GM ShadowLord |
Having fessed up, Kaven walks back down to rejoin the others and depart for the fort. He announces, "Sorry for the delay folks, I just needed to gather myself for what's about to come. A little pep talk from my new found friends has helped set me straight. As Delendir has so wisely stated, let's be off before the weather worsens!"
Having finished stocking up and preparing for the assault, the party returns back to the path leading towards the fort. No more than ten minutes returns before the heavens once again open up and what appears to be an even heavier rain than last time pummels the already overly saturated ground once more.
As the party marches through the wet forest up into the mountain, Jakardros asks, "Are we still set for our original plan? Has anyone come up with any additional ideas or comments? We had been headed towards the western side of the front of the fort and planned to infiltrate through the waterfall."
Sunday Daud |
I've slept since then, weren't some of us going to try and scout?
As they walk through the rain Sunday moves up to Kyrsta. When you two were rolling around did you notice any markings on his body?" he asks.
Delendir Farnes |
Delendir frowns as it starts raining but comments nothing. He leads the way with Jakardros through the rain and wet paths "The waterfall plan sounded good. To be fair, too good"
The ranger profits the pauses of the journey to check out his bow and fix his arrows in preparation for the combat to come "We will see the Sun again. Will we?"
GM ShadowLord |
Jakardros nods to Delendir. "This is a valid concern my friend. If they have discovered this secret entrance, it could be heavily guarded or trapped. Do you think perhaps another discussion on the entrance points is warranted?"
Vale walks between Ragnhildr and Yavenee. Looking between both he asks, "So, both of you possess some forms of magical abilities then? How can your powers be used to help us gain entrance? Do any of you have the ability to make us disappear from sight? Or grant ability to fly perhaps? These arts are lost on me, and I beg forgiveness if I am rude in my line of questioning."
Kaven keeps to himself in the rear, not speaking up other than to answer questions asked of him. His attitude alternates somewhere between bravado and pouting.
Yavenee |
"The only thing I can do that will aid a stealthy approach is to call forth a bank of mist to cover our presence. My magics are more direct, twisting an enemy's fate for the worst, binding their bodies or their magic, taking their strengths away from them. That and I can affect the way time affects us." the petite witch replies.
Krysta Amethysta |
Krysta nodded and said, "It seems like that's still the best plan. If it came to flying I could possibly fly one person up at a time but no more than that. Staying together is preferable." She cocked her head to one side, "Maybe we could find some caves that would lead up?"
Delendir Farnes |
"None of us is heavily armored, I am confident we can approach close enough to your secret entrance Jakardros" he turns to the party "And if they discover I am sure they can convince their mind everything has been a mirage"
GM ShadowLord |
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Nodding in affirmation to Delendir, Jakardros responds. "Alright then, we proceed as previously discussed. We are not far now and it seems that we are destined to be wet one way or another, no?" The ranger motions to the dark and wet sky with his right hand as he chuckles to himself.
As the day progresses, the weather turns more and more dire as the what starts as a cloudy morning with light rain slowly becomes a steady rain, and soon later a full on lightning storm. The whole area is darkened by the clouds and sheets of rain, though it doesn't obscure the sun entirely.
The ogres have turned this serene woodland into a charnel house of slaughter and debauchery. Dozens of skulls and mangled corpses hang from trees near the fort, with gigantic rusty hooks spitting them like meat awaiting a butcher's block. The stench of sweat, urine, blood, and ogre-musk befouls the air for hundreds of yards around the fort.
Talons of lightning claw at the sky, casting pale light on the mountainside below. The lightning storm reveals a grim fortress of dark gray stone standing sentinel over the valley, huddled desperately at the base of two sheer cliff sides. Crumbling, fifteen-foot-high walls ring the citadel, the stone pitted and cratered from hurled boulders and ogre hooks. Like the face of a veteran with decades of winters under his belt, the fort's craters, cracks, and scars are testament to its battle-weary history. A stone keep, a stubborn shadow against the mountainside, rises from behind the worn walls, a single tower jutting up from its ramparts like an ugly broken tooth. Nearby, a rushing curtain of white water cascades down the mountainside into a large pool of water just outside the fort's walls.
The hulking, deformed brutes of the Kreeg clan roam the walls of Rannick, their bodies seemingly nearly as tall as the wall itself. Along the eastern wall, a twenty-foot-tall gatehouse surrounds two battered double doors that look as if they're barely hanging on their hinges, a lone ogre standing watch on the exterior wall near the approaching bridge. To the south, another twenty-foot-tall gatehouse is protected by a large iron gate. That...and two more ogres clearly visible. All in all, six more ogres can be seen patrolling along the wall, large javelin's in their massive hands.
From beyond the wall, a thick, greasy pillar of smoke rises into the air, defying the storm altogether, and the flicker of firelight can barely be seen clinging to the lower edges of it as it climbs. Hanging in the air is the sickening smell of burning flesh. Human flesh.
Jakardros calls a halt to the party and motions towards the waterfall in the distance. "My friends, that is our goal."
A good visual representation of the fort (sans weather) can be found here. The secret entrance the ranger describes is accessed through the waterfall on the far left of the picture. I've updated the Current Map link at the top with our Rannick battlemap. Your group is currently represented by the red X, hiding behind the forest edge.
Jakardros is pointing towards the red arrow line towards the waterfall.
Yavenee |
The passage through the gruesome forest of death does far more to darken Yavenee's mood than the rain.
"That is an excellent question." Yavenee agrees as she considers Ragnhildr's question. "If I could get closer, I could summon a fog to envelop the lookouts. It might be less suspicious that a fog rolling in leading to the waterfall."
Even utterly drenched in the cold rain, there is something about the petite witch's intensity that gives the impression that it is the ogre's who should fear this night rather than their group.
Sunday Daud |
Sunday's eyes lazily took in all the sights of the charnel forest, in much the same way as if the gore wasn't even there.
Once they reached the clearing he began looking about, trying to figure the best way to sneak to the waterfall. "Would you like a coat?" Sunday offers the Witch after she suggests some tactics.
GM ShadowLord |
Jakardros listens to the chatter among the team and as if reading the witch's intensity himself he adds solemnly, "There is a good likelihood that we won't all make it out of this alive. The Kreeg ogres are a vicious bunch. We have no way of knowing if this is, in fact, their entire clan, or just a large part of them. Either way, the one advantage we have is that we are fighting on our own soil. The buildings are sized for our kind, not theirs. We will need to use every trick possible to win here. And if we don't win," he looks to Vale, "then we make them remember the day that the last of the Black Arrows struck at them, and tell the tale to their children as horror stories."
Vale smiles somewhat at this, but shows no other emotion.
Sunday Daud |
"Or we just make it where's there's no one to tell stories to the children. You don't have have to survive to win." Sunday adds.
GM ShadowLord |
Jakardros grunts in acknowledgement. He looks at the creatures within and comments, "Should we attempt a distraction of some kind while we head for the waterfall? Something to divert their attention elsewhere?"
Forgot to mention we have some weather effects going on out here.
Thunderstorm. Severe Winds. All characters take -4 to their Perception, Flight, and Ranged Weapon Attacks. Also, small characters must make a DC 10 Strength Check while outdoors to be able to move forward.
Sunday Daud |
"The weather is distracting enough I believe, anything out of the ordinary and it would draw attention to us. Unless you make it look like an accident. How well can you arc an arrow in these conditions?"
Yavenee |
Yavenee smiles up at Sunday, shaking her head. "The touch of the elements is welcome when going to war. I can warm up when the enemy is dead and we have time to revel in their destruction."
Sunday Daud |
Sunday gives the Witch a crooked little smile. "Good."
Elisai Aurear |
Elisai looks critically at the situation.
"I can be flexible with my spellcasting, changing things up each day if needed. Still, it would be nice to know if anything might inhabit the secret tunnels so that we don't run into anything unprepared."
Basically, I can add a spell for each spell levels 1,2,3 off the wizard spell list, ie invisibility, Mirror Image, Fly etc. You name it, I can cast it. This makes me flexible as hell, so if we need X spell, I can cast it.
Krysta Amethysta |
Krysta considered the problem and said, "Wait here, let me explore a bit in that cliff and see if I can find any caves that might lead us up top." With that she focused, tapped her ring, and resumed her true form before promptly disappearing into the earth and burrowing up behind the waterfall to look for caves.
Delendir Farnes |
"That's a good idea Ragnhildr" says Delendir. The half-elf moves towards the rocks and advances trying to hide himself behind the rain curtain. "We just have to wait for a moment they go to eat, sleep, or they just switch turns. At that point we all run from behind the rocks into the waterfall"
The half-elf waves Krysta as she starts burrowing.
"Just be prepared to run at the moment they get distracted" and so does the hunter at the first opportunity.
Stealth: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (13) + 15 = 28
GM ShadowLord |
Vale speaks up to Ragnhildr's response, "I agree with Ragnhildr as well. The only downside to that approach is that other than the cliff the area is fairly wide open and we would not have the cover of the forest to protect us. Still, there are not many other great options available to us."
Krysta Amethysta |
GM ShadowLord |
Vale steps up to answer Ragnhildr's question. For some reason whenever the Mageknight speaks he seems to always attempt to be the one who responds to her. He offers an astute nod of his head an points to her with recognition. "Excellent question Ragnhildr. It's clear that your wit has severed you well through the years. I would assume that they are likely to do both, but their malevolence as demonstrated in the areas we passed by leads me to believe it would like be the former that would most interest them. I know a warrior like you wouldn't do this, but remember that they are savages of the lowest order and I wouldn't underestimate their desire to do whatever it took to decimate us."
Moving up around the corner you are surprised by three small dog-sized lizard creatures which have two horns, one on either side of their heads, and green scales that crackle with sparks of lightning. The creatures immediately snap to spot your intrusion. The creatures begin to crackle and spark upon seeing you and the electrical activity seems to be building and building. Sensing this is not perhaps the time to pick a fight you disappear around the corner and burrow back out the way you came.
1d20 ⇒ 16
Stealth: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (8) + 12 = 20
Perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (11) + 12 = 23
Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23
Ragnhildr Whitescale |
"Wide open ground, though. Bad place to be when lightning strikes," Ragnhildr says with a ferocious grin, "here's hoping they're half as stupid as they look!"
Sense Motive: 1d20 ⇒ 10
Yavenee |
Yavenee listens to the conjecture on the ogres likely actions noting that Vale is most often the one to respond to Ragnhildr's questions, but thinks nothing of it.
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 = 14
Sunday Daud |
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 1 = 10
Krysta Amethysta |
Krysta returned to the party and popped up out of the ground after her explorations and said, "I couldn't find any other entrances to the caverns but I did run into some kind of electrical lizards. I decided not to mess with them alone. It seems that we have only one way ahead of us so we might as well get started."
Elisai Aurear |
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Sense Motive: 1d20 ⇒ 19
At first opportunity with no-one listening, Elisai nudges Vale gently. You should be a little more open, keeping your cards close to your chest just makes people a little more oblivious you know" she whispers to him.
GM ShadowLord |
Jakardros nods to Krysta. "That's about right. Shocker Lizards. The caverns wind deep into the cliff face and years ago a Black Arrow who had a soft spot for the cute little things sneaked them back there. I thought we had eradicated them all years ago but they are a tenacious lot it seems."
Vale isn't sure how to play it with Elisai. At first he tries the confused look, trying to play off the fact he has no idea what she is talking about. About five seconds in however he gives up and slumps his shoulders with a sigh of exasperation. "She's an amazing woman, no? I do not want to appear to be like other suitors with their obvious intentions. I'm still trying to figure out what impresses her. If we make it through this, I may seek some advice from you."
Ragnhildr Whitescale |
When Jakardos mentions the shocker lizards, an evil grin begins to spread over Ragnhildr's face.
"Can they fit though this passage? It'd be a shame not to use such a wonderful opportunity to cause havoc among the trolls."
Elisai Aurear |
"Thats all well and good, but I don't think she does subtle very well...play the cards close to the chest and you risk her not picking up on it". Elisai responds easily, before thinking for a second. "She's a very down to earth warrior, so don't smother her would be an excellent start I would think"
Delendir Farnes |
Delendir makes some signs from the edge of the forest for the others to attempt stealthily reaching the waterfall "Worst case scenario we are discovered and we will have to hurry up to profit the surprise"
Observing the lack of decision the ranger places his bow on the back and starts moving from rock to rock, crawling among the tallest plants when required.
Stealth: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (10) + 15 = 25
Came on, they are far away and probably sleeping, you can make it too, he thinks to himself.
Ragnhildr Whitescale |
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Stealth: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6 Wearing her armor, but not wielding her shield.
Ragnhildr waits, going last. She wasn't the stealthiest person, she knew, but she had expected to at least not embarrass herself by tripping and falling with a clatter.
GM ShadowLord |
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Leading the way to the falls, Delendir has no difficulty blending in with his surroundings and making his way effortlessly towards the secret entrance. Krysta burrows under the ground and follows beside ranger as he moves forward. The remaining companions and rangers are not nearly as stealthy as Delendir, particularly Ragnhildr who did everything but throw stones to alert the sentries. Yet amazingly the howling winds, flashes of lightning and torrential rain mask the advance of the party as they move forward.
The party submerges themselves in the moat and moves towards the waterfall. Jakardros takes the lead and shows the party the way forward and each member eventually slips into the waterfall cave. The floor of this cave is wet and dotted with various puddles of water. Patches of pale moss and fungus grow in sheets on the wall, while to the north, a five-foot-wide passageway angles up into darkness. A walkway of soggy planks leads from this opening southeast to a second opening curtained by cascades of falling water.
The floor of the cave is slippery. A DC14 acrobatics check is required to advance to the next area without slipping, falling and knocking the next party member down to the ground with you.
Stealth: 1d20 ⇒ 12
Perception: 1d20 ⇒ 4
Ragnhildr Whitescale |
Acrobatics: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (10) + 10 = 20
Used to traversing treacherous ice and snow, Ragnhildr has little issues navigating the slick floor.
Elisai Aurear |
Hey GM, anything needed to use the Shock Lizards as a weapon against the trolls? It was mentioned earlier. If theres no specific prep required (like a spell or skill check), then I'm happy pushing through into the waterfall, and into the next area.
Acro: 1d20 ⇒ 18
Well used to navigating a dance floor, as well as being equally talented on stage, means that Elisai is surprisingly adapt at handling the slippery terrain.
Krysta Amethysta |
Krysta had little need to worry about the slippery footing as she simply stayed in the ground and moved ahead. She wanted to get to the spot where the shocker lizards were once more and make sure that they hadn't moved and to make sure no further menaces had arrived since she scouted before.
Perception: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (2) + 11 = 13
Sunday Daud |
Acrobatics: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (1) + 12 = 13
Of course.
Delendir Farnes |
Delendir gives a look to the fungus, trying to guess if they might be dangerous "Heard some stories about those kinds..."
K. dungeoneering: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14
The half-elf enjoys observing the gracefulness of Ranhildr and Elisai crossing the slippery cave "That's some style" while he walks in the last positions.
Acrobatics: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (7) + 16 = 23
When Sunday slips just in front of him, he tries to quickly catch him and stabilize the Ustalavian boy.
Ref: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22
Acrobatics: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (2) + 16 = 18
Str: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14
GM ShadowLord |
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Kaven: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20
Jakardros: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15
Vale: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 1 = 13 Perfect.
Oops I must have missed that Elisai. What specifically did you have in mind? Are you asking if you can tame them via handle animal or some other method?
The party advances into the cavern and nearly everyone is able to navigate the difficult terrain and move forward. Jakardros, Delendir, Krysta and Elisai all make their way forward without difficulty. Sunday takes his time and moves forward but in the dimly lit corridor he mistakes a bare patch of rock as stable and loses his footing. As his foot slides out beneath him, he becomes the first falling domino in a series of falling party members.
Sliding backwards he bumps into Vale and causes him to lose his footing as well. Windmilling backwards, the large warrior spins 180 degrees and reaches out to grab anything to prevent himself from falling. Latching on to the first thing he finds he grabs a hold of the next person behind him, Ragnhildr.
Up until this point she expertly had navigated the slippery chamber with ease, but she had not expected the group before her to begin sliding backwards into her as if they were riding a water slide. Between Sunday's feet hitting her shins and Vale's large hand on her arm, the trio falls to the ground. Vale falls backwards on top of Sunday and pulls Ragnhildr down on top of his chest, face to face.
Kaven enters the chamber next and begins to laughs loudly, "Atta boy!" while Jakardros looks back at the fallen trio in the rear of the cavern, having missed the slip and slide. He lets out an exasperated breath, "Oh for the love of Desna, Vale! I know it's been awhile, but is now really the time?!
With his cheeks starting to flush, Vale looks at Ragnhildr and stammers for the right words. "I, uh, I was uh, looking for something sturdy to grab on to. Sorry.
GM ShadowLord |
Understood.
Earlier when discussing herding of the shocker lizards with Jakardros, he considers the possibility. "The cavern we are going to is going to split. Just ahead of the waterfall entrance is going to be a set of stairs that leads down further into the caverns. While we may need to investigate that, as we saw the bulk of the force is going to be outside the fort.
To get to that we're going to need to cross a deep ravine and then push through a secret entrance in the cliff side. It sounds like what Krysta has described that the lizards are on our side of the ravine. Getting them across the gap could prove challenging.
Yavenee |
Not the most physically adept by a longshot, Yavenee slips on the cold wet ground taking a spill as well.
Acrobatics: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9