Hunger in the Darkness - Expedition to the Mines of Zolurket (Inactive)

Game Master Mark Sweetman

A desperate attempt to reclaim the ancestral Dwarvish mine of Tar-Urkatha from the darkness that has engulfed it....


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Male Dwarf Trapsmith Rogue

Wait...they've been using the same spot? In that case...

Love reluctantly conceals himself hear the hollow. This is not in my contract.. He thinks as the doomed duo walk past.

Once they are distracted Love slips behind one and deftly introduces it to Hypnos through the medimum of his sap.

Stealth to approach 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21 + 'distracted' modifier, whatever that is. Attack with sap, backstab 1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 + 2 = 18. Damage, backstab 1d6 + 2d6 ⇒ (6) + (5, 2) = 13 nonlethal.


Stats:
AC 20/10/20, HP 35/35, F+3 R+1 W+3, Init +0, Per -1

I'm not sure whether to laugh or cry... wonders Feigr as Love knocks on of the lovebirds upside the head. He waits a moment longer to see the reaction of the other before charging out to the hollow.


Minor Crab-beast

Love's sap strikes home with a wet thump, making the male gnome that is atop the pile go limp... The female seems not to immediately notice, continuing her gyrating and grunting beneath the unconscious cargo.

Pun most definitely not intended... but remains present regardless ;)


Minor Crab-beast

Something broke in my head obviously - that should read male gnoll in the post above...


|| AC 20/T12/FF18 | HP 45/45 | F +6 R +4 W +8 | Init +5 | Perception +12 | Sense Motive +6 | Darkvision 90' || Dwarf (Deep Delver) Inquisitor 6

"Words fail me. I don't suppose anybody finds the irony in a man called Love knocking a pair of gnolls out while rutting? The gnolls I mean."

Female voice: This is not amusing.


Stats:
AC 20/10/20, HP 35/35, F+3 R+1 W+3, Init +0, Per -1

I thought you meant the gnomes ;-)

Feigr barks a short laugh at Padrym's observation and hops up to run over to Love in case the female gnoll has any fight in her.


Female Elf Oracle (Life)/7 Swashbuckler (Inspired Blade)/1 HP 55/65 AC 20/T 14/FF 18 Init +3 Perc +14 Fort +4 Ref +7 Will +7/+9 vs. ench. effects

Cynara hangs back with Khepri, so he has someone with better night vision to guide him. She smiles to herself at the situation. Not quite the blind leading the blind, here, but close.


Goliath Druid 17 | AC 29 w/Barkskin (32 v. Giants w/Barkskin)/14/24 | HP 212/212 | CMD 28 (32 v. Bull rush or trip) | F+18, R+10, W+19, (+2 v. Spells, SLAs, and poison) (+4 to saves v. SLA and SU abilities of giant)| Perc25, Init+4 | Darkvision 60’

Dolgrym observes the situation closely, ready to fire off a volley of spells should the situation devolve.


Male Human Paladin /4 ]Hps 36/36 AC 23 FF 21 T 11 CMD 18 Fort +10, Ref +6, Will +8 Init +1 Per +0

Khepri thanks Cynara for the help. Sneaking around at night is not his strong suit.


Minor Crab-beast

For Love:
Looking over the gnolls you don't make anything of the male, he seems normal enough - but the female has a few markings about her ears and arms that might peg her for a higher class of breeding.... chief's daughter / wife perhaps?

Have had a head cold, so heading for some early sleep tonight - Love's got the choice of a second thump for the lady or lettin her find out and start with the screaming.


Male Dwarf Trapsmith Rogue

Second strike it is. Please insert joke about 'la petite mort' here. Attack with sap, assuming backstab still applies. 1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 + 2 = 16 hit? Damage 1d6 + 2d6 ⇒ (3) + (2, 6) = 11. Hmmmmm that might have been the wrong choice.


Minor Crab-beast

Love's sap flashes out and sends the female to the same place as the male - the sleep of the insensate. He stands up, looking down at his quarry... and begins to wonder exactly what to do with two naked gnolls still joined in the act of unconscious congress...

Both out cold - no sign of reaction from the camp. Over to you.


|| AC 20/T12/FF18 | HP 45/45 | F +6 R +4 W +8 | Init +5 | Perception +12 | Sense Motive +6 | Darkvision 90' || Dwarf (Deep Delver) Inquisitor 6

Padrym stumps up as quietly as he can.

Stealth 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (10) - 2 = 8

"Well Love you certainly sorted those two out, but why knock them out instead of kill them? Of course I could do it with one swing of Magatha here if you'd like. Knowing you I assume you had a plan."


Stats:
AC 20/10/20, HP 35/35, F+3 R+1 W+3, Init +0, Per -1

"Going to wind up killing them sooner or later. But, let's hear your plan."


Minor Crab-beast

Just a note that you're able to sneak up to where Love laid out the lovebirds without risking drawing attention and carry out a quiet conversation. Gaelthrin and the other dwarves will hang back in the tree line unless specifically called forward.


Female Elf Oracle (Life)/7 Swashbuckler (Inspired Blade)/1 HP 55/65 AC 20/T 14/FF 18 Init +3 Perc +14 Fort +4 Ref +7 Will +7/+9 vs. ench. effects

"As long as we're here and the gnolls are expecting to hear movement, why don't we take out some of those observation posts if they're close enough?"


Male Dwarf Trapsmith Rogue
Padrym Steelribs wrote:

Padrym stumps up as quietly as he can.

Stealth 1d20-2

"Well Love you certainly sorted those two out, but why knock them out instead of kill them? Of course I could do it with one swing of Magatha here if you'd like. Knowing you I assume you had a plan."

"Take a look at them...Take a good lock at her.

See the body art on the ears and arms? That's decent work. It took some cash, some status. So she is either big or somone big cares about her. If she goes missing six more kinds of hell will break out than if lover boy takes the big sleep. Also I hate killing people. call it a character flaw."

Love returns the sap to his bely and stands back from the concussed pair.

"Do what you want but hurry. They won't stay out for ever."


Goliath Druid 17 | AC 29 w/Barkskin (32 v. Giants w/Barkskin)/14/24 | HP 212/212 | CMD 28 (32 v. Bull rush or trip) | F+18, R+10, W+19, (+2 v. Spells, SLAs, and poison) (+4 to saves v. SLA and SU abilities of giant)| Perc25, Init+4 | Darkvision 60’

"So do we want to send her back to camp in a tizzy? If we were to hold her or eliminate her right now, I'd expect the party send to check it out, would be more larger than if we just dealt with the male."


Male Dwarf Trapsmith Rogue

Love shakes his head sadly.
"Use you hatstand Sparky. If someone threatens something you value you get mad sure but if someone takes it and dangles it in front of you then you get stupid angry. We let loverboy take the news back to papa and we take little miss illustrated here to be the centerpeice of an ambush.
I suggest the giant's hollow. She is tied up in stinky's old campsite and as may bows as we can get are hidden on the surrounding hights. We leave a fresh trail. The dog-boys come running in and we fire till we are out of bolts.
Or
We stash the Missus in the giant's cave and leave a good trail. Dog-boys will know it's a trap so they move in force to rescue her. While they are gone we hit the mine as hard as we can. Let them face the fortifications when they return.
At least that is what I would do. But I am a tomb-breaker, you lot know more about fighting than I do."


|| AC 20/T12/FF18 | HP 45/45 | F +6 R +4 W +8 | Init +5 | Perception +12 | Sense Motive +6 | Darkvision 90' || Dwarf (Deep Delver) Inquisitor 6

"It's true enough Love, but a good fighter knows he needs a good plan first. I like your second one. Let's tie her up in the cave and then take out the fort while they're gone. It's a change of plan but there's not a dwarf alive doesn't know how to take or hold a fort."


Minor Crab-beast

One more vote for 2nd option and that's quorum.
My assumption would be that you'd hide in the copse of trees and watch as they hopefully go by you?
Will wait on confirmation of option then advance plot tomorrow (Sunday) when I next get online


Male Human Paladin /4 ]Hps 36/36 AC 23 FF 21 T 11 CMD 18 Fort +10, Ref +6, Will +8 Init +1 Per +0

I'm good for the second option.


Stats:
AC 20/10/20, HP 35/35, F+3 R+1 W+3, Init +0, Per -1

"Hate to be a naysayer, but that plan worries me. I have no doubt we'd take the fortifications, but I fear it could be the end of the rest of the caravan if the gnolls realize they are there. Especially if they get their friends from the east. I'd rather trap them in the hollow...or the bat cave...and let our full force fall on them. Then take the weakened fortifications and move everyone in together."


Female Elf Oracle (Life)/7 Swashbuckler (Inspired Blade)/1 HP 55/65 AC 20/T 14/FF 18 Init +3 Perc +14 Fort +4 Ref +7 Will +7/+9 vs. ench. effects

"It's defeat in detail, Feigr. We take out the stay-at-homes (if we're strong enough, of course), then rest up, heal ourselves, and ambush the rest of the gnolls when they come back. It's then that the caravan would have to hurry to get to the fortifications before another party came calling from the east."


Stats:
AC 20/10/20, HP 35/35, F+3 R+1 W+3, Init +0, Per -1

"All right, seems risky to me, but since the rest of you seem to be in agreement, I'll go along."


Goliath Druid 17 | AC 29 w/Barkskin (32 v. Giants w/Barkskin)/14/24 | HP 212/212 | CMD 28 (32 v. Bull rush or trip) | F+18, R+10, W+19, (+2 v. Spells, SLAs, and poison) (+4 to saves v. SLA and SU abilities of giant)| Perc25, Init+4 | Darkvision 60’

Dolgrym wasn't sure of the plan, either, but was getting eager for some plan to be taken. "Let's do this then. Lead them the opposite direction from us, so they won't find the site, even if something backfires in our assault"


Male Human Paladin /4 ]Hps 36/36 AC 23 FF 21 T 11 CMD 18 Fort +10, Ref +6, Will +8 Init +1 Per +0

Weren't the gnolls ignoring one direction? The south I think? We could have them come up that way as the gnolls go another.


Female Elf Oracle (Life)/7 Swashbuckler (Inspired Blade)/1 HP 55/65 AC 20/T 14/FF 18 Init +3 Perc +14 Fort +4 Ref +7 Will +7/+9 vs. ench. effects

IIRC, the gnolls were pretty-much ignoring the direction the caravan came from.


Stats:
AC 20/10/20, HP 35/35, F+3 R+1 W+3, Init +0, Per -1

"I agree. It is minimal risk. Let's proceed with the plan Love suggested. Who is best at laying an obvious path and then none at all? I fear it may be you again Love."


Minor Crab-beast

I've got the gist of the plan down and will have the lead-in post up tomorrow when I get a chance at work.


Minor Crab-beast

The group drags the female from the arms of the gnollish embrace to drag off towards the giant's hollow. As you start to move Gaelthrin comes forwards with one of the dwarves more skilled in landscraft. Being filled in on your revised plan, she mulls it a few seconds before nodding assent. She sends the ranger dwarf with you so as to assist with the doctoring of the trail laid. Not unskilled at treacking herself, Gaelthrin covers any tracks between the copse of trees and the rutting field so that there is but a single path away.

The female gnoll is heavy to drag, but you don't mind that her legs become bloodied and raw from the earth. She awakens in pain as you near the hollow, but a stout smack with Love's sap sends her back to oblivion. Moving into the hollow where the giant was laid low, you find it as you left it.

Can I get a confirmation of how you stage the hollow as a retrospective post?

Returning to Gaelthrin, task completed, you begin the long wait until the alarm is raised. You find out from her that the male awoke after an hour or so napping in the dirt and did not cry out for help or make much of a fuss before moving back to the encampment. With some worry as to whether your ruse will take root - you sit... and wait.

Dawn comes, and with it an improvement of sight and vision that shows the camp has seemingly not varied from it's usual schedule. However about an hour after the first rays of light - raised voices can be heard from within the camp.

Hearing Perception DC 18:
There are yells in gnollish of Where... boy... get hunters... - which would suggest that the bait has been taken...


|| AC 20/T12/FF18 | HP 45/45 | F +6 R +4 W +8 | Init +5 | Perception +12 | Sense Motive +6 | Darkvision 90' || Dwarf (Deep Delver) Inquisitor 6

I think we just leave the female in the hollow, trussed arm and leg and inside one of the lizard cages, but not muzzled. That should accomplish what we want.

Perception 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12

Padrym waits, Magatha at the ready. He has been ready for combat all night, but so far the gnolls have disappointed him.


Stats:
AC 20/10/20, HP 35/35, F+3 R+1 W+3, Init +0, Per -1

Much as I'd like her to draw them in with a call, I'd rather not risk her spotting us up on the high ground and telling them its a trap. I like everything but that.

Perception 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (15) - 1 = 14

Feigr rises before light and takes his usual long drink of whiskey before dressing for battle. Hearing the voices, he strains to hear if the gnolls are coming, but cannot make out the voices.


Male Human Paladin /4 ]Hps 36/36 AC 23 FF 21 T 11 CMD 18 Fort +10, Ref +6, Will +8 Init +1 Per +0

Could we have a dwarf guard her? Maybe one that could passably mimic a gnoll's voice. That way "she" could call out and the dwarf could make sure she doesn't get rescued if things go bad.


Minor Crab-beast

Feigr - I had thought that the decision was made to attack the fort while any rescue party was away? - so there shouldn't be any risk of her spotting you?

The noises of the camp intensify over a few minutes and you spy snatches of what looks like preparations for moving out. Soon after a group of ten gnolls moves out from the camp and towards the rutter's hollow. Most of the gnolls appear to be rank and file warriors, though there is one large specimen that draws your attention. Large and muscular the gnoll carries himself with authority and moves with an easy gait across the earth. He has a polearm secured upon his back and is wearing a well made breastplate. One hand is grasping the male that you caught in flagrante delicto during the night.

The group has a pair of hyena with them ranging to the sides of them as they advance. Your breath shortens as you think the hyena might pick up on your scent... but any move that they take to the side is barked at by the gnolls - keeping them focused close in on the lover's spot. They linger a few moments with hushed tones outside of the range of your hearing before setting off towards the giant's hollow and away from you.

Sense Motive DC 15:
The group is warier than they were initially, but seem to have taken the bait...


Stats:
AC 20/10/20, HP 35/35, F+3 R+1 W+3, Init +0, Per -1

D'oh, there I go forgetting the plan. Thanks :)

Sense Motive 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17
Feigr waits for them to move away and then says "Looks like they took the bait. But they look cautious. That might actually work to our benefit. Let's go!" While he waits for the others to ready themselves, Feigr busies himself calling on the dwarves of old for armor against the gnolls. Casts shield of faith.


|| AC 20/T12/FF18 | HP 45/45 | F +6 R +4 W +8 | Init +5 | Perception +12 | Sense Motive +6 | Darkvision 90' || Dwarf (Deep Delver) Inquisitor 6

"As you say Feigr, let us move quickly."


Female Elf Oracle (Life)/7 Swashbuckler (Inspired Blade)/1 HP 55/65 AC 20/T 14/FF 18 Init +3 Perc +14 Fort +4 Ref +7 Will +7/+9 vs. ench. effects

Hearing Perception check: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21
Sense Motive check: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8

"They're taking the bait and sending out a hunting party. Gaelthrin, we'll go in as soon as they've been gone for ten or fifteen minutes." How long will it take the party to reach the fortification?


Minor Crab-beast

You're close - so a matter of a 10 to 15 minutes only to get at the fort's walls.

The ruined fort and encampment loom before you as the next target of your desperate plan. The camp and associated buildings sit just outside of the mine's main grand entrance, and the major structures cover an area of roughly 150ft wide by 120ft deep. There are tents and other minor buildings that range out a little further, but by and large the area is reasonably compact.

The most intact area of it is upon the Eastern flank, where the wall is still standing. If you approached from that side you gauge you'll be close before they realise you are there - though it will act as a choke point of some kind as you'll need to move out and around the wall.

The central channel has a few knee high rocks and camp detritus, but is reasonably free and open. Coming through this avenue gives you the most freedom of movement, but you'll risk discovery earlier as you come across the open ground before the camp. This is also the area that

The Western flank is similarly devoid of major fortifications, though there is a bit more rubble to hide behind. You'd have to circle a little wider across the valley to get there, but from Love's recon it is likely the least defended section of the camp.

You can come from two or three prongs if you like - or other options (like over the walls, or hiding behind twigs and branches), this is just to give you an idea to frame the approach.


Goliath Druid 17 | AC 29 w/Barkskin (32 v. Giants w/Barkskin)/14/24 | HP 212/212 | CMD 28 (32 v. Bull rush or trip) | F+18, R+10, W+19, (+2 v. Spells, SLAs, and poison) (+4 to saves v. SLA and SU abilities of giant)| Perc25, Init+4 | Darkvision 60’

"It's Love's call. He knows more about the camp than the rest of us, but it seems the western approach might be the best option. I could use the rubble to fire missles from."


Male Dwarf Trapsmith Rogue

Perception, canny 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (15) + 11 = 26. Sense motive 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8. Rats, don't speak gnoll so I only heard a commotion.

Very quietly after they have gone by. "The big one with the long axe wasn't the chief but he was the only real warrior I saw outside and I'd say that was more than a third of their fighting force and half their hyenas. This is the best shot we'll get so if we are going to do this we need to move. I am no warrior but I think our main goal has to be to take the outer fortifications before this group returns."

Same question as Cynara. Plus how were the rank and file Gnolls armed and armored?


Minor Crab-beast

Rank and file gnolls were armed with chain or leather, shields and a spear. Back-up handaxe on their belt loops.

Edit: The gnoll with the polearm that is out with the hunting party is not the same as the scarred one Love saw during recon.


Female Elf Oracle (Life)/7 Swashbuckler (Inspired Blade)/1 HP 55/65 AC 20/T 14/FF 18 Init +3 Perc +14 Fort +4 Ref +7 Will +7/+9 vs. ench. effects

"I would counsel the eastern approach, since we have the strength to fight our way past a chokepoint, but the western flank would be acceptable."


Male Dwarf Trapsmith Rogue
DM - Voice of the Voiceless wrote:
Rank and file gnolls were armed with chain or leather, shields and a spear. Back-up handaxe on their belt loops.

So no bows, crossbows or throwing spears? Only the axe and the one spear for ranged weapons?

DM - Voice of the Voiceless wrote:


[ooc]Edit: The gnoll with the polearm that is out with the hunting party is not the same as the scarred one Love saw during recon.

Oops, sorry guys. That means there is still at least one good fighter in the fort.


Male Dwarf Trapsmith Rogue
DM - Voice of the Voiceless wrote:
Rank and file gnolls were armed with chain or leather, shields and a spear. Back-up handaxe on their belt loops.

So no bows, crossbows or throwing spears? Only the axe and the one spear for ranged weapons?

DM - Voice of the Voiceless wrote:


[ooc]Edit: The gnoll with the polearm that is out with the hunting party is not the same as the scarred one Love saw during recon.

Oops, sorry guys. That means there is still at least one good fighter in the fort. So a mix of good and bad news really.


Female Elf Oracle (Life)/7 Swashbuckler (Inspired Blade)/1 HP 55/65 AC 20/T 14/FF 18 Init +3 Perc +14 Fort +4 Ref +7 Will +7/+9 vs. ench. effects

If that one fighter tries to hold a gap against the party, Khepri can smite him and Cynara can keep Khepri healed while they fight.


Minor Crab-beast

For the gnolls that left - yes, it looks as though they were lacking any real ranged weaponry.


Stats:
AC 20/10/20, HP 35/35, F+3 R+1 W+3, Init +0, Per -1

Didn't realize we were still that far out. Will wait to cast until we're just outside and ready to go in.

"I'm with Cynara for the eastern approach, but if others think the western approach is best, I'll go along."


Minor Crab-beast

Gaelthrin pipes up as the dozen dwarfs get ready to move "We'll be a coming in from the East... ain't much chance of us moving elsewhere without being made. You want us in hard on your heels? - or with a bit of space between?"

The dwarfs do have light crossbows with them, but at Gaelthrin's words it looks like they'll forsake them for getting up close and personal.


|| AC 20/T12/FF18 | HP 45/45 | F +6 R +4 W +8 | Init +5 | Perception +12 | Sense Motive +6 | Darkvision 90' || Dwarf (Deep Delver) Inquisitor 6

"Give us a minute Gaelthrin. We'll move into camp from the East and when they surround us we'll be the anvil to your hammer."

Padrym looks around.

"Just don't wait too long."

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