Farron and Garyth Make It Down
Subject: Re: The underground trail; of crocodiles and hippogriffs
Farron gasps and winces with every move as he positions himself on the rope and moves down. He is worried about his speed, knowing that any delay could mean one of his companions might die, but he also knows any fall at all would likely kill him in this state. His progress is further slowed by the fact that holding the rope with his legs causes near-blinding pain. He concentrates on holding the rope tightly with alternating hands and letting gravity move him down the rope.
At about the halfway point, the pain has become so bad that he briefly contemplates just letting go. One more burst of pain at the bottom and then he wouldn't hurt anymore, being dead and all. But he grits his teeth and, white-faced, continues on.
From: Ty
Subject: The underground trail; we all finish running away....
[Initiative Sa'id 20, Tichenor 17, Garyth 14, Cadfael 13, Rennik 12, Mission 12, Swamp dragon 5, Farron 4, hippogriff 4]
Sa'id stands at the bottom of the rope looking worried and making "go faster" gestures with his hands as he watches Farron slowly trying to climb down.
Tichenor shakes himself all over once after Mission puts him down, then immediately begins scouting out the sewer tunnel, sniffing the walls carefully.
Above, Garyth is helping the badly injured Farron get onto the rope. Watching the wizard grimace in pain every time he moves his legs only reminds the battered guardsman of how bad he himself feels right now. The halfling had gone on and on about how dangerous the jungle was, and how dangerous the swamp dragons were, until finally Garyth had begun to tune him out. Now, with half the party badly injured and their camp in disarray, he resolves to pay attention again.
After saying "two days" to the monk, Cadfael rolls out his bedroll and sits down on it.
Rennik stands in front of Garyth and Farron as they attempt to move down the rope. He holds his bow in one hand, but does not fire. If the swamp dragon is distracted by the wizard's monster, then so much the better.
The crocodile continues to thrash the hapless hippogriff about in its jaws. [Grapple check 34 vs 24; hippogriff still pinned; damage 21] The hippogriff struggles to break free, but the swamp dragons jaws grip it like a vice. There are more sounds of crushed and grating bones, and the hippogriff looks like it won't last much longer.
Farron moves with great pain about ten feet down the rope, and sees that Garyth has climbed on just above him. Now, only Rennik remains on the surface.
The hippogriff, badly broken in the swamp dragons teeth, continues to fight and struggle. It's dying screeches are terrible to hear, but it does not appear to be giving up either. [Full attack 16, 16, 14; all miss]
From: Karl
Subject: Re: The underground trail; we all finish running away....
Farron will continue moving down the rope.
From: Mike
Subject: Re: The underground trail; we all finish running away....
Garyth also continues climbing down.
From: Matt
Subject: Re: The underground trail; we all finish running away....
Rennik twiddles his thumbs waiting for his turn, ready to jump if need be.
From: Ty
Subject: Re: The underground trail; we all finish running away....
Actually, unless someone has some specific thing to do, I am just going to write up that next turn tonight.
From: Scott
Subject: Re: The underground trail; we all finish running away....
Mission glares at Cadfael, but says nothing. He will help Farron get off the rope and do his best to patch him up.
He'll give the mage a healing potion if he has one.
We All Finish Running Away, Moving East
Subject: The underground trail; we all finish running away
Sa'id stays by the rope, helping Farron to the ground once he reaches the bottom. The two wizards then help Garyth off, because his damaged ribs make the climb extremely difficult. They can hear the fight between the two monsters continuing above, then suddenly there is silence. A second later, Rennik comes sliding down the rope.
"Your beast is dead," he says to Farron. "Though, it did wound the dragon at least once. That means he'll go find himself a nice deep pond somewhere and sit at the bottom sulking. We can probably go back up and collect our gear tomorrow."
[At this point, only Cadfael has his pack with him. There are no healing potions here in the tunnel, as my notes show that Farron and Garyth still have theirs, but their packs are above. Unless someone wants to take a specific action before the night is over, I will just write up the next turn. Let me know pretty soon if you need to do something.]
From: Matt
Subject: Re: The underground trail; we all finish running away
Reaching the bottom of the rope, Rennik immediately seeks out Tichenor and finds him investigating the perimeters of their new camp. There's nowhere to run, now, Rennik thinks. If something comes down this tunnel at us while we sleep, there's no way for us to escape. He shivers at the thought of being trapped.
He'll try to get a good emotional read off of the wolf, to see if it is nervous about either end of the tunnel. Tichenor's nose is far better than his own.
Upon catching Mission's eye, he will nod his thanks. "You fought well, and I thank you for saving Tichenor. Wolves are intelligent animals, and he will remember your effort to save him. I, too, will remember."
With that, Rennik will finish a perimeter check of the area (and his Animal Empathy check to gauge Tichenor's reactions).
From: Ty
Subject: Re: The underground trail; we all finish running away
Rennik and Tichenor will determine that the sewer tunnel runs off into the distance both east and west. Though, presumably, the tunnel dead ends going west when it hits the cave in.
Tichenor does not seem particularly nervous, though he does seem to keep sniffing the center of the tunnel. This might mean that there are a large number of interesting scents there, which could mean that a lot of people passed this way recently.
From: Karl
Subject: Re: The underground trail; we all finish running away
"Well, that's that," Farron thinks to himself. He looks around the tunnel briefly for a spot that looks like it would be at least smoother if not softer and lays down gingerly, wincing from the pain of dislocated and broken bones. He will try to sleep until someone wakes him up in the morning.
From: Ty
Subject: The underground trail; the camp, and going east
The morning following the swamp dragon attack is not a pleasant one. Mission, Garyth, and Farron are all badly hurt. Farron has the greatest trouble, as his wounds are concentrated around his knees, and by morning he can not stand without assistance. Mission can move normally, but has trouble using his left arm for much. Luckily for Garyth, he only hurts when he breathes.
Now that a swamp dragon has been seen by all of the party members, a consensus is quickly reached that running into more of them is a bad idea. Rennik has already determined that this tunnel is the same sewer tunnel you found before, though of course much further to the east. According to Farron, this tunnel should run right to the temple itself, and it makes sense that this was the "underground trail" that they referred to.
Rennik, who is uninjured, returns to the surface and begins collecting the party's gear. There is surprisingly little damage, though the fight with the dragon did scatter things about. About half the food was lost to damage and small animal scavenging during the night. Of more immediate concern though, both of the remaining heal potions are intact. One at a time, Rennik lowers the packs down the rope to the party waiting below. He then does his best to conceal the camp and the trail, and returns to the tunnel.
[If anyone wishes to take any actions, like say healing someone, you may do so and I will add the results in before the next turn. However, in the interests of time, I am going to write up the days travels now.]
Cadfael's eternally glowing glove gives the party light to travel by, and the floor is smooth and dry on both sides of the narrow central channel, so the group makes rapid progress. At about mid morning, a second blast of darkness sweeps over the party, and everyone is stunned for a few moments. The visions of darkness and impending doom that accompany this are even more potent than last time. Mission and Cadfael are again the most affected, though neither is willing to share his own private vision of hell with anyone else after it's over. No one says, "two days left", but everyone is thinking it.
At regular intervals, side passages break off from the main tunnel and go off into darkness. Farron is quite sure that staying on this main path is the right thing to do, and his ability to recall the map from memory is already well proven, so no one argues. Occasionally, small holes in the ceiling of the tunnel let in some bit of natural light. By the time this natural light is gone, the party is already so exhausted that the decision to camp is quickly reached.
Rennik recommends finding a side passage and moving down it a ways to get off the main tunnel before camping. This seems wise, and a suitable side tunnel is found. Tichenor sniffs the camp site for several minutes, then pronounces the site good by flopping down on his belly and closing his eyes.
Farron and Rennik confer for a moment regarding distances on the map and how far the halfling thinks they may have traveled that day. When the are done, Farron says, "I think we can reach the temple by tomorrow night, if we can keep this pace. That puts us there the night before the priest's vision says we have to be there." Turning to Mission, he says with compassion on his face, "We will make it in time for Promise, no matter what."
From: Mike
Subject: Re: The underground trail; the camp, and going east
Can we get a run-down of the party's HP?
Who Gets the Potions?
Subject: Re: The underground trail; the camp, and going east
Mission will use the healing salve and bandages he bought off of Gully on himself (if he still has them).
An HP count would be useful-- my count is that after the fight with the dragon, and after levelling up, Mission is at 9. Is that correct?
From: Karl
Subject: Re: The underground trail; the camp, and going east
I'm pretty sure Farron is at 7. He was at 1 before leveling and rolled pretty good for HP upon leveling.
Farron will use his heal skills on himself, using any supplies the group has left and will let him use. He will see how he feels in the morning before deciding whether to drink his healing potion or not. He will sleep with the potion at hand, though, in case something dire happens in the night. In his state, he won't refuse healing from anyone if it's offered, but he's too afraid of Cadfael's apparent schizophrenia to ask him for it himself.
(I'm assuming one of the two healing potions is in Farron's pack since he hasn't used the one he was given back in Overlook, but if I'm mistaken and Farron doesn't have claim to one of them then he will just try to heal himself as best he can without one.)
From: Scott
Subject: Re: The underground trail; the camp, and going east
Mission rolled a 2.
A 2.
:shakes head:
From: Ty
Subject: Re: The underground trail; the camp, and going east
Farron is down 24, Garyth is down 20, and Mission is down 20. Cadfael took 5 points of subdual damage from his fall.
From: Ty
Subject: Re: The underground trail; the camp, and going east
Yes, Farron has one of the two potions.
From: Mike
Subject: Re: The underground trail; the camp, and going east
Before the party leaves the first campsite, Garyth will recommend that Mission and Farron use the two remaining healing potions. His own wounds still ache, but he is still more intact than they are. When the party stops for the night, he will accept any aid given in caring for his broken ribs.
From: Karl
Subject: Re: The underground trail; the camp, and going east
Farron will take the healing potion, then, and will try to use his healing skills on Garyth as best he can at the campsite.
From: Raja
Subject: Re: The underground trail; the camp, and going east
There's the matter of the spellbook. Sa'id still wants to do his dispel while protected from the elements. I'm not sure whether this should happen before or after the day's travel.
From: Dan
Subject: Re: The underground trail; the camp, and going east
Cadfael stays within himself for the day's travel, speaking little and then only when spoken to. Each time the darkness comes his stride becomes more focused and his eyes glitter with anticipation, though the flesh on his face grows more haggard.
When the party stops to make camp he quickly settles in for the night. He has nothing to say to anyone and if nobody approaches him he will quickly drop off to sleep.
HP Discussion, Followed?
Subject: Re: The underground trail; the camp, and going east
OOC: Mission will accept the potion, and give Farron Gully's salve and bandages to help him with Garyth's wounds.
From: Ty
Subject: The underground trail; camping again
Mission gratefully accepts the healing potion, and drinks it down. Whatever his feelings toward Cadfael now, he must admit that the priests of Pelor produce effective healing balms [Healed 22].
Farron drinks the last of the healing potions given to the party by the temple in Overlook [Healed 17]. There is a certain feeling of dread that comes with the use of this last potion. A feeling of nothing being left for the trip back. Farron wants to believe that the temple of Kor Garesh is the mid point of his journey, not its end. But that hope is getting harder to hold onto.
Once he is healed, Farron uses what skills he has to try and tend to Garyth. He helps the young guardsmen remove his armor and shirt, and can't help but gasp when he sees the injury. The armor helped stop the teeth a bit, but the crushing power of the swamp dragon's jaws is evident in the massive bruising and cracked ribs. Farron applies the unguents that Gully gave the group, and wraps the rib cage in bandages to keep the cracked ribs from moving too much. It is the best he can do, and only rest or healing magic will do the rest. Farron does suggest to the group that Garyth be allowed to sleep a full eight hours this night, and not take a watch. [If Garyth sleeps 8 hours, he recovers 12 HP]
Cadfael moves off by himself and appears to immediately go to sleep.
[I need a watch order, and any final actions before we do the next day. Can every check in real quick? Gracias.]
From: Karl
Subject: Re: The underground trail; camping again
Can Farron do any additional bandaging on himself or anything to gain some more HP while he sleeps?
Oh, and "I'm here".
From: Ty
Subject: Re: The underground trail; camping again
Actually, just getting 8 hours of sleep will get Farron 6 HP back. That would put him 1 under max.
From: Ty
Subject: Re: The underground trail; camping again
Also, this used up the last of the healing goodies that Gully sold the party. Garyth's wounds were extensive.
From: Scott
Subject: Re: The underground trail; camping again
OOC: I'm a bit confused. By my count, Mission was down to 9; By Ty's email, he was down to 15. So-- where does his HP count lie? At 31, or 35 (Mission's max hp, unless Ty is being INCREDIBLY charitable. . . .)?
Whatever the case, Mission volunteers for the first watch.
From: Ty
Subject: Re: The underground trail; camping again
By my notes, Mission was down 20hp.
The healing raised him to max. am I missing something?
From: Karl
Subject: Re: The underground trail; camping again
"this" being Garyth and Farron? Or just Garyth? (I.E. Is is sleep alone that gets Farron back the 6 HP?)
From: Dan
Subject: Re: The underground trail; camping again
No last minute actions from Cadfael. He does not volunteer to watch.
From: Scott
Subject: Re: The underground trail; camping again
Well-- you noted that the potion healed him for 22; 35 (starting HP) - 20 (damage) = 15; 15 + 22 (healing) = 37.
Hey, if you want to give me 2 extra hitpoints, fine by me. . .
;)
From: Ty
Subject: Re: The underground trail; camping again
I was just posting what I rolled. When I actually altered my notes, I just took him back to max.
Sorry.
From: Scott
Subject: Re: The underground trail; camping again
No problem-- I really just wanted to make sure that I wans't miscounting Mission's hp.
Not that 2 hp are going to matter when Kor Garesh swallows us all. . . but. . . y'know?
From: Raja
Subject: Re: The underground trail; camping again
[OOC: Given that we now have no means of healing short of asking the insane priest, I'm not sure about this spellbook thing. I suppose if we live we can take it to Nesalin. Given that, I'll memorize the same spells tonight as I did last night, except ]
IC:
Sa'id sits with Farron, sullen. They had set out with so much hope, only to be beaten like waves against coastal rocks. And with this impossible task -- the rescue of a baby from its blasphemy of a mother -- still before them.
He sighs heavily. They had been forced to flee from a jungle beast, battered and half-dead. What hope did they have against the likes of Anileth -- invulnerable while Promise lay within her -- and Elise, who had defeated the powerful Rennik without any semblance of effort, according to the proud warrior? He knows he shouldn't wallow in his dark mood, that now is a time when optimism instead of resignation could mean the difference in reflexes between life and death, but the fact that he now can't risk opening the sealed spellboook is unbelievably galling to the wizard.
Tomorrow night they would reach the temple. If Anileth could not be harmed before Promise was born, but when Promise was born it would be too late, what chance did they have? He didn't see any way that Anileth could be kept away from the altar, not so close to the source of her power. And for that matter, what of his spells? What would be needed in order to be most effective? If there was a large-scale battle, they were all dead. But to be stealthy meant following Cadfael, and the broken priest would certainly take the most direct route to Anileth that was possible, thereby sacrificing any advantage Kor Garesh's inability to see them might have brought.
Sa'id reaches up to adjust his turban, feeling his familiar coil along his arm. For a moment he regrets swearing to help Mission, because the further things progress the more this endeavour looks like a convoluted way to commit suicide. And the monk was so focused on his son that he didn't appear to care what happened to the rest of the party anymore.
The necromancer shakes his head. There would be plenty of time to choose and memorize spells when his watch came up. Perhaps sleep would brighten his mood.
From: Matt
Subject: Re: The underground trail; camping again
Rennik will volunteer to take an extended watch to allow others time to rest and heal. He'll go on the bare minimum of sleep needed to remain functional (no penalties) the following day.
From: Ty
Subject: The underground trail; ever eastward
[Rennik failed Con check to stay awake]
Rennik comes awake with a start. The first dim light of dawn is coming through the cracks in the tunnel ceiling, and the sleeping party is dimly visible around him. By his side, Tichenor kicks one leg fitfully, chasing some unknown prey in his dreams. Rennik kicks himself for falling asleep, though the last few days have been incredibly draining. At least he woke before anyone else did, and no one caught him sleeping.
Even more disturbing is the sight of the priest, sleeping through the dawn hour when he had prayed each morning so faithfully.
Rennik wakes the rest of the party, and their breakfast is subdued. No one knows what lies at the end of this tunnel, nor what midday tomorrow will bring. But there is a comfort of sorts in knowing that there is only one more night to wait, before the end of the quest is seen. Whatever demons they face, at least they will finally see them. Waiting and wondering is far worse. Either promise will be saved or he won't. Either they will escape with their lives or they won't. At least they will finally be able to act.
After breakfast, the group begins moving east along the tunnel again. Farron and Mission are quite recovered from their injuries. The healing potion and a full night's sleep seeming to have fully refreshed them. Even Garyth moves with greater comfort, Farron's bandages bed rest having relieved some of his deep aches.
Toward midday, the darkness returns again, knocking each of the party members briefly senseless, save for the dark dreams it gives them. But like most dark things, once experienced, it loses some of its dread. The party recovers quickly, eats a bit more of their greatly reduced rations, and moves on. Mission says, "Tomorrow. My son will be born tomorrow." The sounds of longing and fear mix in his voice, and are heartbreaking to hear. Even the gruff Rennik pats him once on the back in a show of solidarity.
By midafternoon, the steady repetition of placing one foot in front of the other, the sounds of leather slapping on stone, even the clicking of the wolf's claws on the tunnel floor have become hypnotizing. When Rennik realizes that Tichenor is no longer walking at his side, that the clicking claws have stopped, it snaps him from his reverie. He gives a low whistle to stop the party and turns around. The wolf has stopped twenty feet back, and is facing behind them, ears cocked. Rennik quickly drops to the ground and places his ear on the stone. [Listen roll 12] He hears nothing. But Mission, seeing how the Halfling reacted, also drops down to listen [Listen roll 20] and he hears the sound of footsteps coming distantly from behind.
[Mission can hear that someone is approaching from behind, but can't tell how far away they are or how many. The group had passed a cross tunnel about 100 yards ago, and if the pattern is consistent, there should be another one 400 yards ahead.]
The Invisibility Option
Subject: Re: The underground trail; ever eastward
"Someone's coming behind us," Mission says quietly to Rennick. "I can't tell how many, or how far away they are, but--" he shrugs.
"I don't like the idea of allowing anything to follow us in these tunnels. As much as I do NOT want to fight again, especially when we're so close to Promise, I definitely don't want to be caught between a horror behind us and a terror in front of us."
From: Scott
Subject: Re: The underground trail; ever eastward
Mission continues, softly, "I suggest that we move the party on down to the next intersection of tunnels-- quickly, and quietly as we can, and lay an ambush there. Where the tunnels divide, we'll have more room to move and fight, or take cover, while we'll catch our pursuers in the narrow."
He swallows, waiting for the halfling's reaction.
From: Karl
Subject: Re: The underground trail; ever eastward
Farron feels a sinking feeling in his stomach at the news that they are being followed. He does not want to risk injury again before the battle with Anileth as he's sure there will be no healing again on this trip unless Cadfael can be relieved of his dark insanity. Nevertheless he will do whatever Mission and the others propose.
From: Raja
Subject: Re: The underground trail; ever eastward
"There is," Sa'id says quietly, "one other option."
He swallows.
"I have a spell that can make us all invisible for a time, provided you stay within a certain distance of me. If we head to the intersection and move into one of the side tunnels, I can shield us from the sight of whatever is coming if we wish not to be seen." He pauses. "Either way, I agree that we should make for the intersection quickly and quietly."
From: Mike
Subject: Re: The underground trail; ever eastward
Garyth nods at Sa'id's suggestion. "We don't even know who our followers are; they may not be enemies. We should use Sa'id's spell to hide ourselves. If they do turn out to be enemies, we still have the option to take them." He doesn't say it, but from the way he winces when he takes a breath, Garyth is in no hurry to get in another fight.
From: Scott
Subject: Re: The underground trail; ever eastward
Mission's heart hammers. He nods at Sa'id wordlessly.
"Fine."
From: Dan
Subject: Re: The underground trail; ever eastward
Cadfael will agree to the invisibility plan.
OOC -- Sorry, busy today, but I don't want to hold things up.
From: Raja
Subject: Re: The underground trail; ever eastward
Sa'id falls into stride beside Garyth. He speaks quietly, not quite whispering in case Mission and Rennik are listening. "I have a spell of light that I can cast in the intersection. If we then move down the side passage, we may be able to see what comes. They might be more likely to search, though..." He pauses. "Also, I have my fireball spell memorized, if it comes to that, which is safe provided we are far enough away from them."
From: Mike
Subject: Re: The underground trail; ever eastward
Garyth thinks a moment, then shakes his head. "No, if we attract their attention, they may find us. We'd be better off staying concealed until they're past."
From: Raja
Subject: Re: The underground trail; ever eastward
[OOC: Just got this from Matt, I assume he meant it to go to everyone.]
Sa'id nods his agreement. The halfling makes sense. "Just remember that if anyone attacks or works further magic, it will break the spell for that person but not for the others."
------ Forwarded Message
"No light," Rennik says. "We want them to pass us by, not stop and look around. I'd rather be behind them than in front."
He barely catches himself agreeing to be cloaked by magic. When he had the speed spell cast on him the previous night, there seemed to be no harm. Silently, the halfling begins to rethink his views on magic and mages - it seemed priests and monks were proving more problematic.
------ End of Forwarded Message
From: Matt
Subject: Re: The underground trail; ever eastward
D'oh! Oops!
The Following Group
Subject: The underground trail; hiding
Sa'id's plan is a good one, and the party begins moving as quickly as possible toward the next junction. Now that he knows they are being followed, Rennik cringes at every sound the group makes. Sa'id, Farron, and Mission are all actually fairly quiet when they walk. Garyth, in his leather armor, only makes noise when he runs into something. But Cadfael, dressed in metal and with a shield banging on his back, sounds like a box full of scrap metal being shaken by a giant. Or, at least, that's how it sounds to the halfling now.
A few minutes bring the party to the next junction. Everyone quickly moves into the northbound side tunnel, and Sa'id begins his spell. Rennik tells everyone to stay absolutely silent, and grips Tichenor by the scruff to keep him from moving. The cunning wolf seems to understand the situation though, and sits on his haunches.
Before Sa'id can finish his spell, Mission gives an exasperated sigh, and reaches out to pluck the glowing glove out of Cadfael's belt. He sticks it under his shirt just the spell finishes, and the tunnel is plunged into darkness. It is difficult to tell if the spell worked or not, because this stretch of tunnel has no openings, and no light.
Time passes, with only the occasional scuff sound of someone shifting their feet, and the quiet panting of the wolf. After a while, distant talking can be heard. As it grows closer, it becomes clear that whoever is out there is making no attempt to hide themselves. They talk loudly, with occasional loud laughs. They are also carrying light of some kind, as the east bound tunnel begins to slowly brighten with a red glow.
The group passes the junction a few moments later, and their light brightens the side tunnels as well. The party tenses, but the spell must have worked, because even though several from the passing group glance down both side tunnels, no one gives them a second look. The group itself is five men, though one of them barely fits that description. Four of them look like ordinary city ruffians. Only one of the four is wearing armor, and his armor is cheaply made leather. All four carry weapons of a cutthroat sort; short swords and long knives. The fifth figure is somewhat more intimidating. He stands six and half feet high at least, and fairly bulges with muscle. His wart covered skin has an odd greenish gray cast to it, and his face is hideous. His lower jaw juts out, and a pair of flattened tusks peek out from his lip. His nose if flat, and his brow sloped. Farron, Sa'id, and Mission have all seen such a creature before, and Farron says in a whisper so low that even those right next to him can barely hear it, "Half Orc."
While his human companions appear to be only thugs, the half orc has a hard look of competence to him. His light armor is well oiled and well kept. Carried across one shoulder is an enormous polearm, with a double headed axe at each end. Rennik recognizes the weapon as an orcish double axe, a weapon that is very difficult to use, but extremely dangerous in the hands of a master. Of greater concern to the halfling is the casual way the brute carries it in one hand. The weapon must be extremely heavy, but the half orc carries it like it weighs nothing.
The group is moving quickly, and vanishes from view into the eastern tunnel. Their torchlight and voices continue to fade into the distance until all is silence and darkness again.
[Please check in]
From: Karl
Subject: Re: The underground trail; hiding
When all has been quiet for several minutes, Farron lets out a small sigh of relief, but cuts it short as the slight sound reaches his ears. He had been standing so quietly the tiny rush of air sounded altogether too loud to his straining ears. "If there are more like the big guy, we're dead," he whispers gloomily to Sa'id.
(ooc-Farron will do whatever the group decides. He's just playing passenger on this particular ride into hell.)
From: Raja
Subject: Re: The underground trail; hiding
Sa'id is relieved to find that the other group is comprised of mere mortals, large half-orc or no. Though, the question of what city folk were doing here was an interesting one. He idly wonders what it will feel like for them when the soul drinker consumes their essence.
He smirks a bit at Farron's words, a measure of good humour returning for some inexplicable reason. He winks at his friend. "I could take him in a bout of fisticuffs," he says quietly, imitating the tone of one of their teachers at the wizards' school.
Sa'id then turns to Garyth and Rennik. "What now? From how far is it safe to follow them?"
From: Karl
Subject: Re: The underground trail; hiding
Inexplicably, Sa'id's words dispel a large part of the gloom in Farron's mood. He's not at all sure about the battle ahead, but he's known for a couple of days now that there's no going home without finishing this. He returns a small smile to his friend, then realizing he can't see it in the dark, he chuckles softly at the joke.
From: Scott
Subject: Re: The underground trail; hiding
"Cale mentioned a brute of some sort back at the tower," Mission says softly, nodding his head in the direction of the half-orc. "And those other four had the same look as Elise's crew at the cabin where we first met her."
Thinking of the tower, the cabin-- events that seemed like a lifetime ago. A different man had worn his skin in each of those places. Blood and Stone, it seemed like ages ago he'd listened to Rennick plea for help, and Garyth call for volunteers. The memory seemed more like the memory of a tale told to him, rather than the memory of an event in his life.
"We must go even more quietly now, with those men in front of us," Mission urges. "Rennick and I can scout ahead, try to discover where they're going. Were they looking for us, or just on patrol?"
He takes a deep breath, and chokes on the fetid air. He stifles his coughing, though. "How long will this invisibility spell last, Sa'id?"
From: Raja
Subject: Re: The underground trail; hiding
"Only a few minutes," the necromancer replies, "and it is broken if you stray from me."
[OOC: Working from memory here -- IIRC, Invisibility Sphere lasts one minute per caster level and affects people in a 10' radius around the caster at the time of casting.]
From: Matt
Subject: Re: The underground trail; hiding
Rennik's mind lingers on the half-orc and its axe, and wishes his hadn't been sundered by the shebitch. He whispers a silent curse at her and thinks about the situation.
"It might be best to attack them before they reach the mountain if we can do it without injuring ourselves too much. They are only five right now - but they will be five of many more at the end of our journey if we don't stop them. If we have to deal with that beast, I'd rather do it when he is our main concern... not when he has a wereboar and the shebitch Elise at his back."
"Though it might be too risky to attack them, especially when we are so close."
Cadfael Decides For Us
Subject: Re: The underground trail; hiding
"I would rather that we passed them by, if possible," Mission says. His skin is beginning to itch at the touch of Sa'id's spell-- and his feet long to move away from the mage, break the hold of the spell. But he remains still. As still as Stone. "They may lead us to right where we need to go-- and following them, we can make sure to avoid any traps, or other nonsense."
From: Mike
Subject: Re: The underground trail; hiding
"Right now we don't know for certain who those... men were. If they are enemies, then Rennik is right, and things will be worse for us if they join a larger group," says Garyth.
"Still, things being as they are," he continues, glancing sidelong at Cadfael, "more wounds will make us all the weaker when we get there. And we don't know for sure that they are on Elise's side. We need more information."
From: Ty
Subject: Re: The underground trail; hiding
Let me know when you reach consensus, so I can write the next turn.
Thanks.
From: Karl
Subject: Re: The underground trail; hiding
Farron has nothing to add to the discussion. He will do as the others decide.
From: Dan
Subject: Re: The underground trail; hiding
The sound clanking metal in the darkness moving slowly and awkwardly away from the party makes clear Cadfael's opinion.
From: Matt
Subject: Re: The underground trail; hiding
Rennik considers Garyth's words and sees the wisdom in them.
"It would be good to follow them. They seem to know the way, and they may show us a path we would not have seen otherwise."
Then, hearing the clanking of Cadfael's armor walking away, he curses and hurries ahead, whispering to Mission, "Remind me to kill him when this is over - unless you've done it already..."
From: Raja
Subject: Re: The underground trail; hiding
The priest would be the death of them all. Sa'id curses silently to himself before moving to follow Rennik and Cadfael. He is thankful to still be invisible.
From: Scott
Subject: Re: The underground trail; hiding
Mission nods absently at Rennick. "Of course."
Cadfael had hidden with them under Sa'id's magery. He still cared for his life, then. And yet, this foolishness of barreling ahead. . . Mission could make no sense of it.
What if he was wrong about the priest? What if his promises about being able to evade Kor Goresh's minions were all lies? He drew them on into danger, with no thought, no consultation. Sand take him, Mission COULDN'T trust him.
Who was to say Cadfael knew any more of Promise than Mission?
No one, except the priest. And what good was the priest, then? His healing hands that had killed, his madness, his flippancy. . . He'd abandoned Garyth to the swamp dragon, had not even offered to heal anyone. Mission wasn't at all sure that anyone would accept help from him or his god, but that was beside the point.
Perhaps. Perhaps that WAS the point.
He'd betray them all. Promise, his companions, everyone.
Emotions warred in Mission's heart-- finally, he slipped up beside Cadfael. "A little more slowly, priest. Your armor makes such sweet music, the swamp dragons above us will sing along. If you'll stop a moment, SHH! You can hear them."
From: Scott
Subject: Re: The underground trail; hiding
Mission will try to get Cadfael to slow down, and wait for the rest of the party again.
In case that wasn't clear. . .
From: Dan
Subject: Re: The underground trail; hiding
I thought it was pretty clear that I was fumbling pretty slowly through the dark. Don't think I'm getting anywhere fast.
Cadfael Presses On, A Light Ahead
Subject: just so i know
Are you waiting for me to write a turn now? Everyone is following Cadfael down the tunnel?
From: Scott
Subject: Re: just so i know
Mission is waiting for Cadfael to acknowledge his comments. If the priest has nothing to say, and keeps on walking (slow as may be), Mission shakes his head.
"Do you intend to walk right through the half-orc and his friends, priest?"
From: Mike
Subject: Re: just so i know
Yes. Cautiously.
From: Dan
Subject: Cadfael to Mission
OOC: This comes in response to Scott's first post, sorry I didn't get it out sooner. Let's all pretend his second comment never happened.
IC:
Cadfael stops his clumsy progress when Mission draws beside him and hearing the Monk's words he sighs and rests against the wall.
"I --" he begins tentatively, but does not continue with that thought. He starts again, "Have no fear of those horrors, they are not players for this mission; they have no hold. The Gods will make sacrifices to pave the way to their promise; those without faith will not return."
Cadfael reaches out to clutch at Mission's arm and catches hold of his sleeve. Through the darkness Mission could not tell that Cadfael's hand was trembling but the hand that now holds his sleeve quivers with fear.
"There is no time! The darkness presses in all around, it is so thick you can taste it. There are moments when the blackness is so overpowering I wonder if I shall never see the light again, but always when I open my eyes the light returns so I may find myself again. But now? Just now I was plunged into the darkness and held my breath waiting for the light to come back to me. And the light came, like a red sun it drove back the darkness with a song that called to me. Gladly I let it surround me but when I looked at my hands I --" he swallows hard, "I could no more see them than were I in the dead of night."
"I do not know if the light is forsaking me or if I am forsaking the light. But if this mission is to succeed we must go NOW, else Pelor's Promise will be broken."
Cadfael releases Mission's sleave and continues to fumble down the tunnel.
From: Ty
Subject: Re: Cadfael to Mission
Ok. I will just wait for Mission to check in to respond and then I will write the next turn.
PS Cadfael is even starting to freak me out.
From: Scott
Subject: Re: Cadfael to Mission
"And go we shall, but _quietly_!" Mission whispers to Cadfael.
And then he will move off to scout ahead as stealthily as possible.
From: Ty
Subject: The underground trail; following and arriving
The party continues up the tunnel, driven by Cadfael's need to reach the temple. Rennik and Mission exchange glances, and mission walks beside the priest, slowing him down a bit while Rennik moves to the front of the group. The light of the other party's torch is not visible, and Rennik makes sure to keep the pace slow enough that the group doesn't catch up to them. Mission still has Cadfael's glowing glove, and the priest makes no move to take it back, so he keeps it tucked in his pants with only part of one finger showing. This provides a very dim illumination to travel by.
Lunch finishes off most of the party's food supplies, so much of it having been lost to the crocodile. Rennik comforts everyone by promising that if they make it out of the tunnels, he will be able to forage and hunt for food. At one point, Tichenor shows up with a blood rodent of some kind in his jaws, then gulps it down. If worse comes to worse, rat stew might be on the menu.
A few hours later, Farron starts to act nervous, and keeps looking at Rennik's back like he wants to go up and talk to him. Sa'id asks what is bothering him, and Farron says, "I feel like we should be there." Even as the last word is spoken, Rennik holds up one hand, motioning the party to stop, then drops down to one knee. The group quickly does the same, no one even noticing that such actions have almost become reflex.
Rennik moves back to the group and says in barely a whisper, "Light up ahead, not moving." Even as he says it, Mission tucks the small bit of glowing glove down into his trousers and the tunnel is plunged into darkness. Once everyone's eyes adjust, it is easy to see a distant spark of light that dances and twinkles like a star. It must be a fire or torch.
[Please check in. If Rennik or Mission wish to scout ahead, the tunnel is quite dark and hiding should be possible clear up to the edge of the fire's circle of light.]
From: Scott
Subject: Re: The underground trail; following and arriving
"This is a familiar bit," Mission whispers to Rennick. "Strange group in the darkness, unaware of our presence; death and life in the balance. What are the odds that this bunch will be as easily defeated?"
Not a very good wager, if Mission was a betting man.
"I want to try to get closer, and see what we can discover. We have some of the mage fire with us," the monk's tone is suddenly harsh, "if this bunch is allied with Elise and Anileth. Strike first, and take prisoners if we can.
"If we can't. . . the Stone falls heavily, but Blood will stand."
From: Raja
Subject: Re: The underground trail; following and arriving
[OOC: Scott, you must have found your creativity again from wherever you said it had gotten to, because your last few messages have been awesome.]
Sa'id nods to himself in the dark, and moves to the side of the tunnel, focusing on the flickering light in the distance.
He will wait for Rennik and/or Mission to scout ahead.
Mission and Rennik Will Scout Ahead
Subject: Re: The underground trail; following and arriving
It is a familiar bit, and Garyth has no desire to repeat the fiasco at the tower. There is already enough blood on his hands. He looks Mission straight in the eye and says in a low whisper, "We'll strike if we must, but we will find out first."
From: Scott
Subject: Re: The underground trail; following and arriving
"That's why I'll be sneaking off into the dark, Garyth," Mission says, a little tersely. "To find out."
He pauses a moment, considering something. But he says nothing. If no one else has anything to comment on, Mission will wrap his black cloth around his head, and stealthily make his way toward the distant light. He will be searching the ground as well for signs of a trap, or anything unusual.
From: Karl
Subject: Re: The underground trail; following and arriving
Farron will wait patiently, but will stay alert. He reaches into pockets in his robes and gently strokes Jack, making sure he's still there, and then checks other pockets for the spell components he's readied for the day, mentally checking off each one and weighing how it might be useful if Mission is discovered.
From: Matt
Subject: Re: The underground trail; following and arriving
"We will scout ahead, but you all must be on alert. We overextended against the halflings days ago and were lucky they were so weak. If there is a problem, Mission, we must run from it, back to the others." He then looks toward the others. "Be prepared to waylay our pursuers if we come charging back."
(OOC: Sorry I've been out of it, been out of town for a few days.)
An Entrance
Subject: The underground trail; sneaking and peeking
OODM: I have been doing lots of hidden rolls lately (like rennik's spot roll to see the distant light in last turn), but I think I am going to expose the sneak and spot rolls coming up.
IDM:
Mission 7, Rennik 8
The party remains low and silent while Rennik and Mission sneak away. Cadfael rocks gently back and forth on his heels, and appears to be muttering silently to himself. Sa'id moves over to place one hand on his shoulder. It is less about comforting the priest, and more about making sure he doesn't decide to suddenly get up and walk away, but it seems to help Cadfael anyway. He keeps rocking, but his muttering stops.
Garyth sits silently with his blade in his hand, ready to leap to the group's defense should Rennik and Mission come running back. He curses that he has no skill with moving silently, and can't go scouting with them.
Farron catches himself holding his breath as two of his companions sneak away. His mental image of the map is telling him that they are right under the temple now. Who knows what lies just above their heads? He is almost scared to look up, for fear of seeing blood red light spilling through the cracks. This thought makes him shudder.
Mission moves low to the ground, his bare feet making not even a whisper as he walks (Move silent check 20). By his side, the halfling moves nearly as quietly (move silent check 18), but his armor and equipment keep him from being the ghost the monk is. The fire Rennik spotted is quite distant from the party, and he and Mission move for several minutes before it begins to take on any sort of distinct shape. As they move closer, they realize that it is actually two fires, coming from a pair of torches hung on opposite sides of the tunnel. They also notice a number of people moving around near the torches, so they slow down and move up as far as the darkness will let them. To their advantage, those near the torches will have their night vision ruined.
Once they have moved up as far as good sense lets them (hide checks 21, 15 vs spot check ?; move silent checks 19, 26 vs listen check ?), they stops and watch the group near the torches.
[emails going out to scott and matt]
From: Scott
Subject: Re: The underground trail; sneaking and peeking
Holeeee Craaaap.
It ain't a campfire-- it's an entrance.
:-0 :scared:
:)
From: Raja
Subject: Re: The underground trail; sneaking and peeking
How appropriate that the FotR soundtrack just started playing "The Prophecy" as I read these two emails.