Expedition to Demonweb pits. (Inactive)

Game Master Aku Warashi

"Good work my friends! That evil shall no longer walk the fair forests of this land. The path this evil took here is fresh...shall we heal and follow it? Also let us examine the remaining equipment for anything which may help us in our battle against the Drow!."

Garg is interested in 2 potions of CMW and the arrows. I suggest we heal up (using the wand we found) and follow these tracks, if everyone is willing:-)

Karla nods and grabs the wand from the priestess' belt, and starts with healing herself.

"I don't like the decorations on that wand, but it will do the trick..." she reflects, pursing her lips.

CMW, Karla: 2d8 + 3 ⇒ (3, 5) + 3 = 11
CMW, Karla: 2d8 + 3 ⇒ (2, 8) + 3 = 13
CMW, Karla: 2d8 + 3 ⇒ (4, 1) + 3 = 8
CMW, Karla: 2d8 + 3 ⇒ (7, 5) + 3 = 15
CMW, Karla: 2d8 + 3 ⇒ (4, 7) + 3 = 14

"Ok, it works! Now Eamch. Come here!" and she uses the wand over his wounds.

CMW, Eamch: 2d8 + 3 ⇒ (5, 4) + 3 = 12
CMW, Eamch: 2d8 + 3 ⇒ (2, 4) + 3 = 9
CMW, Eamch: 2d8 + 3 ⇒ (8, 2) + 3 = 13
CMW, Eamch: 2d8 + 3 ⇒ (4, 2) + 3 = 9
CMW, Eamch: 2d8 + 3 ⇒ (6, 1) + 3 = 10
CMW, Eamch: 2d8 + 3 ⇒ (3, 2) + 3 = 8

"Now Gragamal! What happened to you! I thought you only fought one of them?!!" she comments...

CMW, Gargamal: 2d8 + 3 ⇒ (1, 2) + 3 = 6
CMW, Gargamal: 2d8 + 3 ⇒ (2, 2) + 3 = 7
CMW, Gargamal: 2d8 + 3 ⇒ (2, 4) + 3 = 9
CMW, Gargamal: 2d8 + 3 ⇒ (4, 2) + 3 = 9
CMW, Gargamal: 2d8 + 3 ⇒ (2, 7) + 3 = 12

"And Taurven. Good lad! Looks like you know how to avoid the blows!"

CMW, Taurven: 2d8 + 3 ⇒ (8, 6) + 3 = 17
CMW, Taurven: 2d8 + 3 ⇒ (4, 8) + 3 = 15

"Ok, how is everybody feeling? Drows use poison I've heard. No one feeling woozy?"

16 charges left. I'll put the wand in my stuff.

Gargamal takes the priestess to show her the two Drow warriors he killed, along with the items they carried.

"Typical Drow tactic. Distract us with one group, while a second one sneaks up and attacks from behind!"

A battered, smoldering Eamch gratefully accepts the healing from Karla.

In response to her asking if anyone feels woozy, he responds "No. I felt ill when they first attacked, but that passed shortly before the fight ended."

After he's healed, he tell Taurven "Amazing archery, my friend! I saw that arrow coming in and thought it was going to hit me. Then I tracked its trajectory and knew she didn't stand a chance once it landed!"

Then he'll look to Gargamel. "So is that it? The drow raiding menace dealt with?"

"I doubt it. She was no novice. I'm guessing she's part of a greater group. I'd be curious to learn more about her plans. Anybody care to prepare a book report?!" she says, brandishing the priestess' journal.

"Let us see from where she has travelled. Her tracks are easy to read, and she would have only left her hideout once the sun had started to set."

Survival: 1d20 + 12 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 12 + 4 = 33

Eamch spares a longing look back at the smoke billowing from the chimney, undoubtedly making the lodgings a nice, cozy environment. With a sigh, he says "Yes, let's douse the fire and be on our way."

We'll pack up those things we've noted as valuable to take with us. Maybe when we stop to rest, our casty types can ID them?

Taurven smiles. "Sometimes you do get lucky." Taurven knows the trail will be easiest to backtrack while still fresh.
"If we want trace their path, we might as well get started."

Survival/Track: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15

Seems like we might be doing a forced march at this point. I don't favor this, I don't feel it a necessity.

"We can rest once we find the hole these vermin crawled out of. It cannot be far, and I would suggest we investigate during the day...the Drow will be less active at that time."

Karla sighs: "We've just arrived... And Gargamal is right: Hunting drows at night is not the best idea... How about the sneakiest of us try to follow their trail subtly as far as they can and come back, without engaging anyone. And tomorrow we go hunting drows? I mean, how long until you lose the trail in the dark!?"

Gargamal chuckles.

"I will not loose this trial. Rest and recover, and I will be back at dawn to take you to their lair...I hope!"

With that, he turns and heads off in the direction the tracks lead him. He slows and blends into the background, disappearing only a few steps from his friends.

Track (Survival, if needed again): 1d20 + 12 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 12 + 4 = 28
Stealth: 1d20 + 17 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 17 + 4 = 40

After some debate, Gargamal decides to move on his own, and follow the trail, while the others return to the house at the road for a nice and comfortable night of sleep.

==//==

Gargamal follows the trail, and as he suspected, the drows had camped not ten minutes away from the house, exploring the place, he notices it’s a simple cavern, and while the drows expend the night there, they arrived one day earlier. The trail he saw, was older, but still easy to see to trained eyes.
He then returns to the house and share the news with the others.
After everything is set, they organize who is keeping the vigil while the others rest. Night passes with no other event.

In the morning, after eating and preparing themselves, Gargamal leads the party into the trail's wake.

The trail left by the drow and zombies proves easy to follow. It follows the road that leads east past the Travelers’ Rest, but then it diverges into wilder territory. After following the tracks for several hours, you notice a small hillock with an opening.
The cave entrance is about 10 feet across and shows signs of fresh use as if several creatures, including a couple of Large ones have recently passed through. Other than this recent traffic and perhaps a few small woodland creatures, the caves seem undisturbed.

A tunnel leads in. Its width varies between 10 and 15 feet. It curves back and forth until it blocks your view.

intentions?

"This might be an entrance to the underdark, or perhaps like the other small cave, just a waypoint. We should be very careful either way, as Drow are tricky creatures and seldom is anything what it seems. Perhaps we should sneak in and have a quick look around, what do you say?"

"Only to find out is to look into it. It's what we're here to do."

Taurven evokes the power of ilumination to create four torch-like lights. Their flickering glow will brighten the way into the cavern.

Did we get a chance to look at the priestess' diary?"

In the morning, before departing, Karla leafs through the diary and says: "Rule-of-Three of Sigil... Strange reference, no? Ring any bell?" with a questioning look on her face.

Know-Planes: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17

"Isn't a sigil a kind of mark or something? Unless....unless they mean the city of Sigil!, the ranger thinks out loud.

"She refers to 'Rule-of Three' as he... And, I think Gargamal is right. Sigil must be a place."

Taurven thinks for a moment, trying to remember if he has ever heard of a place called Sigil.
K, Geography (Untrained/Bardic Knowledge: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10

"Uh, can't say I've heard of it. Is there perhaps an expert in such things we could consult?"

The reference is vague for any of you to be able to make any significant connection to the name. Maybe Rule-of-Three is someone known, or maybe sigil means something else than a symbol or a city, for now, none of you can really tell.
Exploring the cavern?

Indeed

Gargamal quietly moves into the cavern, keeping to the shadowy areas as he moves deeper into the system

Stealth: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (16) + 17 = 33

Oops! I forgot something fairly important!

Searching in the priestess diary, you find an unsigned letter.

Here is what it looks like.

Looking at the unsigned letter, Karla exclaims with a staccato voice that scrapes like iron on glass: "Caves! That exploration may lead us further than we expected!" and her steel eyes shine with holy fervour.

Later, at the cave, she lets Gargamal go for a long distance, letting the others distance her as well, until they reach the end of her field of vision, before she gets up with a small grunt, stretches and starts after them.

I'm no cat! Best to give them some buffer distance...

Stealth: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (16) + 15 = 31
Taurven sends the dancing lights ahead, then pads silently along behind, listening and watching for any sign of danger.
Perception: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (13) + 20 = 33

Gargamal and Taurven silently move into the cave, the tunnel leads in. Its width varies between 10 and 15 feet. It curves back and forth until, after about 60 feet, it opens up into a larger area.
In the Dim light, both can see sentries,drows mounted in large lizards. They are alert because of the light produced by Taurven, but don’t seem to have noticed you yet.
Intentions? Edit: map updated.

Gargamal motions Taurven to move back to the cave opening so they can tell the others what they had found.

Taurven leaves his lights where they are. They will wink out when he gets out of range. Once back to where the other two are, Taurven lets Gargamal tell what they have seen, then adds. "Do any of you have the ability to see in the dark? Carrying lights only alerts our enemies that we are coming. We all need to be able to see, of course. I have magic that allows me to see in pitch blackness. Do any of you have that power?"

"I have a couple of potions that would let me see in the dark, but only for a relatively short time." Two potions of darkvision.

"If there was even a little light I would be able to see, alas I cannot see in complete darkness."

Karla smiles: "The Loyal Fury would grant us such a blessing, to all of us, were I to pray for it. It would only last a few minutes though. We would have to move fast..."

She looks at the others: "Ok. I would have to move fast... So, should I take some time to pray for this blessing?"

Blessing of the Mole. 9 persons, 9 minutes, darkvision 30 feet and +2 stealth. If you say go, consider it done. I'll scratch it from my list.

Sounds like a good way to make sure we all get darkvision to me...cast it just as we enter the cave and Taurven and I can take you to where we saw the Drow.

Karla moves to the entrance of the cave and plants her sword in the ground with both hands. She remains there, standing, for a few minutes, humming softly some rhythmic chant. A soft wind blows and her tangled hair gets nudged back and forth by it.

Finally, she turns and says: "Ready? Ok, I am. Now, how about you fast ones move past those sentries as fast as you can, possibly silently too, and you leave the maggots to the slower ones?"

Prayed for Blessing of the Mole and for Silence.

Taurven will follow Gargamal's lead. He moves a quietly as he can then waits for Gargamal to make his shot. If the Drow goes down, then Taurven will target the other one. Otherwise he will attack the same drow as Gargamal in an attempt to drop that one.
Just before they come in range, to strike the drow, Taurven focuses his mind, allowing the flow of fortune to work for him. Activating Archaeologist's Luck +2. Duration 6 rounds. Swift action.

Stealth: 1d20 + 15 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 15 + 2 = 26

Composite longbow: 1d20 + 13 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 13 + 2 = 35
Confirmation: 1d20 + 13 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 13 + 2 = 28
Don't know if that confirms or not...
Damage: 1d8 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 + 2 = 9
Extra damage for if it does crit.
Crit: 1d8 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 + 2 = 51d8 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 + 2 = 51d8 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 + 2 = 10

Before he fires on the Drow, Gargamal enchants his arrows to make them cause more damage than normal (casts Gravity Bow).

Attack-Ranged: 1d20 + 15 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 15 + 4 = 28
Damage: 2d6 + 9 ⇒ (1, 3) + 9 = 13

Attack-Ranged: 1d20 + 10 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 10 + 4 = 30
Damage: 2d6 + 9 ⇒ (1, 2) + 9 = 12

Do the drow do anything before we get within the 30' that the darkvision allows? It may affect what Eamch would do. Did we win initiative?

Eamch follows behind Gargamal, giving him a decent lead but trying to keep him within his darkvision range. Map updated.

Stealth 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (15) + 15 = 30 He quickly gets used to the new black and white vision and is able to minimize any noise he makes following the nimble elf.

Party initiative
Eamch: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
Gargamal: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12
Karla: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15
Taurven: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13

Enemies: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20

The group starts to creep in the darkness, with Karla staying behind because of her armor, towards the unsuspecting drow, when the lizard one of them is mounting, look directly in Taurven direction and emits a loud piercing wail in the darkness.

Lil’Lizards and their cute drows.

Round 1-

Ordered Initiative-
Enemies: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20

Eamch: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
Gargamal: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12
Karla: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15
Taurven: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13

Active Effects-

Darkvision 30ft

Map-

Link

Notes-

Map updated.

Action-

The drows, hearing the wail, start looking in the direction, trying to see what disturbed the mount.
perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18
perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18
but even tho they are alert now, they were unable to find any visible target.

You can keep your previous actions or do new ones, your choice. Everyone can act now.

Upon hearing the lizard, Karla barrels down the tunnel, her metal armour clanking almost as loudly as the lizard, to get into fighting range.

Will redo actions to make it flow easier here.

Taking a 5' step to clear the cave wall and bring his target just in sight, Gargamal unleashes 2 arrows at the Drow's lizard mount.

Attack-Ranged: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (8) + 15 = 23
Damage: 2d6 + 9 ⇒ (6, 6) + 9 = 21

Attack-Ranged: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (16) + 10 = 26
Damage: 2d6 + 9 ⇒ (2, 2) + 9 = 13

I'll keep my actions exactly the same. I don't roll crits that often, so I prefer to keep the ones I do get.

Eamch follows Gargamal until he sees him raise his bow and hears the string humming as he launches arrows at something. In that moment, he takes in the scene. With a glance he takes in the passage going the other way as well as the hole 20’ up in it. Because of the hole in the wall, Eamch assumes that passages meet up on the other side of the wall and starts to charge around it to flank Gargamal’s opponent. He does not make it all around, however, before he sees a giant lizard perched on a ledge. He doesn’t see Gargamal to his left, so he quickly assumes it is another foe. Silently cursing to himself at drawing another foe into the fight, he sends a shuriken spinning at it.

To hit 1d20 + 10 - 2 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 10 - 2 + 1 = 18
Damage 1d2 + 10 ⇒ (2) + 10 = 12

Rolls above include point blank shot and deadly aim.

Karla runs, while Eamch, Taruven and Gargamal all attack the same drow. Everyone hits, using the surprise cover, but it’s not enough to bring it down.

Lil’Lizards and their cute drows.

Round 2-

Ordered Initiative-
Enemies: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20

Eamch: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
Gargamal: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12
Karla: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15
Taurven: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13

Active Effects-

Darkvision 30ft

Map-

Link

Notes-

Map updated.

Action-
With their enemy now visible, the dark elf yells in some strange language as the giant lizard moves closer to Eamch and Gargamal, while their riders arms themselves with cruel looking chains.
Atk: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (12) + 15 = 27
Dmg: 2d4 + 7 ⇒ (1, 1) + 7 = 9

Atk: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (16) + 15 = 31
Dmg: 2d4 + 7 ⇒ (2, 3) + 7 = 12

Both of enemies hit, the wound is not that big to put any of the hero’s in danger.

Eamch.......... 60/72
Gargamal.....71/80
Karla..........85/85
Taurven.....64/64

Your actions.

"Torm guide my gauntlet!" calls Karla as she rushes in to threaten the lizard and its drow rider.

Cast Divine Favor and move 20 ft.

Gargamal fires once again at the hated Drow warrior.

Attack-ranged: 1d20 + 15 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 15 + 4 = 27
Damage: 2d6 + 9 + 4 ⇒ (2, 4) + 9 + 4 = 19

Attack-ranged: 1d20 + 10 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 10 + 4 = 17
Damage: 2d6 + 9 + 4 ⇒ (3, 1) + 9 + 4 = 17

Seeing the drow is guiding the lizard and its action, Eamch leaps to bring himself on a level with the mounted villain, striking several times before he touches back down to the stone.

Flurry of unarmed strikes, attempting Stunning Fist on the first one and power attack on all.

To hit 1d20 + 10 - 2 ⇒ (2) + 10 - 2 = 10
Damage 1d10 + 3 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 3 + 4 = 9

If that hits, DC19 Fort save or be stunned for 1 round.

To hit 1d20 + 10 - 2 ⇒ (18) + 10 - 2 = 26
Damage 1d10 + 3 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 3 + 4 = 17
To hit 1d20 + 5 - 2 ⇒ (13) + 5 - 2 = 16
Damage 1d10 + 3 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 3 + 4 = 11
To hit 1d20 + 5 - 2 ⇒ (18) + 5 - 2 = 21
Damage 1d10 + 3 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 3 + 4 = 11

He calls out to warn his allies "A drow on a lizard over here!"

Taurven steps back, then looses two arrows in quick succession. He targets the drow, figuring the lizard will lose interest without the daark elf's guidance.

5' step, full attack.

Composite longbow: 1d20 + 13 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 13 + 2 = 33
Damage: 1d8 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 + 2 = 8
Composite LB 2nd attack: 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 8 + 2 = 14
Damage: 1d8 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 + 2 = 12

When the first arrow flies from Taurven bow, the drow pull the reins trying to avoid being hit by it.
Ride: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (8) + 18 = 26.
The drow is a skilled one at this mount, but it’s not enough to avoid the attack. Such a sudden and unpredictable movement maybe was what made the rider unable to dodge the attack from Gargamal as well.
Only the first attack of each hits.

==//==

Eamch uses his superior mobility to attack his enemy, the first blow offers no danger at all, the second one, sensing the eminent threat, the rider tries the same maneuver as his partner, trying to avoid being hit.
Ride: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (5) + 18 = 23.
However, he was too unable to avoid the attack.
Only one hits.

Lil’Lizards and their cute drows.

Round 4-

Ordered Initiative-
Enemies: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20

Eamch: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
Gargamal: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12
Karla: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15
Taurven: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13

Active Effects-

Darkvision 30ft

Map-

Link

Notes-

Map updated.

Action-
The dark elf grips his chain, as he spin it over his read, bringing it down over Gargamal two times in fast succession.
Atk: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (4) + 15 = 19
Dmg: 2d4 + 7 ⇒ (2, 4) + 7 = 13

Atk: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16
Dmg: 2d4 + 7 ⇒ (4, 4) + 7 = 15

The drow facing Eamch takes a different approach, as he throws his chains at the monk feet, trying to trip him.
CMB: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (8) + 17 = 25 x Eamch CMB 26

But the gods smiles over the newfound band of heros, as nothing seems to be able to stop them.
wow, that were some bad rolls.

Eamch.......... 60/72
Gargamal.....71/80
Karla..........85/85
Taurven.....64/64

Your actions.

"Enough." flatly says Karla in a metallic ring, and she sends her sword flying from behind her to above, then down on the Drow's leg, in a straight but deadly arc.

Greatsword, DF, PA, FF: 1d20 + 13 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 13 + 4 = 282d6 + 15 + 4 ⇒ (3, 5) + 15 + 4 = 27

IF the attack connects. Karla gives the drow a wicked smile: "Feel His wrath!?" as she unleashes the power stored in the sword. Inflict Serious Wounds: 3d8 + 9 ⇒ (3, 1, 4) + 9 = 17 Will DC 17.

Then she pivots on her left foot, sending the sword hurling horizontally towards the Drows back.

Greatsword, DF, PA, FF: 1d20 + 6 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 6 + 4 = 292d6 + 15 + 4 ⇒ (6, 6) + 15 + 4 = 31
Confirm: 1d20 + 6 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 6 + 4 = 232d6 + 15 + 4 ⇒ (2, 4) + 15 + 4 = 25

Potentially 83 plus 17 (Will save) damage.

Gargamal pumps another 2 arrows into the Drow battering him with the chain.

Attack-Ranged: 1d20 + 15 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 15 + 4 = 27
Damage: 2d6 + 9 ⇒ (6, 5) + 9 = 20

Attack-Ranged: 1d20 + 10 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 10 + 4 = 20
Damage: 2d6 + 9 ⇒ (5, 6) + 9 = 20

If Karla killed the Drow, then Gargamal will switch his aim to the lizard...-4 from the to hit in that case