Finnabar finally clambers back onto the ledge, the bruises from his fall aching with the added exercise. The Birdling opposite still watches from the shadows, seemingly unaware that its been seen.
Xarafine speaks to the group, quietly, trying not to give away her actions.
"I can try to charm it, as I did with the avian creature. If I succeed, it will not be able to move to warn the others. We can then cross over. If we follow this plan, it is important that we not attack it, at least until we are certain we can kill it quickly and quietly, or the enchantment will fail, and it will be able to warn its fellows."
"Let's do it. Teacher, you charm that monster while Jack crosses and takes it down. Sir Bein, I want you out of the fight for now with your bow out and ready to support Jack. I'll follow Jack as soon as possible."
Bein nods and draws out his bow once it's clear to do so or if the Teachers attempt to charm the creature fails. He stoically however ignores his wounds for now and focuses on the fight ahead.
The birdling stares at Xerafine for a moment but then shakes its head, refusing to succumb to her ability. As soon as it becomes aware that you've seen it, the creature ducks back into shadows of the passageway behind it.
As it disappears it lets loose a series of high-pitched clicks, barely audible at the edge of hearing.
Bein reminds the group. "I believe there was another path? One of us could remain here and hold this line, keep them from being able to surge up from behind us." He nocks an arrow, volunteering himself for the task. "Or we can cut some of the ropes here and continue the other way around, it is up to you.I am ready in any case."
"I think we can combine both of your ideas. Lest cut some ropes to slow them and retreat, leaving a torch in the tunnel. As they know we need light, they will assume we are still there and wait for us to come. Then we can move towards the second route and see if we can get to them that way."
You turn from the chasm and begin moving back towards the T-junction where you began. The going this way is easier since you are ascending rather than descending, and can therefore use the stalagtites and stalagmites as handholds.
perception DC 15:
After you've been travelling for a short distance you think you can hear high-pitched stocatto noises from behind.
perception DC 20:
Just after the noises from behind (see DC 15 spoiler above), from some way ahead, you hear the sound of something(s) moving in the darkness.
Bein reacts quickly to Xarafines warning, he put his bow away and quickly strap on his shield and held his torch ready as he turned and starting watching behind them.
2x move actions + standard to fight defensively Ac 22
Sorry for the delay - as I said, moving house takes up a lot of time!
Finn - Most of the tunnels are only wide enough for one at a time, however you are hampered by the low roofs in these areas. The only place high enough for you to fight properly is the 1st room you entered. Its difficult to tell from the noise whether the birdlings might have got that far - the tunnels make noises echo unpredictably.
"We need to get out of these low tunnels. We should try to get back to the large chamber."
"Right, let's move."
If Mikmek is still with us, Finnabar turns towards him. "I know you are still hurt, but you may see better than us in the dark. So, keep your eyes open and warn us if you see anything."
With Mikmek leading you, you make your way back to the torture chamber, as you reach the opening Mikmek peers in and turns. "Nasty cave-livers not in bad-cave room." he says "we move fast we set trap yes?"
In front of you is the torture chamber where you met the Kald. The roof is higher here and does not present an obstacle to fighting, and both entrances are small - only big enough for the birdlings to come one at a time.
Since we're missing 2 players for a week I think we should pause until Jack gets back, then Bot Finn till he gets back a week later. Is this OK with everyone?
Just in case you saw me posting--grabbed some wifi at the campsite cafe. Still basically gone but Jack is still marching behind the party. A break seems called for since everyone seems busy though. Again, will be really back Sunday
Mikmek repies to Xerafine: "Big-ones with big-weapons wait next to entrance, others wait in passage to guard back-way. When nasty-cave-livers come big ones hit! Simple!" he says with a toothy grin.
Sorry for the delay in restarting posting. MY suggestion is as follows: as some are following us, I propose Bein and Finnabar to stand by by this entry and Xarafine and Jack by the second one. There will be one healer on each side and one good ranged attacker one each as well. And if an attack comes one way only, the ones left alone can support with distance weapons ore move towards the incoming threat. Mikmek can support any side.
Map Proposition:
XXX are walls, ___ are cave space, A is Xarafine.
