"Well I am all for opening the boxes, I can use the money but... maybe we should close the bars again and check out down the tunnel."
She look at the others.
"It's not just me wanting to use my hammer. There could be things down there or maybe the keys."
Verik shrugs. honestly I'm more willing to wait. We can set up defence of this room while one of us picks the locks...
Cracking his knuckles, Vors removes his thieve's tools from his backpack.
"Okay, boys and girls, let see if Desna smiles."
The half-orc goes to each box and attempts to open them successfully.
The rogue is able to open all but one of the boxes.
Hot damn, I am good! Thank you Desna! Thank you, Cayden!"
"Praise Kurgess!" Grilnik pauses to look over all the treasure.
"Uhh, I bet Beth and I could carry one each, but not over that beard-searing acid. Maybe we should come back with a few picks, a shovels, and a mule or three."
"...Ehem, after we finish our investigations, of course."
He looks around for confirmation from his teammates.
Brynn smiles at Vors' enthusiasm. She stows her bow and gives him a round of applause.
She draws her bow again and tries to peer into the chests from where she's standing.
Brynn lets out a whistle. "Now THAT'S a payday." She's clearly extremely excited about the money.
Eventually she adds a half-hearted "Right, yeah... After, of course."
"Well, since we can't take this coin now, let's lower the cages and come back later", suggested the half-orc.
Grilnik quickly pulls his waterproof sack back out, beating the dust out of it "Alright, just let me make a quick withdrawal so we don't have to worry about running low on funds."
Grilnik proceeds to make entirely too much noise as he excitedly shovels all the silver pieces from the heaviest box into his sack.
"As long as we have the daggers it should be safe right?"
Bethany heads to the opening to the cave and will move in with the others.
"You sharp eyed folks want to take point again or should I?"
"Feel free to led the way." Brynn says with a smile from the back of the group. She keeps her bow in hand and her eyes open for danger.
Grilnik puts the silver in his backpack, casts Longstrider, and then catches up with Bethany "I'll be right behind ya."
As they start moving through the excavated earth, Grilnik comments "I wonder if the thing that dug this tunnel is related to the tower collapsing. Any of you ever see tunnels like these?"
As you turn toward the tunnel and check out what is beyond it, you spot the two large barricades in the tunnel. At first glance they just seem like normal wood constructed wall like things. They seem to be facing toward the room you are in, like they are trying to keep something in this room. Could very well be the Ghoul.
Brynn as you start heading into the tunnel spot something odd about the barricades. They seem to have a very rudimentary pressure plate and some rope up to some stalactites on the roof. It looks like if you try to clmb it it will trigger it.
"Woah, don't just go storming in there. It looks like those wooden walls are trapped"
Good thing I didn't go first and miss it.
You can only bearly see into the room beyond, It looks like a larger tunnel, with rubble everywhere.
As you get closer to the tunnel you start to be able to differentiate a new smell. That of rotting flesh. Different than the Ghoul. Its a sweet smell of somewhat recent death.
"Well it stinks different then it stinks here. Not sure what to do about the traps. I could throw something at it?"
"Good catch Brynn." Grilnik turns back at the mention of throwing something "Think a ghoul is heavy enough?"
"Well it stinks different then it stinks here. Not sure what to do about the traps. I could throw something at it?"
"That would be me", spoke Vors in a business-like tone.
Making sure everyone was about 15 ft. back, the half-orc examined the pressure plate and began to disable it safely.
Vors steps forward and starts to work on the trap. Thinking he can clip a small rope would cause the tention to release and not pull the stalactites down on him. He reaches out and clips the rope, and for a second he thinks this will work.
Then suddenly there is a small snap and several broken-off stalactites come swinging down.
They slam into the side of Vors' head.
"Vors!" hurries to the rogue's aid "Cure Light Wounds"
"Can you stand? How do you feel?"
The half-orc shakily got to his feet.
"Uh. Thanks Grilnik", murmured Vors. "I feel like I just had a night deep in my cups, but with none of the fun parts."
"I think I'll be okay."
Now that the Barricades is down, the rocks that made the ammo of this Barricade are all over the floor, you can see the larger room beyond.
This large cave appears to ahve been recently scratched form the hard-packed earth, and its ceiling is only five feet high. Several tons of debris fill the western portion of the cave. What appears to be the body of a man lies half buried under the rubble near the north end of the cave.
This body seems to be what you where smelling.
Grilnik surveys the room "Maybe I should go first this time, since your luck seems to be more with treasures than traps."
He moves over to the body and examines it as well as that he can.
You look at the body. It seems to be a white-haired balding human clad in now tattered finery. It has been crushed by fallen stone and earth.
The only item of note on his person is a key ring that contains a Steal Key and a Brass key.
Nearby you notice 2 more Kobold bodies, each holding a spade.
The tunnel seems to continue farther north.
Grilnik surveys the room "Maybe I should go first this time, since your luck seems to be more with treasures than traps."
spoke Vors angrily. "Thanks for being me back from the Boneyard and everything, but don't insult my career choice!" The half-orc gets close to poking the dwarf's chest with his finger, but stops himself before contact is made.
When the rock strikes Vors Bethany moves forward to at least cover him from other damage.
Maybe he should wear a helmet.
She keeps her eyes down the tunnel until the boys start bickering.
"Um guys... these guys were digging the tunnel I think. How about we think about that."
Grilnik grabs the key ring before answering Vors, all while mostly ignoring Bethany.
"Whose insulting a career choice? It's not like you've always had bad luck with traps..." Grilnik trails off frowning.
Not that I've seen different... nah, it's got to be bad luck.
Grilnik goes to the dead kobolds to grab their shovels and then walks over to the dead human and drops them.
"Anyone think we should dig this guy out before we continue?" Grilnik says, gesturing first towards the corpse and then towards the north.
Verik examines the body, checking his clothes and searching for any sign of his Identity
Verik then shrugs. Could be this is the body of the one father we're looking for, best to mark his location on a map if we are making one... Are we making one? If not I'll begin working on one, I have amazing memory after all...
"Anyone think we should dig this guy out before we continue?" Grilnik says, gesturing first towards the corpse and then towards the north.
Vors scratches his head in thought. "I don't know. I guess it would be the decent thing to do. But it's not like he's going anywhere."
Considering the undead Vors had already experienced to far in the tower, the half-orc rubs his holy symbol of Cayden Cailean a few times.
This is very likely Balthus Hunclay, based on the description given.
Grilnik strokes his beard thoughtfully.
"Well, if this is Hunclay, we might be able to collect our reward from the Baroness without digging him out, but I just remembered that rude old lady; I want to check under the crushed bits just in case he stuffed the herbs into his pajamas."
Grilnik picks one of the undersized shovels and starts digging.
"After this, anyone want to check around the next corner for kobolds with me? I doubt the two crushed ones set up the barricade."
Bethany nods.
"I would like to press forward. If others come here after us they should know they are safe."
As you start digging through the rubble an arrow flies through the air, directed at Bethany.
Surprise round
Kobold
Any PCs who beat stealth <-- If Any
Round 1
Verik, Brynn, Vors <--Start Here
Kobold (red), Kobold Leader
Grilnik, Bethany
Kobold (silver)
Brynn bravely steps forward so she can get a clear shot at whatever just attacked Bethany.
"More kobolds!" Brynn calls out, nocking an arrow on her trusty bow. She focuses her magic through her bow and into her body, conjuring an invisible magical shield, then fires an arrow at the kobolds.
Brynn's arrow flies down the corridor, but bounces off the wall providing a bit of cover for the kobold.
Round 1
Verik, Brynn, Vors <--Start Here
Kobold (red), Kobold Leader
Grilnik, Bethany
Kobold (silver)
Vors unsheaths his rapier, and keeping low, tries to enter melee range with the kobold skirmishers.
Seeing the two kobolds (don't have time to check map) Verik holds up his hands and chants, suddenly a spray of Bright blinding lights blasts from both hands.
Area:15ft cone
2 HD or less: The creature is unconscious, blinded, and stunned for 2d4 rounds, then blinded and stunned for 1d4 rounds, and then stunned for 1 round. (Only living creatures are knocked unconscious.)
3 or 4 HD: The creature is blinded and stunned for 1d4 rounds, then stunned for 1 round.
5 or more HD: The creature is stunned for 1 round
You currently only see one of the kobolds, he is sniping you all from far down the hall. I will update a picture.
I normally would just roll with it, but color spray is not nearly far enough. Would you like to change your action? Or just ready color spray till there are some in range?
Out of the darkness a Kobold comes running yelling something in a strange language
He swings a sling around through the air. It wistles as it spins, then a rock flies outward toward the closest person - Vors.
The rock wizzes by Vors' head.
Out from the darkness another arrow directed at Brynn this time.
The arrow almost bounces off the slight shimmering shield spell, but the arrow was deftly shot and strikes her in the shoulder.
Round 1
Verik, Brynn, Vors
Kobold (red), Kobold Leader
Grilnik, Bethany <- Go ahead!
Kobold (silver)
Grilnik hops over the rubble faster than an unarmored man could hustle over level ground, in spite of his scale mail. "By the might of Kurgess!" Grilnik swings his hammer sideways at the kobold that came around the corner .
Bethany moves forward, a grin beginning to form on her face and screams at their attackers.
"YOUR ALL GOING TO DIE! FLEE NOW!"
Brynn looks down with wide eyes at the arrow lodged in her shoulder. Blood pours from the wound, soaking her fine clothes and already she appears pale and weak. Hearing Grilnik nearby she relaxes.
I knew there was a reason I made friends with that healer.
But as he ignores her wounds and engages the kobolds she scowls openly.
C***sucker! F***ing dwarves!
Bow clutched tightly in one fist she reaches for the arrow and yanks it our of her shoulder, causing more blood to gush from the wound.
And this is why I carry an emergency potion. For when your hearer's a back-stabbing, selfish, A**hole! D***!
With a grunt, Brynn prepares to heal herself, hoping she doesn't pass out beforehand...
Last time I act heroic.
As the dwarf cleric moves over the rubble with ease and brings the hammer down on the approaching Kobold, it crushes the side of its head. With a crack and a wet sounding thud, the kobold hits the ground.
In the distance you hear two voices in a guttural language.
Second one: Get them! He was no good anyway
Another Kobold comes out from the deep, running up to the now dead kobold. It swings his sling around shooting a bolt at this crazy agile Cleric.
The small rock seems to go straight for his face. Just bearly hitting Grilnik
Round 2
Verik, Brynn, Vors <- Go ahead!
Kobold Leader
Grilnik, Bethany
Kobold (silver)
Dodging arrows, Vors makes it up to the kobold just as the one in front drops. The rogue, with rapier drawn attacks the remaining kobold, but misses.
Verik, who hadn't seen any enemies get close enough, Instead holds out a hand and a beam of dazzling light fires at the Kobold Vors was fighting
He then shouts back at them in their language.
Surrender and no more of you need to die!
Dizzy from blood loss and barely capable of standing, Brynn fishes in her belt pouch for her only healing potion, she manages to draw it, but nearly swoons. Leaning against some nearby rubble for support she holds the potion in her hands.
A ray of light flashes outward and hits the kobold in the eyes.
In the distance the Bow wielding Kobold yells out
Another arrow flies toward Vors.
An arrow flies right past the blind Kobold right into Vor's side
Round 2
Verik, Brynn, Vors
Kobold Leader
Grilnik, Bethany <- here
Kobold (silver)
Grilnik runs up to the bow wielder in the back, running right between Vors and the closer kobold "Make a hole!"
After getting to the tunnel's corner, Grilnik pushes his momentum into his hammer.
"First we stop the source!"
With shaking hands Brynn manages to raise the potion to her mouth and drink it.
As Brynn swallows she feel her life energy flowing back into her. No longer weak and dizzy, she stands, and finally has time to notice her ruined clothes.
S***! Ruined another outfit.
She moves out of sight of the kobolds. Ducking around the corner to catch her breath.
Grilnik's hammer swing misses the Kobold, striking the wall.
Round 2
Verik, Brynn, Vors
Kobold Leader
Grilnik, Bethany <- here
Kobold (silver)