right arm and the stump of his left open wide, to indicate everyone there. He then points to the place where he's sure the town is. He follows this by indicating the party by counting each member, and makes a motion imitating walking with his index and middle finger. The "Walking" starts at the town (?) and ends at the "Q".*

Orlen leans over to look at the presentation for Taread, as he has yet to hear the details of the mission. He grins in Pequeno's direction.
                "I like how the deaf guy gets a better explanation about the mission than I do."

You all notice Taread reaching for some coins as Pequeno falls.

Ahh, I have now calculated the downtime spent under the care of the fine folks of Laert: Pequeno required 6 days of bed rest, Jakob 8 and celesa 11 before all wounds were healed.

It is currently Gart’mar, Haar’kiev the 13th, 12082 (F.R.), spring.  By the way, you were recovering through Grongerfest, so you missed that particular festival!

Celesa smiles at the magic trick and looks a little less exasperated at the situation.
                Celesa looks up in surprise at Orlen "Oops, sorry I got a bit distracted trying to figure out how this situation was going to work out. We're going to Q, the stronghold of Zelegar and Rogan. They've been missing for a long time, but there is still bound to be alot of good stuff in there for those willing to risk it all to get it. Anyone interested in helping gets an equal cut of whatever is found."

Orlen smiles at Celesa.
                "Thank you, Celesa. I am very interested, if you'll have me. I'm sure I can make myself useful. When did you plan on leaving?"

Taread pauses in his collection of the coins on the table to pay attention to Jakob and the map. He frowns for a moment, and then he nods and smiles in understanding. After a moment, making sure no one else wants to "tell" him something, he will go back to picking up the coins off the table.

Pequeno slowly gets back up. Holding his head in his hands.....
                He obviously isnt feeling well....

Celesa looking at the obviously painfully drunk halfling "Most likely in the morning if that sounds suitable to everyone."

"Well, my itenerary is wide open."

The halfling makes it back to his chair.
                And looks as if he is ready to rowlf.....

Orlen stands up.
                "Tomorrow morning. Sounds good. I...need to go take care of something."
                The scraggily young man stands up and trudges out the door.
                "I'll be back in a few minutes."
                Orlen heads out the door of the inn.

Celesa slands up from the table, "Good night gentlemen, I shall see you at first light, and we can get this little adventure underway."
Celesa takes the map from the table and waves good night to Taread, and makes the motion of sleeping. With that Celesa head up to her room and gets ready to head out the next day.

Taread smiles and waves. He then shrugs in the halfing's direction and moves to the barkeep to try and find out about a place to sleep for the night. He mimes his two hands clapped together under the side of his head and then tilts his head to the side to mimic sleeping. Then he looks inquiringly at the barkeep.

Pequeno looks down at the table as if he forgot something.....
                Eventually he hops off his chair and heads to his room.

Orlen returns a bit later, some light scratches on his forehead. He is grumbling as he walks in.
                "Stupid pine trees."
                As he walks in, he looks around for his companions.
                "Well, looks like the dice game is off. Shona doesn't get his tribute tonight, so it seems. Best be to bed. Need to pray, too," he says to no one in particular.
                Orlen grabs his saddle bags and walks to the bar.
                "A room, if you have one. Also, some grain or some vegetables or whatever for my goat out in the stable. Thanks."

We can say that this little meeting took place before or on your last night of rest.  Seeing Taread and Orlen with the heroes of Laert, the bartender gives them accommodations on the house, not that he doesn’t mutter “Bloody heroes” under his breath.

So you have a wonderful night’s rest and are full healed.  Ready to head out?

Ayup.

Okay to go, I hope.

Let's do it.

Was Celesa ever able to find new armor and/or clothes?

Pequeno appears rested though his eyes are still a bit red. And for once he rarely speaks.....

What was Celesa looking for, specifically?

Anything better then the shredded clothing she currently has, leather armor if she can afford it. If not new clothes would have to do.

Celesa is able to but leather armor in Laert.  If nobody else wants to shop for anything you can proceed back to Farzy, and from there into the foothills.

Let us back to Farzy then.

Indeed

I'm good to go.

The Dungeon

1.  Entrance

Due to having more stuff piled on me at work, and in order that we might get going, I’m going to “red-line” your travel to the location on the map.  Please don’t assume travel back and forth will always be this easy.

You travel for several days after leaving Farzy, up into the foothills.  The spot marked with a “Q” on your map seems to be just up a treacherous pathway.  The narrow pathway leads steeply up to a craggy outcropping of weathered limestone a couple hundred yards ahead.  A cave-like opening, somewhat obscured by vegetation, is barely noticeable at the end of the path.

Celesa moves forward to the opening and begins checking for any signs of recent activity and any danger in the cave opening.

Orlen watches Celesa examining the opening.
                "So...this is the place, eh? Doesn't look like much but looks can be deceiving."
                Orlen positions his shield and draws his sword, awaiting an "all clear" gesture from Celesa.

Pequeno draws his broadsword.
                "Lets be a little more careful this time. Eh. No one gets dead. How 'bout that? That a good plan?"

Taread doesn't seem to notice the others talking. He DOES, however, move up with Celesa and performs his own examination of the area, looking for traps and danger.

Celesa and Taread find no signs of danger or recent activity.  By sweeping aside some of the vines and branches, they make the opening easily accessible to human-sized explorers.  It leads straight into the rock formation, with a 10’ wide corridor leading the way to a large wooden door.  On the ground in front of the door is a plain woven mat.

Taread will carefully move down the corridor, towards the door, checking for danger and traps still. He doesn't want to be caught unawares. He hopes one of the others will stay nearby to be able to hear anything that he can't.

Nothing bad happens to Taread (private message sent).

(Taread notices that bits of wood have been chopped away from the edge of the door, indicating that it has previously been forced.)

Orlen follows slowly, his sword drawn and his face possessing a rare, serious expession.
                "This tension is killing me. I realize the wisdom in vigilant caution, but it doesn't make this quiet before the storm any easier to stomach."
                Suddenly, he stops and starts jogging back down the rocky path.
                "I...I need to to something quickly before we go in. Wait for me, okay?" he tells the group before running away until he is out of sight.

Taread taps his chin thoughfully and turns to Celesa and motions to get her attention. He runs his hand near a couple of spots on the door and then mimes swinging at the door with something in his hands. Then he put his shoulder to the door and mimes pushing it at, making a face of straining at it. He waits to see if she understands.

"looks like the excitement is already getting to Orlen." Pequeno says opening his waterskin and taking a big draw.
                "Check under the mat, maybe they hid a key there?!?" he jokes....

*Jakob steps back, readying his spear.*

Celesa checks the corridor and the door for traps and after she finishes she nods to Taread that she understands what he means but hold up her hand and shakes her head from side to side, and then points down the path at Orlen, who is jogging away.
                To appease Pequeno Celesa looks under the mat and then she goes back to the entrance and sits down to wait for Orlen to return.
                "I haven't checked to see if the door is locked yet as generally the only way to do that is to try opening it. If it's unlocked opening it will be easy, if not Taread suggested we try to force it open."

(Do I understand what Celesa just said, using Reading Lips I suppse?)

(Correct.  Your check failed in this case,  however)

As Celesa bends down she notices some writing on the mat, but of course, she can’t read it.  Under the mat is a brass key.

In a few minutes, Orlen returns with an extra spring in his step.
                "Um...okay. Where were we? Onward and such, right?"
                The young priest smiles his wolfish grin and draws his sword.

Taread looks confused and annoyed. He is not sure if anyone understood him, and they turned away and started talk amongst themselves. He checks to see if the door is locked, and does glance down at the mat when Celesa checks it.

"You can go ahead and wipe that smirk off your face." Pequeno says to Celesa.
                He laughs.

(to Taread:  The door is locked.  The mat says “Welcome”.) 

Taread finds the door knob doesn't open to his touch, but then he pales a bit and steps back after looking at the mat. He looks VERY confused, and a bit frightened.

"Whats his problem?" Celesa says looking at the now ghost white Taread.
                Celesa takes the key that she found under the mat, and goes to the door and tries it in the keyhole.

They key turns and the door swings open.  All is dark beyond as the light from outside cannot penetrate further in than the door (no spooky reason, just the physics of light.)

Orlen grabs a coiled rope and a days worth of rations off his goat. He then grabs a torch out of his backpack.
                "Anyone have a flint and steel. I can light this thing and we can be on our way."
                The young cleric leads his goat off the path a few feet and loosely ties him to whatever he can find.

Taread is hesitant but does try to light a torch and check the area in the corridor for traps as he slowly moves forward. The slowness may be due to him inspecting everything carefully, wariness or from trepidation, it's hard to tell.

Pequeno adjusts his ebony colored hat. Straightens the bright blue feather. admires his shiny broadsword in the sunlight and takes up position behind Taread.

If the hall is wide enough Celesa would like to be up front with Taread. If not She'll take up position behind Pequeno, and do her best to search and listen as everyone moves in.

1a.  Alcoves

The 10-foot-wide corridor beyonmd the entrance extends as far as you can see.  Ten feet in, alcoves mark the left and right side of the passage.  As you peer down this corridor, the wind whistles from the outside and dances past your feet. 

Pequeno adjusts his hat a bit and tightens the grip on his sword.

Taread will check each alcove, not wanting to miss any secret passages or anything, just to be sure, but he isn't going to spend a LOT of time on each one. He is trying to keep things moving forward, for himself at least.

Celesa checks everything on her side of the hall carefully, once she feels it is safe she will motion the others forward.

Taread finds nothing but Celesa discovers a secret door on her side (the right) alcove.  She believes it only works one way, however, allowing access into the corridor you are now in, but not out of it.

"Interesting." Pequeno whispers.

*After a few moments hesitation, Jakob musters his resolve and sets foot into the corridor. He soon moves towards the others and then carefully maneuvers around them, so as to take front guard. He puckers his lips, as if to whistle, but then stops. He then begins to look around very nervously.*

Orlen steps into the corridor and sees the secret door.
                "Interesting, indeed. Lead the way. I prefer those with vigilant eyes and ears to go first."

Proceeding forward you see a secnd set of alcoves, and some stairs leading up beyond them.  As you approach, a booming voice issues from the alcove on your right, though here appears to be no one there, “WHO DARES ENTER THIS PLACE AND INTRUDE UPON THE SANCTUARY OF ITS INHABITANTS?” 

Pequeno tightens his grip on his steel and looks around quickly for any sign of a trap. He especially looks at the floor under his feet.

Taread keeps searching the alcoves and hallway for traps as if nothing happened.

Celesa tries to duck into a shadow and check the alcove from a spot hidden to whom, or whatever might have spoke.

No more than a moment later, another booming voice form the opposite alcove says, “ONLY A GROUP OF FOOLHARDY EXPLORERS DOOMED TO CERTAIN DEATH!”  Then both mouths shout in unison, “WOE TO ANY WHO PASS THIS PLACE – THE WRATH OF ZELLIGAR AND ROGAHN WILL BE UPON THEM.”

You know see two disembodied mouths appear, one in each alcove.  They begin a loud and raucous laughter, which fades in intensity as the twin mouths disappear from view.

Pequeno speaks.
                "Its a bluff. We're gonna ransack this place and become more wealthy than any of you can possibly imagine!"

"Mouths, little floating mouths. Lets keep going, we didn't come this far to be scared off by a pair of lips."

Taread, not having heard anything, has still kept slowly moving forward checking for traps and danger.

A Frightening Foyer

Past the second set of alcoves and at the end of the corridor leading away from the entrance are stairs leading upward.

At the teop of the stairs is a large foyer from which the corridor continues straight, right and left.  In this foyer is a grisly sight – the remains of a fierce hand-to-hand battle where no fewer than five combatants died.

"They could have cleaned the place up a bit before they left...." Pequeno cracks. Looking to see how the victims were killed.

Orlen examines the carnage.
                "Hmm...seems like quite a fight went on. We should check the bodies for anything interesting. Send the deaf guy, Celesa. He said he is good at finding things. Well...he didn't say but we read. Well...we didn't actually read it...but the unusually literate bartender told us so."

The stench of the decaying bodies is strong and repulsive and the sight doubly so.  It is apparent that three of the dead men were adventurers themselves.  This ill-fated trio obviously had their last battle at this spot.  Their opponents, also slain here, appear to be two Orc guards.  The bodies arrayed here, each in various states of decomposition, are as follows:

A human fighter, slumped against a wall.  His broken sword, sheared off about eight inches above the pommel, tells the story of his demise.  The body has been stripped of any armor and his only apparent remaining possession is a belt pouch.

A human magic-user, impaled against a wall, the killing sword, still thrust through the body, is lodged in the wall, which has a large section of wood at this point.  The magic-user’s robe is now bloodstained and ruined but it does have a pocket.

A dwarven fighter, face down in the corridor just past the intersection.  In his right hand he still clutches his war hammer, and it appears that he crawled, wounded, to this point, since a trail of dried blood leads back to the battle location.  A sack turned inside out lies alongside the body, now empty.

An Orc, who defended himself to the death.  The body lies sprawled across the floor, and a broken wooden shield rests nearby.  The body has no armor on it.  There is no weapon on the body or nearby, nor are there any other items of value visible on the remains.

An Orc, another guard.  This body, with a bashed head from the blow of a war hammer, lies on the floor face down.  There is no armor or weapon visible on the body except for a small sheathed dagger on the belt.  The belt is very ornately decorated leather.

Pequeno helps himself to the belt.

Taread will go through the bodies, starting with the magic-user, being careful though not to disturb too much.

*Jakob looks around nervously as he enters the former battle-ground. After a momen, he steels his nerve then goes to search the dwarf, making note whether he recognizes the body or not.*

As you begin examining the bodies, the floating mouths reappear.  “Hmm, nasty wound, eh?  Think yer tough enough to hack this dungeon, PUNK?”

 

“Why don’t you just run home to yer Mommy?”

 

“Hope you brought along enough bodybags!”

 

“You brats should have stayed in the sandbox where you belong!”

 

One of the mouths is obnoxious to just about everyone, but the other spends most of its time spouting pick-up lines at Celesa.

Pequeno takes the belt, which looks valuable, except for the bloodstains. 

Taread finds a purse in the suspended magic-user’s pocket, containing 2 gold pieces and a pouch full of garlic buds.

Jakob doesn’t recognize the dwarf, especially since his beard has been shaven off.  Other facial features are onbsured by a badly dented helm.

The only other items found are the sword stuck into the magic-user and, the hammer in the dwarf’s hand.

Taread frowns at the sword a moment, then looks around to make sure no one's been attacked while his back was turned. Seeing nothing amiss, he tries to pull the sword free. Might come in handy.

Taread pulls the sword free and the body crumples to the floor, exposing a bloodstained carving of wooden letters.  The handle of the sword is loose and it seems of poor quality.

PM to Taread.

Taread frowns in thought, and stares at the wood carving, then moves his mouth a bit. Finally, he sighs and shrugs. He turns to the others, points at the sword and pantomimes being wobbly before setting the sword on the ground.

*Jakob leaves the dwarf where he is. He bites his tongu, trying to keep from yelling at the floating mouths. He focuses on the ways out of this impromptu abattoir.*

Gurv looks at the mouths, smiling at the insults.
                "Hmmm...bodybags....I knew I forgot something. Thanks, floating mouths. You're very helpful. Also, do you take requests? I love a good song."

Orlen reflects for a moment on why his father’s nick-name for him suddenly came to his mind.

The obnoxious mouth (the one not flirting with Celesa) says, “Ooooh, a Gawd-boy!  I need a young priest and an old priest!  Hopefully, you’ll die last so you can say a prayer over the others.”

There are three paths out of this foyer, straight ahead, to the left, and to the right.

Celesa will try to keep the one mouth occupied; she'll make sexy pouty faces at it and complement it on lines she never heard before.

This seems to work very well!

Taread will carefully check for traps on each of the hallway openings and first few feet in. Then he will turn back to the group to see if they point at which way they wish to go.
                OOC: Does Taread see the magic mouths in the air?

Taread finds no traps and does see the mouths, if not somewhat blurrily.

Taread will stop and stare. He will give an incredulous look at the rest of the party with an obvious question to his face, wondering what is going on. He will blink several times and just stand there, waiting.

Pequeno does what he can to clean off his new belt and then stow it in his backpack. Thankful the mouths arent bothering him....

Orlen's smile turns serious and he turns away from taunting the mouths. He heads over to Jakob and whispers to him.
                "They can see us. Obviously not just messages set to go off when people approach. They also seem to be pretty human or human-like. Flirty with pretty girls. Sarcastic threats when insulted. That kinda thing. Must be some kind of scrying magic. Allows them to see and speak from a distance. We should keep 'em talking. See what they give away."
                Orlen's face suddenly shifts back to its grinning, taunting expression.
                "So, my good fellows, if you can stop slobbering at my companion for a moment, maybe you can introduce yourselves. Know what to put on your tombstones and that kind of thing."

The flirty mouth is having nothing to do with anyone other than Celesa, and the comments are becoming rude enough to turn a dwarf blue.  The other one responds to Orlen, “Give away?  Ohhh, and don’t we sound all sage-like about what we are and how we do it?  Very well, I will introduce myself.  I am the chronicler of thy doom.  Pleased to meet you.  Even more pleased to see you die.”

"Hey now, that just isnt nice. Especially coming from some petty arcane parlor trick such as yourself!"
                Pequeno interjects....
                "I've seen better magic than you at the local whorehouse!"

Celesa ignores the crude comments but keeps the mouth talking, she makes extra emphasis on making sure to make big pouty lips and focus more attention on her mouth then usual.
                "What about you big man, whats your name? Such nice lips."

The mouth stops talking for a moment, then says “Hey!  That’s just wrong!”  and disappears.

Orlen looks at the the mouth with a grin.
                "Well, it is a pleasure to meet you, Chronicler of Thy Doom. You had a cruel mother to saddle you with such a name. May be why you're so cranky. Thank you for demonstrating that you can hear so well as to pick up my voice at a whisper. We might have tried to plan against you by speaking quietly but you've warned us not to. If you want to reveal more of your nature by attacking my ego, please continue. My ego will survive. Hopefully, the rest of me, as well."

The mouth hesitates, “well…I, uh…..oh, pthpthpthpthpth” as it gives Orlen the raspberry.  Then it grins back at the cleric.  “There, that should be just long enough.  See you soon,” and it disappears.

Taread just stares at them all in confusion, they seem to be talking to the weird....floating...mouths....He shakes his head and waits for them to finish and figure out which way to go.

"Well that was odd. Which way should we go?"

"Whichever way wont have us find more of those. What a nuisance....." Pequeno says. Taking a draw from his waterskin.
                He ties up his backpack and slings it back onto his back.

Taread makes a sighing motion and then finally turns and heads down the middle passage when he sees they are no closer to a decision. He begins checking for traps on the way.

Pequeno follows Taread.

You make your way up the central passage and, almost directly after the battle scene you have a door on either side, and the corridor continues straight.

*Jakob taps Taread's shoulder with the stub of his left arm to get his attention. Holding a finger up, he turns to the others.*
                "shall we check these doors before proceeding the hall? I'd prefer not to leave an enemy between us and the exit."

"Aye, we should both check them, two sets of eyes is better then one after all."
Celesa sets to work checking the door to the right.

"Good idea" Pequeno says.
                Drawing his sword he approaches whichever door is closest to him.
                Taking a few quick steps towards it he kicks it open forcefully. (if it opens away from him)

"What did you do that for?"
Celesa yells at Pequeno jumping back from the door.
                "Are you trying to let the entire complex know we are here?"
                Celesa shakes her head, looking rather furious and moves further away for the front of the group and Pequeno.
                "Ok if he's going to do that, I'm not checking these doors. I don't want to be near them if they're trapped and someone is too impatient to let us do our job."

(Assuming nothing sudden happens...)
                "Relax sweetheart. I just thought we needed a bit of action to wake everyone up."
                Pequeno backs out of the way and bows and motions with his hand for her to walk thru the door.

Orlen steps forward, trying to speak to Celesa and Peqenno at the same time.
                "Okay, okay. Everyone calm down. I think the battle scene and the floating mouths has everyone on edge. I understand your impatience, Pequeno, but this kind of impulsiveness may have lead to your losses last adventure. We should go slow and take advantage of the skilled trapspringers we have along with us."

Taread looks at the person tapping him on the shoulder and waits. He watches them discuss something and then the halfling moves to one of the doors. Taread starts to walk over, understanding he should check the door for traps. But the halfling kicks it in. Taread's eyes widen and he hurriedly backs away back down the corridor from the crazy halfling.

Pequeno's grin turns to a frown as Orlen finishes.
                "Or-len is it?" he says. His eyes narrowing.
                "What do you know of our losses last time out?"
                Before he can answer...
                "Nothing I imagine since you weren't there. And you don't look like you've got the brain for clairvoyance, so we know you are talking out of your posterior. As you can plainly see in front of you, I made it through our last outing. And I am partially responsible for Celesa here being among the living."
                He pauses for a moment... Taking another step or two forward.
                "And if you want to remain that way, Among the living that is. You will stick to speaking about things you know about. Are we clear?"
                Pequeno seems oddly angry. He has been mostly friendly, if not a bit snide. But this side of him you've not seen before.

Pequeno delivered a mighty kick to the righ hand door and then turned to have the mentioned discussion.  It wasn’t until after he truned back that he realized the door had not budged.

*An angered look crosses Jakob's face. His spine straightens as he begins to speak. As he speaks, he turns to each person spoken to.*
                "Enough! We are in a potential combat situation, and I will not! get myself killed due to some first day boot camp antics. Celesa, please resume examining that door for traps. Pequeno, quietly search that door and attempt to open it normal-like. Orlen..."
                *Points back down the way the party came.*
                "...watch down that way. If you see anything coming, alert us immediately."
                *turns to Taread, and speaks slowly enough that he can understand what's being said.*
                "Taread, watch their backs."
                *Indicates Celesa and Pequeno.*
                "If anything happens to them, alert us. stamp feet, something."
                *Turns to the group*
                "I'll be on watch this way. There's a place about these parts that it's rumored that the gawds themselves take the lives of any intruders. If this is the place, I intend that they have to work for it. Now, let's check those doors."

Orlen's usual expression also loses its typical jovial expression as Pequeno speaks. Before he can say anything, however, Jakob lays down the law emphatically. Orlen nods as Jakob speaks.
                "Good plan. I'm on it."
                Orlen looks back at Pequeno, his eyes flashing with an mischievous glint.
                "We'll talk later."
                The priest heads back to the post assigned to him.

"Indeed. The floating mouth may be more right than you know."
                Pequeno inspects the door.

It is determined that the door on the right is locked, but the door on the left, merely stuck.  Neither door is found to be trapped.

Which door is Pequeno near?

The locked one.

"Why don't we try the door that is stuck first, a locked door after all usually works both ways. And if nothing else we will hear it being unlocked before something or someone comes bounding through."

                Celesa still seems to be glaring a bit at Pequeno but she makes no comments on it, and continues about checking and listening at the doors for possible signs of trouble.

"Lighten up Celesa, you could still be laying in that field...."
                Pequeno laughs.

Celesa doesn't even look at Pequeno after his little quip.
                But in a voice dripping with more then just a little sarcasm and sounding like she really wants it to hurt.
                "What, like Urnid? But I'm sure his death had absolutely nothing to do with you, did it?"

"Correct. He was weak. He gave in to urges he could not control."
                "Poor Urnid..."

Taread, oblivious to the fighting and insults behind him, continues to watch the "back" of the party for trouble, whilst the doors are checked and opened/kicked.

Orlen looks backwards towards the cave entrance, sword drawn and his torch in the other. He can hear the muted comments between Celesa and Pequeno, but he makes no attempt to hear what they're saying.

*Jakob shakes his head.*
                "It's like adventuring with a gorram chorus line."
                *He signals for everyone to come in close.*
                "We're going to try the unlocked door first. Good idea, by the way, there Celesa. I will take the lead, with Pequeno, Celesa, Taread and Orlen bringing up the rear. The moment we start entering, start spreading out through the room. No need to stay in a small area; one spell'd take us all out."

"Sounds good to me." Pequeno says. Examining his blade....

2.  Kitchen

The door squeaks open and the smoky flame of the torch reveals a long room that was obviously a food preparation area.  Two cooking ppits dominate the area.  Each is large enough to cook an animal as large as a deer.  They share a two-foot wide chimney vent overhead.

Long tables line each wall, and there are scattered containers on them, some upturned, with spilled contents moldering on the tabletop.  There are spoiled pieces of food all around and the smell in the room is very uninviting.  One chunk of moldy cheese is particularly noxious, as a fuzzy green growth covers its entirety.  On the wall to the left is a chalkboard, while a caninet lines part of the wall to the right.  Hanging from above are a variety of utensils and some other of these are scattered about on the floor of the room.

Pequeno looks at the molding cheese.
                "Urnid....." he says quietly.

Celesa moves into the room and begins looking about for anything of value or that appears dangerous.

When Pequeno sees Celesa near he speaks to her, pointing at the moldy cheese.
                "Split it with ya?"

Celesa crinkles her nose in disgust, and continues on checking the room for things of value, otherwise ignoring the halflings comment.

Pequeno approaches the cooking pits. Sword ready. He'll sift through the ashes....

Celesa sees nothing of value out in the open, but perhaps in a cabinet?

Pequeno stirs up ash and charred remains of cooking fuel. His sword does not reach the bottom as he stands, or even kneels.

Celesa makes her way to the cabinet and carefully checks for any trip wires or anything else that may have been used to booby trap the cabinet, once convinced it is safe to open she will slowly and carefully do so, listening for anything moving or shifting inside as she does.

Celesa finds a quart bottle filled with a brown- colored liquid.  Opening and sniffing it she determines it to be brandy.

Taread watches where he is from the doorway, occasionally glancing out into the hallway both ways to make sure nothing and noone is coming down the halls after them.

(Taread notices something written on the chalkboard, but he can’t make it our from the doorway)

Orlen stands by the doorway as well, listening out in the hall because Taread cannot.

Pequeno sheathes his sword.
                "I dont think we'll find anything here. This place was just deserted...... Odd.... What was supposed to have happened to the wizards that lived here?"

Taread walks into the room and taps Celesa on the shoulder. He points towards the hallway, where he had been standing. Then he pointed at his eyes with two fingers on one hand, then pointed with those same two fingers at the hallway. He then pointed at himself, and did the same fingers-to-eye maneuver and pointed at the chalkboard. He waited to see if she understood.

*Meanwhile, Jakob carefully walks around the room, keeping a healthy distance from the table. As he closes in on the chimney, he gets an idea. he sets aside his spear, draws his sword, and uses his sword to prod up the chimney (as far as his sword will reach).*

Pequeno, seeing Taread's action:
                "Someone coming? Tell me boy! Did Timmy fall down a well?"

Jakob doesn’t contact anything with his sword.

Celesa moves as quietly and quickly as possible to the doorway and looks in both directions as far as she can.

Taread ignores Pequeno since he wasn't miming to him in the first place. Once Celesa goes to his previous watchguard point, he will move over to the chalkboard and examine the writing there.

(pm to Taread:  The words “Green Eggs and Ham” are written on the chalkboard in common.)

Pequeno, visibly miffed tha the was ignored follows Celesa. When he gets close enough he whispers to her.
                "Did he see something?"

"How am I supposed to know? May have seen his shadow or something or just wanted someone else on watch."

"Jeez you are touchy. I know I saved your bacon back there from the sheep... Were they technically sheep?" Pequeno pauses. Stroking his chin.

Orlen looks down the corridor, curous to see what Taread saw that he missed. He opens his mouth to respond to Pequeno's and Celesa's conversation, but he holds his tongue. Orlen looks at the deaf man and gives him an exaggerated shrug, then points down the corridor.

You all notice something else, (which the GM forgot to mention).  There are two more doors leading out of this room, one opposite the door you came in, and one in the far right corner, leading out of the right-hand wall.

"I don't see anything. I'm going to go check those other doors."
Celesa shakes her head and gives a slight exasperated sigh and makes her way to the far door and begins going over it for traps.

Pequeno redraws his steel and follows.

Taread looks at the chalkboard, and then gets an extremely confused look on his face. He turns away from the chalkboard and stands there for a moment, still looking confused. Then he shakes his head, as if to clear it and shrugs at the world. He notices Celesa leaving his post and he throws up his arms in exasperation and stomps back over there to resume watching the party's back.

*Jakob, satisfied that there aren't any spiders or such nesting in the chimney, moves to the door opposite from the one the party entered through.*
                "what do you think? try this one first?"

Celesa’s check of the doors determines that neither are trapped, but the one Jakob has chosen is locked.

"Hmmmmm. Someone doesnt want us to see whats behind that one. Shall we?"

Orlen moves up, still checking backwards with his sword at the ready.
                "Let's go, then."

Taread keeps watching the corridor outside, having not heard anything going on in the room.

*Jakob cleans his sword of any soot, sheathes it and readies his spear.*
                "Let's go."

Celesa moves to the door and pulling a few small tools from her belt sets to work on the lock.

"If it won’t open, have no fear. I'll kick it." Pequeno jokes.

*Jakob looks at Pequeno. He speaks with a dry tone in his voice.*
                "I have every confidence in your ability...to alert whatever's on the other side of that door to our presence."

Celesa successfully picks the lock.  Carefully peering out she sees a corridor that extends as far as she can see to the left, and at an angle away from this room as far as she can see to the right.

Celesa quietly closes the door, reports her findings and then listens at and opens the door next to the previously locked exit.  She reports that this one leads to a 10-foot-wide corridor to the right, and a 20-foot-wide corridor straight ahead.  About 40 feet up, the corridor narrows to 10 feet.  There is a door on the left-hand wall.

Orlen clears his throat and speaks up from the back of the group.
                "For lack of any better plan, how about we move forwards and check that door to the left up ahead?"
                The priest glances at Pequeno.
                "Unless any of you have a better idea, of course."

As nobody does, you advance.  Upon checking the door Celesa discovers it to be locked.  Unfortunately she fails to pick said lock.  You choices are to batter it down or continue on.

"Ideas? Yeah... Better? Probably not." Pequeno says.
                "What do you suggest Celesa?"

"Lets just keep pressing on, if there are things in here, sooner or later they will know we are here. If we keep moving we may be able to keep them from finding us, before we find them."
                Celesa moves over in front of Taread, she points at him and holding up her picks she points at the picks and then at the door. She waits to see if he understands her meaning.

Taread raises an eyebrow. He points at her and moves his mouth like he is speaking, even moving one of his hands like a mouth. Then he pauses and points at himself and then his eyes. He pulls out his own lockpicks to show her, but then stares at her mouth, as if waiting for something.

Pequeno adjusts his hat. Straightening the feather in it. He looks down and admires his shiny sword.

Orlen nods as Celesa speaks.
                "Good point. We should probably continue on, as you said. If the floating, talking mouths can see us already, I doubt we'll catch 'em by surprise. But, as you said, why attract undue attention"

Continuing on the corridor narrows to 10 feet wide for another 30 feet.  It comes to a point where you can go left or choose 1 of 2 right-hand passages.  Celesa sends you back with the light so she can check each passage.  The left hand corridor continues at an angle and has 2 doors on either side.  The lower right-hand way continues 40 feet and then turns left.  The upper choice continues 30 feet and turns left.

Which shall you take?

Pequeno looks to Celesa for her decision.
                "So, how rich do you think we'll be this time tomorrow?"

"Let’s got to the left, there's only one option that way, plus doors are always good for hiding secrets."
                Celesa pauses "It's hard to say to gain wealth, usually there is some amount of stuggle. So based on the little struggle we have encountered thus far, not too wealthy. So let’s hope for a little strife at least."

"Look at you? Just asking for trouble! That’s cuz you know ol Pequeno Muerte is here to save you!"

You proceed to the left.  The corridor continues on past both doors across from one another, as far as your light shows.  Celesa determines neither door to be trapped, but both to be locked.

"What say you all? Do we try a door? Or the more obvious hall?"

"I say lets try the door. Locked door may equal treasure. Of course it may equal certain doom. But I'm willing for you to take that risk."
                Pequeno smiles at Celesa

OOC: I'll just assume someone came over and tapped Taread on the shoulder to let him know you were all leaving the room since no one bothered to do so and I don't feel like having to make a new character. LOL!

                Taread shrugged and pointed at the locked door. Then he pointed at himself with one hand and Celesa with the other, a questioning look on his face, as he waited for Celesa's answer.

Orlen looks at the door.
                I agree we should check out the door. We don't want to leave any enemies at our backs as we go deeper into this place."
                He looks at Celesa.
                "Would you like to try to pick it? Or would you prefer to take Pequeno up on his kicking offer from before? Maybe give Taread a shot?"
                Orlen looks over at Taread and points to the door. He then mimes, as best he can, the action of picking the look.

Taread smiled and nodded and pulled out his lockpicks. Then he looked to Celesa to see what sher said.

*as the party progressed through the corridors, Jakob had been keeping his eyes and ears open, and a prayer repeating silently on his lips. He seems to be alternating between agitation and fear.*

Neither Celesa nor Taread can open either locked door.  Based on your previous decisions, I assume you opt to not break them down and continue on. 

The corridor continues on and jogs sharply to the left.  Another couple of minutes and it turns to the right, with a nother door at the turn.  Celesa checks it and then opens it, to see the door in the kitchen opposite the one you originally went through.  This was the first locked door that Celesa opened, checked and then closed. 

At this point you are plunged into darkness as Oren’s torch burns out.

Taread screams his hands off!

As its dark, Pequeno cannot see Taread screaming.
                So Pequeno doesnt respond.

Orlen drops the finished torch and calmly pulls his backpack off his back. Fumbling through it, he looks for another torch.
                "Sorry about that. It burnt fast at the end, there. I'll have us up and seeing in no time at all."

You proceed on.  The corridor continues straight for about 2 minutes and then turns to the right.  After a minute or so it turns to the left.  Another 2 and ½ minutes and it turns to the left again.  Another 2 minutes brings you to a door on the left-hand side.  Your torch also shows that the corridor continues for at least another 15 feet.  Celesa listens at and checks the door for traps and declares it clear.  The door is also not locked. 

Do you try the door (and if so, who?) or do you prceed down the corridor?

Pequeno looks to the group and puts his finger to his lips and then points to himself then down the hallway.
                Unless he receives objection he straightens the feather on his hat and begins to continue down the hallway.
                (OOC: Pequeno will head about 75' down the hallway unless he encounters something that requires decision.

Unless I’m mistaken, Pequeno has no light source, correct?

Correct.
                I'm hoping that I can allow my eyes to adjust to the dark and the light from the torch in the group will illuminate enough to see a little bit
                When it gets pitch black I'll stop.
                Until then I am moving very slowly and listening. Trying to use my 6th sense too.

*Jakob looks at the door for a moment, then turns to the party.*
                "Welp, nobody I've ever heard of ever left their stuff in the hallways. I say we check this room."

Pequeno makes it 15 feet before encountering darkness.  He senses nothing ahead.

Orlen nods at Jakob's words.
                "Makes sense to me. Let's open it up and see what we see."

Pequeno heads back to the group.

As nobody else is actually trying to open the door it would probably fall to the strongest, and that’s Jakob.  Jakob tries to push the door open (15 rolled on open door check).  The door doesn’t budge.  You could keep at it but that would take time and make noise.

Taread watches the group's "back" as they attempt to open the door and such. He is standing with his back to the wall, so he can keep watch but see if they get it open too.

"Seems pretty well stuck, mayhap we press on down the hall and see where it leads?"

Orlen looks down the hall at the other options for exploration.
                "Well, once we start fighting, we'll make plenty of noise and attract the attention of anything for a long ways. But, it makes sense not to invite that attention needlessly. Let's keep exploring until we find an easier way. We can also come back and knock this door down when we've got a better idea of what threats exist in this complex. Shall we move on?"

You continue past the door for a minute and the corridor turns sharply to the left.  Another minute and you come to another door at a dead end.  Celesa checks it and determines it to be safe and unlocked.  Jakob is able to easily push the door open.  The door opens into a 10-foot space that opens to the left. Moving in, you see the corridor goes forward 10 feet and turns sharply to the right.  10 feet ahead of you, and on the same wall as the door you came through is another door.

"What is this place, a maze?"

"It would seem so.
                I sure hope we can find our way out..."

"Tactically, speaking, it's a smart move on the builder's part. After all, an invading force would become disoriented, not to mention constrained by the limited maneuverability of the corridors. The defenders, already knowing the layout, would have the invaders at their mercy."

Yeah it may be smart tactically, but it's getting rather annoying. I hardly know if I'm coming or going. Does anyone have any paper so we can at least roughly sketch out areas we've been. At this rate we'll be walking in circles for hours."

No paper here. Sorry.

Orlen, from his position towards the back, listens to the idea of mapping.
                "Doesn't Taread have paper? If we can figure out how to tell him to, maybe we can get him to do it."

Celesa moves over in front of Taread, and points at him then makes pretend she is holding a pen, and begins making writing motions on an imaginary piece of paper. A hopeful look on her face.
                She waits a minute to see if he understands anything she is doing.

Taread frowns and thinks for a moment but then nods. He pulls out some paper and writes on it. Then he looks at her questioningly to see if she can read it.

Celesa shakes her head. And points at Taread and then points to the paper and pen and then to the halls and doors and makes a walking motion with her fingers.

*Jakob watches to the front of the party. As they try to work out a mapping position, he begins to frown. Why didn't I think of that before? They'd of laughed me out of the service for missing something so obvious.*
                *After a few seconds, he begins to turn the spear, so as to use the weapon's blunt end as a makeshift pole. He then begins to gently prod floor, walls and ceiling, testing for any give.*

All feels very solid.

Pequeno keeps quiet and waits.

Orlen peers down the corridor from which they came, watching and listening for danger as the party figures out the map situation.

*Jakob begins to go down the direction that the party was headed, prodding floor, walls and ceiling with the blunt end of his spear.*

Jakob can go only 20 feet before finding himself in the dark.

Pequeno stays a good 20' back from Jakob.

Taread seems to understand finally, then frowns at being relegated to a mapper. He sighes with no sound and rolls his eyes, getting out a fresh piece and mapping out the way they'd come already.

With all the turns, it’s impossible to map where you’ve been.  You’re forced to start mapping from where you are.

"Well it’s a start I suppose. Let’s keep going then."

"Indeed. I want that loot! We're gonna be so rich!!!!!" Pequeno is quite excited.

The double lines represent doors, the x is where you are.  Do you proceed or double back and map where you have been?

Orlen looks backwards from where they came.
                "I say we go back and map the way out while we have time. If we need to hurry out of here later, I don't want to be running into dead ends. All the mapping in the world doesn't help you if you don't know how to escape. It won't take long. Then we proceed. This work for you guys?"

Indeed.

"That does sound like the most logical of courses. Hopefully we can remember all the turns we have taken."
                Celesa turns and begins heading back the way they came.

Taread, not understanding what was said, follows them the way they came, beginning to map.

You make your just past the back door to the kitchen area when Orlen’s light gives out again.  He has another and retrieves and lights it.

*After a couple of minutes of prodding, Jakob stops the prodding. He adjusts the spear for throwing, and takes the lead.*

Orlen looks at the map for a moment.
                "I'm not all that experienced in these matters, but I wonder if we should take the corridor that goes west from this room. According to this map, it should run into the area we were exploring near the stuck door. Save us some backtracking, maybe?"
                Orlen looks to the others, pointing to the passage he suggested on the map for Taread's benefit.

"That sounds like a wise idea. I'll check the way for traps and you guys watch out for any nasties."
                Celesa motions to Taread and points in the direction the group is traveling, and then begins carefully checking for danger as she walks down the hall.

Taread shrugs and nods and pays attention to mapping and checking his surroundings for danger.

Pequeno seems a bit confused but says nothing.

*Jakob casts a wary eye at the alcove, the hairs on the back of his neck standing on end. He carefully backs away from the opening, and starts scrutinizing the area.*
                "I have a very bad feeling about this..."

Orlen eyes the alcove, as well.
                "Should we check this more closely before we check the door ahead. Maybe a secret passage?"

Celesa moves into the alcove and begins giving it a through search.
                "It's not going to bite, I think. It's just a wall."

Celesa finds nothing.

Orlen looks down the corridor, his sword at the ready. With a wolfish grin, he turns to the rest of the party.
                "Shall we try that door ahead, then? I'll feel better once we have a section of this dwelling mapped out. I could use a...break pretty soon, as well.
                As he speaks, a crimson line of red drips down his nose. Reaching into his belt, he retrieves a rag to stem the flow.

"A break? A break from what? All this wondering around, NOT getting rich wearing you out?!?"
                Pequeno slaps him on the back, obviously joking. He takes a long pull on his waterskin and sheathes this blade.
                "I dunno. I expected more I guess. This place is just weird...."

Taread looked at the others, waiting to see which way they were going from here, not that he could understand what they were saying. He looked over the map he had been making.

We’re currently just waiting for someone to take an action…

Celesa moves forward toward the door, checking each place carefully for trap as she goes.
                At the door she listens and check for traps, before checking to see if it is locked.

Before she evens steps a foot, Celesa discovers tha the floor in front of this door is trapped.  It looks like a pit trap and it extends from the door, to 20 feet in front of it; all the way to the alcove!

Celesa attempts to disarm the trap, and will then ask Jakob to carefully test it with the end of his spear.

After a total of 10 minutes, Celesa realizes she has found the trap, but not the mechanism that controls it.  Orlen’s torch is sputtering low again, by the way, indicating you have only minutes left before it burns out. 

Taread will watch this with interest, to see if she is successful or not. If not, he will mime his helping try to disarm it himself

Celesa looks around for a way to jam the trap door, so it will not swing open when weight is applied to it.

There is no apparent way to do this from here.

Pequeno removes his pack and sets it on the ground.
                "I hope I have a torch....."

"Huzzah!" Pequeno proclaims. A bit louder than he probably should have.
                Standing up he slings his pack back on his back and hands the torch to the torch bearer.

"Anyway to get a rope across this area?" Pequeno asks Celsea...

Celesa knows that the trap takes up the entire width of the corridor and extends at least 5 feet forward.

"Think we can hook a rope on anything over there? That way iof it gives way you won’t fall too far...."

There does not appear to be anything to catch with a rope, not to mention the far door is in the shadows of your torchlight.

"Lets go around and try another area, I see no way to disarm this trap in the immediate area. Perhaps looking at the problem from the far side would yeild better results."

"Who else has torches? I think we are running low."

At a careful speed making your way back to the other side wouold take a half-hour. As you have already mapped this section, and light is a concern, I’m going to assume a regular walking speed and you make it there n just under 10 minutes.  Of course, Orlen’s torch still burns out and another has to be lit.

You are at the other side of the trap and, after just 1 minute, Celesa is positive that she has disarmed it.

Taread does, at some point during one of their breaks, rummage around in his backpack and pulls out a torch and hands it to Orlen. He smiles a bit at the other man and then re-grabs his mapping tools.

*As soon as word is given that the trap is secured, Jakob gingerly puts a toe onto the trap. If it seems secure, he then puts his full foot on there, then s-l-o-w-l-y adds the rest of his weight. Should it seem that the trap might activate at any particular time, he quickly moves away from it. Assuming that the trap is totally secure, he turns to Celesa after putting his full weight on it.*
                "Good work there. Would you be able to rearm this bad boy at a moment's notice?"

At this point, the GM would like to apologize.  I missed something that your characters should not have.  When Celesa searched the alcove just north of the trap, shoe would have found a well-hidden keyhole on the south wall of said alcove.  Please let me know if anything different would have been done.

Orlen walks over to Taread and looks over the map.
                "Well...it appears we have this area mapped out pretty well except for what's beyond this door. I say we work on bringing it down so we can be done with this corner of the dungeon."

Celesa would have taken a moment to see if she could have picked the lock, after listening, and checking for any danger.

And Taread would have tried if Celesa failed.

Although Celesa is positive she has successfully manipulated the tumblers of the lock, nothing happens.

Pequeno looks a bit relieved as Taread produces a torch as well.
                "Looks like we are ok on light for now. Lets find those RICHES! All this wandering around is making me hungry....."
                He takes another long draw on his waterskin.
                "Hunh, thats odd I know I opened the lock, not sure what it locks though."
                Celesa shrugs " Oh well, lets keep moving."

Orlen nods, gesturing towards the torch in his hand.
                "Let's go check that door while this torch lasts. By the way, can everyone tell me how many torches we have left? It would be a shame to have to leave to re-stock at this point, but it beats getting lost in the dark."

We now come back to the point where you have walked to the other side of the door and Jakob has tested his weight on the trap.  It does not open, so all seems well.  Celesa listens at the door and, hearing nothing, finds that it is neither trapped nor locked, but does appear to be stuck.

"I think we may have reached a point where we will need to start forcing these open. We can not just keep wandering the halls. The good stuff is never in the halls."

"Here here!" Pequeno responds to Celsea's statement.
                "We're gonna have to get dirty here real soon. Oh, I have 3 torches."

Pequeno is actually down to 2 torches (he gave one to Orlen earlier).

"Wait.... I miscounted, I have 2 torches."

"Too bad none of us have an axe of some sort. Just in case sheer muscle power is insufficient."

Orlen examines the strength of the door.
                "Yes, it is a shame. An axe would have proven handy, I'm sure. I imagine the two strongest of us should attempt to break it down."
                The priest quickly examines the physiques of his companions.
                "I hope, for all our sakes, I'm not one of the stronger of our party."

"Well, I'd say I can hold my own but you'd not take me seriously. Besides, last time I tried breaking down a door, her highness here didnt take it too kindly."
                Pequeno grins.

Orlen grins, as well.
            "Ive known too many halfings not to take you seriously. If you think you can knock it down, be my guest."

"Its wide enough for two of us. Lets both hit it."

*Jakob stands close by.*
                "I can also lend a shoulder, should you desire."

The two of you slam your shoulders into the door with a resounding crash.  Pequeno hits it so hard a board comes loose, revealing a stoine wall behind it.

Taread tries not to laugh, standing off to the side to watch their "backs" as it were. He was watching out of interest to see what was behind the door. Stone was, apparently. He shook his head. This dungeon got crazier by the moment.

Pequeno looks at the stone wall behind the door. Shaking his head....
                "ohhhhh, so thats how were playing it huh?" he says aloud.
                He turns around, dusts himself off, adjusts the feather in his hat, regains his composure, and looks at the group with a What Next? look.....

Orlen looks at the stone wall for a moment, then looks at Taread's map.
                "Hmmm...that's a lot of space between the corridors for no door. I say we move west, then north along the corridor and see what we can see for a while. Then head for the exit and acquire some more torches before plunging any deeper. Don't want to get stuck in the dark."

Just so you’re aware (this had not been calculated previously, sorry) it took you 3 days just to get here from Farzey.  Speaking of animals, I forgot to speak of animals.  For now we can say they are tied outside the entrance to this place.

"Good thinking, Orlen. We could stand to do with sunlight soon, as well. This wandering about with about no action would send a man stark raving mad."

"I agree." Pequeno declares. Emptying one of his waterskins......
                "I need a refill."

Celesa’s leather armor has become cracked through lack of maintenance and has lost 1 armor hit point.  Likewise her light crossbow, longsword and dagger have not been maintained, so each are at -1 to hit and -1 to damage.  Jakob’s daggers, longsword, and spear are also rusting.  Orlen’s sling is cracking and dried and his ring mail, longsword and daggers are rusting.  Pequeno’s broadsword, dagger and small dagger are rusting and his shortbow is cracking.  Taread’s daggers are rusting and his sling is cracked.

Orlen’s standard rations have gone bad.

As a note, this is not an effect of anything supernatural as far as you can tell, just normal wear and tear that has gone unnoticed until this point.

You get to a point where you can go left or continue straight.

Pequeno inspects his gear... "Man I need to get some better death dealing gear. This stuff is junk. I should have known better.... Buying weapons from humans....."

Orlen catches sight of some rust on his blade, as well.
                "You too, eh? Next time we make it to town, I need to remember to get maintenance done on my equipment. That, and to buy more torches. And food."
                Orlen looks down the passageway going off to his left.
                "I vote for going this way."

Celesa begins heading in the direction indicated by Orlen. Checking carefully for danger with each step. Still chuckling silently to herself when she thinks back to the "door".

"Laugh it up lady.... My shoulder still hurts...."

You quickly come to a door, with the corridor contuing on and turning to the left.  Celesa determines it to be untrapped and unlocked, but seems to be stuck, at least for her.

"Ok, who wants to throw a shoulder into this one?" Celesa can't help but chuckle just a little as she says this.

"I may as well, my gear is falling apart, time to destroy my body..." Pequeno looks to the others for help.
                "Two is better than one!"

Sighing at the prospect of finding another false door, Orlen moves to lend his shoulder to the bashing.
                "Okay. Whenever you are ready."

Pequeno and Orlen both hit the door so well, they find themselves continuing past it when it yields, into the area beyond.

Jakob quickly moves into the space beyond, spear at the ready. he quickly steps aside for the next to enter, while scanning the place for any imminent danger.

There is no immediately visible danger.  In which direction would you like to proceed?

"Point the way gentlemen...and well done."

"See? Thats how you make your way thru a dungeon. If anything is nearby it certainly heard us. No need to be too sneaky."

Orlen, peering down the hallways in different directions, gestures with his blade straight ahead.
                "I say we go straight, then right, then follow the hall and see where it takes us. We should be careful about more pit-traps and the like, though."

"What do you think I'm doing?...I'll keep my eyes open for anything that might throw a kink into our plans."
                Celesa moves forward following the hall checking for anything that might be a danger.

"And I'll grab all the loot." Pequeno suggests....

27.  Throne Room

Celesa leads you for several moments, always turning left when there is a choice.  Before you is a rectangular room flanked by stone columns in two rows.  They lead to a pair of great chairs atop a raised stone platform.  A pair of crossed longswords and a set of draperies in alternating panels of yellow and purple hang on the wall behind a raised platform.  The area is reminiscent of a ballroom of small size, although it is impossible to tell the room’s actual purpose at this point.  The floor is smooth slate, while the pillars and raised platform seem to be constructed of great blocks of red granite.

"Nice, I bet they had some wild parties in this room!" Pequeno says. He begins to walk the perimeter of the room. Looking about carefully, cautiously.

As Pequeno and the party reach the south-eastern-most pillars in the hall, they are suddenly surprised as two large 11 to 12-foot-long pillar snakes attack from the tops of the pillars around which they were coiled.  The snakes have broad, flat heads and mottled scales of dark grey (which is why you didn’t spot them).

Both attacks hit their intended targets in their heads, with Peueno taking 6 points of damage and Celesa taking 3.  The snakes had to lunge down to attack and are now on the ground at your feet.  The rest of the party is still surprised, but Pequeno snaps to.  What would he like to do?

Taread follows along the party, quietly mapping, occasionally sighing to himself. He is still coming to grips with all his training being put to use as a mapper. He failed to notice the snake's attack, mapping the room out. He turned back and was extremely surprised.

Celesa will draw her sword and attack, trying to get her back against a wall if possible so she can not be attacked from multiple sides.

Orlen will attack with his sword, if possible. If not, he will check on the condition of his wounded comrades.

Pequeno reels from the blow to the head, but instinctively draws his blade and makes an all out attack on the snake. Attempting to cut it in two.

Despite his training, Jakob allowed himself to be distracted by the crossed swords on the wall. It isn't until the serpents strike that he's even aware of the reptilian ambush.
                "By the gawds!"
                He then turns and throws his spear at the nearer of the two foes, and begins to reach for his sword.

OOC: Do we all get to act this round? from your post, it sounded like only Pequeno was able to react.

Surprise is tricky in Hackmaster. It depended on Pequeno's actions. Since he engaged, initiative is rolled for all, with the faster parties subtracting remaining surprise segments from their initiate.

                And then we would need everyone's actions for the round.
                What would Taread like to do?

Round 1

Pequeno slices into the large snake now at his feet, (12 rolled) hitting it for 6t points of damage.

The two snakes climb back up their respective pillars to a height of 9 feet.

Taread is holding.

Jakob throws his spear at the snake that attacked Pequeno, but misses horribly (3 rolled).

Orlen draws his sword but cannot reach the snakes.

Jakob then draws his sword.

What are your actions for round 2? (all except Celesa who is still in the process of performing her action)

Taread would draw his daggers and back up a bit so as to not be within (hopefully) striking distance of the snakes should they leap out.

Orlen will keep his sword drawn and hold his action in case the snakes decide to move within striking distance.

Pequeno presses his all out attack against his slithery foe.

Jakob quickly (well, as quickly as possible) move to strike the nearest snake. if he can, he makes a called shot on the serpent's head.

Round 2

Pequeno waits for his target to come within striking range.

Jakob steps forward to engage in melee.

As the first snake strikes at Pequeno, the halfling chops at it, but misses (10 rolled).  Luckily, the snake misses as well, and is now back down on the ground.

Not so luckily, the second snake strikes Celesa in the head again, dealing 10 points of damage to her.  Celesa makes a CON check (rolling a 20) and is stunned.

Taread is holding, a dagger in each hand.

Jakob swings at the head of the snake now lying at Celesa’s feet, but misses (4 rolled).

Orlen attacks but just misses (13 rolled).

Pequeno’s second attack is a severity level 13 critical hit to the snake’s abdomen!  Pequeno deals 32 points of damage, instantly killing the snake.

What are your actions for round 3? (all except Celesa, who is stunned.)

Taread will dart forward to strike at the snake attacking Celesa with his dagger. He would say something, but his hands are full.

As Taread was holding and within range, we can have his attack go off on round 2, hitting (19 rolled) for 6 points of damage.

If not specified we’ll assume the same action for Taread this round.

Orlen will move next to Celesa and cast cure light wounds on her.

Orlen will have to drop his sword as he has a shield on his other arm.

If Pequeno notices that Celsea is stunned he rushes to the snake engaged with her and all out attacks it. ( I realize this may take more than 1 round)
                If he doesn't notice her stunned, he rushes and all out attacks the nearest snake.

Luckily there were only two snakes, relatively close to each other, and Pequeno has already gutted one.

Okay. Orlen drops his sword to cast the spell.

Jakob quickly moves to skewer the serpent, positioning himself between it and Celesa if there's time.

Taread, emboldened by his success, grins and slashes at the snake again, hoping to help Celesa have time to receover.

Round 3

Pequeno begins moving toward the other snake as Orlen drops his sword with a clatter and begins casting Cure Light Wounds on Celesa.

Pequneo reaches the snake and attacks at the same time as Taread.  Pequeno rolls a 12 for his fatigue save and succeeds but his attack misses (3 rolled).  Taread also misses (5 rolled).

Orlen finishes casting Cure Light Wounds on Celesa for 2 points.

Jakob slashes into the snake (15 rolled) dealing 5 points of damage.

The snake guardedly climbs back up the column and attacks again, This time striking Taread’s body for 4 points of damage.  The snale is once gain on the ground.

What are your actions for round 4? (all except Celesa, who is stunned.)

Orlen will move up behind Pequeno and cast cure light wounds on him, as well.

Pequeno attacks again for all he's worth!

Jakob's going to take another swing at the thing.

Taread makes a gasping noise as the snake hits him! He grimaces at the pain, but stabs out with his dagger again, hoping to help end the fight as soon as possible before more of the party gets hurt.

Round 4

Pequeno rolls a 12 for his fatigue save and succeeds.  His first attack misses (8 rolled).

Taread strikes and hits (19 rolled) for 1 point of damage.

Jakob attacks but misses (2 rolled).

Orlen begins casting Cure Light Wounds on Taread (I assume, as Pequeno is uninjured.) 

Pequeno attacks again, striking (15 rolled) dealing 6 points of damage to the snake.

The snake winds its way up around the pillar and strikes again, this time targeting Jakob.  The snake strikes jakob’s body, doing 1 point of damage.

While the snake was climbing up, Orlen heals Taread for 2 points of damage.

What are your actions for round 5? (all except Celesa (who is stunned).

Taread grimaces at the snake for hitting another of his party members but grins fiercely at hitting it again! He then slashes forward at the snake with his dagger, silently since his hands are full.

Pequeno continues his melee.

"Oof! Come here, you piece of go se!"
                (Jakob attempts another sword strike upon the creature)

Round 5

Pequeno continues his melee, succeeding on his fatigue roll (11 rolled) but missing the snake (3 rolled.)

Taread and Jakob strike at the snake simultaneously.

Taread grimaces at the snake for hitting another of his party members but grins fiercely at hitting it again! He then slashes forward at the snake with his dagger, silently since his hands are full.

Taread misses (2 rolled).

"Oof! Come here, you piece of go se!"
                (Jakob attempts another sword strike upon the creature)

Jakob also misses (5 rolled).

The snake climbs back up the column and strikes at Celesa, hitting her in the head for 4 points of damage.

Orlen is holding.

What are your actions for round 6 (except Celesa who is still stunned?)

Orlen unholds and retrieves his sword.

Taread's mouth opens in a silent scream of rage as he continues to miss and the thing hits Celesa again! He tries to hit it with his dagger once more!

Pequeno continues his attack.

"Gonna roast me some snake!"
                Jakob continues his assault on this legless vermin.

Round 6

Taread's mouth opens in a silent scream of rage as he continues to miss and the thing hits Celesa again! He tries to hit it with his dagger once more!

Taread misses (8 rolled).

Pequeno continues his attack.

Pequeno’s first attack misses (6 rolled), but his second (17 rolled) hits for 9 points of damage.

Orlen attacks but misses (8 roled.)

"Gonna roast me some snake!"
                Jakob continues his assault on this legless vermin.

Jakob hits the snake (12 rolled) for 3 points of damage, killing it.

Jakob rolls an 18 for his fatigue save, failing it, and temporarily loses 1 point of STR and 1 point of DEX.

The only way to recover this is for Jakob to rest a little bit.

Orlen rolls a 3 for his fatigue save, succeeding.

I had Pequeno make a roll too soon, and since he succeeded on all of them, he does not need to make another.

Celesa comes to.

Taread lets out an inaudible sigh of relief and sheathes his daggers. He makes sure Celesa appears to be okay, and then pats Orlen on the shoulder in thanks of the cure spell. He taps Pequeno and Jakob each, then using his dagger he mimes slicing open the snake and opening it to look inside. He doesn't wait to see if they follow the suggestion or not.
                After that, he will begin carefully searching the pillars and surrounding area for anything interesting.

Pequeno nods and slices a snake open from head to tail.

There is nothing of interest in either snake.

Oops, forgot Orlen was carrying a torch.  Oh well, DM oversight.  While Pequeno is cutting into the second snke, Orlen’s torch burns out.  Also, since Orlen has the only source of light, and is lighting Pequeno’s work, Tareda will not be able to venture far.

Luckily, Orlen has another torch and lights it.

Once Pequeno is done, some of you can take a cursory walk around the room, but a thorough search would take a bit more time.  The two chairs are sculpted from gigantic blocks of white marnle.  The draperies add considerably to the appearance of the room, despite their color clash with the various shades of stone.  The longswords appear to be silvered.

Pequeno looks at the swords.
                WIthout touching them, can he tell if they can come off the wall?

No.  You would have to try and see.

Pequeno looks down at his clothing and gear.
                "Man, if I don't find some riches soon, I'll not be allowed in any of the nicer taverns. I look a wreck!"

                Celesa holds her head for a minute. "Thanks guys. Where the heck did they come from?"
                After a minute of getting the room to stop spinning, Celesa joins the others on the search of the room, however has to back off from the swords when she begins sneezing uncontrollably.

                Orlen walks over and lays his hands on Celesa. He reveals an unusual, serious

expression.
                "Stay still. This will just take a moment."
                Orlen casts cure light wounds on her again.
                Orlen heals Celesa for 1 point, bringing her up to 9 hit points.

                Pequeno continues to show interest in the swords. Especially with the condition of his....  
                Anybody (except Celesa) wanna help the little fella out?

                Jakob begins to move towards Pequeno, only to stagger a few steps and fall on his posterior.
                "I'm just going to sit here and reflect for a few minutes. Just go back to what you're doing."
                (Jakob's going to rest up until the fatigue's gone, or something happens)

                After 10 full minutes of sitting and breathing heavy, Jakob regians his Strength (4 rolled for CON check) but not his DEX (20 rolled for CON).  He can check again in 10 minutes if he does nothing but sit (including talking.)

                Orlen looks over his companions with concern.
                "When calling for Shona's aid, favor has been granted but with limited potency. I feel the dice are against us in this game. Maybe it is Shona's way of waiting until we can turn the game in our favor and improve the odds. I can feel I have limited favor left with Shona until I pray. I feel it may make sense to camp for the night and return later. I know today hasn't been as profitable as we'd have liked, but we now know how we need to prepare for tomorrow."
                Can Pequeno reach the swords?
                Do they appear to be normal, combat worthy weapons? Or decorations...

                Pequeno cannot reach them, and you cannot tell their quality without handling them.

                Taread will look over at Pequeno and rolls his eyes. But he does smile and head over to help the halfling with the swords.

                They appear to be silvered longswords ready for combat, but oiled for preservation.  A light coat of dust is easily blown off.

                "Thanks for the help. Maybe we can fix up one of the rooms we have explored to be a good camp site. At least in here we will have some protection from the elements and less chance of wandering beasties stumbling across us."
                Celesa looks over the map to see where might make a good spot.

                Don’t forget your animals are still outside 9and will most likely not want to come inside.)

                "Celsea, come here and look at these swords. I sure could use a new weapon.... Think they are booby trapped?" Pequeno asks. Looking visibly disgusted with his appearance.

                "What are you thinking? I can't get near those, silver and I don't get along. Unless you want everything in this place to know we are coming at least a mile away."
                Celesa scowls a bit and crosses her arms in front of her chest.

                "Oh yeah.... Your... afflictiion. Sorry."

                "Yes my...affliction. What kind of thief is allergic to coins?"

                Orlen moves over to examine the swords, as well. Since his is rusting more by the moment, maybe he needs a replacement.

                "Whattya think you're looking at there shorty?" Pequeno says. Looking up at Orlen.
                "I saw em first!"

                Orlen looks down with surprise at the halfling.
                "Can you fight with both of 'em at the same time? You truly are talented? Fine, they are all yours."
                The priest sighs and walks back towards Celesa.
                "Are you well? Had quite a day, eh?"
                Orlen gives her his usual wolfish grin.

                "Orlen.... You really gonna give up that easy?" Pequeno calls back to the human.
                "I'll share." he adds.
                After standing there quiet for a moment he continues.
                "Besides, I need your help getting them down."

                Orlen comes over and gratefully takes the other sword and slides it into his scabbard. He passes the other sword to Pequeno. If the swords obviously differ in quality, the priest gives the better to the halfling.
                "Shona is a god of gaming. I, therefore, respect the concept of dibs, no matter how ridiculous. I thank you for your generosity, however."

                Both swords seem of equal quality.

                "You make a valid point. I cannot weild both. So better it be in someone elses hands when these two get home and find us ransacking their place."

                "Boys and your toys." Celesa says with a grin.
                "If you two are done playing with your new swords, lets give this room a good going over, this room is far too fancy to not have some secrets to share."

                Orlen grins and starts searching the room, as requested.
                "Of course. Let's see what they've tried to hide from us."
                Orlen keeps his eyes out for anything he can make into a makeshift torch.

                Other than the drapes no flammable material is found.

                Celesa sets to seaching as well paying extra care when she reaches the dias with the thrones.

                Celesa has found a secret door on the left wall, at the back (if you are facing the thrones.)

                Celesa will check the area for any traps and then attempt to open the secret door.
                "Look what I found."

                "now this is what I am talking about!" Pequeno says, weilding his sword in a particularly flamboyant fashion.
                Then when Celsea discovers the door....
                "And THAT is what I am talking about!" he rushes over to her.
                "Lets see if this sthing can spill blood!"

                Taread watches Celesa "work", nodding his approval at her techniques even though they differ from his. When she finds the secret door, he inspects it for traps as well right after her and then steps back to let them open it.

                I have assumed you take your time and let Jakob recover from his fatigue.  After 10 minutes more minues, Jakob no longer has Strength or dex damage (upon a liberal application of the fatigue rule, allowing 2 saves per 10 minutes when only 1 pt. of damage remains to 1 stat. – I will review this later to see if I acted too leniently.)

                25. Rogahn’s Chamber

                The secret door opens onto a chamber.  The curving walls of the room are immediately noticeable as different from all others in the stronghold, not only due to their layout, but also because of their covering; The walls are covered with vertical strips of rough-finished fir wood, and these narrow planks run in single pieces from floor to ceiling.  The construction is not remarkable, not is it fancy in any respect, but the result is strikingly pleasing to the eye.  A wooden bed with a fluffy-looking mattress juts from the right wall.  A freestanding cabinet of wood matching the bed is alongside it.  A wooden stool is near the cabinet, rounding out the furniture.  In each of the four curved corners of the room is a different painting.

                Celesa will make her way into the room continuing her current pattern of searching everywhere. "Now this is what I'm talking about comfortable and defensible."

                 Pequeno heads to the bed and drives the sword into it and hopefully hitting the floor underneath.
                If nothing unsuspecting happens he flops onto it and lets out a huge sigh....
                "I'm feeling a bit tired myself Jakob..."

                The bed and cabinet appear to be made of maple.  The baseboard has an engraved letter R on it.

                As Pequeno pierces the bed, feathers fly up out of the mattress.

                The paintings are each 3’ wide an approximately 4’ high.  The four subjects depicted are: a dragon being slain by a group of warriors, with one standing prominently at the front of the group, thrusting the killing sword into the dragon’s neck; a great battle in a mountain pass, with a small band of fighters led by a great wizard and a single hero putting an entire gnome-titan army to flight; a warrior and a maiden in a rather stiff pose – the maiden seems to be ambivalent; and a depiction of a hero and a wizard joining in a firm handclasp on a deserted hilltop – with only a sunset in the background.  The principals in all these panoramas are the same.

                While Celesa is carefully searching the room, Orlen’s torch burns out and he lights his last one.

                Celesa needs to specify what she is searching for.

                Pequeno rests....

                Orlen moves the torch around so his companions can see.
                "This is the last one, guys. After this, we're in the dark. As nice as this bed looks, we need to go outside and get some torches. We need oil to make the torches which might mean a trip back to civilization."

                "I mentioned before that I had a couple. You guys must not have heard me..." Pequeno says.
                Thery are in my backpack. He points to the pack laying on the floor next to the bed.
                "How are we going to get those paintings down?" he asks....

                Taread frowned and pulled out a couple of torches and tossed them to Orlen. He'd already indicated he had torches before.

                "There problem solved."
                Celesa doesn't even look up from her work as she says this but continues to look for hidden compartments, secret doors and objects of value.

                In walking around trying to decide what to look at first, Celesa notices another secret door in the center of the left wall.

                It would take over three hours for one person to do a throrough search of this room and everything in it.

                Jakob wearily places his spear near the bed and begins to look at the paintings, the furniture and any other objects that are about. He takes the time to note any distinguishing features that might indicate an item of worth. Afterwards, he sits down to rest, his body shaking from fatigue.
                (Art appreciation: Painting and appraisning rolls)

                Jakob opens the cabinet and finds cloaks, a leather vest, a buckskin shirt, a metal corselet, a pair of silver-plated brass knuckles (a bit worn but with fancy engraved designs) and a pair of boots.

                Looking at the paintings (64 rolled) Jakob has no real idea how much they are worth, but does recognize the subjects.  The warrior/ hero is Rogahn, the wizard is Zelligar and the beautiful maiden is the Fair Melanee, Rogahn’s girlfriend.

                "Find a way to get em down Jakob?"
                "Those things have got to be worth a bit o' gold!"

                Orlen looks at the new secret room with some astonishment.
                "This place just gets more and more interesting, doesn't it?"
                He looks around the current room.
                "Do you still want to rest here or should we move on? Personally, I feel I have little of Shona's grace left to share this day. A little rest and a lot of prayer would change that."

                Taread looks over in interest. Another secret room? A sly grin slides onto his face. But he wipes it off and looks it over at the rest of the part to see if they were moving on or resting.

                Celesa looks almost longingly at the new secret door, but after a moment pulls herself away to face the rest of the group.
                Maybe we should go check on our animals, set up a camp and try to find some wood we can use for torches outside." We may be pressing our luck if we get into a tight spot and have no way out."

                Pequeno rises from the bed. A glum look on his face, until he sees his shiny new sword.
                He picks up the rusty one and jams it into the mattress on the bed.
                "Whattya say we get those paintings down and take them outside too. We can tie them to the animals..."

                "I say we move to encamp outside. There's no telling what's in here. Besides, I could use some fresh air."

                Orlen seems visibly relieved by the course of action being discussed by his companions.
                "I agree. We've gained very little from our expedition but we've made a decent dent in the exploration of this place. I say we rest up, make some preparations, and really crack this place open tomorrow."

                "Ahem!" Pequeno clears his throat loudly...
                "The paintings? Hello???? I'm not leaving here without something of value..... I don't know about you folks, but the silver is running a little low lately...."

                "The paintings may be safer here until we are ready to head back to town. If it rains they would be destroyed, as we have no way to protect them from the elements. Why don't we leave them here until we are sure we are heading back to civilization?"

                Pequeno looks 100% ready to argue his point then he realizes that she is right....

                I assume you back-track the same way you came in, but when you reach the grisly foyer, the magic mouths re-materialize, directly in your path.

                “Well, look who’s buggering off!” says one.

                “Didn’t think you had it in you to beat this place,” says the other.

                “Suppose you decide to not let you go?” queries the first.

                “Well, you could always leave her,” drools the second at Celesa.

                “Leave her?  They’re stealing!  Just look at those shiny swords!  They didn’t have those when they came in!” points out the less-sleazy-sounding one.

                “Fine.  You chew on them…I’ll nibble on her…” the lecherous one says.

                Taread is frowning and squinting, trying to read the mouths' lips and keep up with them, but then starts to realize what they are saying doesn't matter so he shrugs and ignores them...

                "Careful now, I bite back."
                Celesa says with a slight tone of flirting but also a hint of something more sinister.
                "Let's go we'll get some more torches, make a secure camp, and be back to finish clearing this place in no time."

                "Yeah.... LOOK AT IT!" Pequeno says, thrusting the "shiny" sword into the magic mouths eye.

                The mouths don’t like this attitude at all and begin moving in an aggressive manner.  Please post your actions for the round.

                Taread, having been trying to ignore the mouths, was a bit surprised when things suddenly turned hostile. He stepped back and drew his dagger and waited to see what happened.

                (Does Pequeno's sword simply pass through the mouths "eye"?)
                If so, he takes a combat stance and prepares to attack defensively.

                It would not have let you get that close to try.  Those are the sort of actions handled by combat rounds.

                Orlen, sword at the ready, starts praying in a solemn voice.
                "Shona, bless us! Give us the strength to vanquish this enemy."
                Orlen casts Bless.

                Celesa is highly confused at being attack by floating mouths, but shruggs and pulls her sword and gets into a defensive stance.
                "Oh well I suppose I've seen weirder things at home."

                Jakob sets his spear aside, then draws his magic dagger (not that magic dagger, Pequeno. You freak.) He then swings the dagger at the nearest malevolent mouth.

                Round 1

                Orlen begins looking for holywater to cast bless.         

Pequeno takes a combat stance and attacks and misses coimpletely (3 rolled).

                Taread, having been trying to ignore the mouths, is a bit surprised when things suddenly turned hostile and steps back.

                The lecherous mouth bites at Celesa, and also misses completely.

                Taread draws his dagger.

                At this point Orlen realizes he has no holy water.

                Jakob sets his spear aside, draws his dagger and attacks, and misses (2 rolled).

                The other mouth maneuvers to bite at Celesa as well, and misses!

                Please post your actions for round 2 (Celesa is still in the process of drawing her sword).

                (OOC: HACKMASTER! Damn your ridiculous concentration on minutia!)
                Orlen draws his sword to attack, happy to have remembered to put his pants on this morning.

                Pequeno maintains his attack.

                Taread will attempt to slash at one of the mouths from "behind" it.

                Jakob swings, hoping to skewer the smarmy smile off the enchanted orifice.

                Round 2

                Taread begins maneuvering around the “back” of one of the mouths.

                Jakob swings, hoping to skewer the smarmy smile off the enchanted orifice (12 rolled), but though he strikes true his dagger blade passes right through the mouth.

Pequeno maintains his attack (14 rolled) and, while he could swear he made contact, his blade passes right through the mouth.

                Pequeno’s second attack misses completely (10 rolled).

                Celesa draws her sword and attacks (sneezing and with her eyes watering from the proximity of the silver blades) but misses completely (15 rolled).

                Taread continues maneuvering.

                One of the mouths bites at Jakob and misses.

                 Taread will attempt to slash at one of the mouths from "behind" it, (18 rolled) and, like the others, “connects” but his blade passes through the mouth.

                The mouth spins and bites at Taread and were it not for Taread’s acrobatic abilities it would have hit.

                Orlen draws his sword to attack, happy to have remembered to put his pants on this morning, (7 rolled) but misses.

                Please post your actions for round 3.

                "Anyone else noticing that we can't do anything to these mouthy pests? Maybe we should rethink this."
                Celesa will attack once again while waiting for a response.

                Taread frowns and backs away from the mouth, not understanding how they all missed and went THROUGH them. He is a bit frightened by these "ghost mouths" and takes off running for the exit.

                Orlen continues moving with the momentum of his swing, moving with haste towards the entrance.
                "Retreat, while we can. This is not a fight we can win."
                The priest follows after Taread.

                Pequeno, seeing the two others running, drops his guard for a moment. He then begins running after them. Yelling like an idiot as he does so.

                Round 3

                Pequeno, seeing the two others preparing to run, drops his guard for a moment. He then begins running. Yelling like an idiot as he does so. 

The mouth in combat with Pequeno bites at him, and just misses.  Pequeno makes it 8 feet away and finds himself in darkness.  Pequeno rolls a 5 for his fatigue check and is fine.

                Taread frowns and backs away from the mouth, not understanding how they all missed and went THROUGH them. He is a bit frightened by these "ghost mouths" and takes off running for the exit.

                The same mouth snaps at Taread, and connects, but taread is allowed a save vs. spells and rolls a 19 and takes no damage.  Taread moves 24 feet at a run and runs right into Pequeno in the darkness, and they both go down in a heap.

                Orlen continues moving with the momentum of his swing, moving with haste towards the entrance.
                "Retreat, while we can. This is not a fight we can win."
                The priest follows after Taread.

                The other mouth bites Orlen, dealing 1 point of damage (Orlen rolled a 9 on his save vs spells.), which is taken by Orlen’s ring mail..  Orlen runs 9 feet, now illuminating the tangle that is Pequeno and Taread.  Orlen rolls a 10 for his fatigue check and is fine.

                The sassier of the magic mouths bites at Celesa, and misses.

                The DM plays “He's Laughin' at Ya” Monster Taunts PC.  PC loses 2d4 Honor.

                Celesa loses 5 honor.

                Orlen runs another 9 feet.

                Jakob holds his ground and continues to attack the mouth that bit Orlen, but critically fumbles and flings his sword 3 feet away from him and it clangs off a wall.

                The mouth bites at Jakob and just misses.

                Orlen continues retreating, rapidly leaving everyone in the dark, before Celesa even has a chance to attack.

                The mouth both laugh raucously.

                Please post your actions for round 4.

                Celesa will attempt to make her way to the exit, carefully withdrawing from combat.

                Taread will attempt to stay with Orlen and the light and make his way towards the entrance.

                "Get off me you oaf!" Pequeno says to whomever fell on him. He gets up and follows the light. At a brisk pace.

                Orlen, realizing that he is leaving people behind, slows down to allow the others to follow him. He makes sure not turn any corners until they all follow, acting as a beacon in the dark.
                Come on! I have no means to hurt them at this time and I doubt any of you do!"

                Sorry, I forgot I had Celesa’s action. You all make it out of the entrance, including Jakob, albeit his rusty longsword is still inside.

                Jakob slumps to the ground at the entrance. A look of frustrated fury crosses his horrid contenance. He slaps the ground with his palm, then starts to take deep breaths to calm himself.
                "I don't know which is worse, being chased off by a pair of useless spells or that I left my sword in there."
                A look of sudden inspiration then brightens his demeanor.
                "Perhaps we can destroy them with spells...? Sort of using magic against magic."

                "You know something?" Pequeno says. Dusting himself off.
                "I don't think a single one of us got hurt." he says surveying the group.
                "I doubt those annoying apparitions even had the ability to hurt us. And I want nothing more than to see them suffer. Do you think thats even possible?"
                He kicks his foot as he says "suffer". He sheathes his shiny new sword and leans back against against anything nearby to rest.

                Taread frowns, trying to watch the others' mouths to see what they are saying. He shrugs to the two asking questions about magic and the mouths.

                Orlen shrugs.
                "I'm sorry if my actions made us look foolish. I knew we could not hurt them and I...well, I thought we may be in danger. If our egos are bruised, so be it. I plan to make the injuries they receive much more literal. If they think us fools or cowards, let their poor assessment be their undoing. We were leaving anyway, so no real injury has occurred."

                "Your actions?" Pequeno asks.
                "I don't think anyone did anything foolish back there. Those pesky abominations will pay for their acts. We are likely to face more dangerous conjurations that those things. Its obvious the wizard who lived here was a bit crazy in the head."

                Orlen shrugs awkwardly.
                "Yeah, my actions. I called for retreat and carried the torch away, forcing people to follow me. I'm sorry if I caused anyone to look foolish, that' all. I'm glad you don't see it that way."

                Pequeno turns to Celesa.
                "Well, whats the plan now? Were still poor....."

                "We should set up a camp, we'll need a place we can securely rest for the night, not to mention leave our animals while we are in plundering."
                Celesa says with a smile as she sets to work looking for a good area.

                There is a clearing not too terribly far from the entrance that looks suitable.  What are you preparations/ actions for the rest of the day and the night?  I’ll also need Orlen’s spells for the next day.

                Pequeno sets about doing his best to repair his gear. And anyone elses that needs it.

                While Pequeno does have the weapon maintenance skill he does not have any of the necessary tools or components.

                Orlen walks off on his own for nearly ten minutes before returning to camp. He checks his rotting rations for edible matter but collects the rotten or moldy portions and saves them. He will sleep, then wake up a pray for his spells (Cure Light Wounds x3, Detect Magic). If no edible material can be found in the rations and no one else can provide food, he will pray for Purify Food and Drink instead of Detect Magic and use it on as much rotten food as he can fit in one cubic foot in the morning.

                Celesa sets about gathering wood and clearing the area for the camp, making a stone lined pit for fires.
                "Anyone any good at trapping, I've made a little fire pit and if we can trap some game we shouldn't have to worry about food too much."

                Pequeno helps where he can. Mumbling about how only savages sleep on the ground....

                There is no recoverable food from the spoiled rations, so Orlen is able to purify some of it in the morning.

                The night passes uneventfully.

                Jakob sets about maintaining weapons and armor.

                Much like Pequeno, Jakob possesses the knowledge but not the materials to maintain his equipment.

                (How many days worth of food can fit into a cubic foot of food? Orlen plans to share his rations and I want to know how far he can stretch his purified food. )

"Now we face a choice. Ther nearest town or vilage is a few days away, do we continue on in our explorations until we can go no further and have to head to town to get supplies. Or do we leave now, knowing we have little money to spend, and hope it will get us what we need and hope nothing new sets up shop in the places we have already explored. What do you guys think?"

                Taread pointed at the food of Orlen's that was rotted and then purified. Then he pointed at the others' backpacks and raised a questioning eyebrow. If they didn't have enough food, they needed to head to town...

                "Well if we do go to town what are we getting while there? And do we have the means to purchase it?" Pequeno asks.

                Orlen takes his recently purified food and passes a standard portion to Taread. He then speaks to the rest of the group.
                "Besides my mute friend here and myself, I have enough for two more people. My rations have spoiled but I was able, with Shona's blessing, to make it edible again. I can do it again tomorrow, so hold onto your food if it has gone bad."
                The priest stands up, checking his coin.
                "I can afford torches and more food, that's for sure. Might be worth a trip back to town."

                "I say we go back. I'd rather not get caught with a weapon that's falling apart and several enemies bearing down on us."

                Your first day of travel takes you just past Cauldron Lake.  Celesa’s armor and Orlen’s armor and shield have each lost 1 hp due to lack of maintenance.

                Your second day puts you almost to the Vadarz River where it flows in the Frandorian Mountains.  During the middle of the night, after midnight actually, your camp is disturbed.    

                Ara’mar Haar’kiev 19, 12,082

                You are rudely shoved awake.  It is still dark, but torchlight (not your own) reveals that your camp is surrounded.  21 male individuals, Ugly Thieves, stand around your camp.  They are eyeing Celesa rather lustfully and have already grabbed her horse.  The thieves are very human in appearance with slightly upturned noses and barely noticeable tusks.  13 of the gang are mounted.  5 are armed with long swords, daggers and short bows.  5 are armed with long bows, daggers and short swords.  11 are armed with clubs, daggers and slings.  The leader snarls, “Surrender your valuables peacefully and you will not be harmed.  So goes our code.”

                "Whattya say? Think we can take 'em?" Pequeno cracks...

                Orlen looks at the number of enemies and spits angrily.
                "No, I don't. Bad luck, no doubt. Shona is testing us on this adventure."
                The young priest eyes his allies, seeing how they want to play this.

                Pequeno leans in to Orlen.
                "I bet if we give them the woman we can make a run for it?"
                He grins.
                You assume from his tone  he's kidding.

                Jakob steps into the light, so as to allow these unworthy varlets a full look at his accursed visage. He moves his spear to the stump of his missing spear. He then gestures at the thieves with his hand, the index and little fingers spread and the others clenched tightly. He speaks with an ominous tone in his voice.
                "May the Lord of Darkness, who has cursed my face so, pour his wrath upon each and every one of you should you not leave now. For every item you consider taking from us, for every drop of blood you desire to draw from our bodies, each of you shall suffer an agony so dire, you shall beg for a release from said torment. And such shall not be granted. Begone! And leave an offering to the Darkness, lest he takes your soul in payment."
                Jakob then snatches the spear from its resting place and stamps the butt onto the ground. He then strikes a pose like some crazed shaman: Chin raised, chest thrust out, eyes bugged.
                (I realize he doesn't have any bluffing type skills. Not sure how this would be handled)

                This would appear to be an application of the Threat Gestures skill, untrained.  Jakob has an 11% chance for success.  Jakob rolls an 86.

                The surrounding mob stares in silenced for a moment.  Amid some tittering, the leader stifles a chuckle and says, “No, seriously.  We’d rather not get your blood all over us.  Surrender your valuables.”

                Pequeno, a bit curious on how this will all turn out, says a silent prayer to the gawds, and readies himself to jump up.

                Taread says nothing, obviously. But he doesn't make a few surreptious thief signs with his hands to see if anyone seems to notice or is willing to talk. Otherwise, he readies himself to move either to fight or flee as the case may be.

                Orlen smiles at the bandits.
                "And we'd rather not get our blood on you as well. It seems like a good plan."
                The priest removes his coin pouch and drops it at his feet. Along with his weapons and armor, he drops his backpack. His hand goes to his holy symbol.
                "This is a symbol of my gawd. I am a priest of Shona. It means a great deal to me and it is probably in your interest not to offend the gawd of gaming and chance. But Shona will understand my letting it go. The odds are certainly not in my favor and I'm in no position to argue. I think it would be in all our best interests to leave it with me. Everything else, it's yours. What to you say?"

                The leader shrugs.  “Why not?  Not much re-sale value anyway.”

                Celesa kicks Pequeno from her position near his side. Not hard, but enough so he know that his joking was less the appreciated.
                "You already have all my valuables they are all on my horse there. Go ahead and take them. Anything else we can give you?"

                The mob starts growling and cat-calling.  The leader holds up his hand.  “Down boys!  Look at her.  She’d be missed, by someone.”  He winks at Celesa’s companions suggestively.

                Pequeno waits to see the reaction to Orlen wanting to keep his holy symbol.

                Taread makes a sighing motion, and tries to emulate the sound and set down his meager valuables, though keeps his daggers, unless they say something. He will sign that it's his livelihood.

                The bandits look at Taread’s rusty daggers and throw them back down at the thief’s feet.

                If the bandits allow Orlen to keep his holy symbol:
                "My faith has blessed me with this sword, this fine padded armor, and my coin purse. Surely you will allow me to keep these tools of my faith."

                The leader bends down to address Pequeno.  “I see scraps of armor and rusty weapons.  I would choose another faith if I were you, haha!  And I have faith that you won’t do anything foolish.  I’ll have that nice dagger, the silver sword and your coins.” (a complete list of what is taken will be forthcoming.)

                Jakob looks around to from his pose to see some of the others divesting themselves of their gear, etc. In a stage whisper, he speaks.
                "Please tell me this is part of some cunning scheme. One that involves us not losing all of our stuff to these hoodlums."

                From Celesa: 71gp, 89cp, turquoise ring, nice dagger, Celesa’s horse and tack, feed

                From Jakob: 95gp, 7sp, 13cp, dagger +1, quart of orluian brandy, 22 potions, glass bottle of grog, amulet of the Erundy Thieve’s Guild

                From Orlen: 26gp, deed, silvered longsword, Orlen’s pack goat and tack

                From Pequeno: 214gp, 14sp, 6cp, snakeskin boots, silver skull cloak pin, silvered longsword, dagger +1, silver ring, 5 potions,

                From Taread: any coins he had left, Taread’s pack donkey and tack

                Orlen sighs as the bandits take his belongings. He finds his stowed, rustier sword and slides it into his simple wooden scabbard.
                "Well...hmmm...this is an embarrassing turn of events, isn't it? Maybe we can go back to town and get some supplies on credit."
                The priest seems surprisingly upbeat despite this turn of events.

                "Well with their numbers they could have killed us all and taken our belongings even easier. So I think I'll count this one as a win, we may have lost our gear but we kept our lives and we know a place where we may be able to find more money and valuables so all is not lost."

                Taread is both angry and resigned. He sits down on a rock, looking dejected, but taking angry swipes with one of his daggers at nearby grass (or loose dirt if there's no grass). After a moment, he looks at the others.

                "Ugh.... I Need a drink..."

                Do you continue on to town or head back to “Q”?

                Pequeno looks to the others.....

                Orlen looks at his companions, his wolf-like features making him look especially sinister.
                "I say we go back to town. We left the dungeon for several reasons and none of them have solved themselves. We have a dwindling food supply, only a few torches, and our weapons and armor are falling apart in front of our eyes. We need to get our selves straight before we explore any further or deeper."

                "How exactly do you plan on taking care of any of that? We don't exactly have the funding to solve any of those problems, do we? On the bright side I haven't sneezed since those thugs left with all the silver."

                "The paintings!" Pequeno says aloud.
                "We can get them down and take them back to town to sell!"

                "That's a good idea. Unfortunately, some towns require that you pay a surcharge on any goods coming into town. If it's considered a luxury good, it gets slapped with even more fees."

                (Do we know if the town we'd be heading to does this?)

                You would typically expect to pay a 1.5% duty on bringing good is and a 6% tariff on luxury goods if they are to be sold.

                Orlen smiles at the idea.
                "Ah yes, the paintings. Good idea. Even if we can't find a buyer in town, I'm sure they can act as collateral if we need a loan. Of course, we need to go past the evil mouths again, but I think this is the best course of action, no doubt."

                "We may not be able to get them into the town though, we have no way to pay the fees to bring them into town."

                "Bribery." Pequeno says.
                "We'll bribe the guards and bring them back double the taxes if they let us in without paying."

                Do I take it that your plan is to return to “Q” at first light?  If so, any special arrangements and does Orlen change his spells from Cure Light Wounds x3, Detect Magic x 1?

                (Orlen will pray for: Cure Light Wounds x3, Purify Food and Drink)

                "You want to bribe the guards with our words?"
                Celesa has a look of pure disbelief on her face.
                "Your kidding, right? You want the guards to let us into a town without paying the tax because we promise to pay them back, plus a little for risking their job and safety. Good plan. Why don't we go back to Q, do some hunting for food, see what Orlen can purify, and see if we can't find some actual cash. There's got to be loot in there somewhere we just have to find it."

                "The guards' safety? You think the tapestries are going to come alive and eat them or something?"
                Pequeno has an odd look on his face.
                "Whatever. Sure, lets head back in."

                Orlen loosens his rusty blade in its scabbard.
                "So...we go back to the cave so we can find money to pay the taxes on the paintings so we can trade them so we can buy the basic provisions to live. Barring, of course, we don't run into trouble in the dungeon and we don't get robbed again on the way back."
                The priest smiles.
                "It might be dangerous, but adventuring sure is glamorous, isn't it?"

                Taread makes a sighing mime and shrugs. He looks angry and looks at his rusty daggers, back the way the bandits left, and then back towards the dungeon. He sighes angrily again.

                "Well not like we have much of a choice. Let's go."
                Celesa begind heading back in the direction they came from.

                Pequeno follows. Trying to get his cloak to stay fastened. "Blasted bandits, I loved that pin... Ahhh forget it!" he gets visibly angry as he throws his cloak to the ground.
                "Anyone have an extra blade I may be able to use? Seeing how my new sword was stolen?"

                Suddenly Pequeno remembers his small dagger.
                "Nevermind." he says. Feeling the dagger in its sheath tied to his right leg. He reaches down and removes it from its holder.

                Peqeuno also still has his broadsword.

                "Froggin' bandits. May their loins wither and their hands become palsied. May their teeth rot out and their sphincters issue forth flies. May what they took from us fly from their hoard back into ours."
                Jakob then returns into the dungeon.

                Orlen shrugs.
                "They weren't so bad. They let us live, didn't they? We should thank the gawds for giving us the means to get more stuff. Of course, the bandits did steal the deed to my ancestral home. That does hurt a bit. On the otherhand, the land is crawling with monsters, so I welcome them to try to clear that up for me."
                The young priest throws up his hands.
                "Let's go change our fate."

                You rest for the duration of the night.  Upon waking Celesa finds that her armor has deteriorated to the point of being useless.  She is left in her cloak and undergarments.  Orlen’s armor and shield each lose 1 hit point due to lack of maintenance.

                Taread is now severely encumbered and can make no more than 3 miles a day.  Next slowest would be Orlen at heavy encumberance. 

                At ytour current rate of travel you reckon it would take you almost 3 days to get back to Q.  Or you could reach Farzey in almost 1 ½ days.

                "Well, whattya guys think?"

                "Well we could always go to Farzy and see if we can find a guard job or something to get us some food and equipment and head back to Q in a few days."

                Orlen frowns, stroking his patchy beard with his left hand.
                "Well, neither course of action seems a good one. We are very low on supplies but we have no means of buying more. Yet to press on to get money for supplies will take a decent amount of time. Too long to go with no food or water. Right now, I think we need to go for Farzey. With no food, no torches, and our weapons falling apart, we're in no position to attempt anything dangerous. Maybe we can find some honest work back at town?"

                Taread looks at each of the people as they speak, trying to keep up with the conversation as best he can. He shrugs and makes a face, indicating that either way seems the same and bad to him so just pick one.

                "Yeah.... Lets go."
                Pequeno starts back towards Farzey.

                I assume you eat in the morning before you head out.  The road runs next to the river so water should not be a problem.  Celesa and Jakob eat an iron ration.  Taread eats a standard ration.  Orlen and Pequeno have no food.

                You have been traveling for less than an hour when you spy 12 medium-sized birds circling above you.  They are vultures with 5 to 6-foot-long wingspans, white feathers and red crests. 

                Your pary has 2 segments of surprise before the vultures notice you.  What do you do?

                Jakob motions for the others to hide in the foliage, then hides himself.

                Orlen, not really having another plan in mind, goes along with the hiding suggestion and tries to get behind the closest bush or tree as quietly as possible.

                Pequeno also hides. Hoping the growling of his stomach doesnt give him away.

                Taread glares at the birds but then follows the others into hiding, assuming Celesa does as well (as he won't leave her to fend them off herself). He does draw his dagger as well, once hidden.

                Celesa will hide in a nearby bush and draw her dagger after getting into hiding.

                You wait quietly and the vultures fly away.  You have avoided the encounter.  There are no further encounters during the day.  Celesa a nd Tared have each healed 1 point of damage.

                Gart’mar, the 20th of Haar’kiev, 12082 (spring)

                Celesa and Jakob have iron rations (Celes’a last one) while Taread has a standard ration.  It’s the second day that Orlen and Pequeno have gone without food.

                There are no encounters.  Celesa has healed another point of damage (currently at 12 out of 23 hit points.  Orlen’s ringmail and shield have each taken another point of damage.

                You have arrived at Farzey.

                Jakob, who had been walking back under a black cloud, looks at the gate, then the others.
                "Okay. How do we get in? Sewer grate? Bribe them with promises?"

                "We can give em Celesa!"

                Orlen looks at the town, his face pale and drawn. The days with no food have done nothing for his already unattractive features. He smiles at Pequeno's suggestion.
                "Not a bad idea. We'd probably get change back, too."

                "Let me see if I can handle this."
                Celesa walks up to the town gate and looks to see if there are any guards on duty.

                "See? Self sacrifice. A forgotten virtue for women."
                Pequeno smiles at Orlen

                Taread ignores the comments about Celesa, which is easy considering he's deaf and watches her walk up to the gate. He is frowning at he retreating form, wondering what she's up to and worrying about what will happen.

                Pequeno looks down at his dilapidated longsword and just shakes his head.
                He then looks at his tattered armor. He reaches for his silver cloakpin only to remember its gone.
                Even the feather in his once fine hat it shabby at best.
                "I wouldnt let me in either...." he says.....

                Jakob nonchalantly looks down the city walls, in both directions. He notes where the sewer grates, and any other untended openings, are. He then turns to Pequeno.
                "Let's say you were trying to get in and out of a town, in order to do something...not quite proper. The sort of thing that you'd rather have the city guard not know about. How would you go about it?"

                Farzey is the town in which you all first met and, as luck would have it, Celesa appears to know the guard.  At least they’re acting like they know each other…and haven’t seen each other in a while.  They seem very glad to be seeing each other now. 

                When she finally returns (they must have had a lot to catch up on), Celesas informs you that, not only are you free to enter the town, there is omeone looking to invest in an adventuring party. (The details for sponsored adventuring companies can be found in the PHB.  Along with the costs required for armor and weapon maintenance *hint*.)  Are you interested?

                Also, enough time seems to have gone by; I think I’ll call it the end of a session.  Please privately send me your votes for MVP and publicly state any coupons you wish to use before session end.

                Jakob turns so as everyone (including Taread) can hear/see what he's saying.
                "Gentlemen, it looks like we've finally ran into some luck. I say we grab that luck and not let go. What say you?"
                (I plan to use "Better a witty fool than a foolish wit (Griftmaster 2/2) +30 fractional to wisdom)

                Pequeno is 100% for anyone willing to sponsor this group of riff raff.
                "Sucker!" he comments afterwards.
                If I remember coupons correctly, its been a while, we can use any coupons we are physically in possession of. But ony once correct? - If so I'll use the PERSONAL TRAINER coupon. +25 fractional pts of Strength. If I have used that before please let me know.

                I don't have any money do I?

                Correct, any coupon you physically own or any coupon that has been awarded to you in game.  You have not used Personal trainer before.

                You have no money.

                OOC: I don't currently have access to my books, so I guess I can't use a coupon. Sigh.
                Taread nods to the idea of having a sponsor. Anything to avoid having the state they are in currently. He'd almost rather go back to robbing people....

                Also, how do we get more coupons? The remaining ones I have from the PHB I can't use. They are for spellcasters or for character creation... If I aquire another Hackmaster book with coupons included I can use those?

                Correct.  And 1 coupon is awarded per session to the player that earned the most honor.

                End of Session results

               

Experience

                Celesa earned 565, including the MVP award.

                Jakob earned 14.

                Orlen earned 20.

                Pequeno earned 350 including the award for most damage dealt in a single blow.

                Taread earned 15.

               

Honor

                Celesa lost 2 honor.

                Orlen lost 2 honor.

                Pequeno lost 2 honor.

                Taread lost 2 honor.

               

As Jakob lost the least amount of honor, jimu113 earns the “good” coupon: Dent Puller -

3d4 Armor points are restored

                Everyon else is tied for having lost the most honor, but Pequeno is the only one who used a coupon, so eighteez earns the “bad” coupon.  It will be played during the next session.

                You are able to find someone interested in sponsoring your party!  It seems that a member of a political group known as The Sons of Battle is trying to shift some funds out of the country for the time being, but needs to make a return on his investment. 

                You are required to become an Adventuring Company, and must name yourselves so that Company can be identified as a whole.  Your sponsor agrees to front the cash for equipment, provisions, horses, rom & board, and other expenses.  In retrun, you agree to repaythe investor his up-front money and give him 50% of any remaining treasure.

                You will work for the sponsor until you have earned back ten times the amount initially invested.

                You will each be required to swar a gawd oath to your patron gawd (auitable gawd will be appointed if you do not have one) in front of the sponsor that you will abide by the terms of the sponsorship or lose one experience level.

                What do you say?

                "Provisions includes ale correct?" Pequeno asks.
                "I sure am thirsty..."

                Orlen shrugs.
                "Im in. Sure, we're getting screwed but certainly no worse than we screwed ourselves."

                OOC: The Unlikely Culprits for a name? LOL! Just kidding.
                Taread shrugs as well, having a harder time understanding alot spoken at once. But he got the gist of it and agreed to it, albeit reluctantly. And he thought the Guild had been tough with taking a cut!!

                "sure. It'd be useful to have someone with influence interested in our well-being."
                (suggestions for company name:
                Striders of the Purple Mage
                Farzy's Furies
                Battle's Wrath)

                Once you settle on a name the next order of business will be how much start-up capital you need.

                "How about, PEQUENO! & 3 others...."?

                "We need a name that captures what we're all about. How about the 'Rusty Blades' or the 'Starving Beggars?'"

                Hammers of Q

                Pequeno smiles. "Hammers of Q"
                I like that.
                "Hammers works for me."

                And for a standard, penents, or on shields the image could be a golden Q with a hammer diagonally though the center.
                Simple but easy to identify.

                "I assume we'll be taking over Q once cleared for our base of operations? Should I decide to continue with you riff raff once I rich beyond my wildest dreams that is...."

                Taread shrugs at the various names. They don't matter to him really. One's as good as another.

                Orlen smiles.
                "Good name. So, we've got some financing and we're almost done establishing our group. The question is: How much money do we need. Personally, a new suit of mail, a new sword, a horse, and some torches and I'm set. We should keep our debt as small as possible."

                We get to choose the amount we are to be outfitted with?

                "Yes, or as i see it, how deep into their debt we can dig ourselves."

                I see.
                Pequeno will be shopping for some finely tailored padded armor. A shiny new broadsword. And he'll have the rest of his gear repaired.
                He'll also be looking for a new set of clothes, a cloak pin, cloak, and a new green feather for his hat. THe hat won’t be replaced. He is fond of it.

                Jakob goes in for a new suit of leather armor, a new longsword, weapon and armor maintenance kits, and first aid supplies.

                Jakob’s leather armor: 5 gp

                Jakob’s longsword: 15 gp

                Jakob’s leather armor maintenance kit: 50 gp for 1 month

                Jakob’s longsword maintenance kit: 50 gp for 1 month

                Jakob’s first aid supplies (do you mean a surgeon’s kit?  If so; 100 gp)

                Jakob currently has no clothes other than rags.  Also what does Jakob do with his rusty longsword, dagger and spear?

                Celesa would like to replace her lost gear, and if the group doesn't mind train as well so she'll be of more use to the group.

                Please specify what equipment you want.  Your training will cost a base of 3,471gp, 4sp, 3cp, depending on where and what type the school is.

                I'm fine for waiting for Celesa to train. I just hope she can afford it. That's a lot of debt to get into.

                Taread would like to replace his lost gear, repair/replace his weapons/armor, and get provisions for the trip again.

                Please specify what equipment and how many provisions.

                Yes. Pequeno too will stock up on provisions for the trip back to Q. Also he'll get the required maintenance kits for his weapons and armor.

                                Pequeno’s armor: 4 gp (how much ornamentation do you want?  How many more times than the standard cost?  1x, 2x, etc?)

                Pequeno’s broadsword: 10 gp

                Pequeno’s fine silk garments: 50 gp

                Pequeno’s cloak pin: 5 sp

                Pequeno’s good cloth cloak: 8 sp

                Pequeno’s green feather: 1 sp

                I’ll have to look up repair costs when I get home tonight, sorry.

                How many provisions?

                Pequeno’s padded armor maintenance kit: 50 gp for 1 month

                Pequeno’s broadsword maintenance kit: 50 gp for 1 month

                Sorry, small confusion to clear up.  You let your sponsor know what you’re up front costs are going to be.  Then you specify that amount.  Then you get to spend it.

Taread would like 75gp.
Not sure about Studded Leather Armor and how much it costs/weighs...but otherwise he is re-

buying all the stuff he had before, listed below.
                Daggers (4/8gp/4 lbs)
                Sling (5cp)
                Sling Bullets (20/20cp/10 lbs - half are on the Donkey)
                Backpack (2gp/2 lbs)
                Flint&Steel (5sp)
                Thieves Tools (30gp/1 lb)
                Torches (2/2cp/2 lbs)
                Whetstone (2cp/1 lb)
                Wineskin (8sp/1 lb)
                Donkey (8gp)
                Pack Saddle (5gp/15 lbs)
                Hemp Rope (50ft/1gp/20 lbs)
                Grappling Hook (8sp/4 lbs)
                Rations-Standard (2 Week/6gp/100 lbs)
                Torches (2/2cp/2 lbs)
                Winter Blanket (5sp/3 lbs)

                Studded leather costs 40gp and weighs 25 lbs.  It is fairly bulky.

                Only 15 sling bullets are available for sale in Farzey at this time.

                Only 2 torches are available for sale.

                No flint & steel, grappling hooks or winter blankets are currently available.

                Pequeno will be able to fix his broadsword with his maintenance kit.  Sorry, forgot to quote a price on the maintenance kits for daggers and shortbows.  They’re 50gp each.  Once purchased, Pequeno will be bale to restore those weapons to working order as well.

                4x the base for ornamentation.
I'll add a 3rd waterskin to the gear too. (unless I already have 3)
                Man those maintenance kits are a jip! May as well buy a new sword each week!
                I'll take em though.
                Do we have mounts?          

                Pequeno already has 3 waterskins.  You do not have mounts.

                Jakob will replace the rags with a traveling suit plus a suit for wearing at court, plus replace the rusty dagger and spear with new (plus maintenace kits). The old weapons he will donate to the nearest smithing school.

                Two suits of common clothing will cost 4 cp.  The dagger will be 2gp and the spear 8 sp.  Maintenance kits for both will be 100gp.

                Celesa would like to replace everything that was lost in the theft if possible, and get new armor and weapons and the maintenance kits needed for said weapons and armor.
                If the group is ok with training cost that as well, if not she will self train, until we can find the money for the training.

                I’m sorry; I did not keep track of what was stolen.  Please let me know what you’d like to purchase item by item.

                Pequeno is fine with the training cost.

                OOC: Training is fine. Not that it usually matters too much in Hackmaster! LOL!

                Yeah, the training cost is fine. As for supplies, I think Orlen still has a ring mail repair kit unless the bandits tooks it. He will have his ringmail and sword repaired if it is cheaper than replacing. The same goes for his three daggers and shield. Orlen would also like to get a repair kit for his sword, 6 torches, and 6 days of iron rations. If anyone else wants to get a horse, he will too. If not, he'll pass, as well. I do not have access to my Hackmaster book at this time, so I can't figure the cost or weight. Sorry.

                It will cost 54gp to repair Orlen’s ring mail and it will take 6 days.  If Orlen spent 50 gp per weapon, anyone with the weapon maint. Skill in the party could repair his sword and daggers, if they so chose.  It will xost 15gp to reapair Orlen’s medium shield.  By repair kit for the sword I believe you mean maintenance equipment (it costs 50gp).  Taread bought the last of the torches in town.  The iron rations are only available in 1 week bundles for 5gp.

                cool then training it is, I may actually be useful. Or at least be able to take a few extra hits.

                If we dont get mounts perhaps we should at least get a draft mule or something to carry rations, etc...
                Perhaps we need a gnome torchbearer as well.
                Actually, I would like a few extra daggers as well, since maintenance kits aren't worth it for daggers, but maybe an armor maintenance kit for my new armor.

                How many is a few?  The maintenace kit will cost 50gp.

                Please be advised that unless you say “I am buying……” and list a specific amount of whatever it is you want, I will interpret the post as window shopping and your character will not get the item(s).

Celesa would like to buy:
Leather Armor - 2 suits
Leather Armor maintenance kit
Longsword
Longsword maintenance kit
Light Crossbow
Light Crossbow maintenance kit
Fine Leather Garments - 2 suits
Darksuit
5 Daggers
Iron Rations 2 weeks worth
Waterskin
Donkey
Pack Saddle
Hemp Rope
Bedroll
2 weeks of feed for the donkey
5 large saddle bags

Orlen will buy:
Longsword x 1
Longsword Maintenace Kit x 1
Iron Rations x 2 weeks
Hemp Rope 50'
Winter Blanket
Orlen will have repaired:
Ringmail
Shield
No other items he currently needs were listed as stolen so I will assume he still has them.

Pequeno will buy:

Pequeno’s armor: (4x regular, quite opulent) 16 gp
Maintenance kit for armor
Pequeno’s broadsword: 10 gp
Maintenance kit for sword
Pequeno’s fine silk garments: 50 gp
Pequeno’s cloak pin: 5 sp
Pequeno’s good cloth cloak: 8 sp
Pequeno’s green feather: 1 sp
maintenance kit for bow

I'll have my bow repaired

2 weeks iron rations

a mount if we are buying mounts

Cool?

Jakob shall purchase:
longsword
dagger
spear
leather armor
maintenance kits for weapons and armor
first aid supplies (suture kit, medicinal alcohol, etc)
two suits of common clothes
a suit of courtly clothes
two weeks iron rations
two skins of good wine

I made some errors in posting costs earlier: armor maintenance kits for 1 month cost 75gp per suit

of armor; weapon maintenance kits for 1 month cost 10gp per weapon.

 

If Celesa spends 15 minutes each working on her longsword and light crossbow and 5 minutes on

her dagger, she finds she has returned them to their original condition.  She will need to spend a total of 55 minutes per week maintaining her weapons and 12 minutes per day maintaining her armor, for a total of 12 minutes maintenance time per day, with one day per week requiring 1 hour 7 minutes of her time.

                Celesa is unable to procure a darksuit, but does raise some eyebrows as she asks around.

                Celesa has decided to not purchase the extra light crossbow, and only purchase 1 dagger with 2 dagger maintenance kits.

I have emailed character sheets out, please check that they are ok.

Celesa has found a kobar in Farzy.  She spends 2 weeks and 4 days in training, in a small class

with a gifted teacher.  She passed her BBI and wearned an additional 8 skill mastery points.  In addition, while training her class was conscripted to help deal with a local crisis and she earned an additional 68 XP.

You have been staying at the inn during her training.

                It is now Quay’mar, the 10th of Jevar’kiev, 108 T.R.

                Celes’a training has been completed.

                Celesa has 12 day’s worth of materials left in her 2 leather armor maintenance kits.

                Celesa has 3 week’s worth of longsword, 1 week worth of crossbow and 3 week’s worth of dagger maintenance materials left.

                Jakob’s 2 fruit preserves have gone bad. 

Jakob has used 12 day’s worth of materials left in his and Taread’s leather armor maintenance kits (assuming Jakob is kind enough to take care of Taread’s armor for him.) 

                Jakob has 3 week’s worth of longsword maintenance materials 1 week of dagger maintenance materials,  and 3 weeks worth of spear maintenance materials left.

                Orlen’s armor is repaired (by the way, the armorer recommended Orlen work on maintaining his armor on a daily basis – some of the damage was due to rust and neglect – this would require the purchase of an armor maintenance kit.  Maintenance kits are purchased by the month).

                Orlen has 2 week’s worth of materials left in his longsword maintance kit (assuming Celesa is kind enough to maintain his weapon for him.)

                All of Taread’s standard rations have gone bad.

                Taread’s 4 daggers begin to rust and his sling begins to dry and crack.

                You currently owe your sponsor 4,293gp, 6sp and 2cp.

Dang. Rations go bad? Suck. K. Apparently then. Sigh. I need to get more rations, like 2 weeks worth, and have someone help me with my weapons and armor for maintenance since I don't think I HAVE those skills before we leave, but then I am good.

Did you want standard rations agan or iron rations or something different?  And materials for the weapon maintenance would cost 10gp per weapon.  You already have a maintenance kit for your armor (12 days worth of materials remain) and if Jakob spends an extra 6 minutes per day he can keep your armor in good condition.

Celesa will make sure she has food and a waterskin, enough food for 2 weeks, and then she is ready to head back to Q.

That’s one ready!

Iron Rations actually please. Can I get one weapon maintenance kit for ALL my weapons, or do I have to get one for each dagger and then my sling? If all daggers use the same "kit" can I get like 3 of the dagger ones and 2 for my sling? then I should be good.

You got it.  Basically weapon kits represent week’s worth of maintenance materials, so 3 dagger kits would be enough materials to maintain 3 daggers for 1 month, or 1 dagger for 3 months.

As soon as Jakob replaces the stuff that went bad, he'll be ready to roll.

That’s 3!

Well, all-righty.  I’m going to assume Orlen’s spells are the same as he last prepared, with the exception of a create water instead of purify food and drink, and that you all head on back out to the abandoned keep.  By the way, your new total sponsorship is 4,460gp, 3sp, 2cp.  I’m also going to assume that Orlen took the armorer’s advice and purchased a ring mail maintenance kit.

If Orlen stows his shield on his mule then the slowest creature in the party is Celesa’s mule and you march at that pace.  You make it almost to the lake on your first day’s travel.  The animals are able to graze along the way.

You make camp and set watches.  Celesa spends 21 minutes maintaining her 2 suits of leather armor and Orlen’s ring mail.  Jakob spends 12 minutes maintaining his and Taread’s leather armor.

It is Run’Mar, the 11th of Jevar’kiev, 108 T.R.

Each of you eats and drinks and Orlen replenishes your water.

Less than 4 ½ hours into the day you arrive at “Q”. 

What do you do with your animals?

OOC: You are correct in your assumptions. Sorry I forgot to mention them.
                Orlen looks at his new mule fondly, then looks at the entrance.
                "I suppose we need to tie up our animals here and hope for the best, right?"
                He grins cheerfully and toothfully, once again looking wolfish in appearance.

"We can secure them in one of the rooms we previously cleared out and secure the door when we leave. It may be safer then leaving them out for whatever animals may find them outside. Then when we make camp outside for the night they can graze."

The Caverns of Quasqueton

Upper Level

1.  Entrance

Of course, as luck would have it, a heavy rainstorm must have washed out part of the path.  The only way up is to climb and there is no way the animals can make it up.

"Swell. Now we get to play mountain goat. Only way things can get worse is if the bandits show up again."

"Well lets start by finding a place suitable to make camp, we can set the animals there to graze, and at least get a place to rest marked out."

There is a small field at the foot of the crag which is the entrance to the complex.  There is grass for grazing and trees for shelter.

Please let me know what special arrangements, if any, you are making for the camp.

Also let me know what you’re changing for gear.  Each item has a location listed on your character sheet.  If it says pack saddle, mule, etc. then you don’t have it on your person.

I assume you’re all ok with what’s on your sheets.  Anyone doing anything special to climb up to the entrance?

The first person to the top should take my rope with them, and see if there is anything to secure it too, so we can lower the rope down the hillside for those less skilled at climbing.

Taread will take the wineskin and a couple of rations from the packsaddle to his backpack. He will offer his grappling hook to see if anyone wants it before re-stowing it in the packsaddle.

It would seem nobody takes the grappling hook; neither does anyone jump at the opportunity to be the first one to try and climb up.

Celesa will shrug and shoulder her rope and begin making her way up the hillside.
                If she does so, she'll secure one end of the rope and lower the other down to the group below.

The rope puts Celesa at heavy encumbrance.  She is unable to even make any progress. Even though the ground is slippery she is sure her encumerance is having a drastic impact on her attempts.

Jakob watches as Celesa vainly attempts to climb. He finally shakes his head and sighs. He motions for the others to gather around him. He speaks where Taread can see his speak.
                "Guys, we're going to need to work out a way to get her up there. Perhaps we should tie the end of the rope about her waist, then we climb up there and hoist her up. Unless someone else has a better idea..."

"You know if someone stronger tried to climb up first, they could just lower the rope and the rest of us could climb up easily. This friggin thing is heavy." She says tossing down the rope and trying to climb up one last time, sans rope. Of course.

Celesa scampers up the slippery incline and is now standing at the entrance (24 rolled for climb check.)

Orlen watches the others as he checks over his mule for needed supplies. He leaves his sleeping gear and repair kits with the animal. He also takes enough food and water for two days, carefully securing the rest in the animals saddle-bags. With his rope, torches, sword, shield, dagger, and armor, he is ready.
                Orlen approaches the washed away slope.
                "Well, I'm certainly not the strongest. Not much a climber on my best day, to be honest."

Taread tries to understand what the other two are saying. He thinks he gets the gist. He takes off his backpack and sets it down on the ground. Then he grabs the rope from Celesa and tries to climb himself.

Taread easily climbs up with the coil of rope (25 rolled for climb check).

"There, anyone who wants to bring the rope up feel free."
                Celesa moves away from the edge and looks over the entrance to see if it looks like anything has been this way since their last visit.

Other than the slide, everything looks just as you left it.  At least as far as you can recall since you were fleeing, I believe.

Jakob moves to try climbing up to the others.

How is ole one-arm getting up?

Taread sets the rope up for climbing and then goes back down for his gear and climbs back up.

Taread makes it down and back up with ease.

Orlen tries his best to climb, this already difficult task made harder by his armor and equipment.

Orlen tries and tries but fails to make any progress.

Taread will sigh, though it sounds strange, and climb back down. He will tie the rope off to Orlen's waist. Then he will scramble back up and motion to Celesa to help him pull the rope up and motions to Orlen to climb up.

With the party’s assistance, Orlen makes the laborious climb.  You are now at the spot from which you fled so many days before.

A cave-like opening, easily accessible to human-sized explorers,  It leads straight into the rock formation, with a 10’ wide corridor leading the way to a large wooden door, standing ajar.  On the ground in front of the door is a plain woven mat.

Celesa will take position and the lead and keep her eyes open for anything that they have missed on their last visit.

The 10-foot-wide corridor beyond the entrance extends as far as you can see.  Ten feet in, alcoves mark the left and right side of the passage.  As you peer down this corridor, the wind whistles from the outside and dances past your feet.

Proceeding forward you see a second set of alcoves, and some stairs leading up beyond them.  As you approach, a booming voice issues from the alcove on your right, though here appears to be no one there, “WHO DARES ENTER THIS PLACE AND INTRUDE UPON THE SANCTUARY OF ITS INHABITANTS?” 

No more than a moment later, another booming voice form the opposite alcove says, “ONLY A GROUP OF FOOLHARDY EXPLORERS DOOMED TO CERTAIN DEATH!”  Then both mouths shout in unison, “WOE TO ANY WHO PASS THIS PLACE – THE WRATH OF ZELLIGAR AND ROGAHN WILL BE UPON THEM.”

You know see two disembodied mouths appear, one in each alcove.  They begin a loud and raucous laughter, which fades in intensity as the twin mouths disappear from view.

Suddenly one pops back into view.

“Saaaay,” it drawls.  “Don’t I know you?”

The other mouth blinks back into view.  “Familiar.  Definitely familiar.”

"Don't you guys get tired of repeating the same message over and over again. How about Hi, Welcome, bathrooms to the left and the Dining Hall is to the right. Maybe something a little friendlier?"

Taread, who can't hear the mouths, continues on as if nothing had occured, heading towards where they left off searching last.

Orlen looks at the laughing mouths and smirks.
                "Here we go again," he snickers as he draws his longsword.

"I-yi-yi."
                Jakob tries to get a friendly demeanor to himself. He waves with the stump of his left arm and gets a smile on his face.
                "Hi. I don't suppose that you fine gen...spells, would be willing to show us the sites around here?"
                (As far as the climbing was concerned, I figured he'd have looked for a place with plenty of hand and footholds. Enough to accommodate his situation)

“Ewwwwww, aren’t we clever, missy?  Oy!  Where’s he off to?  We’re not done here, you know!  Get back here!  Fine.  You go ahead.  Enter and be doomed.  We’ll be waiting for you when you get back, hehe.”  The mouths slowly disappear.

"Well that was easier then last time. I guess they don't remember us. Let's get headed back to where we were."

Orlen smiles, his toothy grin shing from behind his dark, scruffy beard.
                "Let's hope the rest of this goes easier, as well. I think we need to head north. Was that the basic direction we were exploring last time when we decided to regroup?"
                The priest looks around, trying to establish his bearings.

"Where's that map? That'll tell us where we need to go."

Ahh, that brings up an interesting question I forgot to deal with.   What are you doing for light?

If no one else volunteers, Orlen will carry a torch in his left hand after strapping his shield to his back.

Very well; Orlen lights a torch.  The heavy, wet, musty air makes it difficult, and the torch resists catching at first.  Eventually it lights, burning with a smoky flame.  Taread can now check his map.

Where would you like to go?

Well, the PLAYER can't remember where this was or find the right post among the 47 pages, LOL, but I think we're heading back to the last spot that I, as Taread, mapped to pick up where we left off.

Why don't we try some of the door we couldn't unlock before. Celesa now has a better chance of getting them open. So head to the locked door right by the entrance and then over toward the left.

"Capital idea, Celesa."
                Jakob hoists up the spear and his gear.
                "shall we do this, or just grab fannies?"

Sure. Taread will try as well if he hasn't already.

You’ll have to proceed at the slowest rate in your party, which is Orlen as he is heavily encumbered.

Arriving at the locked door, Celesa finds she can now open it (after listening at it and searching it again, of course).

3. Dining Room

This entire room has a musty, mildewy smell to it.  The room is moderately decorated, but frugally so, since there appear to be no items of great value as part of the décor.  A nicely carved wooden mantle surrounds the room at a height 7 feet off the floor, and the stone walls are also carved in simple yet pleasant designs.

There are a number of tables and chairs in the room, these being of wooden construction and quite utilitarian in nature, save two larger chairs that stand out from the rest.

The lesser tables and chairs are scattered about, and several are overturned.  Two doors lead out of this room.

"I'm willing to bet that the one door leads to that hall. Let's check that one first and then see where the other one goes."

Taread shrugs at Celesa, only somewhat following what she said, but not really thinking it matters WHERE they go exactly in this place.

"Let's do it. The longer we wait, the greater a chance of something finding us. And they might find us tasty."

Celesa approaches the door, listens and checks it for traps.  Once she is satisfied, she tries it, but finds that it is stuck.

"Ok, brute squad your up. It seems clear of traps and it isn't locked, so maybe some muscle can make it open up for us."

Auto-posting: As the strongest, Jakob is elected to try the door but fails to budge it.  Orlen then tries and is able to force the door open.

Jakob Looks at the corridor on the other side of the door. Seeing the door on the (current view) right side of the passage, then seeing the door about 15'-20' away in the room, his mind starts working. His thoughts begin to cascade into possibilities. he then motions to the door in the corridor.
                "I wonder what's behind that door."

Taread shrugged and looked at Celesa for any input from her before continuing.

"Let's check this area here. It can't possibly be that big, unless it's stairs to another level, in which case we could leave it alone for now. But I'd feel much better knowing we aren't leaving any unknown areas behind us."

Orlen nods agreement.
                "Sounds good. I'm right behind you."
                The priest smirks and gestures in the direction they are going with mock chivalry.

Celesa will check the door in the hall next to her for traps and to see if it is locked. Once she is sure that it is safe and unlocked she will open the door an inch or two so she can peek inside and then allow the slightly more combat trained to proceed.

Celesa hears nothing and determines the door is not trapped.  Even though it is stuck she is able to push it open.

4.  Lounge

This anteroom has a door leading back into the dining room you just left, and apparently was designed for before-dinner and after-dinner activity.  Drinking was apparently the most popular pastime here, for eleven pewter tankard mugs hang from a row of hooks high on one wall (and judging by the empty hooks, 29 in all, it appears many more are missing.)  An ale keg stands in one corner.

At the center of the room is a white marble statue, full-size, of a nude human female, beckoning with arms out front in a very alluring pose. 

The stone walls are strangely textured for an unusual effect, but are devoid of further markings or details.  A long wooden bench seat, actually attached to the wall, is along each side of the room such that those seated on the bench would face toward the center of the room and the statue there.

"Looks like we found the drinking room. I don't see anything hostile in here. Shall we take a look?"

By just visually looking around you see nothing more than what has been described.

Jakob slowly steps into the room. As he does, he looks towards the ceiling, then the floor. After he is within the room, he slowly moves towards the statue, stopping within 5' of it (should it be trapped). He begins checking the craftsmanship of said statuary, trying to determine if he's familiar with the sculptor.

Jakob does not recognize the artist, nor can he tell the piece’s worth (38 rolled.)  On a second glance, however, he comes to the realization that this piece was not actually sculpted.  Beyond that, a visual examination yields no further clues.

"I'll check to see if it has any secret compartments, or anything."
Celesa moves to the statue and begins giving it a through search.

Orlen grins mischievously as Celesa gropes the female statue, but looks away before he gets caught. He drops his back to the ground for a moment, relieved to have this moment to take a break from heavy lifting. Orlen draws his sword and remains in the hall, listening for any trouble.

Taread will slowly move around the room, looking for anything else that might not be readily apparent (like secret doors).

"Celesa. back. Away. From. It. It's no sculpture. I don't know what it is, but that's no statue."

Before Celesa can move away the statue begins to move.

We are going into a combat situation.  I will have to wait until I can get home to adjudicate surprise, etc. but please post your actions for the first round (assuming you get one).  Celesa is right at the statue, Jakob is about 10 feet away, Orlen is in the hall and Taread is searching the room.

Celesa will try to move away from the statue.

Taread will most likely not notice at first, being deaf and intent on searching the walls and such. When, and if, he does notice he will draw his dagger and begin to circle behind it.

Jakob, despite the nagging voice in the back of his head that points out that this thing is a stony creature, moves forward and stabs with his spear.

Orlen, upon noticing the first signs of combat, will move into the room and attempt to get in a position to attack the statue.

Surprise round 1

The ore mimic has caught all of you by surprise as it forms a pseudopod and lashes out at Celesa, hitting her for 4 points of damage (after her armor absorbs 1 point.)  Celesa is stuck to the pseudopod by some glue-like substance.  The creature then bites at Celesa, dealing an additional 17 points of damage after armor absorption.  Celesa’s leather armnor is reduced to AC9 and has 1 hit point left.

Surprise round 2

The statue bites Celesa, destroying her armor but only dealing an additional 2 points of damage to her.

Jakob advances and attacks, missing his target (12 rolled).

The creature releases Celesa from its pseuodopod and lashes out at Jakob, scoring a critical hit, severity level 11.  Jakob takes a shot to his right armpit.  The blow deals 1 point of damage to Jakob’s armor, and 2 points of damage to Jakob.  Jakob is also at -3 to hit, has a -2 to his Strength, a -1 to his Dexterity, drops his spear, has a severe contusion, cannot deal follow-through damage or deliver critical hits, and will have a scar (probably in the form of damaged tissue.)  Jakob is also stuck to this pseudopod.

Celesa backs carefully away from the creature.

Taread draws his dagger.

As Taread circles around the statue, it bites at Jakob, scoring another cirictical hit!  This time a severity level 20 to Jakob’s shin.  The blow deals 1 point of damage to Jakob’s armor, reducing it’s AC to 9, and 13 points of damage to Jakob.  Jakob has an additional -5 penalty to his DEX, and is bleeding to death (he has 5 rounds before this happens).  Jakob also failed his trauma save since his threshold of pain was reached, and goes unconscious.  Jakob will have to make a CON check each round.  Failure results in the loss of a point of CON.  If his CON drops to 0 he dies.  Should Jakob come to he will be at 50% move for 1 round, then 10% move for 5 rounds, then 25% move for 6 turns.

As Taread positions himself behind the statue, Orlen draws his sword and enters the room (but is not yet within striking distance.

Please post your actions for the next combat round.

Jakob's going to go limp and bleed for a while.

Taread's eyes widen at the combat effectiveness of the thing attacking the party and watches Jakob drop. He grimaces, thinking to flee for a moment, but then steels his resolve knowing he has to buy time for Orlen and Celesa to try and get Jakob out of the room.
                He sighes and stabs the ore mimic in the "back".

Orlen will move forward and drop behind Jakob, dropping his sword so he may place his hand on Jakob's leg wound. He closes his eyes briefly in a moment of focus while his lips move in an inaudible whisper.

OOC: Orlen will cast a Cure Light Wounds on Jakob.

Celesa will draws her sword and carefully move into attack range.

Jakob fails his first CON check and loses 1 pt. of CON.

Taread attacks and misses from behind (12 rolled).

Orlen continues moving into the room.

The creature releases Jakob, turns and lashes out at Taread, missing the thief thanks to his acrobatic skills.

Orlen reaches Jakob but must wait until the next round to cast his spell.

Celesa draws her sword, moves forward and attacks the statue, striking it from behind (15 rolled) for 4 points of damage.

The statue then bites at Taread, striking him for 1 point of damage which is absorbed by the thief’s leather armor.

Jakob has 4 rounds left before he bleeds to death.

Please post your actions for the next combat round.

Taread narrows his eyes at missing so badly from a back attack. He redoubles his efforts and tries slashing at the thing again.

Still bleeding for now.

Celesa will continue to attack the creature.

Jakob fails his second CON check and loses 1 pt. of CON.

Orlen begins casting Cure Light Wounds on Jakob.

The creature swings a pseudo pod at Taread, striking him for 2 points of damage, 1 of which is absorbed by Taread’s armor.  The armor’s AC is reduced by 1 and it has 1 hit point remaining.

Taread is now stuck to the creature’s pseudo pod.

Celesa strikes (13 rolled) hitting the creature from behind and dealing 8 points of damage.

Taread attacks and misses (2 rolled.)

The creature bites at Taread, shredding his leather armor and dealing 6 points of damage.

Orlen casts Cure Light Wounds on Jakob and heals him for 9 points of damage.

Jakob is no longer bleeding to death but is still in shock and has 13 more rounds of CON checks to make.

Please post your actions for the next combat round.

Celesa will continue to press the attack.

OOC: Gah! At least I wasn't critted on twice! LOL!
                Taread growls inarticulately and swings again trying hurt the damned thing and get away. He hopes the others were able to help Jakob.

Orlen will try to drag Jakob away from combat. Since he dropped his non-combat gear, he hopefully will be able to. If not, he will lash out against the statue with his sword.

I am invoking the following coupon:
                Life is Pleasant, Death is Peaceful, It's the Transition that's troublesome (Combatant's Guide, Sheet 1/4): You are cured 3-12 hp, but only if you're at 25% or less of full hit points.

I’m afraid that coupon will not work as Jakob is at 76% hit points.

Nevermind.
                Jakob slowly comes to. Groggily, he looks at Orlen.
                "What was I drinking last night?"

Quite right, and points out an error on my part.  Orlen’s healing would have stopped the trauma process so Jakob is no longer unconscious, writhing in pain or in shock.

Orlen begins to drag Jakob back.  Luckily Celesa is right there to block any attack or pursuit.

Taread attacks, and misses (14 rolled).

The mimic bites Taread, dealing 2 points of damage to the thief.

Celesa attacks from behind, rolls a critical fumble, and overextends herself.  The mimic will be at +2 to attack her next round.

Jakob can have stood up once free from combat, but his spear lies on the ground next to the mimic. 

Orlen’s cure light wounds spell would have removed the penalties to Jakob’s to hit rolls, Strength, Dexterity, ability to deal follow-through and penetration damage and critical hits, and Jakob’s movement is normal.  Only the scars under his right armpit and on his right shin remain.

Please post your actions for the next combat round.

Taread struggles to attack the psuedopod holding him fast again, trying to hurt the thing or free himself or both! He feels very unlucky and wonders if this thing is going to be the death of him. He'd sign something to the others but he was busy fighting for his life (and they can't understand him anyways).

Seeing that combat continues, Jakob staggers to his feet. Ire flares in his eyes, and reaches for his sword. he draws forth the blade, focusing his gaze upon the unholy aberration before him.
                "Right."
                He moves forward, ready to skewer the beastie.

Celesa continues attack, hoping her luck will be a bit better with this swing.

Orlen will move forward to attack if there is an opening. Otherwise, he will wait to to give healing if any other member of the group should fall.

Taread’s dagger attack misses (9 rolled).

Celesa scores a critical hit!  A severity level 4.  Celesa deals 14 points of damage to the creature’s psuedopod, causing it to let go of Taread.  Celesa rolls a 4 for her fatigue check and suffers no fatigue effects.

Orlen picks up his sword and approaches the creature (even without his pack he’s not moving any faster).

As Orlen moves, the creature turns and swings at Celesa, critically fumbling and striking itself for 8 points of damage.

Jakob gets up and draws his longsword as Orlen gets in position.

As most actions are spanning 2 rounds, I’ll continue.

Jakob advances as  Celesa and Orlen unleash simultaneous attacks.

Celesa rolls a 16 and hits for 3 points of damage.  Celesa rolls and 18 for her fatigue check, failing it, and loses 1 point of Strength and Dexterity temporarily.

Orlen rolls a 19 and also deals 3 points of damage.

Taread attacks from behind, but misses (10 rolled).

Jakob reaches the mimic and attacks from a flank, but misses with a 2.

The mimic lashes out at Orlen, scoring a level 13 critical hit, to Orlen’s left upper outer arm.  Orlen only takes 1 point of damage as his armor absorbs a point, but will suffer a -3 to hit with his left arm (should he use it), suffers a -3 to Strength and drops his lit torch.  Luckily, the torch stays lit.  Orlen is now stuck to the pseudopod.  The mimic bites Orlen dealing another point of damage to his ring mail and 4 points to Orlen.

Please post your actions for the next combat round.

Taread gives an inarticulate and odd-sounding warcry as he leaps onto the things back, keeping his dagger arm out wide and then attempting to plunge it into the things "head" area.

Celesa huffing and puffing a bit, continues to attack.
                "Why won't you die already?"

Orlen cries out, swatting at the creature with his sword as he panics.

Jakob utters a curse under his breath as he swings at the monstrosity.

Taread realizes there is no way he can jump on the back of this small thing without having both hands free so does the best he can to improve his chances of making the called shot to the head.  Unfortunately, he misses (17 rolled).  Taread fails his fatigue roll (15 rolled) and loses 1 point of Strength and 1 point of Dex temporarily.

The creature bites at Orlen, dealing 1 point to his armor and 9 points to the cleric.

Celesa strikes the creature dealing 3 points of damage to it.  It is almost dead!  Celesa rolls a 19 for her fatigue check and loses an additional point of Strength and Dex.  Celesa now finds herself heavily encumbered.

Orlen swings, and misses (14 rolled).  Orlen makes his fatigue check (10 rolled).

Jakob attacks, (19 rolled) and deals 8 points of damage to the mimic.  It falls dead and immediately releases Orlen.  Jakob makes his fatigue check (10 rolled).

Congratulations!  You have just defeated a creature that was far more dangerous than you!

I did make one error in that Jakob permanently loses 1 point of Dex due to the critical hit suffered on his shin.

So there you are, Celesa and Taread breathing so hard they can’t even speak; what do you do?

Taread, so tired that he can't speak even if he COULD, collapses to the ground, chest heaving, lying on his back trying to catch his breath.

Jakob sits down, laying his sword beside him. He looks at the others. He first addresses Orlen.
                "Thank you, my brother. If it weren't for you, I might have passed on by now."
                He then turns towards Celesa.
                "You think we should set up temporary camp here for now?"

Orlen lays on his back for a moment, groaning at the wound he received and the short fall he has just endured. He turns to Jakob.
                "I'm just glad Shona could help. Speaking of Shona, is anyone in a truly dire situation. My gawd still offers another blessing today to this humble servant."

Celesa sitting on one of the benches and breathing very hard, nods and motions a hand in agreement, before laying back on the bench.
                After a few minutes of regaining her breath, "That was too much like work. On the bright side we may have found a good room for emergencies and storing things we find. I doubt any of the monsters in this place risk this room."

It is fully 10 minutes before Celesa regains her strength and dexterity lost to fatigue. 

Celesa is at 5 out of 28 hit points.

Jakob is at 20 out of 27 hit points.

Orlen is at 13 out of 27 hit points.

Taread is at 12 out of 21 hit points.

What do you do now?

Taread looks at Orlen and motions to Celesa, then twiddles his fingers a bit and mimes praying.

Orlen will move close to Celesa and examine her wounds as best he can without being invasive.
                "We all saw some hurt, but you look worse off than the rest of us. I mean that in the nicest way possible. Would you like some of Shona's blessings"
                Unless she resists, Orlen will cast Cure Light Wounds.

"Sure, I sure would. Thanks."
                "Lets hope we don't run into any more of what ever the heck that was."

Taread, once he was rested, went back to his thorough examination of the room while Celesa rested and was healed.

Orlen casts cure light wounds on Celesa and heals 3 points of damage.

Nothing else of interest beyond what was initially described is found in the room.

Orlen, after casting his spell, rolls back to his feet with a groan.
                "I feel we may need some time to rest. The battle took a lot out of me. I am injured and Shona has granted me all the healing I can cast today. We run the risk of running short on food and water again, but I feel it would be foolish to plunge into unknown danger right now."

"Well we have mules ad such to look after, perhaps we should head out and make camp down the slope. Lest, we find ourselves cornered in here with something possibly worse then that last beastie."

Taread gets his gear together and waits for the group to head out.

Taking a moment's more rest, Jakob regains his feet and gathers his gear. He moves a bit slowly from his wounds but seems ready for action.

Orlen goes back into the hall and grabs the gear he dropped with a audible groan.
                "I need to leave more back with the mules. This is getting ridiculous."
                The priest starts making the walk back to the entrance, not looking for the climb down outside the door.

During the little more than 30 minutes it takes you to get to the front door, Orlen’s torch burns out and I assume he lights another.

You see daylight up ahead.  What is your marching order (no more than 2 by 2).

Celesa will be somewhere in the middle, we know there are no traps here so there is no reason for her to be in front.

Taread will be in the back next to whoever is with him, so he is within easy reach if someone needs to tap his shoulder but also so he can see if anyone wants to "speak" with him.

Jakob takes point. If nothing else, he can show his ruggedly bad looks and hopefully scare the bad guys away.

You make it to the exit, and now stand at the slope.  By careful planning and use of rope, you make it down without any problems (not going to drag that out at this point, hehe.)

What are your plans when you reach your animals?  They are in the small field at the foot of the crag.

Orlen walks over to his mule and grabs his reins.
                "Let's find a nice spot to camp. After that, I'll collect some firewood."
                The priest looks for a flat and open spot of land to lay down for the night.

How far is the river from here? If its not too far we should send some people to gather water and maybe try to get some fish so we don't have to go into our ration stores just yet.

The lake is between 2 1/2 and 3 miles from your current location.

Taread, noticing Orlen start making camp for the night, shrugs and begins to follow suit, unless one of the others stops him or wants to go for the lake instead.

Celesa will help prepare the camp and tend to the animals.
                "Who wants to join me on a trip to the lake, we need to fill the waterskins and get the animals some water."
                "I wish we had some buckets, then we could make this trip last a bit. Oh well can't be helped I suppose."

Orlen continues taking items from his pack.
                "I'd like to go along but I can't hold all that much water and I have some praying to do, anyway. Take one of the stronger fellows. I'll try to start the fire and begin meal preparations."
                The wolfish priest smiles, showing his usual feral grin. He pulls his long, dark hair back behind his ears and starts seeing to the camp.

Jakob looks up from his pack. Carefully placing items back in, he then stands and retrieves his spear.
                "I'll go."

"Alright."
                Celesa removes the packs from the animals so they are not carrying any unnessassary weight, and gathers up waterskins from everyone and slings them over one of the animals saddles, then dropps her own pack down by the fire.
                "Let's go"

Three hours later Celesa and Jakob return from the lake with full waterskins.  If either had wanted to try fishing I would need to know with what and how long you’d spend if ther were no successes.

(Orlen will wait for them to leave, then sneak away to a sufficient distance to urinate and defecate in peace, free from prying eyes)

Taread will help setup camp and perform maintenance on his daggers as required. He will then try to ask about watches using his miming skill since no one can read.

"I'll take first watch, nothing better to do." Celesa holds up 1 finger while she says this.
                "Who is taking second?"
                Celesa will set to any maintenance she needs to do on her gear.

Taread lacks the skill to take care of his weapons and must rely on Celesa or Jakob for this task, which need only be performed weekly.  Taread’s daggers have a couple of days before they get any worse.

Celesa gets about the task of caring for her and Orlen’s armor, while Jakob tends to his and Taread’s.

Once I have the rest of the watch schedule we can proceed.

Orlen will take second watch and pray for 4 Cure Light Wounds.

Taread will hold up a hand with 3 fingers and smile.

"Looks like I've got clean-up there. Just be sure to keep an eye on me. sometimes I get so worked up for combat, I seek it in my sleep."
                With that, Jakob makes sure that his gear is set up for an early morning march.

The night passes uneventfully.  Well, other than Taredad and Jakob waking at various points, the former gesticulating wildly at invisible targets and trying to grab anything sticking out of a backpack; the latter flailing about with an amr that is no longer there and falling heavily to the ground.  Manageable mischief, so it would seem.

You break your fast and Orlen prays for his spells.  What are your plans and does anyone change the gear they are carrying?

Orlen decides to to minimize the weight he is carrying. He leaves his repair kits and all his rope with his mule. He also only carries one iron ration with him, leaving his other food hidden in a saddle bag. Besides that, he leaves his equipment as is.

This takes Orlen from severe to heavy encumbrance.

Celesa will carry what gera she had with her the previous day and wait for the others before heading back up the hill to the keep.

Taread will carry the same gear he was carrying before, minus any rations/etc eaten.

And after much struggle you climb back up the slope and are once again standing at the entrance.  What are you doing for light, what’s the marching order and where are you headed?

Jakob steps forward. He leans upon his spear and looks at the others.
                "Until we start into unmapped territory, I volunteer for point."

Orlen slides his shield over his back by its strap an begins lighting a torch. Once lit, he holds it in his left hand while carrying his sword in the right. He will stick to the middle of the group.

Taread will take the middle and/or rear again so he can map while they walk.

Orlen has no torches.

<sigh>
                Would anyone like to lend me a torch?

Taread, if he understands the request, will lend a torch to Orlen.

Done.

"Let's head straight this time it looks like the passage should meet up."

Orlen nods, following with the torch.
                "There has got be some treasure around here. We've faced nothing but adversity so far. With Shona's blessing, we must be due for some reward for our efforts."

The corridor does not, in fact, meet up, but after about 10 minutes of exploring you come to a door.

"Weird, it really looked like it would meet up. Oh well lets check the door."
                Celesa will listen at the door, and then check it for traps and then check to see if it is locked.

Taread will mark the map and then wait to see if Celesa will require his assistance on checking or unlocking the door.

Celesa hears nothing and finds no traps.  She also determines it is not locked.  Who will open it?

Celesa steps to the side and looks at the others

Orlen stands to the other side of the door and holds the torch so the others can see. He looks to Jakob to handle door kicking duties.

Taread steps back and to the side so he can watch the party's back, and not be in direct "line of fire" from anything inside the room.

Jakob readies his spear, ready for anything.

Jakob pushes on the door, but can’t budge it.  Either someone else woud have to try or you;ll have to batter it down.

"Should we move on?"

"Though it goes against my better judgment to leave an unsearched room at our backs, there's not much else we can do. Let us proceed to the next area."

Taread mimes battering the door down and then looks questioningly at the others. Then he mimes walking away from the door and looks questioningly again.

A quick 2-minute jaunt shows a dead end.

Orlen looks at the dead end curiously.
                "Strange to have a hallway that leads to nowhere. Let's check for any secret doors. After that, I say we head back to the northwest part that we partially explored before.
                Orlen checks his torch as he speaks, attempting to figure out an approximate time it has left to burn.
                We thought it might link up with the section we are in now but it did not. Let's find out where it does lead."

Taread watches Orlen speak carefully and then nods. He starts examining the walls for any doors or passages that are hidden or secret.

Jakob begins to check the floor and walls as well.

Celesa begins searching the walls for hidden passages.
                "I agree once we finish here, I'd really like to explore that Northwest section, and see if it does in fact link up to this passage.
                As for the whole not making sense to have a passage that leads nowhere. What in this place has made sense? Talking floating mouths, a statue that tries to kill people, honestly if you think about it dead ends are just another way to mess with the wits of anyone breaking in."

Orlen’s torch is a little more than half burned down when he checks.  By the time everyone finishes checking the end of the corridor it is almost completely burned out.  No secret doors are found.

While walking Orlen’s torch sputters out.  Taread pulls out his last torch and Orlen lights it.  This is the last torch the party possesses, although Celesa also has a handlamp.

That last torch is about 1/3 burned when you reach the x on the map.

Orlen looks at his burning torch with disgust.
                "Torches. We never bring enough torches."
                He peers down the corridor heading to the north.
                "This way appears to head off in a direction outside of the rest of the complex we've explored so far. Part of me wants to make sure we've checked everything behind us. The other part wants to keep going as not to waste the torch it took for us to get out here."
                Orlen sighs, obviously frustrated by the realities of adventuring versus his expectations.

Do we have more torches back at camp?
                The handlamp will be no use as it only lights a 5' area and even that is mutted as it is for thieving purposes.

Taread points at the torch Orlen is holding and points back the way they came. He then mimes a chopping motion as if holding an axe, then something falling over (with his arms both out from his body at different angles), and then pointed back at the torch again. He raised an eyebrow at the others to see if they understand and if any of them had the skills to do so.
                He also showed the map and pointed back to near the throne room from before and the unexplored area over there, much closer to the exit.
                He then looked questioningly at the group.

"Oh! What if we go out and cut some wood to make torches?"

Orlen shrugs.
                "If we must, we must. Honestly, it's not the challenge of the monsters, the traps, or the dark magic of this place that trouble me. It's the logistics and provisional concerns of adventuring that will kill me."

I do not show you having any torches back at camp.  While I do not know of any particular skill off the top of my head that allows you to craft makeshift torches (the ones you purchase are usually pitch-soaked linen wound about a handle of wood) that is not to say you couldn’y try. 

 Where does the party next go and what do they do?

"Well lets try making some torches and if they don't work, we'll have to make a run to town for some."

Taread nods and smiles determinedly. He will put the map away for the time being and follow Celesa out of the as-yet loot-empty maze of a dungeon.

How long are you planning on devoting to this task/ how many torches are you hoping to craft?

Considering we run out EVERY time we go in, a lot. LOL! I'd say at least 4 a person would be a minimum for what I would like, but I'll go with the majority vote.

I agree a stockpile of vast quantities.

I agree, as well. In fact, come up with a reasonable number, then double it.

If you spend the rest of the day at it I think you could easily find the materials and craft 8 torches per person.  If that is what you’d like to do, just let me know how many each of you wish to carry with you and how many you want to leave at camp.

If I carry any I'm going to start being further encumbered, So I'll leave mine back at camp as backups.

I (the player) am not sure how many Taread can carry and still move. LOL! Taread will carry as many as he can in his backpack and not be more than medium encumberance.

Jakob will carry as many as he can without going past medium encumbrance as well

Taread can carry all 8 of his torches and still be unencumbered.

Jakob’s issues is more one of space, as his backpack is almost full,  But, if he leaves 4 rations at camp, he can carry all 8 of this troches and even reduce his encumbrance to unencumbered.

You will, of course, perform your necessary duties (armor maintenance, etc.)  Would anyone like to do anything else while at camp before you head out again the next morning?  Would Orlen like to do any healing?

Jakob is at 20 out of 27hp.  Celesa is at 8 out of 28.  Taread is at 12 out of 21.  Orlen is at 13 out of 27 and is still suffering the effects of his critical hit.
                If Orlen has all his healing spells, as I think he does, he will cast 2 CLWs on Celesa, 1 on Taread, and 1 on himself.

Orlen heals Celesa for 12 (penetration) and both Taread and himself for 3 each.

What spells will Orlen prepare in the morning?

Jakob removes enough rations from his pack to allow for the full amount of torches. He also looks around to see if he can be of service healingwise.

"Oh, I feel much better now, thanks."

I'd say healing is more important than utility right now. Four more Cure Light Wounds.

The night passes uneventfully. 

Gart’mar, the 13th of Jevar’kiev, 108 T.R.

You wake in the morning and break your fast, relying heavily on the extra waterskins Celesa has on her mule.  Orlen prepares his spells for the day and you adjust your packs as previously indicated.  Where to?

"Shall we head back to where we left off?"

"Sounds good. We should do what we can while our food holds out."
                Orlen looks weary, strapping his heavy armor back on his thin frame.

Taread nodded and pointed forward, back to where the dungeon lay.

"Welp, I didn't get dressed up to stay and tend camp. Let's go earn some swag."

You are at the x on the map.  Where to?

"I say we go to the left, check out where those two passages go. Hey, and lets check out the walls as we go thats an awfully big area for there to be nothing. I smell secrets."

"Agreed. Let's go."

Taread shrugs and goes along with the group, sighing softly as he maps.

"I agree as well."
                Jakob takes his spear and uses it as a walking stick, being sure not to let it make too much noise.

You end up going through a torch, but Taread finds a secret door at the indicated spot on the map.  It has taken about 10 minutes to search each 20-foot section of wall.

Taread stamps his feet a few times to get the attention of the rest of them and begins frantically pointing at the wall. He then mimes opening a door and points at the wall again.

"A secret door?"
                Jakob starts pushing on the wall, seeing if he can find a spot to make it move.

Orlen moves to the spot Taread gestured towards and raises his sword at the ready.

Celesa will move to the area indicated and begin looking at it to see if she can figure out how it opens and if there is a trap or lock on the door.

Taread will also look for traps and a way to open the door.

Taread is the only person who seems to be able to see and open the secret door.  After determining there are no traps, he does so.

8.  Wizard’s Workroom

There are several large wooden tables within the room; one of which is overturned on its side, as well as one central table made of stone.  None of the tables have anything upon them.  There are several chairs and stools scattered about the room.  On the center of the north wall is a door.  Approximately four feet off the floor, wooden cabinets line the wall on either side of the door.

"You guys want to give the room a search, while I check this door, for traps and such?"

Taread will begin carefully and thoroughly searching the room.

Jakob moves to the cabinets, carefully opening each. He makes sure that he isn't standing before the opening as he does so, in case there's a trap of some sort.

The top of the prominent table is covered with a thick layer of dust.

The cabinets are not locked and contain  forty glass and earthen containers, as well as one larger jar.  This larger jar is of clear glass and seemingly contains a black cat’s body floating in a clear, colorless liquid.  The jar is stoppered with a large cork lid.

Orlen looks at the large jar with disgust.
                "This is why I got into this line of work. So I can find drowned housepets. Seriously, even if this is part of some magical experiment, it's almost assuredly something evil."
                Orlen gets closer to the jar to look at it more carefully.

"Oh stop fussing with the jar cat, lets see if there is anything of value, this area was hidden for a reason."

Taread flinches back from the black cat some and keeps searching, checking the floorboards for loose ones or areas that shound hollow, etc.

As the cat under glass is discussed, Jakob tries to determine if there's any writing on said vessel. he also looks for markings on the other items, seeing if any match up if there are any.

There is no writing or markings on any of the jars, including the cat jar.  Nothing else is found in the room.

As you are looking, the two disembodied mouths reappear and begin to giggle.  As Orlen looks at the cat jar one of the mouths says, “Oh, I wouldn’t open that if I were you…”

"Oh, I wouldn't dream of opening that thing. But thank you for giving me an idea. If we run into any trouble, maybe we can make them open it."

"So can you guys go anywhere in here you want?"
                Celssa looks at the floating mouth in interest.

Orlen smirks at the floating mouths.
                "Oh, really? I shouldn't open the dead cat jar? But it was so tempting. Okay. You win, floating mouth guys."

The two mouths begin to hum, breaking into a song, the likes of which you have never heard.  Something about “Round, round get around, we get around,” at which point one of the mouths gives forth a deep, bass, “Yeah” and then they both fade from view.

What’s everyone doing now?

"Odd. Well back to work I suppose, shall we see what lies through the door here?"

Taread would be glad he couldn't hear if he knew what he was missing when the mouths started singing, but alas he did not. He merely looked at the door Celesa indicated and nodded.

Jakob picks up his spear and moves to where he can throw if necessary

The other door is not trapped, as far as Celesa and Taread can determine, nor is it locked, but the door is stuck.  It is not, however stuck enough that Jakob can’t push it open.

9. Wizard’s Laboratory

Several large wooden tables are scattered about this room, as well as one central table made of stone.  The tables are covered with grizzled remains of appendages – human and otherwise as well as a single stoppered smoked glass bottle.

An iron bracing and bar suspend a cast iron pot over s sunken fire pit – obviously the central feature of this room.  A smallish skeleton hangs from the ceiling in the northeast corner of the room.  Along the west wall is a large wooden rack.  On the south wall is a stretched leather skin.

Three wooden vats, two large and one small, stand on the southwestern corner of the room.  A stone block used as a table stands next to the vats, along the west wall.  Six earthen containers and glassware of various types sit on the top of the stand.  Several more pieces of glassware lie jumbled next to the stone block.

A wooden coffin, quite plain and utilitarian, rests upright in the northwest corner.  Two kegs rest against the north wall.  Wooden shelving on the north wall holds glassware and three earthen containers.  Two small trays hold an assortment of colored powders.

"I guess now we start searching. Lets see what we can find."
                Celesa begins a complete search of the room and it's contents.

Orlen starts moving around the room.
                "We can search but I'm not sure I know what to make of all this. I don't know much about this alchemical nonsense."

Jakob stands back at the door, spear in hand, and Taread appears to have been looking elsewhere when Celesa and Orlen move in.  As soon as either of them gets within 10 feet of the stone table, four of the grizzled claws resting on it begin to move and skitter about. 

We are in combat initiative.  Please post your actions for the round.

Celesa will draw her sword and attack a hand if it comes within her reach.

OOC: Does Taread NOTICE what is happening yet since he's deaf and apparently looking elsewhere?

Jakob utters an obscenity as he thrusts his spear at one of the animated appendages.

Orlen swings his blade at one of the crawling claws.

Round 1

Taread is unaware of the actions so cannot act in this round, but the whirl of combat will certainly get his attention for round 2.

The first claw pounces at Celesa and misses.

Jakob advances into the room and attacks a claw, rolls an 8 and misses.

Orlen brings his sword down on the same claw, rolls a 17, and deals 4 points of damage to it with his longsword, but he feels that the blade hit bone in the claw and may not have been completely effective.

Claw #3 leaps at Celesa, but misses.

Claw #4 pounces at Jakob, shreds his armor and deals 1 point of damage to the fighter.

Claw #2 attacks Celesa, it’s claws striking her leather armor.  Celesa takes 1 point of damage.

Celesa finally gets her longsword drawn and attacks, rolling a 15.  Celesa also feels that her blade is less than fully effective against the claw but destroys it nonetheless.

Please post your actions for round 2 (including Taread).

Celesa will continue attacking at the horrible clawing hands.
                "Gah! First mouths and now these, what is next in this horrible place?"

Taread turns around slowly and blinks several times, surprised by the sight. He draws his daggers and charges one of the claws on Celesa (the one she hit already).

Orlen swings his blade again at the claw he struck before, hoping a second hit will be more effective than the first.

With the claw on him, Jakob drops his spear and draws his dagger to attack the abomination

Celesa hits claw #2 (13 rolled) and deals 3 points of damage to it, again not completely effectively.

Claw #3 leaps up at Jakob and just misses.

Claw #4 attacks Celesa and also misses.

Jakob drops his spear, draws his dagger and attacks, rolls an 8, and misses.

Claw #2 attacks Celesa and misses.

Orlen attacks the claw that Celesa hit, as the one he previously hit was destroyed by Celesa.  Orlen rolls a 16 and deals 6 points of damage.  The point of the dagger sticks neatly into the claw and Orlen feels the weapon was effective against his target.

Taread charges a claw attacking Celesa (both that had been injured have been destroyed.)  Taread rolls an 18 and deals 6 points of damage to the claw, destroying it outright. 

Only 1 claw remains.

Please post your actions for round 3.

Orlen will attack the last claw with his blade.

Taread looks surprised at his own skill and quickness in dispatching one of the attackers, but smiles a bit. He then goes to attack a remaining claw with his dagger again.

Using language unfit for a mother's ears, Jakob stabs at the claw again.

Celesa will move and attack the claw on Jacob if possible, if not she will stand guard to make sure none of the other implements in the room become a threat.

Taread is the quickest with his dagger and attacks.  Unfortunately he rolls a 1.  Taread’s dagger shatters the smoked glass bottle.  With a whoosh pungent vapors fill the immediate area.

The last claw ignores the gas and pounces at Orlen, but misses.

Celesa swings, rolls a 14, and deals 5 points of damage to the claw.  It still skitters about.

Jakob stabs at the claw (rolls a 13) and deals 5 points of damage to it, destroying the Death Grip, or Hand of Doom as some call it.

Meanwhile Orlen suddenly lapses into uncontrollable, raucous laughter.  He drops his sword, releases his grip on his shield, rocks with spasms of great laughter, staggers about the room and chuckles and bellows with great glee.

What do the rest of you do?

Taread's eyes go wide when he not only misses his intended target completely but shatters the bottle instead! He steps back and winces. Then he looks in alarm at Orlen's sudden laughing fit, and his eyes get even bigger and he tries to pull/drag Orlen from the area.

"Ok let's get chuckles out of here and wait for the fog to clear."
                Celesa tries to grab one of Orlen's arms and steer him out of the room and into some fresh air.

Jakob picks up his spear and begins to follow the others. he keeps an eye behind the party, so as to check if anything comes to investigate the noise.

You are able to drag Orlen from the room, laughing all the way.  Even in the clearer air of the hall, he continues laughing, at least for about 12 more seconds.  Suddenly Orlen stops laughing, and all retrunes to normal; well, normal for this place.  There is no sign that anything is coming.

What do you do? 

"You ok there laughing man? We really need to make sure we don't take anything in this place at face value. We need to be extra careful."

Taread tries to apologize several times for missing on his attack and shattering the thing that made Orlen laugh, but it is difficult when you can't talk and no one else can read.

Orlen rises to his feet, shaking off the exhausting laughing fit.
                "Sorry about that. I'm not sure what came over me. I'd like to be extra careful but it's hard when this guy..." He points to Taread "...is throwing knives at random magical objects."
                He looks irritated for a moment but, after a moment of hesitation, he cracks his characteristic wolfish grin.
                "Oh, well. I needed a good laugh, anyway."

I will re-post the room’s description.

Several large wooden tables are scattered about this room, as well as one central table made of stone.  The floor is covered with grizzled, sliced, stabbed remains of appendages – human and otherwise as well as broken glass.

An iron bracing and bar suspend a cast iron pot over s sunken fire pit – obviously the central feature of this room.  A smallish skeleton hangs from the ceiling in the northeast corner of the room.  Along the west wall is a large wooden rack.  On the south wall is a stretched leather skin.

Three wooden vats, two large and one small, stand on the southwestern corner of the room.  A stone block used as a table stands next to the vats, along the west wall.  Six earthen containers and glassware of various types sit on the top of the stand.  Several more pieces of glassware lie jumbled next to the stone block.

A wooden coffin, quite plain and utilitarian, rests upright in the northwest corner.  Two kegs rest against the north wall.  Wooden shelving on the north wall holds glassware and three earthen containers.  Two small trays hold an assortment of colored powders.

"Well I guess we should continue trying to search that room for anything of value."
                Celesa moves back into the room and begins appraising and looking for valuables.

Taread sighes softly at Orlen's plight, being his fault. He then goes to the coffin and opens it after making sure it's not trapped.

Jakob positions himself to watch both entrances. He holds his spear like a royal guardsman would his halberd.

Taread finds no traps on the coffin and finds that it opens easily, and is empty.  At that moment, the two floating mouths reappear. 

One says, “We heard laughing.  Is there a party?  Well, I know you are a party, but I mean a productive kind, where things actually happen.”

The other mouth leers at Taread and says, “Ooooooo, look, just your size!  That coffin is a perfect match for you.”  The words are, of course, lost on the rogue.

It takes Celesa 4 minutes to loot the room (not search it), during which time Orlen’s torch burns out.  It is an easy enough matter for Taread to hand him another from his pack.

Celesa determines the table, which once housed the animated hands, is actually smooth black slate under its thick layer of dust.

The skeleton is gnome-sized and has a cracked skull.

The rack is sized for humans and a trickle of dried blood stains the oaken construction on the front.

The stretched leather skin has some undecipherable writings on it.

The pit is only 2 feet deep, with several inches of ash in the bottom.  An iron bracing and bar across the 4’ wide opening suspend a cast iron pot, empty except for a brown residue sticking to the interior sides and bottom.  Another similar pot, although shallower, lies on the floor alongside the pit and is empty.  The pots are so heavy Celesa cannot move them.

Five of the earthen containers hold what smells and or appears like yellow vinegar, sulfur, rock salt, crushed granite, and water.  The third from the left holds a metal vial filled with a liquid.

Some of the glassware is clean and some shows residue, but all are empty and dusty.

The two kegs on the far wall are labeled.  The keg labeled OG contains what seems to be pickled cabbage and the other, labeled JS appears to hold dried mushrooms.

The three earthen containers on the wooden shelving contain coal, hardened dung, and white sand.

The two small trays hold powdered incense of various colors, judging from the smell.

The glassware looks valuable, but very difficult to transport.

Celesa moves several pine logs that were piled under one of the tables and fines a brilliant, shiny gold ring.

Two of the vats nearest the door are of 100-gallon capacity but are empty.  The third, about half the size of the others is filled with a murky liquid.  As Celesa peers into it the liquid surges forth.  It is a mass of black-red plasma, commonly called a blood blob.  The blob misses Celesa.

Please post your actions for the first full round of combat.

Celesa will draw her sword and attack the blood thingy.

Jakob, hearing commotion, turns to see what is happening. Uttering a vulgarity, he moves towards the vat. As he does so, he repositions the spear for thrusting at the blob.

(auto-post for Taread)  Noticing the attack from the corner of his eye, Taread moves to be of assistance.

(auto-post for Orlen) Orlen follows suit.

Jakob moves towards the vat and plunges his spear down into it.  Jakob rolls a 20!  Now, that would normally be a severity level 9 (1 rolled on a d8) hit to the shin, but the creature is an amorphous blob and has no discernible body parts.  Jakob deals 6 points of damage to the creature.

With a sloshing sound, the creature again attacks Celesa, and again misses.

Celesa is still in the process of drawing her sword.

Please post your actions for round 2.

Orlen will try to position himself to make an attack and swing his longsword at the disgusting blob.

OOC: GAH! This room is killer!!! Sorry, had no internet access for a few day to go along nicely with the plague that I encountered. Failed my saving throw. Sigh.
                Taread wished he could flank the blob but it had no flank! Or any other part for that matter. He merely ran over and tried to do what he could and stab the thing before it killed anyone...

Taread, being faster and with a faster weapon than Jakob, got his attack in first, but missed with a 2.

Orlen begins moving toward the barrel.

Round 2

Taread attacks again (rolls an 8) and again misses.

Orlen reaches the barrel and begins to draw his long sword.

Celesa finally gets her sword out and attacks, (12 rolled) and strikes the thing for 8 points of damage (8 rolled, but only a 1 rolled for penetration.)

Now Orlen has his sword in hand and attacks, (13 rolled) and deals 6 points of damage.

The blob lashes out at Orlen and strikes him, making contact and maintaining it.  Some of the ooze seeps into one of Orlen’s wounds (Orlen rolled a 7 for a poison save.)  Orlen begins to feel his will fade when he suddenly musters his internal strength and reasserts control. (Orlen rolled a 13 for save vs death magic.)

Jakob attacks again but rolls a 1! Jakob injures himself for 4 points of damage (would have been 8 but Jakob rolled a 12 on a Dex check).

Please post your actions for round 3.

"Argh! Frick! Die, you fell beast!"
                Jakob, being careful not to hurt himself again, pulls the spear up and stabs the blob.

Orlen, fighting to control his very mind and soul, musters all his strength. He will attempt to carefully pierce the creature with his longsword, skewering it and prying if off his body.

Taread sighed at his very average luck in combat so far. He only hit about half the time or less! And with Celesa being able to search for traps, he wasn't pulling his weight in the group! He stabbed with renewed ferocity!

Celesa strikes the creature (16 rolled) dealing 4 points of damage to it.

Taread also strikes it (12 rolled) and deals 1 point of damage.

Jakob pierces the blob (17 rolled) for 6 points of damage.

Orlen rolls a 7 and misses, however.

The blob removes itself from contact with Orlen and begins flowing out of the barrel and towards the door, but at a rate of speed that each of you can match.  You may pursue on its initiative if you like and still take normal actions next round.  Please indicate if you pursue and post your actions for round 4.

"Oh no you don't!"
                Jakob begins to follow the blob, stabbing with his spear.
                (OOC: Oh, heck no. No way this xp train's gonna leave the station)

Orlen will pursue, if only to prevent running into that thing again.

Taread will pounce after it, stabbing at it with the dagger! He doesn't want this thing to attack them later on!

Celesa will join the others in their puddle chasing and stabbing.
                Although she is slightly chuckling as from an outsiders standpoint this must look rediculous.

Being the fastest, Taread attacks first, but misses with a 3 rolled.

Celesa likewise misses with a 5.

The blob oozes away from you at a careful pace but you all can easily keep up with it.  You are now back in the previous room.

Jakob stabs the thing (18 rolled) and deals 7 points of damage.  The creature’s cohesion gives way and it spreads slowly out, clearly no longer animate.  Good thing, too, as Jakob and Celesa were close to getting winded.

Since it’s the beginning of a new year it seems like a good time to end this session, and start a new one.  Please let me know any immediate actions you’d like to take, any coupons you may want to use (1 per session) and a private vote for the session’s MVP.

Taread would like to rest a bit, and then hpoefully finally complete the room search before moving on.

End of Session results

               

Experience

                Celesa earned 341

                Jakob earned 480.

                Orlen earned 218.

                Taread earned 737, including the Most Valuable Player award.

               

Honor

                Celesa earned 1 honor.

                Jakob earned 8 honor

Orlen earned 0 honor.

                Taread lost 3 honor.

               

As Jakob earned the most honor, jimu113 earns the “good” coupon: I have to look one up when I get home.

As Taread lost the most of honor, alantehalpal earns the “bad” coupon: I have to look one up at home.

Feel free to continue posting this is the start of a  “new session.”

                Jakob steps back towards towards the table and carefully sits upon it. As he does, he keeps watch on the exits, hoping that he can get a little rest ere the next emergency rears its ugly head.

Orlen sits down near Jakob, enjoying the moment's rest.
                "I hope this gets profitable soon. The more we go along, the more I think I should open a temple in a small village. Just a nice quiet place where one can partake in games of chance for coin."
                He smiles and takes a sip from his wineskin.
                "Anyone in need of some healing?"

When he gets a free moment, Orlen will take a torch and take a long walk to find some privacy for a bio break.

                "I figure whoever could have afforded this sort of excavation ought to have some serious coin. Perhaps we're just not looking hard enough."
                Jakob then gets a sudden look of enlightenment.
                "Say, you don't think all those containers we've been passing might be worth something, do you?"

                Celesa will give any containers and such in the room a once over judging their value as best she can.

                Current hit points stand at:

                Celesa: 19 out of 28

Jakob: 16 out of 27

Orlen: 16 out of 27

Taread: 15 out of 21

Celesa has already looked at everything in this room.

REPOST

It takes Celesa 4 minutes to loot the room (not search it), during which time Orlen’s torch burns out.  It is an easy enough matter for Taread to hand him another from his pack.

Celesa determines the table, which once housed the animated hands, is actually smooth black slate under its thick layer of dust.

The skeleton is gnome-sized and has a cracked skull.

The rack is sized for humans and a trickle of dried blood stains the oaken construction on the front.

The stretched leather skin has some undecipherable writings on it.

The pit is only 2 feet deep, with several inches of ash in the bottom.  An iron bracing and bar across the 4’ wide opening suspend a cast iron pot, empty except for a brown residue sticking to the interior sides and bottom.  Another similar pot, although shallower, lies on the floor alongside the pit and is empty.  The pots are so heavy Celesa cannot move them.

Five of the earthen containers hold what smells and or appears like yellow vinegar, sulfur, rock salt, crushed granite, and water.  The third from the left holds a metal vial filled with a liquid.

Some of the glassware is clean and some shows residue, but all are empty and dusty.

The two kegs on the far wall are labeled.  The keg labeled OG contains what seems to be pickled cabbage and the other, labeled JS appears to hold dried mushrooms.

The three earthen containers on the wooden shelving contain coal, hardened dung, and white sand.

The two small trays hold powdered incense of various colors, judging from the smell.

The glassware looks valuable, but very difficult to transport.

Celesa moves several pine logs that were piled under one of the tables and fines a brilliant, shiny gold ring.

Two of the vats nearest the door are of 100-gallon capacity but are empty.  The third, about half the size of the others is filled with a murky liquid.

Orlen's Good Coupon for session 3:
                A Clever Man Commits No Minor Blunders
                Negates a fumble

OOC: Sorry I've been off. I have had SO much go on in real life...I uh...I'm ashamed to say I totally forgot about checking this site until today...sigh.... and LOL! I LOST 3 Honor! YES! I RULE! Um..are you going to PM me my bad coupon or post it here?
                Taread sighs and looks around one more time. He looks at the others and gestures towards the door, and shrugs, asking if they should move on, or get anything more from here? After being attacked several times in ONE room, he is looking around very warily.

Orlen looks around the room with disgust.
                "This is unfortunate. I don't know enough about this stuff to identify the valuable from the trash. These liquids could be valuable elixirs or spoiled drink gone bad. I say we leave it. Hopefully, we'll find some gold or jewels so the discussion on whether to carry this stuff out or not will be made for us."

"Yeah, lets keep moving, all we are doing is wasting torchlight."

Jakob slides off the table very uncatlike. With the thudding of his feet, he looks to the others.
                "Well, then. Let's find us some loot, shall we?"
                Leaning the spear against his shoulder, he begins towards the door.

I vote we go to the main intersection (above the kitchen and dining room), and follow the corridor above the dining room. Unless a better idea is available.

Orlen nods, rubbing his patchy beard absently.
                "I agree. Looks like a whole bunch of unexplored area over there. Gotta be something good."

Taread watches and waits. He is more than willing to let others make the decisions are he accidentally set loose that stuff on one of his travel mates.

You come to two doors.

Jakob sizes each door up, then turns to the others.
                "Let's see what's behind door number one, Johny Donovan."

Celesa listen at and searches the door and determines it is neither trapped nor locked.  It is, however, stuck.  Who will try and open it?

Jakob spits on his hand, rubs it on his stump of an arm, and starts pushing on the door. he makes sure to put his shoulder into it.

Taraed stays back and keeps a watch down the hallways to make sure they aren't ambushed while the others work on the door.

Jakob forces the door open (8 rolled). 

Wizard’s (Zelligar’s) Chamber

The most notable feature seen upon entering this rather austere abode is a very large and fairly detailed bas-relief carving that runs most of the length of the north wall of the room.  Some 70 feet in overall length, the wall carving depicts a mighty wizard on a hilltop casting a spell in the air over a valley below, with an entire army fleeing in confused panic.

The east and west walls are devoid of detail, although there are several wall pegs on each, apparently for hanging garments.  There is a seven-foot high door on the south wall of this chamber that is unusually ornate and well-constructed compared to the other doors in this complex.

There is a minimum of furniture within the room.  A bed, located in the southeast corner of the chamber, is a frame of ornately carved rosewood.  The headboard, besides showing the carved designs to advantage, boldly features the word “Zelligar” highlighted in gold leaf.  The bed, obviously of value, is of fine workmanship and construction.

A rosewood nightstand table is beside the bed, and it has one drawer with a brass handle and a keyhole below the handle.  Elsewhere in the room is a table and three chairs, none of which appears to be of any exceptional worth or value.  Upon the table are a pewter pitcher and three pewter mugs.

Another, plainer door, is in the other end of the southern wall.

Taread takes in the room (after everyone else has entered) and gives a silent look-over. He begins to look for secret doors and stays well away from the two other doors for now. He glances at Celesa and then the nightstand and raises an eyebrow at her, smiling.

Celesa shrugs, smiles and motions for Taread to give the nightstand a try.
                Celesa heads over to the bed and begins checking all the nooks and crannies for anything that might be tucked away.

Jakob starts checking the other doors to the room, starting with the one on the left (facing as he would when entering).

Once he is done with his preliminary search, Taread will indeed go to the nightstand, checking it for traps and then searching it.

Orlen checks the bas relief, checking the elaborate piece of art for any triggers for secret doors or compartments.
                Orlen and Taread find no secret doors or catches.  During their search, Orlen’s torch burns out and Taread must fish out and light another for him.

Celesa finds nothing hidden in the bed.

Jakob easily opens the ornate door to the left of the entrance.  It opens into a 10-foot-wide corridor that continues beyond the light shed by Orlen’s torch (15 feet).

7. Wizard’s Annex

(Auto-posting to continue) Illuminated by Orlen’s torch, Jakob enters the corridor.  At the far end is a room and a magnificent sight: two massive wooden chests, each studded with jewels and overflowing with riches.  A pile of gold pieces is arrayed around and within them, and scattered among this treasure trove is an assortment of glittering gems, jewels, goblets, silver dinnerware, piles of silks and bolts of fine cloth.

Taread's eyes widen and his hands move very fast, speaking a sign language none of you. He then looks from the treasure to you all, and then his eyes narrow suspiciously. He pantomimes caution, considering how ordinary objects have attacked them so far.

Celesa moves cautiously closer, half eager to grab the treasure and half awaiting the soon to start sneezes as she draws closer to the silver.
                She checks the ground and walls for traps as she moves in.

Celes’a pace slows to a crawl.  It takes her more than 16 minutes to advance to the treasure.  No traps are found, and neither does Clesa start to sneeze.  You stand before the treasure.

What now?

Orlen eyes the treasure with a smile, but it fades quickly to a suspicious scowl.

"Seems too good to be true. I can only imagine those stupid mouths laughing when we fall into a trap or something. But...what can you do?"

After Celesa gives up searching and gives the go ahead, he will grab a piece of the treasure to test it once and for all.

"Why am I not sneezing? I should be sneezing. I see the silver, unless it's not really silver. I don't like this."

As Orlen’s hand reaches a piece of the treasure the entire hoard disappears and you are left in an empty room.

"Aww, come on now, a trap would have been better. This, this is just disappointing."
                Celesa looks down and pouts for a minute.
                "Oh well least it explains why I didn't sneeze. Back to the search then."

Where or what are you searching next?