DAIN
Dain awakes and begins armoring himself. "Fraxen what is the
problem?" He eats a quick breakfast of jerky and prepares to be on his way.
"It seems from the maps that there is a back door to the owlbear
cave too. Can anyone elaborate on where that goes?"
HUMPHREY
Humphrey perking up about the back door.
"Yes there is a back door which leads to area that contains a
revolving trap door. Each time the trap is activated in sends you in one of 4
ways. Felix fell to it and rescued a couple of people who were being held
prisoners. Too bad, he has died."
BILADOC
I wake up, look around and prepare myself to move out. I see Dain
eating breakfast and mumble something like:
'I knew I'd forgot something important.'
Noticing the look on Fraxen's face, I approach him, taking out a
couple of daggers (just in case), looking in the same direction he's
looking, trying to spot anything there:
'Anything wrong, friend?'
FRAXEN
"All of the Owlbear bodies are missing. Were do you suppose they
went?"
HUMPHREY
"Well now let us go attack."
I suggest that we have one scout (Biladoc) at the front and one at
the rear. After that I would like to be next along side Sir Kinson and
that Dain should be right behind us. So where do the rest of you feel
that you would serve best."
FRAXEN
"I'll fill in behind Dain"
CARYNTH
"I will move at the head of the party, as my scimitar is sure and deadly."
SERIAN
Serian says, "I'll travel near the center of the party with bow
ready." The elf rubs the wound in his side. "I'm still a bit sore from that
battle earlier. Now, that I've recovered I can cause a number of our
enemies to fall unconscious for a brief period of time. When we encounter a
group of more than 4 of the enemy do not rush into combat and I'll try to fell
a number of them with this spell."
TARIN
Tarin speaks in his quiet voice, "I am not surprised very much, so I
will take the rear."
ALOF
" Since Tarin has decided to take the back, what I suggest is that
Biladoc and I go a little ways ahead of everybody (a little more than
90 feet ahead of the party for the opponents surprise roll penalty) We
could move silently and then signal you in or attack whatever's here."
I'm going in with both daggers drawn.
HUMPHREY
Humphrey nods his head sideways,
"What you are proposing is fine for dungeons, but in the temple we
are talking about confined spaces. I suggest we stick together. We
will get surprise by quickly busting into someone's rooms. I would like
you two to make sure we do not activate any alarms. Once, we are in
hallways and those hallways provide some cover for you to use, then we will
reconsider."
BILADOC
I listen to the suggestions and then say:
'I propose the following: me and Alof scout ahead, as he said. Next,
Dain and Fraxen, followed by Sir Humphrey and Sir Kinson. This way,
they can attack at the same time if anyone gets close (Dain and
Fraxen low, Humphrey and Kinson high). Ulath and Carynth next, ready
to heal any wounded in the first ranks. Grumach and Serian behind
them (Grumach can attack above Ulath and Serian can use his bow).
Tarin will close the line. If we come face to face with anyone,
Serian can put some of them to sleep first and them we take care of
the rest. What do you think?'
I take out two daggers and put the others in my belt, ready to be
taken out and thrown.
HUMPHR
EY
Humphrey listens to Biladocs suggestion for marching order and says,
"Sounds fine with me. As I said earlier, we will be in crowded area,
therefore I do not thing you will be able to get a good enough
distance away from us, to do any good. Well let's be off to the quarters of the
priestess. Last time we were there we listen to the door and we
could hear some group chanting. Therefore I expect that we might fine an
altar nearby."
Dain knows the way, therefore I expect that he will tell Biladoc.
DM: Here's the marching order:
Biladoc Alof
Dain Fraxen
Humphrey Kinson
Ulath Carynth
Grumach Serian
Tarin
Once a door is ready to open though, Biladoc and Alof will move to the
third rank. That way the fighters can make the first wave of attacks
and give Biladoc and Alof the chance to get in a possible back stab.
Also, if going in we see a bunch of people (4 or more) we will allow
Serian to cast a sleep spell.
CARYNTH
Carynth shrugs and says, "'K. I can heal, too. =-)"
ALOF
I say " Fine with me" and grab two of my daggers and get ready to
throw them. If I can't get in a good position to throw I'll try and
slip away from the fight and try and walk around for a back stab.
(using my move silently ability.)
DAIN
Dain readies his gear "Then let the warriors open the door and
prepare the way for the party." He gets broadaxe in right hand and throwing axe
in left and opens the secret door to the sewer, then the one to the priests
chamber when the party is ready.
FRAXEN
"Let's go". Fraxen readies his battle axe in his right hand.
ULATH
Before we march on, Ulath will say to Serian:
- Friend, does this scroll have any meaning to you?
After that he will pray to his God, and rising says:
- I am ready, came Flint.
DM
The group moves forward. Alof and Biladoc begin checking the door
that leads into the priest chambers. They stop and look concerned.
FRAXEN
Fraxen whispers, "Guys, what's wrong?"
BILADOC
I whisper back to the party:
'Two traps. One pressure plate on the floor, one attached to the
lock.'
I say to Alof (still whispering):
'Shall we try to disarm the one on the floor first? That way, we can
approach the lock more freely, or bash the door in, if we can't
disarm it.'
If Alof agrees with me, I'll try to disarm the pressure plate. Better
still, we'll do it together.
Do I hear anything from inside the room?
DM
You carefully place your ear on the door. You hear nothing from the
inside. You do smell something though. Something aromatic. Sorta like
roses or something along those lines.
ALOF
I agree with Biladoc and attempt to disarm the trap on the floor
first. I whisper to him "If we can't disarm the one on the floor or we do
disarm it let's take a crack at the trap on the lock. Okay?"
Before disarming the trap I whisper to Tarin "get up here and try and
listen for noise (Detect Noise ability) while we attempt to disarm
the traps."
TARIN
My ears are not particularly sensitive my friend. I have studied the
ways of the woods, not those of the cities."
HUMPHREY
Humphrey listening to Alof, "What about we see if we can't disarm the
traps that we at least activate them in a safe manner. The main thing
that I want to know, is if either trap is an alarm?"
DM
The two of them begin working on the traps. Biladoc mumbles, "Oops"
But Alof says "I got it!". Later Alof says "Good work Biladoc. That was a
tough one."
Going to work on the lock Alof has the better luck and there is a
faint click that indicates his efforts have be rewarded.
ALOF
Before bursting in I whisper to Biladoc " Let's try and make out the
noise" with saying that I put my ear up to the door and try to Detect
Noise. As soon as I'm finished I step back and let the fighters bust in.
BILADOC
Taking out two daggers, I whisper to the fighters:
'I'll open the door and get inside, charge after me. Ready?'
I'll then open the door (it opens to the inside of the room, right?)
violently and rush inside to one side, leaving the doorway clear for
the fighters and ready to throw my daggers.
ALOF
I grab two of my daggers and go to the opposite side of the door
Biladoc went to since no one wanted me to Detect Noise. I'll get in a
position to throw them. The first priest I see I'll attack.
HUMPHREY
Humphrey moves into the room as soon as the door is open, right
behind Dain.
CARYNTH
BEFORE we all do this, I'd like to cast a bless on our party, if the
DM will let me now.
DM
They have already run in. However, you can cast it now since no
combat has erupted...yet. :-)
CARYNTH
Well, I'll ready it. When someone hears something more suspicious
than a gurgling brazier, I'll cast it.
FRAXEN
I raise my Axe and charge into the room.
DM
Ulath hands Serian a scroll as Biladoc opens the door and rushes in.
Alof, Humphrey, Dain, and Fraxen quickly follow him fanning out in the
room beyond. You find yourselves in a bedroom much as before. With a
large bed, an armoire, chest of drawers, and a brazier with burning
coals. There seems to be smoke rising from the brazier and a strange
scent comes from it. You see the hallway beyond. But, detect no
movement or unusual sounds from beyond.
BILADOC
I turn to the people in the hall and say, in a low voice:
'Quick, get in and close the door again.'
Then I'll go to the chest, searching for traps. If I don't find any,
I'll open it and see what's inside.
DM
You find no traps on the trunk or chest of drawers. You open it and
begin searching. You find several sets of black robes as well as some
fancy ones with red trim.
GRUMACH
"Someone put out that Brazier. Knock it over or something."
HUMPHREY
Humphrey immediately looks for something to cover the brazier so that
no smoke can get out. In a low voice, "Of scouts, forward."
DM
The only thing you see is a blanket. Don't know if I recommend that
unless someone has a shield they want to use.
SERIAN
Serian follows the group inside trying to maintain his position
within the party order. The elf keeps his bow ready.
TARIN
Tarin will follow with bow ready.
ALOF
I am going to silently move towards the hallway and when I get to it
I'll search for any traps or secret doors or anything that's hidden.
I'll ask Fraxen to guard me while I'm searching.
ULATH
Ulath says to everybody!
The fighters and archers should cover the hallway to avoid nasty
surprises.
And moves to a place away from a clear view path to the hallway,and
checks on the others.
FRAXEN
I watch over Alof with my axe ready while he searches. When he's
done, I'll move into the hall and secure a position.
DAIN
Dain moves to a flanking position of the doorway broadaxe in right
hand, throwing axe in left. Ready to move into the hall if needed or after
the scouts go forward.
HUMPHREY
Humphrey motions for everyone to be quite and then looks towards Alof
and Biladoc holding his hand to his ear as if he was listening.
DM
You find no traps on your way to the hallway. However, you do note
some blood splatters as well as some green goop spots on the floor. It does not
look like anyone was dragged or anything like that.
ALOF
Turning to the group I say "Come look at this! Any of you have any
idea what this green stuff is? Biladoc find anything in the drawers?"
When the party is ready I'm going to continue going up the hallway
searching for traps as I go.
DM
Humphrey looks around for something to cover the Brazier as Biladoc
moves over to the chest of drawers and examines it. Alof in the meanwhile
carefully walks forward towards the hallway searching the floor. Fraxen follows
behind him axe at the ready. Serian and Tarin enter the room with their bows
ready.
Ulath moves over to the side. Kinson, Grumach, and Carynth remain
outside the secret door. Biladoc opens the chest of drawers and begins
rummaging inside it. Alof nods to Fraxen that all is clear.
ULATH
Ulath will take a curious look at the Brazier, using all his priestly
knowledge.
Is it a simple incense burner?
Or is it something more special, for invocations and rituals?
How big is it?
DM
It is a foot across and is simple. However, It could be used for other
things. However, Ulath sees no signs of such.
GRUMACH
I'm going to drop a spare traveling cloak over the brazier once Ulath
finishes looking.
CARYNTH
Before I'd walk past the green goop, I'd look carefully at the ceiling....
SERIAN
Serian keeps his bow at the ready. He moves over to the blood trail
and green stuff. He carefully avoids the green and looks at the blood.
He looks up at the ceiling to try and determine if something might have
fallen from above. The elf whispers, "You act as if this is your first time
in this area. I thought you had enlisted our aid to strike against
these evil priests again?"
DAIN
Dain moves into the hall behind the scout as well, axes at ready, his
steely eyes staring into the gloom of the hall beyond
ALOF
Answering Serian I say " I came with my party and fought the owl
bears but, I did not fight the priests it was Sir Humphrey's band that
did. I am now part of Sir Humphrey's band so I will now help him raid
this evil temple. I also have a debt to pay to the temple, don't
forget they've go our friends Gathrax and Kaddar."
After talking to Serian I quiet down and help humphrey in listening
by using my detect noise ability.
BILADOC
I say to the party, in a low voice, showing the black robes I found:
'Does anyone want to take this robes? They make a good disguise. For
humans and elves, at least.' I then move towards Alof, and join him
trying to hear any noise from the hall. I'll observe the blood spots
and the green stuff, looking around the walls and ceiling, trying to
see if there are any more spots in them. After this, I'll take my
position as before, searching for traps as we move along the hallway,
daggers ready to throw.
Does the green stuff smell like anything in particular? Is there more
blood or more of this green stuff?
DM
There is more blood than green "stuff". There are a few blood spots
on the wall. But nothing on the ceiling.
TAR
IN
Tarin will nod in agreement. Then I will cut a hole so I can access
my quiver. The hilts of my swords will be covered up with the hood if
there is one.
DM
The robes do have hoods. Tarin soon has cut a hole for his quiver and
is wearing the black robe with hood pulled up. Meanwhile Biladoc walks
over towards the Armoire.
SERIAN
Serian looks up the hallway and then says, "This blood trail
continues. It appears that a battle took place here and the wounded person was
dragged up this way. I think we should follow."
HUMPHREY
Humphrey after all have had a chance to hear, motions for Biladoc to
move forward.
"There maybe souls who need rescuing."
SERIAN
Serian looks back at the blood trail, readies his bow again and then
assumes his position in the party order. The elf keeps looking up at the
ceiling and then ahead at the scouts leading the party.
DAIN
Dain nods agreement that we should proceed and advances behind the
scouts, or takes place in the lead should they desire to withdraw to second rank
and let fighters lead until we find another task suited to their taste
ALOF
I am going to join Biladoc in the front of the party and search for
traps anything else there might be (Secret doors). I suggest we follow the
trail of blood. I go with my daggers ready to be thrown and at the
first sign of a fight I'll throw of them.
DM
You look down the hallway and see that it goes sixty feet. At that
point there is a 20 wide hall that bears off to the right. Across the
twenty foot wide hall the ten foot wide hall continues. Everything is
dark ahead.
ALOF
I am going to turn to the party and whisper " Anybody got a torch or
infra vision. Come on we better get a move on it!"
CARYNTH
Carynth obediently hands over a torch and whispers, "Do you think I
should cast my bless spell yet?"
DAIN
Dain continues behind the front rank of robed scouts, axes pulsing in
his hands like deadly beasts desiring blood to be appeased.
DM
Grumach pours water from his skin on the brazier putting it out with a
hiss. Meanwhile Biladoc rifles through the armoire finding nothing of
interest he moves into the hallway with Alof. They lead the way down
the hall. The party falls into is former order. Slowly you move
forward with Alof and Biladoc's vision leading the way. The two scouts
scout the hall for traps as they move forward. You are nearly to the
intersection at this point. The scouts have found nothing unusual. In
the distance you hear three gongs. It sounds like it came from the left
down the twenty floor wide hall.
HUMPHREY
Humphrey sighs,
"Three is usually the signal for danger. Let's move and take the
first doorway we can. Be ready with the sleep spells."
ALOF
I am going to slip back to the third rank and let the fighters
charge.
As soon as we come up to the 20 foot hallway I'll fall back into the
shadows before I do anything else (daggers drawn).
CARYNTH
I cast my bless spell, then move into the front ranks, as my blade as
always struck true. This druid is ready for action!
SERIAN
Serian continues to keep his bow ready, although the elf is prepared
to drop the bow and draw his sword for a close quarters fight. He
continues to keep an eye ahead, following the thieves who are leading
the way. As some of the thieves attempt to make adjustments to their
position in party rank, the elf moves up.
DM
Humphrey sighs,
"Three is usually the signal for danger. Let's move and take the
first doorway we can. Be ready with the sleep spells." Alof moves
back into the third rank drawing his daggers. Carynth casts bless on
the party and then hands Alof a lit torch as he moves to the third
rank. She draws her scimitar and moves forward.
(I guess everyone else just stands there. Those are all the posts I
have gotten. Biladoc is still in front since he has not told me he
moves back. No one has moved. around the corner yet. Everything is
quiet except for the beating of your hearts and the sound of
breathing. )
CARYNTH
Carynth waits expectantly for the rest of the party to move with her
and round the corner. She whispers hoarsely to Alof, "We just kill
priests here when we see 'em, or what?"
TARIN
Tarin is ready for the party to move, as we go down the hallway, I
will keep my back to the wall, glancing back to make sure we are not
ambushed from behind.
BILADOC
I'll signal everyone to wait and move forward silently, hiding in the
shadows and peek into the hall, trying to determine what's there
(doors, furniture, tracks of blood, whatever). If I see nobody, I'll
signal the others to join me. I'll keep looking for traps and have
two daggers ready to throw. At any sign of danger, I'll tumble back
to the party, falling in the third rank with Alof.
ALOF
I am going to hand the torch to whomever is in the lead now (not
Biladoc) I think it's either Dain,Fraxen or Carynth, I'm not sure.
As soon as we round the corner I'll go behind one of the elves or
humans and hide in the shadows.(daggers ready to be thrown).
DAIN
Dain stands ready behind the lead rank, battle axe and throwing axe
ready.
DM
Biladoc peeks around the corner and seems to be searching the hall
intently with his eyes. The other members shift positions drawing
weapons and gripping their bows a little tighter. Everyone seems very
tense as Biladoc turns back towards the fighters to report his
findings.
BILADOC
I return and say to the party, in a low voice, but loud enough for
everyone to hear:
'There's nobody down there. This hall goes on for about 60 feet into
darkness. I can't see further than that. There's a sound of trickling
water up ahead, but I can't see where it comes from. Lets return to
our initial order and move on.'
I say to Alof:
'Better put out that torch. We don't want to give away our presence,
do we?'
I go back to the front, looking for traps or concealed doors, moving
silently and hiding in the shadows.
CARYNTH
Carynth nods in agreement, sheaths her scimitar and moves back to the
middle ranks.
SERIAN
The elf looks around is there another light source besides the torch?
DM
Dain's Axe glows dimly.
ALOF
I put out the torch and hand it back to Carynth and join Biladoc in
the front ranks doing the same as he. I say to the group " It might be wise to put
the ones with infravision in second rank. So we have an idea of what's
ahead."
HUMPHREY
Humphrey hearing Alof's request. "Well our two dwarves already
comprise the second row. Therefore why the request?"
KINSON
Kinson says: "I must be stupid or something, because I didn't think of
it. I have a hooded lantern right here. We used it earlier, and closed
the hood whenever we wanted to conceal ourselves, or to give us an
advantage just before entering a door we would close the hood, open
the door quickly, then open the hood before our eyes had a chance to
adjust to the darkness. We hoped that the bright light would give us
an advantage over any creatures of darkness.
Should we use it now?"
CARYNTH
Nodding, Carynth makes to put out the torch, waiting first for Kinson
to open the lantern a crack. "It makes sense," she whispers, "as it's
more controllable."
KINSON
Kinson lights the lantern and opens the hood enough to see about 15
feet up the hallway.
SERIAN
Serian adjusts his vision to match the conditions (infravision or
normal). "Will the humans be able to see?" The elf keeps his bow ready.
HUMPHREY
Humphrey: "Are there no doors in the place. Let's move from where the
Gong came from. If it was an alarm, it might mean that some sort of
ceremony is going on, that needs interrupting."
CARYNTH
Carynth agrees.
DM
The gong came from the south. Down the twenty foot wide hallway.
ALOF
" I agree with Sir Humphrew and Carynth. I am sorry but I forgot that
I had infravision. My apologies."
KINSON
"I too agree with Humphrey, Carynth, and Alof. Perhaps the gong was some
sort of call to order for a ritual -- then we might catch them unawares.
Anybody have any good surprises up their sleeves?"
CARYNTH
Carynth looks up brightly. "I've got an augury spell, which should
tell us if what we're about to do is a good idea, if you're interested,
but we probably don't have time. Otherwise, no, no surprises."
KINSON
Kinson: "We'll have to keep that in mind for the future in might
become very useful. Thank you Carynth."
DM
Is the party moving again? Lets not forget there are two halls they
can move down. I will need to know if you go down the large hall or
just go across it to the ten foot wide hall.
HUMPHREY
Humphrey thinking to himself, "If we go South, I think we come to
where we found the rotating trap coming from the other side of the owl
bear room. Felix, may he rest in peace, activated the trap while
trying to disarm, but we know how to get around it. Let's go South
and see this hall meets up from where we were previously."
ALOF
I will go with the group wherever they decide to go staying in the
front ranks searching for traps and the like.
DM
Grumach suddenly tenses. Then suddenly he lets out a horrendous
sneeze.
GRUMACH
"There is something in the air. The south hallway, and the other one
across as well. It's everywhere down here."
DAIN
Move up to the center of the first row as we prepare to move down the
twenty foot hall. Wrap my cloak over my mouth and nose to filter the
air.
BILADOC
I ask Grumach:
'Can you identify the stuff? Are you feeling dizzy or sleepy or
something?'
I say to the party:
'Does anyone else sense anything, or is it just Grumach?'
I cover my nose and mouth like Dain did and proceed south like
Humphrey suggested.
OOC:
Didn't Shadow noticed anything? Birds are supposed to be sensitive
to this kind of thing (canary in coal mines and all that...)
DM
Shadow seems unconcerned.
CARYNTH
Carynth shakes her head warily. "I haven't noticed anything unusual
in my senses," she whispers.
GRUMACH
Grumach will take in a lung full. Hopefully, we will be able to
answer this. If he can, he will let everyone know once he finishes
sneezing.
ULATH
Ulath cuts a bit of dried meat for him and Flint, while trying to
identify what caused Grumath to sneeze. Could it came from the
brazier?
DM
Flint the big shaggy dog begins sneezing. "HACHOOOO!!!!!" He slobbers
all over Ulath.
KINSON
Kinson: "I've heard of people having a bad reaction to the furs of
certain animals, perhaps there is some creature nearby that Grumach's
nose is detecting, and we are not.
Grumach, do you detect the scent behind us? I wouldn't like to be
surrounded."
DAIN
"I suggest we move quickly and head on up the hall, but I recommend
the narrower hall as we are apparently in the rear and mayhaps it will
lead us to other more sensitive areas of the temple" Dain says as he
moves his axe around to see if it glows more while pointed in a
certain direction.
FRAXEN
I'll cover my mouth and nose and continue.
SERIAN
Serian keeps his bow ready, waiting for the party to determine a
direction. He mutters, "So much for the well-planned strike at these
evil priests? At least we knew where the thieves' guild was located."
DM
So does the band head south or across and down the narrower hall.
Most of the votes have gone for south. So far the only one who thinks
otherwise appears to be Dain. Let me know when you start moving again.
Hmm...DM rolls 6 sided dice. Hmm.. HAH! DM smiles wickedly.
KINSON
I believe that Humphrey mentioned he wanted to go south and Kinson
will join him.
ULATH
So, it seems that only very sensitive noses as dogs and a..... Gnols
do smell it, and make them sneeze. Could it be a trap, or just
something to avoid trackers by smell??
DAIN
Dain nods and begins south, moving to the right side of the front rank
and taking a place next to them since the hall widens we need four to
a row. Battle axe in right hand and throwing axe in left. His face
twisted in a scowl as he advances, looking for the dogs that killed
many of his past friends.
CARYNTH
Well, all right. Carynth makes to move south, too, not wanting the
party to split their forces.
GRUMACH
ALOF
KINSON
DM
. . .
Along the Cobblestone walks: The man in the brown cloak walks quietly along the
cobblestone streets of Pensula. THe wyvern clasp displayed openly on his cloak.
"Where is his target. Kelandil must be here somewhere. He was last seen near the Green Dragon.
However, niether he nor his companions have shown back up. The trail grows cold..
<
I start heading south with the party in the front searching for traps
and the like.
"This news from Grumach changes things, if we still want to interrupt any
ceremony that might be going on. They might well be sacrificing some of our
companions."
(First I had Alof, Dain, and Biladoc in the front rank, Then comes
Humphrey and Kinson in the second rank, followed by the rest somewhere
back there. The hall is twenty feet wide now and can acomadate four to
a rank.)
You begin moving down the hall to the south. Soon before you a stream
can be seen running across the hall. The stream is about fifteen feet
wide and seems quite swift. There is an arched wooden bridge five feet
wide crossing over the stream. At this side of the bridge is a black
robed and cowed figure. He is holding a bladed staff in his hands.
The staff end of the six foot long staff is resting on the floor in front of him.
He is looking in the parties direction but has not moved an inch.