| 2 people marked this as a favorite. |
Where's the kaboom? wonders Mort. There was supposed to be an earth shattering kaboom...
Mortimer strains to get a glimpse of anything.
The mine property seems to color up a bit, as several dwarves bark back and forth about fire and fire gut.
The alchemist fire burns for another round, continuing to attract attention.
"Ga-awn and put it out, you dolts!! We're gonna need a proper explanation for scorch marks against the boss's building." The watchtower dwarf shuffles back and forth, but doesn't seem to taking action to descend, now that the others are gathering.
The north building occupant continues to move closer.
Everyone outside the fence can see three dwarves backlit by the alchemist's fire, burning brightly, if fleetingly.
The newest entrant seems a little sleepy. He remains at the corner of the building, looking to and fro, suspiciously.
The other three are moving up on the fire as you desired.
The watchtower guard remains above.
A sixth dwarf guard is no where to be seen.
Tynan watches as the dwarves converge on the fire, feeling the cool smooth surface of the thunderstone in his hand.
That's it, keep on walking. Just a little further...
As the third dwarf moves into the blast radius of the thunderstone, Tynan hurls it into the midst of the group, releasing a thunderous roar in the area.
I hope they're ready to move...
Tynan shifts deeper into the shadows, and pulls out another globe.
The two dwarves first on the scene reel from the explosive sound, clutching at their ears, and looking at each other confusedly, before looking up at the watchtower dwarf accusingly.
Another dwarf bolts from the south side of the northern building, joining the other, as they both start looking about, as the alchemist's fire goes out, leaving the southern building a little charred, but wholly intact.
The thunderstone seems to create internal strife amongst the guards. They seem to be pointing at each other, rather than the shadow that lurks beneath the watchtower itself.
"Ogdol, you son of a weasel, you'll wake the boss!!"
"It wasn't me, Mishen, I swear!! Douthy was with me the whole time!!"
"Luwer, can ya hear me?" "Whadya say, Bevil?? I can't hear a damned thing!!"
Round: 1, Initiative: 19
Weapon Equipped = None
Cold Iron Bullets (4/10), Silver Bullets (10/10)
Conditions = None
Life Link (3) = Mort, Rae, Tynan
Channel Energy (4/7) (DC: 15) (2d6+1)
Amiable Blunder (1/1) (if Diplomacy failed by >5, reroll to avoid worsening attitude)
Ranged Attack: BAB +2, Dex +1 Damage: +0
Spells (Caster Level 3, Concentration +7)
Once per Day: Arcane Mark,
Zero (14): Create Water, Detect Magic, Light, Mage Hand, Prestidigitation, Spark, Stabilize
First (15): (6/6) Bless, Cure Light Wounds, Diagnose Disease, Liberating Command
Ascaria breaks his reverie and he puts the chalk in his hand back in his pocket. So much for a little drawing time!
He walks calmly, as if he meant to be there, his hands hanging out of his vest pockets. He moves his full move along the fence.
Round Surprise, Init 10
Solrisa follows Ascaria, stifling a giggle.
Surprise Round, Initiative 22
AC: 16 (T: 14 FF: 12)
HP: 10/21 (nonlethal)
F3/R6/W0
Melee - +3 / Ranged - +6 (+7 Point Blank)
Condition: Subservient but wary
Equipped: Crossbow
Perception +6/ Know (Dungeoneering) +6 / Know (Local) +7 / Sense Motive +4
Upon hearing the blast, Pillette will move quickly and quietly up to the fence, trying to slip from sight into shadowy spot along the fence that might not be too difficult to climb.
Surprise Round, Init 22
Seeing that a pair of the dwarves seem to have been affected, Tynan turns his attention toward the northern pair. He hefts the thunderstone in his hand, and throws it onto the ground among them.
A second thunderous noise rattles the area.
If that doesn't get them moving, nothing will...
Surprise Round, Init 7
Rae moves with the others, stealthing her stealthiest, though she is not all that stealthy.
As you throw out the second thunderstone, Ogdol and Douthy, both looking up at Mishen, see the stone arcing through the air, and get their hands up just quick enough to shield their ears against the second blast of noise. Their eyes trace the stone's trajectory, and both of them arrive at the same location. As the two dwarves peer into the darkness, their ample brows arch, as they discover you.
"Hey!! There's someone hiding under the tower!!"
Round Surpise, Init 15
Mortimer scales the fence.
Tynan tries and fails to sonically abuse more dwarves. Pillette becomes one with the night, finding fence and shadow to her liking as she readies to climb the fence. Ascaria takes a deliberate nightly stroll along the fence. Mortimer turns trespasser, after vaulting the fence gracefully. Solrisa giggles. Raella closes the distance with the others.
Dwarven words mix with Common, as two dwarves become quite vocal about the presence of an intruder under the watchtower.
"See?!? I told you it wasn't me, Mishen!!! He was right under your ass the whole time, you senseless mole!!"
"Your lips move, but I can't hear what you say, Bevil."
"You chose a poor time to trespass, Shadow Man. Mind explaining why you blew out my friends' eardrums?"
Douthy is speaking directly at you, his hand reaching for his shortsword.
As you clear the fence, you barely catch a glimpse of motion in the watchtower, reassuring you that the dwarf is still caged up there. The building in front of you is lit from within, but seems quiet enough, compared to the ruckus over by the watchtower.
Round 1, Init 22
"Just stay where you are."
Tynan's voice is deeper than normal, as he disguises it. He reveals a tindertwig, tucked in his sleeve, and strikes it on one of the support posts, watching it flare to life.
"No one needs to be injured, but come any closer, and your friend will start feeling the heat." Tynan gestures upward to the guard platform. "I was sent with a message for Ragnolin. Ellival knows all about his plans to try and steal away his silver mine. Back off now, and things can remain nice and peaceful for everyone."
Tynan moves the burning twig closer to the ladder, the light from the flame illuminating the oil-soaked rungs.
"Keep pursuing it, and all bets are off."
HP:22/22
Saves:F3,R7,W2
Round 1, Init 22
AC: 16 (T: 14 FF: 12)
HP: 10/21 (nonlethal)
F3/R6/W0
Melee - +3 / Ranged - +6 (+7 Point Blank)
Condition: Subservient but wary
Equipped: Crossbow
Perception +6/ Know (Dungeoneering) +6 / Know (Local) +7 / Sense Motive +4
Pillette tries to quietly climb over the fence, softly drop to the other side, and to scamper as stealthily as possible to any cover offered by the corner of the building.
She eyes the door warily, looking for signs of any boss or additional comrades emerging.
Round: 1, Initiative: 19
Weapon Equipped = Wand Cure Light Wounds
Cold Iron Bullets (4/10), Silver Bullets (10/10)
Conditions = None
Life Link (3) = Mort, Rae, Tynan
Channel Energy (4/7) (DC: 15) (2d6+1)
Amiable Blunder (1/1) (if Diplomacy failed by >5, reroll to avoid worsening attitude)
Ranged Attack: BAB +2, Dex +1 Damage: +0
Spells (Caster Level 3, Concentration +7)
Once per Day: Arcane Mark,
Zero (14): Create Water, Detect Magic, Light, Mage Hand, Prestidigitation, Spark, Stabilize
First (15): (6/6) Bless, Cure Light Wounds, Diagnose Disease, Liberating Command
Ascaria zips through the entrance while the Dwarves are focused on Tynan. He hopes Tynan knows what he’s doing…
"What, you come onto the Dourstone property, try to strike us all deaf, then you want to give us a message?! You are one daft messenger, you are." Douthy doesn't move forward however, only draws his shortsword. This action is mirrored by Ogdol, who seems to understand a viper under his toes more than Douthy does.
As Tynan engages with the land-based dwarves, Mishen drops down from his position in the watchtower, failing to understand that his ladder has been recently greased with flammable oil. He falls to the ground, prone at Tynan's feet.
"Oof!!"
His eyes grow wide, and he begins to look around, finally understanding exactly who was just below his feet, as his eyes alight upon the once-Shadow-now-Tinder-Man. He has no pressing words, however, with the wind recently knocked from his lungs.
Ascaria effortlessly skirts the impending skirmish.
Round 1, Init 10
Solrisa follows Ascaria, no longer stifling a giggle as stuff has just gotten dangerous.
Mortimer quietly moves for the first door as Ascaria scurries past it and listens for movement within the office.
He silently gestures to encourage the party to hurry forward.
He's prepared to clothesline anything that might come out after the party as they pass the doorway.
Round 1, Init 7
Rae continues to sneak after the others. Her hand twitches on her sap and she has to remind herself that Tynan is supposed to be distracting the dwarves. He seems to be succeeding too.
Tynan bluffs his way into a stalemate. Pillette gains the shadows, almost slipping from her friends' view. Ascaria creeps through the gate, surprisingly stealthily. Mortimer listens on the doorstep, waving to the others when he hears nothing internally. Solrisa and Raella continue to follow close behind, trusting to Tinder Man's distracting ability.
The deaf dwarves, Bevil and Luwer, draw their swords, and begin to move forward, before Ogdol waves them off. They look at Ogdol like dogs that hear a strange sound. Still, they heel.
From the ground, Mishen growls as he gets ready to stand and wipe off. "You've said your piece, but you're gonna say it again, and to Dourstone's face, you coward. Don't worry 'bout me, boys, grab this one before he gets away..."
Round: 2, Initiative: 19
Weapon Equipped = None
Cold Iron Bullets (4/10), Silver Bullets (10/10)
Conditions = None
Life Link (3) = Mort, Rae, Tynan
Channel Energy (4/7) (DC: 15) (2d6+1)
Amiable Blunder (1/1) (if Diplomacy failed by >5, reroll to avoid worsening attitude)
Ranged Attack: BAB +2, Dex +1 Damage: +0
Spells (Caster Level 3, Concentration +7)
Once per Day: Arcane Mark,
Zero (14): Create Water, Detect Magic, Light, Mage Hand, Prestidigitation, Spark, Stabilize
First (15): (6/6) Bless, Cure Light Wounds, Diagnose Disease, Liberating Command
Ascaria moves quickly and, hopefully, quietly, around the building.
(-5 for moving faster than half move)
Round 2, Init 22
"Give my regards to Ragnolin. Ellival would be disappointed otherwise."
With a single fluid move, Tynan pulls the smokestick from his belt, lights it with the tindertwig, and drops it beneath the guard tower.
Thick smoke begins billowing up, filling the area beneath. Making the most of the concealment provided, Tynan moves to the slatted wall and conceals himself in the shadows.
HP:22/22
Saves:F3,R7,W2
Round 2, Init 22
AC: 16 (T: 14 FF: 12)
HP: 21/21
Fort +3 | Ref +6 | Will +0
Melee - +3 / Ranged - +6 (+7 Point Blank)
Condition: Subservient but wary
Equipped: Crossbow
Perception +6/ Know (Dungeoneering) +6 / Know (Local) +7 / Sense Motive +4
Pillette moves forward, looking for a possible way around the buildings, hoping for a route that takes the group on the opposite side from the fire and commotion.
Thinking there may be an option away from the Dwarves, she tries to pitch her voice just enough above a whisper for Mort and the sisters to hear.
"This way is clear." She will then proceed down the side of the building.
Round 2, Init 15
Mortimer motions to the sisters to follow Pillette and Ascaria toward the east corner of the building.
Mishen stands up from his prone position, then barks orders. The dwarves take action.
"Ogdol, moztu ikertu atean!!"
"Cut off the intruder at the gate!!"
"Douthy, niri! Keak exekutatzen ari gara. Kontuz zer da beste aldean, prest !!"
"Douthy, to me!! We're running the smoke. Be ready for what's on the other side!!"
All three dwarves end up on the north side of the tower, but Douthy and Mishen just have time to look at each other, while Ogdol keeps his gaze at the fence, and to the west. Conveniently away from the rest of the party...
Round 2, Init 10
Solrisa follows Ascaria, no longer stifling a giggle as stuff has just gotten dangerous.
Round 2, Init 7
Rae follows Sol, stifling a growl. She keeps her sap in hand, in case someone gets too close.
Round 2, Init 6
Mortimer drops back, following behind Rae.
Tynan obfuscates like a squid, slipping to the fence easily. Pillette encourages the others to keep close and rounds the building. Ascaria covers ground as best he can with his shorter stride. Solrisa, Raella, and Mortimer all continue to circle the north building as well.
The back two dwarves center their attention on the smoke, and the direction their mates just ran, stepping forward slightly to get a better shot at finding the intruder.
"Luwer, you got anything?" "What?!" "Can... you... see... the bastard...?!" "Damn it, Bevil, stop trying to say stuff, I can't hear a blasted thing!! Just... KEEP LOOKING..."
For all their talking, it appears that they are worthless in pointing out the intruder's location...
Round: 3, Initiative: 19
Weapon Equipped = None
Cold Iron Bullets (4/10), Silver Bullets (10/10)
Conditions = None
Life Link (3) = Mort, Rae, Tynan
Channel Energy (4/7) (DC: 15) (2d6+1)
Amiable Blunder (1/1) (if Diplomacy failed by >5, reroll to avoid worsening attitude)
Ranged Attack: BAB +2, Dex +1 Damage: +0
Spells (Caster Level 3, Concentration +7)
Once per Day: Arcane Mark,
Zero (14): Create Water, Detect Magic, Light, Mage Hand, Prestidigitation, Spark, Stabilize
First (15): (6/6) Bless, Cure Light Wounds, Diagnose Disease, Liberating Command
Ascaria hears the dwarves talking and wonders if he should warn Tynan. He decides the man can take care of himself - especially with his invisibility potion - and he runs around the corner of the building straight at the mine as fast has his stubby legs will carry him!
Round 3, Init 22
Tynan glances towards the easternmost building, hoping his companions have made it out of sight, but he sees the large frame of Mort still moving around the building.
I hope this works...
Tynan bolts from his hiding place, moving along the fence at a rapid pace, drawing the dwarves away from Mort and the others.
HP:22/22
Saves:F3,R7,W2
Round 3, Init 22
AC: 16 (T: 14 FF: 12)
HP: 21/21
Fort +3 | Ref +6 | Will +0
Melee - +3 / Ranged - +6 (+7 Point Blank)
Condition: Running
Equipped: Crossbow
Perception +6/ Know (Dungeoneering) +6 / Know (Local) +7 / Sense Motive +4
Seeing Ascaria take off, Pillette scampers after, running as far as halfling legs will take her.
Mishen and Douthy pair up to chase Tynan down the fence, running full out to surround Tynan. Mishen seems to think twice, not running directly by the intruder, cautious to not get injured in the process. Douthy runs straight at Tynan, succeeding in closing the distance.
Ogdol remains close to the gate. All eyes are watching with interest to the west, apparently ignorant of the other intruders to the east.
"Ez hil, Douthy. Ragnolin erakusten hitz egin ahal zion behar dugu."
"Don't kill him, Douthy. We need him able to talk when Ragnolin shows up."
Round 3, Init 10
Solrisa saunters after Ascaria, double moving.
Round 3, Init 7
Rae slips quickly after the others, sap still in hand.
Round 3, Init 6
Mortimer high tails it after the others, sticking as much to the shadow as he can.
Tynan draws dwarves away, keeping their ire and attention focused squarely on his shoulders. Pillette and Ascaria press the full length of their little legs, almost fully gaining the mine entrance. Solrisa and Raella follow in the wake of the little ones. Mortimer brings up the rear.
Luwer and Bevil, the deaf rear guard, hold position, all outward signs demonstrating unawareness of the flank infiltration.
Round 4, Init 22
These guys were faster than I thought...
Tynan takes a step back, then quickly pulls out a small vial, pops the cork off with a flick of his thumb, and downs the liquid in a single gulp. A wash of magic flows through him, and he feels himself fade from sight.
I could REALLY get used to this...
HP:22/22
Saves:F3,R7,W2
Round 4, Init 22
AC: 16 (T: 14 FF: 12)
HP: 21/21
Fort +3 | Ref +6 | Will +0
Melee - +3 / Ranged - +6 (+7 Point Blank)
Condition: Wary but Hurried
Equipped: Crossbow
Perception +6/ Know (Dungeoneering) +6 / Know (Local) +7 / Sense Motive +4
Pillette moves towards the mine, her eyes scanning the entrance, hoping she would spot any tripwires, traps, or locked barriers.
With Tynan's strategy, the dwarves look downright surprised as Shadow Man up and swigs his vial, and disappears from sight. Mishen forgets to communicate with Douthy in Dwarven, he's so flustered.
"Grab at him! He's still gotta be here somewhere!!"
Both dwarves drop their shortswords, and grab frantically at the air.
Alas, they flounder more than 'found-him'.
Almost in the same instance, the rest of the infiltration enters Dourstone Mine Proper, with Pillette assuring the others of its safe passage. Tynan manages to climb the fence without further complication. Pounding on the fence can be heard by all, as well as some choice expletives that Ascaria can share with the group, when it's convenient.
Without droplets of blood to give away Tynan's return to the Dourstone Property, Tynan easily avoids detection, lingering only briefly to understand the extent of the hornet's nest he so recently kicked.
Mishen waves impotently at the smoke still lingering around his watchtower. Douthy and Ogdol are checking on Luwer and Bevil, shaking their heads to acknowledge their persistent deafness.
Ogdol keeps his voice low, while addressing Mishen. "So, you think the message has weight? Wouldn't want to be the one's got to tell it to Ragnolin."
Mishen scowls, and eventually answers. "You, Douthy, and me. We heard it. Luwer and Bevil weren't so lucky. Hells, Dunn's none the wiser, as long as he's still feeding. Just give me some time to think on this..."
You gain the Mine Entrance with no further interruptions...
The Mine Entrance itself is dark, but at least the moon's light allows for a quiet slipping in. Solrisa is able to see into the tunnel enough to allow the others room.
Tynan pauses and listens closely to Mishen's words, trying to surmise if his hesitance might be somehow related to the cult below.
-----
Tynan catches up with the others, and rather than startling the already wary group, he gives a low whisper, his voice seeming to come from nowhere.
"I'm here. We should probably move onward. I don't think they'll be heading this way any time soon, but better safe than sorry."
Sol softly squeals with delight as they make it in safely.
"Oh, that was fun! And we might do it again on the way out!" Sol chirps as she removes her backpack to retrieve and don her armor and shield. "Tynan, I knew you could do it!"
Sol dresses and waits for the party to get ready before moving forward.
As Mishen debates, you get the feeling his hesitation is likely related to Ragnolin as a boss, and the consequences of having to personally relay the message.
Once the party is well in the mine and out of sight, Ascaria brightens the place up with a little Light. Bearing left, he looks for the entrance to the elevator he knows must be there.
"It's this way." he whispers.
Sol checks her shield by hitting her manfist into it a few times, making sure it is as solid as the armor cladding her body and her impossibly perfect breasts.
"Oh good, light!" Sol coos at Ascaria, as her elven eyes take in the area. "We go this way then? Let's go!"
Sol moves up to look around.
"Rae, remember when you were working down here? Back when you were younger? You never got much seniority, did you? Before...that incident?"
Ascaria pulls up in front of the boarded up corridor, his light radiating gently down the main tunnel to the right.
The boards appear to be fixed in place with a couple of nail taps each. A little elbow grease, and the passage should be easily enough to traverse.
You can hear a voice, coming from the tunnel down and to the right. "That's enough for tonight... can't have you gettin' all fat and sluggish..."
At the end of the speaking, it sounds as though it were getting closer...
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
"Rae, remember when you were working down here? Back when you were younger? You never got much seniority, did you? Before...that incident?"
"Eh. Mining's not the right job for me." Why does she have to bring that up now?!?! If it weren't for her, I'd probably done just fine at mining.
Mortimer moves up toward Ascaria and Sol, his eyes adjusting to the low light.
He points to the boarded up passage.
"You need me to open that, Ascaria?"
"Rae, remember when you were working down here? Back when you were younger? You never got much seniority, did you? Before...that incident?"
"Eh. Mining's not the right job for me."
"You've been down here before?! That's good to know. Has it changed? What happened?" he queries the sisters, trying to imagine what it's like to be a miner, however minor.
Sol begins to look with her dragon's eyes even as she puts a nice smile on her face to greet her new friends coming up the corridor.
"Oh, Mort! We have new friends coming up from that way," Sol points out to Mort.
* * *
When whomever comes into view, Sol will speak.
"Oh, hi! Is there another elevator down? We're trying to get lower."
Ascaria eyes the party briefly and says, "Follow my lead."
He walks past them toward the voices, "Hey, over here! I need your help."
He hopes for a friendly face as he continues, "We need to get down this passage but, as you can see, I'm not with miners today. Any chance you all can clear this passage for me? I don't want this lot messing with it for fear they'll tear the whole tunnel down." he grins widely and with authority.