DM Papa.DRB - Moru Country (Inactive)

Game Master Papa-DRB

Borris carefully move to the corner but at the ready to sprint and grab a goblin trying to kill one of the captures he says Rikar would you tell them if they don’t let the prisoners go safely as soon as they clear this room my horse will hunt them in to the ground! In a very soft soothing voice.

The two human prisoners, barely nod yes to Rikar when he asked them if they understood. Everyone moves over to the upper left hand corner of the room, then the goblins slowly move the shackled and gagged men with them, making sure to keep the humans in front of them. As they back into the corridor five feet, the three goblins just leave the prisoners and run quickly to the north and the room with the ladder.

The two prisoners try to shuffle towards Rikar and Borris, but trip and fall down in a heap.

Do you chase the goblins, or let them go? If you let them go, what are you doing now?

Borris moves towards the prisoner's freeing them from their awkward position. Are you all right? He asks the prisoners.

[ooc]Borris has no intention to follow the goblins they kept their word and so will Borris! He will not pursue the goblins now but if he meets them again he will kill them! [/b]

"We need to get out of here as quickly as we can before they bring more!" Sezira runs to help the prisoners.

"Quickly, lets free their bonds so they can run with us. And then let's get moving!"

Josef moves to assist, pulling his dagger to slice through the cordage restraining the prisoners.

Misha moves to help the prisoners, but snaps her head toward the direction the goblins took. "They're going toward the ladder... what if they find Sunshine and our supplies? I know we went out of our way to keep them safe but if they find them, they're not going to be just leave them there to be nice to us..."

Misha looks at Sezira and Rikar. "Could one of you sneak ahead to see where exactly they go?"

Metal shackles? Or rope/cloth bindings?

Rope and cloth. Foot, hands and gag in the mouth

Once he gets close, Josef takes a moment to briefly enchant his dagger before slicing the bindings around one of the captive's ankle.

Sezira nods to Misha and follows the goblins.
Stealth: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14

Rather than letting Sezira go off alone after the goblins, Rikar heads back up the hallway with her. As he leaves, he says quietly to Misha, "Keep an eye on Goma, would you?. Can't carry him up the ladder if I'm trying to be quiet."

Stealth: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16

Borris looks around the room for valuables while the others scout ahead he doesnt see the reason to panic he feels kind of invulnerable after Josef made him so large
Well fella's what you guys dooing here?

Misha nods and takes Goma's harness. "Don't worry boy," she says to the dog, "He'll be back soon."

Misha turns to the prisoners they had rescued, and addresses them gently once they have regained their steadiness after being tied up for awhile. "Is there any else in your party who might still be alive? We sadly found the remains of your wizard companion upstairs."

Redona pats Goma on the head, standing next to Misha as she addresses the prisoners. She hopes there are others, but if not she wants to do anything she can to get them out safely. "... If... if it helps, I said a prayer for your friend when we found her." she adds, hoping to comfort the prisoners.

Since neither Sezira, nor Rikar can see, they decide to return to where the prisoners are.

Josef and Borris free the two men. One of them seems lost and unresponsive. The other once freed, stretches slightly, and says, "Did you kill the bugbear, ya know, the big goblin leader?" After you tell him "yes" he continues. "Good. We met you back in Meadowvale. I am Cormac. He is Brother Rann from the Temple of Iri. He has never been on an adventure before, and I don't think he will ever go on one again after what has happened. Aurelia, she died upstairs at the hands of the goblins and orcs, but that creature dragged her body off while they were tieing the three of us up. I knew bugbears and goblins liked to eat humans, but they also like to eat gnomes more. That bugbear cooked Api while he was still alive and they feasted on him. Rann and I were to be the feast for tonight and tomorrow. We need to get out of here, and I will need to bring him back to the Temple, but we will need help and some healing if we are going to survive. On the way out, I'll pick up a goblin bow and sword if there are any so I can defend us. Lets go, now if we can.

Borris is searching the bodies for valuables and posible a m sized ranged weapon

"Yes, an exit now would most likely be for the best. I appreciate your willingness to fight, but let us ensure you are hale and healthy before engaging in combat, eh?"

Josef also looks through the bodies for treasure.

Sezira nods when leaving is mentioned, "No time to waste, let us hurry."

While Misha was sensitive to the need for time, one matter seemed obvious to her. "Where did they take your belongings? They have to be stored somewhere."

"They took all our gear to their superiors, through the steel doors in the south wall."

what do the orcs/goblin and bugbear cary? Borris also looks around all the rooms to see anything of interest!

"I see, so we'd probably need to fight before we get it back. Then let's get something for you first." Misha searches the room where the prisoners were held while the others check the bodies and Borris helps on both ends.

Perception 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19

Once anything of interest is gathered, Misha will help escort the prisoners back outside, promising to leave a trail or message if they possibly can if they come across anything for when they return.

Looking around the room, Misha sees nothing that would be useful, but remembers that the orcs had falchions and the bugbear had a morningstar that would be sized for Cormac. Also, either the leather armor from the bugbear or studded leather armor from one of the orcs would probably fit him. All the equipment from the goblins would be much too small.

"Thanks for helping. I just wish that we could have saved Api, before he got eaten" says Cormac. "It might have not been as hard on Brother Rann then."

"Aye, we witnessed one of our own fall to a bad fate earlier. A monstrous insectoid creature tore him to pieces, right in front of us. That was...unpleasant...to say the least."

Josef sounds more affected than he appears, standing tall and stoic, leaning on his staff.

"But let's get you kitted out as best we can right now, and head back."

Redona channels positive energy, healing anyone close enough to the prisoners as well. "I hope that is enough to help you." She tells them honestly.

Channel positive energy 1d6 ⇒ 2

Come now, dice. Do we really have to be enemies? I would enjoy at least having a nice middle ground... Also, sorry I've been so late replying lately. Life has me busy but I'm trying to stay caught up. Which seems to be harder as things speed up every time I don't manage to check lol.

"Thank you ma'am." says Cormac. "That helps a lot. Brother Rann will need help getting out of here, after I get into some armor and grab that morningstar. I will try to get Brother Rann into some leather also. Then I can bring him back to Meadowvale, but we will need help leaving these mines and getting down the Mount first.

After outfitting Cormac in the studded leather from the orc, and the morningstar from the bugbear, what are you guys doing? Helping them down the Mount? Taking them out and camping near the top? Going further into the Mount thru the steel doors? Something else?

Borris would like to gather the valuables and put it on the mule to sell in town! afther gathering evrything from the slain enemies borris wil sugest we take the priest back to the tempel but cormac could join us still if he wanted!

Let's get the priest to safety we can't babysit him in combat so we better make sure he is safe outside.

"The Dwarves might not be too happy to see us without news of their missing." Sezira wonders, "Cormac is capable of defending himself. Brother Rann can stay in our centre. And not touch anything."

I think we would be fine to continue. One more combatant, perhaps a priest who can help with heals. My 2c

"If they've been eating their foes, there may be no dwarves--unless," Misha adds to Cormac, "You've seen or heard of any dwarf captives?"

"Otherwise, I'd prefer to see them safe outside and down the mountain, and then we can resume our search. I would rather know someone was safe, than risk all of us and them, for more who might already be dead."

While oocly I'd be fine to continue too, if the NPCs themselves are wanting to leave, I can't think Misha would want to force them to stay, and would feel guilty if they left them alone. And we've got enough heals, between Redona and my couple of CLWs. We need to rest at some point to recharge, but I imagine we'll need to do that at some point anyway.

True, they want to leave. Forgot that.

"No, we have not heard of any dwarf captives. The goblins and bugbear did not mention anything about dwarves, but then we just got to this place a little over a day ago and they have been more interested in cooking us up and eating us" replies Cormac

would you mind continuing on or would you,rather leave? borris asks kormak

"Leave. I am going back to simple hunting and trapping near Meadowvale, and I think that Brother Rann will never leave the Temple again" says Cormac. "That is if he recovers from what we have seen."

Rikar hears the clear desire of the rescued captives to be gone from this place. "I would like to keep going, but Misha is right, we should help these two down the mountain. Perhaps they should take the mule back with them to Meadowvale as well, as we're only going to go deeper into the tunnels - if Misha can bear to part with her, that is," he adds with a smile. "Then we can come back and head into the mountain without wondering if she's been eaten by something."

Do I recall correctly that it took about a day to get from the base of the mountain to the entrance we came in?

Yes, it is most of a days journey to get up or down the mountain

"Actually, Rikar, I was thinking the same thing. We'll have to figure out how to carry our extra gear, but if we can't find a way to get her to the lower levels, she'd not be of much use to us anyway. Plus she might help carry Rann if needed."

After climbing the ladder and getting everyone back to the mines, Josef cast Dancing Lights so everyone can see where they are walking. Sunshine is where you left her, as well as all the gear. Packing the mule carefully again, you set out to exit the mines and walk down the mountain.

After about six hours travel, slower because of Rann, you reach the bottom of Mount Moru, and locate a suitable campsite to spend the night, just off the trail. During the night, Brother Rann tosses and turns and every now and then yells "Api". Cormac stays awake most of the night to help calm him, and when morning comes Brother Rann seems somewhat better. His eyes are no longer sunken in, and he is able to converse a little.

"Some information that I heard when we were waiting" says Cormac. "There are humans, orcs and goblins beyond the steel door. Also, their commanders, and their so called god is there. I would be extremely careful, when going beyond the doors. While I did not hear of other captives, there seems to be a significant force. Would it be alright if I took some rations so that I do not have to hunt, and can proceed directly back to Meadowvale?"

What are you going to do with Sunshine? Send her back with Cormac? Who will be carrying what gear?

Everyone made 2nd level. Please post in the discussion thread all the pertinent information (skills, feats, combat style (ranger), spells, etc) and update your tag line. Remember, max hit points, and you all rested so you have your new spells memorized, etc.

I am fine with giving the mule to Cormac and Rann, but would like to see the others weigh in, this shouldn't be a decision one person makes. Misha will continue to carry the crowbar, shovel, and pick (and her bedroll). I know Borris and Josef were already carrying extra food. Someone needs to carry the Spelunker's Kit and extra Rope. I never wrote down how much food we had--plus we've eaten about a week's worth I think--so I need to check on what we've got. Obviously we'd leave Sunshine's food with her, there should be enough to get her back.

I think we stil might need the mule to carry more wounded people or equipment we find! I do wonder if we realy need the climbing gear as most of what we find here is pritty much used by goblins and orcs they have ladders and stairs as they cant climb anny better than we can!

I think Borris would gladly aid those in need but they seem to be healthy they can just walk without the mule cant they?

I only took on 10 rations for the rest I dont think I'm carrying anything els as I'm already in M armor I can carry a Medium load without anny real problems. so up to 173lb carrying 94 now

Rikar listens carefully to Cormac’s description of what awaits them beyond the steel door in the mountain, then responds, ”Thank you for the information. I always prefer to know as much about my enemy as possible. As to the food, yes, I’m sure we can send some with you. In fact, it would be a help to us if you could take our mule back to Meadowvale as well, and have it stabled while we’re gone, and she can carry your food for you.”

Turning to the party, Rikar continues, ”There is only a week or so of food left in Sunshine’s packs. If we give four days’ worth to Cormac and Brother Rann, the rest of you can split up the other four days’ rations, and Borris and I can carry the spelunking gear. What do you think?”

"A few more day's worth of rations will hardly break my back. I have over a month in my pack already. As to the climbing gear, that's fine. We didn't find any nice big two-handed weapons, by the way. My staff is capable, but a keen steel edge works much better after all."

Although it would be nice if you took the Mule and all the gear we collected that we would like to sell! That way we can make a few pieces of gold and don't have to worry about the mule!

Borris would like to move on and is a bit restless he is showing signs of impatience although he hopes none of you notice.

Blood rushed as we were slaying evil. The spell Josef did made me quite powerful what a wonderful feeling! i need to thank Josef for this!

Borris moves to Josef looks him in the eye puts on hand friendly on his shoulder and starts speaking Thank for that Spell you cast on me mate it made me feel very powerful i hope i can enjoy that feeling more often! It is good to know I am Strong enough to provide such a good cover for our more fragile members of our fellowship

"No problem, Borris. You were the optimal target for that transformation, and provided excellent combat skills during its duration. I hope to utilize just such tactics in the future, seeing how effective it really was. Just wait until I learn even more potent magic, then we'll really see some enhanced fighting abilities."

Redona nods her agreement with Josef. "And Josef, can you help me with my spell planning? I'm not so good with combat tactics just yet." she admits slightly sheepishly. "But I don't want other people to get hurt because of that again."

"Thank you for the mule and rations" says Cormac. "Brother Rann and I will head back to Meadowvale. We will stable the mule either at the Inn, or with the Temple and you can pick her up next time you are back in town. I saw you with Dale at the Inn. I will tell him of your progress when we get back." Cormac then loads the rations on the mule, and has Brother Rann ride, and they head back down the road to Meadowvale.

After distributing the rest of the gear that Sunshine was packing, mostly to Borris, Rikar and Josef, you head back up the trail to the mine entrance. By mid-afternoon, you reach the hidden trail that is about 100 yards from the mine entrance. The hidden trail that you camped at before entering the mines the first time.

Mid afternoon (aka 1500 or so). Do you stay outside for the night and start into the mines in the morning or start in now?

This is normally Rikar’s call as he is the survivalist of the group I think he would advise to go back in in the morning. We need to eat/rest and then sleep anyway. This way we can leave early in the morning the next day!

I think it is best we take it easy contemplate on what we have seen so far I need to start Praying again I feel it is necessary to keep my rage under control!

Father I have honored Grand-father's lessons I finally am proficient in the ancient Fighting style of Thunder and Fang now it is times to continue my studies as a paladin!
If we rest here Borris starts praying to Iomedae

"There was one small area inside the cave on the upper level that we had not yet explored. As it's a few hours before evening, could we at least see what's there, then camp as Borris suggests?"

Misha is glad to have helped Cormac and Rann but she is eager to get back to their multitude of missions, and her explorer itch is ever needing to be scratched. She is tired from the climb, though, and knows resting would be a good idea... eventually.

"I agree with Misha. We push in just a bit, probe the early parts of the complex, and be prepared to flee if we encounter serious resistance. I have my shield spell and the power of my arcane bond remaining to me, as well as my physical skills. I would rather not waste an entire day waiting."

Sezira does not mind continuing or stopping and when asked her opinion simply says, "There is plenty of time left in the day, why waste it?"

Rikar agrees with the group, saying "If there are parts of this first section of the caves we have not explored, then let's take a look. I don't want to leave any surprises behind us."