"The soldiers have their lances, I'm sure one could spare it, and Caliphana still has those wings for another minute or two at least, so she can just go and ask one of them." Clari interjects. "That'll take much less time than having you trudge through even more muck than necessary. And i'd rather get out of this filth sooner than later."
As Lia seems to know what she's doing here underground, Clari shall assist for the time-being, but should her luck run south Clari will take the lead.
K(Dungeoneering)
She points out rock formations, advises on underground elements, and points out when Lia's bearings are off, keeping them straight.
Nodding to Clari, Yillim looks to Arasmes and Caliphana;
If you would, could you fly back to the entrance and tell the armsmen above to throw down a few lances, or even anything sturdy with a good amount of reach. We can use them to probe the ground ahead of us, and make our trek through this murky water a bit less uncertain.
Caliphana nods and takes off to go and tell the soldiers to give her a lance, which she will bring back as quickly as she can.
Lia ponders what she has seen and what she knows of underground caverns and mine shafts, noting her journey west to Ariarh's barony.
She is grateful for her height at this point and that the smelly water is not so high on her body.
"The stone work is handcrafted. This mineshaft has been created with precision. Someone who knows what they are doing will not allow water to collect in such places because it rots wooden frameworks and erodes the earth, leading to tunnel collapses. If the engineer discovered there were underground springs, he or she would have diverted or blocked the flow so the mineshaft remained clear of water." She is mostly thinking out aloud and not really addressing a particular person.
"When I travelled to Ariarh's barony, I noticed to the west of this cave there is a large collection of wetlands which drain south to form a river. Maybe this body of water and the heavy rains became too much to be supported by the mineshaft and collapsed part of the cave somewhere to the west? Would explain the amount and depth of this dirty water."
Looking back to Lia, Yillim nods. The half elf woman brought up a good point. This did seem to be a created structure, not a natural occurring cavern. If that was so, he wondered, what was the purpose of this place? He had to assume there was either magical or religious significance. Who else but a practicioner of those strange arts would create that strange pyramid they had passed? Still, they were here for a purpose, not to wonder, but to find missing persons. He refocused on the task at hand.
Indeed, Lia friend of wolves. It would explain much. If this place is made, we must be on the lookout for other things that have been created. Namely, traps.
As soon as the planar creature called Caliphana flew back with the lance from the waiting soldiers above, Yillim carefull and slowly advanced towards the north, tapping the ground ahead of him, making sure the water ahead is not too deep to walk upon.
Looking back to Lia, Yillim nods. The half elf woman brought up a good point. This did seem to be a created structure, not a natural occurring cavern. If that was so, he wondered, what was the purpose of this place? He had to assume there was either magical or religious significance. Who else but a practicioner of those strange arts would create that strange pyramid they had passed? Still, they were here for a purpose, not to wonder, but to find missing persons. He refocused on the task at hand.
Indeed, Lia friend of wolves. It would explain much. If this place is made, we must be on the lookout for other things that have been created. Namely, traps.
As soon as the planar creature called Caliphana flew back with the lance from the waiting soldiers above, Yillim carefull and slowly advanced towards the north, tapping the ground ahead of him, making sure the water ahead is not too deep to walk upon.
To all:
Excellent! Cali has indeed retrieved the lances of the men - you have for of them now. However - in the time it took to ferry you all over here one at a time - then go all the way back to the entrance and ask the guys for the lances - then carry them all back - the spell is now finished. After all - it only lasted 7 minutes.
So - now what?
To all:
Excellent! Cali has indeed retrieved the lances of the men - you have for of them now. However - in the time it took to ferry you all over here one at a time - then go all the way back to the entrance and ask the guys for the lances - then carry them all back - the spell is now finished. After all - it only lasted 7 minutes.
So - now what?
Sounds good. I guess we start proceeding with Yillim using the lance to probe the ground in front.
Your party advances slowly - and with caution.
Even so, the difficulty lies more the slime and general depth of the water around your mid-section rather then actual challenge of finding safe footing.
You have a good sense that if the area is designed to be built a solid structure - with stone walls cut out of solid rock - with 90 degree cuts, not natural erosion in the tunnels via having things worn out with time and age.
You doubt that the floor - which seems to be fairly smooth and straight - would have a well cut into it, or a stairway dropping into the depths without some form of mark - an arch, a column - something that a person could identify as they travel to know there is a step or two downward.
Of course - this presumes you are dealing with natural creatures...
Even so - you believe that the "point man" of your group could succeed using a general sweeping of the lance across the ground with very little difficulty in impeding your speed.
Again - the difficulty is wading forward through water that is around your waste. That is the real difficulty.
Even so - you advance slowly - but steadily - the west.
The next question is - given that you are half speed - how long do you intend to travel west?
"Arasmes, we need to remove this foul water or decrease it to below our knees. Can we summon a creature who can aid us in this?"
Lia looks about them all, scanning above her head and then down into the dark water, calculating something in her head.
"If the mineshaft has flooded, it is safe to suppose that anything below this level, passages under us, have long been filled with water. Therefore we will not travel downward. The roof looks to be at a set height because above us are the grasslands. Travelling west on this floor is the likely course and Mak Morn and Ironhorse would be somewhere on this level if they are indeed in this cave."
Lia watches as Yillim sweeps the lance back and forth, ensuring they could take sure footsteps upon the slippery rock.
The cavern/tunnel seems rather vast - and long... If, in fact - there are tunnels beneath you - it is safe to assume that there is a tremendous amount of water - and therefore - a tremendous amount of work for even multiple elementals to move.
Even so - you can advance - though with some difficulty. How far would you proceed, though?
"We entered the Spider's Nest when the sun was at its highest point in the sky. I would humbly suggest that we are mindful of the hours which pass and we do not stay below when it is dark. I believe another two hours below ground should suffice in determining whether our friends are in these caves or not. That will give us time to retrace our steps out of these flooded passageways and depart without additional threats."
Two hours is a round trip - I believe that means if you are prepared to advance forward 1 hour, then return the other hour - you should be okay...
At half movements speed your overland speed is roughly 15 feet per round - this puts you at about 1.5 miles underground.
If that is okay with everybody - let me know. If I don't see any disagreement - I'll advance things forward as if that is the group's plan.
That said - if you advance - we'll see some action up soon.
Meantime - good luck!
Lia squares her pale green eyes on Isani. "The Southern Priestess is correct. Two hours is time enough to determine whether they are in here or not without endangering all of us."
With not comment's to the contrary - the party then advances toward the west.
As they continue their advancement the feeling of oppression is heavy upon them.
The air itself feels dark and also depression - and the general mood of the party has grown weak and weary, though it is not a difficult journey - merely a long walk in damp waste filled water.
After nearly a half a mile though you see signs of tunnels that branch of - quick examination of the tunnels reveal that they are - or were - the beginnings of staircases that may or may not have traveled into the hull of the ground. Certainly - on quick examination - you realize that you cannot enter them unless you are prepared to swim.
In either case; you now come a large hub-like area - where various tunnels branch out in various directions.
Yet the tunnels seem collapsed...
Even so - the far wall is oozing heavy slime and filth through broken rocks. You suspect that the water that has flooded the tunnels may have flooded through the broken walls in front of you.
As you spread out to examine this area - you believe that your friends are not likely to have come this way...
Further; the walls seem to have stretched out beyond you.
Indeed - it is like you came into a large circular room - and there seems to be tunnels extending from each wall.
There are eight walls, and eight tunnels.
All of them have collapsed but the one that faces east - the one you have traveled through.
Each wall is exactly the same distance from the other - and that space is 100 feet - the tunnel you traveled in being roughly 60 feet wide.
As you advance forward into the circular room - the "point-man" is forced to pull up short.
Roughly 20 feet from the tunnel entrance he feels the beginning of a stairway which you suspect is descending into the center of the room.
Peering the gloom and murk - you think - but are not sure - that in the bottom of this filthy water is a dull glow - small - perhaps the size of an apple. You are not sure - but you believe it is roughly 10-20 feet beneath the surface... And it is roughly 40 feet from the stairs that descend downward.
What is your next move?
Arasmes looks around and says That is acceptable to me as for searching though I would suggest we travel to or at least send a message to Oleg's to see if they stopped there if we do not find them in here.
As for summoning if I dismiss Caliphana I can summon a few creatures that may be able to help. I am willing to do so if you wish.
Arasmes looks around and says That is acceptable to me as for searching though I would suggest we travel to or at least send a message to Oleg's to see if they stopped there if we do not find them in here.
As for summoning if I dismiss Caliphana I can summon a few creatures that may be able to help. I am willing to do so if you wish.
Isani calls out, "Look, there, a light beneath the water! Caution yourselves."
Lia stares at the shimmering light under the water. She concentrates on the glow and casts .
She will then aid the southern priestess in determining the source of the light,
She looks around her to determine a safe vantage point for the group. Lia does not want them to be anywhere near the light until they discover its source and intent.
Looking to all in the party Yillim points at the glow, knowing that it's not likely that anyone missed it, but calling attention anyway.
That there may be a clue, if perhaps those others that were here had come this way. Or as I said before, it could be a trap. I don't think I could reach it with this lance, but perhaps, Arasmes, one of your other creatures could see what it is. It may be nothing. But after all, it may be some kind of clue. If it is indeed nothing, I think perhaps we've come to the end of this part of the search anyway, and need to check the passage on the other side of that dark pyramid.
That should not be a problem Yillim. Caliphana can go and investigate.
Cali then dives beneath the water and Arasmes bonds with her in order to see what she sees.
To all -
Excellent!
First - as to detect magic...
The depth of the "well" is - you believe - about twenty feet deep - but the place from where it radiates from is about the center of the room. Even though the tunnel is about 20 feet from the stairs - the center of the stairs/well is a further 40 feet from the "top" of these stairs.
That suggests you are a little over 70 feet from the point of origin to this light source via "detect magic" - unless you are wiling to move to the stairs and descend down them into the water.
However - via your knowledge nature roll - you believe it may be a natural light source, not magical...
Cali has decided to dive in the water -
To aid things - I will act in her stead for now and assume she glides over the top of the water, as my description may have been a bit vague - then, when she draws close to the center of the circle and nearer to the light - she will plunge in then; so she doesn't have to make a swim check or anything until she gets closer to the water.
Meanwhile - once she gets close enough to dive down - she does.
When she gets about 10 feet under you see a second light begin to shine.
You realize - by virtue of guesswork - that they are not just lights.
They are eyes...
Well gang - if you don't mind - please toss up the initiative checks. Thank you!
initiative
when Arasmes notes that there are eyes, Clari breathes a single short elven curse word, and grits her teeth, readying for action with almost a sigh.
Init
Group's Ini average is 12 - via 60 divided by 5.
Enemies Ini is -
Enemy goes first.
Enemy is now going to take its action - then you guys take your action.
The enemy - seeing Cali swimming to her - is attacking Cali with a Bite attack.
Bite
IF it hits -
+ Acid Damage. I believe that would hit Cali - for a total of 14 damage + 3 Acid damage - assuming she has no DR to Acid.
Also - it uses "grab" to start a "grapple" as a free action.
Cali is roughly 70 feet in front of Arasmes - and about 5 feet below his feet when she is attacked.
Gang - it's your move at this time - remember - you are at half speed and that for appropriate skill checks - this is considered difficult terrain. And the creature is under water - though that may not be a bad thing.
Also - the creature is at least 75 feet from you (at an angle) - assuming you are all strung out parallel to each other.
Well - you're up! Good luck, guys. I'll look forward to your posts when I see them.
Sorry - a bit confusing there on description -
If you drew a straight line from Raz horizontally - Cali would be 5 feet under Raz's feet. But she is still pretty far away from him - roughly 70 feet in front of him.
So - if you drew a straight line from Raz to Cali - because their is a slight angle - and you put a tape measure from him to her - the total distance would be 75 feet, even though she is not exactly 75 feet in front of him, but a little closer.
This is only important to Raz via certain special abilities he shares.
Ah - apologies!
I thought the grapple didn't start until next round - I shall roll it now.
Grab/Grapple against Cali's CMD
(note - the extra "+4" for the "Grab/Grapple Bonus" was factored in already. Normally the creature only has a CMB of 22 - "Grab" also gives you a +4 to "Grapple" checks).
Meanwhile - I know that Cali can see it - and through her you can see - which is why I mentioned the eyes of the creature.
However - the water is not "darkness" (though it is dark in the cave) but literally like swimming through heavy muck, close to scum or oil.
In short - other then seeing the "glowing eyes" - which are under the water - Cali doesn't really know what she's dealing with - yet.
This may be changed somewhat if she makes an unusually high Perception Roll as a Free Action - but for now, she is attempting to peer through murk and muck that is akin to sludge - seeing details are very difficult - other then the glowing eyes which I mentioned.
Still - if you make the Perception Roll first - she can see what see's and relay it to you - then your group has initiative in however order you want. Actually - no matter what you roll you'll discover something - it's just the higher the roll the more you'll be able to see, as usual.
To all:
Remember - you all get to go as a team - first post goes first until you're all done - then the "bad team" goes. In this case - there is only one guy on the team - but as suggested - this method of combat - though a bit off technically - will speed up combat a lot, unless we're using Skype or MapTools.
So - you guys all go now - I'll toss up more notes after Cali's Perception Roll, if you like.
Meantime - after your team takes action - then I'll have my bad guy go - then your team goes!
One other thing:
So - without further ado - Yay team good!
1d20+9
Well - in that case...
1. The eyes are bulbous - they do not look like they have pupils - large, greenish - and pulpy.
2. Under the eyes of the creature is large mouth with pincers that open and close in front of it - you see no teeth - only the heavy sharp pincers.
3. You are not sure how big the creature is - but what is clear is that the "mouth" of the creature - and the head - is extremely large. Cali is nervous - she fears that if the creature grapples her successfully that it may even be able to swallow her entirely into its belly...
Of course - she cannot see the body of the creature - as the water is too filthy. However - what is clear is that this creature (at least - based on your best guess on the size of the creature's head and mouth) is that the creature must be very large indeed...
Based on this information - does anyone have any other questions?
Meanwhile - you are all currently 75 feet from the creature - and you believe it is at least 15 feet under water.
You guys take up a 5 foot block on the "surface" - Cali taking up a five foot block beneath that - and the creature beneath Cali is also roughly 5 feet deeper then her.
Of course - it may be deeper then that, and simply have reach - you are not sure...
Arasmes eyes widen in shock at the creature and he breaks the connection, turning to look at the others he says Fly you fools! Get back the way we came! Whatever it is has Caliphana and it is big!
Arasmes murmurs some words in draconic and lifts out of the water and soars up towards the ceiling.
Lia turns and begins to move as quickly as she can through the muck and filth to put distance between herself and the big creature beneath the water.
She notices the smaller southern priestess and grabs hold of her arm, aiding her back toward the entrance and away from the water creature.
She yells to Yillim, "Turn back now!"
Isani casts on herself as she tries to push her way through the waist deep water and back toward the entrance as Arasmes commanded. She feels the half-elf's hand around her wrist, aiding her movement.
She whispers a fervent prayer to the Everlight, "Blessed Everlight, lend us the strength of the Light and keep us from harm."
Caliphana snarls in pain and bites into the creature as hard as she can.
Damage
Yillim seems somewhat confused, but taking heed from those who may know better, begins a tactical retreat, carefully moving away from the threat and back the way the group came, but staying close to the group to cover their backs.
Arasmes eyes widen in shock at the creature and he breaks the connection, turning to look at the others he says Fly you fools! Get back the way we came! Whatever it is has Caliphana and it is big!
Arasmes murmurs some words in draconic and lifts out of the water and soars up towards the ceiling.
You are indeed able to fly - but; for how long?
Remember - (and I can't stress this enough) you discovered this pit at roughly 1/2 a mile from the left tunnel - you are now leaving your comrades "in the dust" - as it were...
And - will your spell last long enough for you to fly 1/2 a mile? If so - good times. If not - it could be tricky...
In either case - I just want to be sure you remember how far back you were from the beginning.
Also - though it probably won't matter - the ceiling is roughly 60 feet above the water.
And for those of you who are walking - you are moving at half-speed - it is still difficult terrain.
Okay - waiting on Waiph!
So far you guys are all charging off the 1/2 mile to the tunnel entrance.
At full speed run (x4 for full run, according to "Run" in book rules) at half normal speed (via difficult terrain) you move roughly 60 feet a round.
As a mile has 5,240 feet - and half a mile has (clearly) 2,640 feet - it will take you (roughly) - 44 rounds at full run to run to the entrance of the tunnels.
At the end of this round you are now each 60 feet east of your position - except for Arasmes - who (if he flies at full speed) is also only able to move at 60 feet.
With a total of 44 rounds to the tunnels - you know it will take you (roughly) 4.5 minutes to reach the tunnel entrance.
You do not know, however, how fast the thing behind you can move.
You only know that - after Waiph checks in - the creature will be coming behind you.
On the plus size - if Raz is right - based on the relative size of the entrance to the tunnel (being that it was specifically 5 feet wide - as you recall) - it is likely that the creature will not be able to fit through it, if you can get there fast enough.
Will you make it?
Only time will tell...
Okay - waiting on Waiph!
So far you guys are all charging off the 1/2 mile to the tunnel entrance.
At full speed run (x4 for full run, according to "Run" in book rules) at half normal speed (via difficult terrain) you move roughly 60 feet a round.
As a mile has 5,240 feet - and half a mile has (clearly) 2,640 feet - it will take you (roughly) - 44 rounds at full run to run to the entrance of the tunnels.
At the end of this round you are now each 60 feet east of your position - except for Arasmes - who (if he flies at full speed) is also only able to move at 60 feet.
With a total of 44 rounds to the tunnels - you know it will take you (roughly) 4.5 minutes to reach the tunnel entrance.
You do not know, however, how fast the thing behind you can move.
You only know that - after Waiph checks in - the creature will be coming behind you.
On the plus size - if Raz is right - based on the relative size of the entrance to the tunnel (being that it was specifically 5 feet wide - as you recall) - it is likely that the creature will not be able to fit through it, if you can get there fast enough.
Will you make it?
Only time will tell...
Raz can charge while flying so he can move 120' per round if he needs to...he just can't run at x3 or x4. Also did Cali hit with her bite?
Wow, a 24, might actually connect...
Anyway, Clari high-tails it the hell out of there, making for the 5' opening.
Raz can charge while flying so he can move 120' per round if he needs to...he just can't run at x3 or x4. Also did Cali hit with her bite?Okay - waiting on Waiph!
So far you guys are all charging off the 1/2 mile to the tunnel entrance.
At full speed run (x4 for full run, according to "Run" in book rules) at half normal speed (via difficult terrain) you move roughly 60 feet a round.
As a mile has 5,240 feet - and half a mile has (clearly) 2,640 feet - it will take you (roughly) - 44 rounds at full run to run to the entrance of the tunnels.
At the end of this round you are now each 60 feet east of your position - except for Arasmes - who (if he flies at full speed) is also only able to move at 60 feet.
With a total of 44 rounds to the tunnels - you know it will take you (roughly) 4.5 minutes to reach the tunnel entrance.
You do not know, however, how fast the thing behind you can move.
You only know that - after Waiph checks in - the creature will be coming behind you.
On the plus size - if Raz is right - based on the relative size of the entrance to the tunnel (being that it was specifically 5 feet wide - as you recall) - it is likely that the creature will not be able to fit through it, if you can get there fast enough.
Will you make it?
Only time will tell...
I am completely aware that you can attack this enemy with a charge while flying. But you certainly cannot use "charge" - a "combat action" to buff your fly speed to flee.
I don't think that is your intention - but if it is - I should clarify for everyone at this time:
Charging is specifically part of an attack action.
"Charging" is a special "full-round action" that allows you to move up to twice your speed and "attack" during the action. Charging, however, carries tight restrictions on how you can move.
While it is true you can use charge as part of full round action to attack the enemy behind you - you are completely unable to use "charge" to "run away from" this enemy.
So, yes - you can move 120 feet to double back and charge the enemy - but you are not able to "charge" with the Fly spell to run away from an enemy.
Again - I don't think that is your intention - because that would mean leaving your allies far behind and imply that you are suggesting that you intend to use a Combat Maneuver to Run Away from combat. But, if it was - you cannot use a Charge unless you are planning on attacking with an attack at the end of your charge, and in any case, you said you didn't intend to leave your allies behind.
But as this is a point when there may be some doubt on how the rule could be read and may need to be "refereed".
I am going to rule now on this issue that for anyone who wants to use a fly spell, or summon a creature to fly for them, or cast "fly" to go a long distance, or anything like that - that the Fly spell will not let you move at double the usual speed simply by declaring a "charge" and thereby run away, or fly faster to relay a message sooner, or "charge" over a huge ocean to get to the other side faster so you can avoid drowning - or anything else like that.
Unless you are intending to use the ability to charge an enemy as a normal charge attack it won't work.
As for Cali - sorry - she did, in fact, hit.
I should have mentioned that sooner: apologies.
As of now the enemy has suffered:
26 damage -
Cali has suffered a mere:
14 damage + 3 Acid damage. By the way - I think Cali has some sort of defense against acid - is that correct? If so - please let me know.
Meanwhile - the enemy shall use it's attack on Cali at this time - you are now moving (I assume) at full speed - which is 60 feet. At the end of the round you are (roughly) 135 feet away from this creature.
Cali is now "swallowed whole".
She suffers damage from being "swallowed whole" at this time.
Specifically -
normal as well as Acid.
Meanwhile - the creature is going to take a double move and attack Yillim.
It shall attempt to "bite" Yillim in the back.
Bite attack -
IF it hits -
as well as Acid Damage.
To all:
Cali is inside the creature's belly - it has attacked Yillim - and it is now rising above the water by virtue of its size. You can turn and attack it, if you like - but Cali is inside the creature.
I should add that at this distance - being that is now next to you - you can see that is HUGE - it seems like a giant spider...
How odd that you would find one in this cave...
Quick Question for Raz: How high are you from the surface of the water? Again - you have 60 feet from the water to the ceiling - your rate of ascent is half speed, but for now I'm assuming you rushed back as fast as could be and are only out of the water by 5 feet. If that changes though - and you wish to go higher - please let me know.
Yillim reels with the force of the blow at his back staggering a few steps. Greenish blood oozes from the wound and he nearly drops to his knees, but quickly regains himself. Turning, a great ferocity comes over him and his eyes seem almost to light with a red fire, as he steps forward towards the beast, he yells back It is too fast fellows, we must turn and FIGHT!!! With that, his mouth distends somewhat and gnarly fangs quickly grow from his mouth, and soon he is a whirling mass of limbs, blade and shield and teeth lashing out at the creature with great ferocity.