GM Choon |
Our friend was recently caught in the rubble of our falling tower! Please, any aid would be greatly appreciated.
Lifting the rock away requires a successful DC 25 Strength check-something the two humanoids alone cannot accomplish. Up to six people can work together to lift the stone, with one rolling the Strength check and the other five attempting to aid another.
Alternatively, you can try to dig the trapped person out, but this is a perilous task at best, as the goat-lizard-man points out. An attempt takes 10 more minutes of work, but the digger must make a successful DC 15 Knowledge (engineering) or Profession (miner) check.
Aria Dros |
Aria lower her bow slightly, still uncertain based on everything else she's seen down here. She then turns to her new companions and says quietly, "What do you think? Is it a trap? Could these maybe be the descendants of those of the first crusade you mentioned earlier?"
Balthasar Heimren |
"It's possible they are. As for whether it's a trap, those who don't engage in lifting the rock could keep an eye out in case we get ambushed. I think we should help, though - if they are friendly, they may be able to help us get out of here."
Iolaire |
"We need to help them." Iolaire says, no doubt in her tone. Moving to the rock pile she stands her glaive in the rubble and positions herself to lift.
+3 Str so I'll roll an aid check? Guessing there are people with higher scores than me.
Vance Astrovar |
"I'm happy to lift," Vance stepped forward to the mound of rocks and starts moving the smaller ones on the fringes out of the way. "Thrall, Balthasar and I are the strongest, but we don't have time to be arm wrestling? Iolaire, Aria, and Arianna, will you assist us?
If it's like our first skill challenge GM, do we just each roll a STR check, taking the highest and adding +2 for the successful assists?
Balthasar Heimren |
Balthasar nods. "Indeed. The six of us should be able to lift while the rest keep an eye out."
Strength: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20
Well, that's most of it.
Aria Dros |
Aria slings her bow over her shoulder and helps to lift the the debris.
Strength: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12
Serena, the Hyperborean |
Serene winced slightly. She was many things, but physically powerful wasn't one of them. 'Twas her biggest weakness, and one reason they hadn't let her be a proper soldier. As Balthasar moved forward, she looked at the strange figures. "Are there any more of your people around here?" she asked. She gestured as she did so, sending a scurry of magic to clear out small rocks and make it easier for the others to stand and work.
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16
Vance Astrovar |
"3....2....1...." Vance gives a countdown. [larger]"For Victory!"[/larger] the young man lets loose a cry to the heavens as they lift together.
For my fellow Iomedaens will know 'For the Heart!' is the response to our call/response
STR: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16
Iolaire |
Iolaire gets in under the rock, taking advantage of her smaller frame, and heaves along with the men.
Str: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8
GM Choon |
The group gathers around the stone.
None that we've heard from. the goat man answers Serena.
With a count down an a battle cry the crew just barely manages to get the stone off safely. Under the rubble is a badly hurt man who sports a mix of goat, fox, and dwarven features.
Thrall the Lucky |
Thrall, not having had the opportunity to help his companions lift the rock, tries to be helpful by quickly taking the strange dwarf in his arms. "I got him, guys, you can release."
He gently leaves him on the ground and let's an expert examine him.
Arianna Bienan |
Arianna remained to the side as the group moved the rock off the fallen man as strength was really not her best suit and it seemed that her companions would be better able to lift it without her interference. "Do you know of any way back to the surface or a place where our injured will be safe while we scout tunnels to find such passage?" She asked.
Serena, the Hyperborean |
For her part, Serena was over with the injured figure. She had no training in the healing arts, herself - just enough knowledge to be aware that any attempt to help might be more likely to hurt him. "Does he need a healing potion?" she asked, not looking at anyone in particular. They had a few, and the group had done well enough thus far. She didn't want to regret not helping someone when she had the chance - but she didn't want to waste a powerful tonic if a more mundane solution would work.
(Properly rationing supplies was one of the first things they taught - even to those who weren't going into battle.)
Thrall the Lucky |
"So, my colleague says your friend will recover, he'll just need to be carried." Thrall is usually a nice helper, but they're not really here to earn Santa's presents, so he takes a more direct approach. "Where were you heading? We were looking for an exit ourselves."
Balthasar Heimren |
Once the humanoid is free, Balthasar let’s the large rock fall and backs away, knuckling the small of his back.
”Indeed, we would be happy to get you someplace safe. Do you know any route to the surface?”
GM Choon |
Anevia look interested in the creatures you have just met, but doesn't approach. It's possible she feels just a bit too vulnerable right now with her injury.
Horgus, on the other hand, is clearly disgusted with their appearance, especially with the tumor-faced one. "We shouldn't trust them." he keeps muttering.
Aravashnial seems intrigued.
The mongrel men thank you profusely. We couldn't have done that without you! Thankyou! My name is Lann. This here is Dyra, and the one you just rescued so heroically is Crenn. Please, come with us! Our town isn't too far from here. You can rest there and get help for your wounded. Come!
The first tunnel he leads you to is blocked by freshly fallen stone. Another of the tremor's effects, no doubt. he grumbles. Thankfully, there is an alternate route, though it's longer by far.
As you set out, Aravashnial starts asking many questions about their history and society. They call them selves Mongrelmen, you discover, and are indeed the children of those exposed to too much undiluted chaos energy in the First Crusade. Aravashnial presses on, and the Mongrelmen soon grow visibly annoyed.
Serena, the Hyperborean |
"He was blinded in an attack on the city above, and his curiosity was aroused by the statues we saw." Serena said, noting their discomfort. "Please forgive him - it's hard to feel weak, and he really does want to know more about you."
Bitey Nice Nice |
"Wait... is Crenn your cousin? You both have goat things going on... OOOOOHHHH MAYBE BITEY MONGRELGOBLIN! MONGREL NOTHER WORD FOR DOG RIGHT RIGHT YES YES YES!!! BITEY IS NAIL DOG, NAIL DOG IS HORSE/DOG/Lizard... with a little goblin... BITEY FIND NEW FAMILY!" The grin on Bitey's face truly goes from ear to ear in a maniacal Cheshire grin.
"Bitey new big brothers should be happy Bitey find them. Bitey bring them out of the dark dark and we all live in the above now. Be big family and repair the above above. You come be Bitey new big sister now Lann... not that you replace old big sister dearest human Zo Zo smell like fur and scold for eating her food.... she still big sister dearest human. You just be also big sister dearest human... and feed Bitey three whole chickens and a duck like Zo Zo promise Bitey. Bitey would sure like a piggy pig too, maybe not ask for a goat though... might be insulting to new family." Bitey begins rubbing against Lann's leg in an affectionate kitten kind of way, trying to approximate the kneading motion he has seen the "tiny fluff dogs jump high and fall on butt" do to get food out of people.
Zoranda |
"Most people don't like being prodded about things they'd rather not talk about. I find it quite rude as well," Zora says. "Aravashnial's people were probably of the group that pushed them out, and are probably still alive to boot."
Thrall the Lucky |
Thrall can easily feel some sympathy for these poor people, cast out for what they are and for what their ascendants have done. Judged and sentenced before having the chance to prove themselves.
Seeing Bitey run around the one called Lann makes him think this is probably the truest form of affection they can get. The small goblin is not hiding or avoiding to talk of their aspect or special features, but shows no disdain for them.
"The tremor? Well... do you know what it was caused by?"
GM Choon |
Lann clearly has zero clue what to do about Bitey and he seizes on the chance to stop being a history tutor.
We have no idea what caused the tremor. We only know it took down our tower and killed two of our kin outright. I fear for Neatholme, honestly. The ceiling is strong, but that tremor...
Aria Dros |
Aria stays toward the back of the group silently listening in as her eyes peer into the darkness, looking for any other creature that may attack them.
Balthasar Heimren |
Balthasar stares at Bitey, jaw slightly agape at the Goblin's antics. Well, at least he's being friendly.
Moving over to Aravashnial, he says in a low voice, "It may be a good idea to ease off on the questioning. I get the sense they are starting to feel intimidated. I know you are excited about meeting them, but some people can find that overwhelming."
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25
Once he's said that to Aravashnial, Balthasar says, "The tremor was likely caused by that massive demon that erupted from beneath Kenabres during the attack. I know that's what caused the crack we fell down to open beneath our feet."
Thrall the Lucky |
"What my friend said" states Thrall, pointing at Balthasar. "Hence why we've got the slightiest of hurries, if you know what I mean." Thrall doesn't really want to offend, but he thinks this 'expedition' needs a puching if they ever want to reach the surface.
Zoranda |
"Your home down here is probably the safest place you could be, really," Zora comments. Zora thinks of asking to leave their wounded, but stops. I'd rather move on with them, than leave this bunch of bigots in their midst. Let's keep moving.
Iolaire |
Iolaire moves through the group to Horgus and stands with him as the rest of the group discuss history and this 'Neatholm'. "For now we have to trust them I think - we have no way of escaping without their help, and Shelyn teaches us to look for beauty below the surface." Io looks up at the man, "Hold fast to your beliefs my friend. We will make it out of here."
She gives him a big smile, before turning back to the rest of the group - content to wait for consensus before they moved on.
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14
Vance Astrovar |
Vance takes to the front of the group, keeping vigilant watch for any dangers ahead.
"Tell me about this alternate route," he calls back to the mongrelmen. "Do you use it often? Can we expect any trouble?
Serena, the Hyperborean |
"What is Neatholme like?" Serena inquired curiously, noting another potential topic for conversation. Among other things, hearing more details would probably help keep Aravashnial happy - and she was genuinely interested about the place. How much was down here, anyway?
Balthasar Heimren |
"I am also curious about your home - that you and others have survived down here is a testament to both your courage and your ability to adapt."
GM Choon |
Lann describes Neatholme in fond terms, It sits on the lake in a large cavern not too far from here. It's really the best. It was founded by our ancestors around the only abundant source of fresh water in the area and has been defended several times from many threats. He goes into some detail, but none of it overly revealing. You do learn that they are autocratic under someone named "Chief Sull" and that they've had problems wit traitors recently.
It's about then that you come to yet another obstacle. Ahead, a wide chasm splits the tunnel floor. The floating rock dust in the air and the groans as the tunnel walls settle indicate that the tunnel split recently.
The chasm is 10 feet across, 70 feet wide, and 30 feet deep. The tunnel continues on from the chasm's opposite side about 40 feet east of the entrance. Climbing along the edges of the rift is as difficult as climbing down and then back up, and requires a successful DC 15 Climb check to navigate. With blind and crippled NPCs, however, the obstacle presents an even larger challenge than normal.
The Mongrelmen groan and cry when they see the chasm in clear dismay.
Serena, the Hyperborean |
Seeing the chasm, Serena reached into her pocket and pulled out a shimmering silver scale. "One last blessing, I guess." she mused thoughtfully. "We picked up a few of these, right? Anyone have rope? Whoever's hurt or bad at climbing can use these, and then help the rest up."
Vance Astrovar |
"Oh, is that what these are?" Vance pulls his own scale out of his belt and activates it.
"This is amazing!" he exclaims, as the magic lifts him off the ground. He flips his shield onto his back and hold his arms out for someone to carry across.
Bitey Nice Nice |
"Ooh, I got one of those..." Bitey starts rummaging around in his mouth for his scale... and rummages... and rummages."Oh no... Bitey may have swallowed shiny dragon scale." Bitey pushes on his side. "Oh, there it is." He begins to try and force it around, and it falls out of his chain mail and on to the ground."Oh. Bitey put in shiny metal dress for safe keeping. All good, who need?"
Iolaire |
"I can just climb." Iolaire chips in, the vines appearing from her back. "Give me the packs and what not, I'll take them across. I can probably carry Aneiva and Avarashnial if you're both willing." She adds.
With my spider climb ability I think Io can get almost anything across given a bit of time.
Thrall the Lucky |
"Yes, the scale!" Thrall takes out his scale and concentrates, turning himself into an elf. "Aww..." he moans, though a slight sign of satisfaction shows in his eyes. "Well, I can see the utility of this, but it's not what I need right now. I'll need to climb. Does anyone have rope?"
Climbing+Guidance: 1d20 + 0 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 0 + 1 = 18
Aria Dros |
Aria takes hefts her bow over her shoulder and begins to rummage through her backpack. "I think I have some rope in here somewhere." After a minute or two she finally pulls out a length of rope. "Here it is..." she says as she hands the rope to Thrall. "I also have one of those scales if someone need it. I should be able to climb with the assistance of the rope if we take it slow."
Using the rope the climb difficulty should drop to where I can just take 10
Balthasar Heimren |
GM, does the levitate affect just one person, or can we transport multiple people at a time? How long will the effects last? Does the target of the spell need to be holding it, or could I be holding it and use it on, say Aravashnial, and he be the beneficiary of the effect?
Serena, the Hyperborean |
I believe it acts as Levitate, so it affects one target. That said, they have multiple uses, and if we can send one person across with ropes to help secure a bridge or something... ^^
Balthasar Heimren |
Okay. What caster level? 3, the minimum required, or higher?
Balthasar draws out his scale as well. "I can use mine to carry someone across as well, if anyone still needs it. Otherwise, I'll wait until everyone else has crossed either through levitation or climbing - then use it to cross with the ropes and such. I also have a rope we can use. First across should be Iolaire, Thrall, and Bitey to secure the area. After that, Vance and Serena should help across Aravashnial and Anevia. Lord Gwerm, if you could accompany them, it would be most convenient, using Bitey's scale. After that, Lann, Dyra, and Crenn should cross, along with Zoranda, Anna, and Aria. I'll come across once they've finished, bringing the ropes with me." Balthasar then takes out another torch and lights it off the existing one so that he has light to see by.
Thrall the Lucky |
When he hears his name, Thrall waves his hand from the other side. "Hello! I'm already securing the area!"
Then he proceeds to secure the area.
Serena, the Hyperborean |
Serena grinned at Thrall's comments, then moved forward to help Aravashnial across, following the plan given. No sense waiting around forever, after all - they wanted (really, needed) to keep moving.
GM Choon |
Using several scales, ropes, and careful progress you manage to get everyone across safely.
Almost 20 mins later you approach another cavern and the Mongrel men get nervous. Ahead lies the lair of a Spore Cougher. It is dangerous and we try to avoid it, but it now stands in between us and Neatholme.