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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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’

"I have been waiting to re-enter the mine. I would be happy to do so,and I can think of a particular were-beast we need to remove."

Sense Motive 1d20 ⇒ 14

Noting the dwarf's worried face, Dolgrym notes, "...and we'll try to bring back a sample of that black rock as well."


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's Sense Motive bonus is +8; even with a -5 penalty for poor vision, she'd still make it automatically. Doubtless Gaelthrin's slight intake of breath was enough to register to the elf's keen senses.

"That's what we're here for, sir. You know about how long you have, and even if their foul priests call forth the ghosts of the dead gnolls to question they only saw the five of us.

"We should tell Love all that we heard when he gets down from his post." She smiles crookedly. "Doubtless his...unusual approach to matters will riddle out more from what we heard than we realized."


Male Dwarf Trapsmith Rogue

Sense motive bonus of +5 so auto-pass as well. Gaelthrin is not exactly a stone face.

DC 24 Sense motive:
Love is also shocked by mention of the black stones. Bluff check1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24 do not play poker with this dwarf!

"Hmmm rock and a hard place, huh. Wouldn't be the first time. "

Love considers for a moment.

"Dog-boys are not known for siege tactics so they may not bring much in the way of supply...The dogs that were here were getting some food from the mine. We'll try to cut that off so worst case you can just turtle up and wait them out. Assuming your supplies are good that is."

To Stonebrow
"About the mine. We are pretty much at a stalemate right know. Each side has shown some strength and we have something like a border. We cross that and all bets are off. The smart play for them would be to let us go by and start picking you off one by one again. I'll be more than happy to get stone over my head again but are you positive you want to kick this particular hornet's nest right now?"


|| 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

Sense Motive DC 4: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11
Sense Motive DC 24: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

"We may have little choice Love. We're here and, as you say, they'll start picking us off one way or the other. Better to take the fight to them and let our employer deal with the gnolls if we aren't here."


Minor Crab-beast

Stonebrow nods at Love's words - though his eyes are slightly tired "Aye... I would advise against a force of arms and reclamation - but there would be much to gain from proper reconnaissance. Find out where the powers have laid their camps and find what the balance of power is between them... we have yet to see any of the abominations that have given Zolurket it's name. Are they in the surface tunnels? or have they retreated to the lower tunnels where they lie in wait? We need to know more." sighing before adding "I would suggest you enter during daylight and return to the fort before nightfall. You may not see the sun within, but the rise of the dark would still give them power."

Zolurket - dark death


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

"Yes, yes...checking maps, as well as possible social divisions to be exploited...there appeared to be an alliance of sorts between the gnolls and the dark stalkers, but the wererat may be part of another faction. Besides, there's food down here somewhere; perhaps we can trade for some and stretch out our supplies." I only hope we don't get cut off inside the mine, if this Tide of Lamashtu is as strong as Frakr said. Somehow, though, I don't think the Powers will allow Stonebrow to be denied in his quest.


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

Even Khepri caught that with his +4 to sense motive

Khepri will search out Gaelthrin later when she is alone and ask her, "I know you are afraid of whatever this black rock is. Could you please tell me what you know of it so we can be prepared? We already face too much unknown heading into the mines, so anything extra we can learn might make the difference between success and death."


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

Sense Motive (Gaelthrin) 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
Knowledge (History) 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22

Feigr ponders the rocks, Where have I heard something like that before, I'm sure I have heard of them. He's so deep in thought, he nearly misses the tell from Gaelthrin.


Minor Crab-beast

Feigr pores over what he knows of the first age of Tar-Urkatha and what he recalls gives him pause. There were reports of a black rock, crumbling beneath ones touch that bore a high bounty of gems and crystals. But it was when these veins of rock were tapped that the fall of the mine came. Many who fled the halls swore that the stone itself were cursed... and blessed with dark necromantic power.

Khepri:
Gaelthrin's face is pinched with tension as she looks around to check for eavesdroppers. She confides "I am not one who can hide her thoughts. This news worries me... it is believed that rocks of black were the cause of the fall of Tar-Urkatha to darkness..."


Male Dwarf Trapsmith Rogue

Love strokes his beard
"So an early start it is. We best get some rest now and start in at dawn."

Thinking: Hmmm are they scavenging the rocks or is someone still working down there?


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

When Feigr can speak with the group quietly, he shares "This news of the black rocks troubles me. I remember rumors whispered in Solku. Stories of a crumbling black rock that held many valuable gems, but may have also had dark power, perhaps even necromantic power. I worry that these Lamashtu worshiping gnolls have found a way to make use of it. I'm not sure how this information may help us, but I am sure we need to stop them."


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’

"Maybe when we scout out the mine, we can get a sample, and give it some study to see if we can tell anything about its power...assuming that it has power."


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

"Deep down I feel it does have some dark power to corrupt, though my heart wishes it to be just a fable. Not only do we have to beware the evil creatures that is infesting the mines, but also have to worry about this stone. Our task grows more daunting! Yet even so, I have an even greater longing to get inside and begin its cleansing."


|| 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 haven't heard of this stone before, but we will overcome it as all other threats before us."

Know you anything of this?


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 don't believe I've ever heard of this black stone, although it most definitely sounds like the sort of thing that we don't want getting out into the surface world. I wonder if this has anything to do with the tales I heard in Solku, of orcs and tattooed gnolls making common cause."


Male Dwarf Trapsmith Rogue

"I heard the same."

Love scritches at his sparse beard.

"S'pose this means we need to take the mine before they get organized. I hate time limits."

"This job just keeps getting better."


Minor Crab-beast

Gaelthrin adds "I can't spare any dwarves to join ye, but we can help with gear. I think it's best we keep ourselves at task on the fort. We'll keep an eye on your jackal friend while you're below as well, he's proving quite useful."

Just need to know what time of day you decide to head in, what preparations are made - and importantly how you account for a light source for Khepri.
You've access to mundane items from the dwarves - such as hooded lanterns, parchment, sunrods, etc. - and perhaps some minor magics (though these would need to be cleared past me).


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 was hoping at some point to get googles of night or something similar, but until then if someone has a light spell, or sunrods I suppose. Maybe I can inquire with the dwarves for ideas to affix a sunrod to my shield or helm or something similar.


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

"While it is still early and it pains me to wait another day, I think we should rest and head into the mines at first light with all of our resources. Perhaps we can work on a way for Khepri to see while we prepare."
Knowledge (Engineering) to see if I can help rig a sunrod to Khepri's shield with a reasonably easy means of swapping it out. Take 20 for a 25


|| 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 agree lads, morning is best, we'll catch them all napping from an evening of skulduggery."

If I remember correctly there is a piece of equipment called a torch bracket that affixes to shields, shouldn't be hard to create or find such a thing in the baggage.


Male Dwarf Trapsmith Rogue
Padrym Steelribs wrote:

"I agree lads, morning is best, we'll catch them all napping from an evening of skulduggery."

If I remember correctly there is a piece of equipment called a torch bracket that affixes to shields, shouldn't be hard to create or find such a thing in the baggage.

Yup as well as a helmet spile for candles. Would suggest a bullseye lantern for the shield though. We also have the jackelware. Could be a torchbearer. Love will not suggest this cause he doesn't trust him but there it is.

"Dawn would be best. How far in is the entrance to the upper galleries? If we could get our back to those the gnolls could whistle in the wind as far as attacking us goes."

"For today we rest, eat, and pack. Make sure we have plenty of rats, water, and arrows. Double check everything. I know we are only planning to go in for a look-see but who knows what we will find."

Love begins emptying out his pack, following his own advice.

Adding a light mace and some ammo (10 sling bullets, 20 bolts) to his supplies. Could you please clarify that bit re: magic items. Are we talking level one potions here? Scrolls? Masterwork items?


Minor Crab-beast

Magic items are along the lines of 1st level potions / scrolls or low cost (sub 500gp) utility gear (like feather tokens). - though you'll need to check with me and potentially justify it to Gaelthrin and Stonebrow.
Mundane items are limited to sturdy dwarf make only - so no masterwork.

Feigr and Khepri easily jury-rig a means for setting a sunrod into the face of Khepri's shield - or torso - or helm. Nabo clusters around while you work, interested and acting as a runner for supplies from the camp as and when needed.

Remember - it's likely to be pitch black within. Something like a sunrod will be like a flashing neon sign of your location. A bullseye lantern is much more discrete for general exploration purposes - as the light is easier to shield and control.

The camp rings throughout the day with the muffled thump and crack of hammer on stone. The detritus of the gnoll's occupancy is slowly extricated from the camp and piled a short distance from the fort - ready for a cleansing bonfire. A couple of the other dwarf lasses work at the defiled shrine, gradually cleansing the space and removing the desecrated taint from the room.

Fickle Wind of Fate:
1d100 ⇒ 53

You can retcon / dicsuss whatever prep you like in this space

When night comes, a double watch is kept within and a single without... but the night passes without significant incident and the dawn brings new challenges...


Minor Crab-beast

I'll upload a rough picture tonight of what you know of the halls to date. Essentially there is a massive town size empty space - with four significant offshot areas.
The main area is the Grand Transept; and the offshoot areas are the Stockades, Upper Armories and Treasury. The fourth area leads deeper within the mountain and was an artisinal quarter before the fall.


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 didn't sleep particularly well, knowing what mission was before him today. He was quieter then usual while the others made last minute additions to their supplies. "Everyone else ready," he asks nervously.


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 likewise rearranges her belongings into a daypack (including two days' field rations and a healer's kit), leaving out her bedroll and the like. "How are we doing for silvered weapons?"


Minor Crab-beast

The expedition has a silvered longsword, warhammer and a brace of daggers. Plus silver blanches enough for five doses.


|| 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 am ready when the rest are. Let us begin."

Female voice: We have delayed too long.
Only a little longer, we step within and begin the conquest now.


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

Any chance for a darkvision potion? Might be nice to have one for a must have no light moment

Khepri gets up earlier than normal to pray and make sure to see the sunrise fully one last time


Male Dwarf Trapsmith Rogue

Love adds 2 silver daggers to his kit. "Just in case."

He also finds a small strong box with a good latch or lock and fills it with sawdust. "If they were trading the black rock we might find some. Best to keep it contained."

Love searches the baggage/ checks with Gaelthrin and Stonebrow for any or all of the following:
Universal solvent, 50g/dose One or two doses.

Ungent of timelessness, Ruling needed here, can this be used to stabilize age damaged books/papers/art so they can be transported? If not ignore this request. 150g/dose

Feather token: bird 300g/bird. As many of these as we can get at least one would be nice so we can call for help.

Ioun torch for the vision impaired. 75g

Potions, caster level one 50g/dose

Reduce Person
Enlarge person
Protection from evil
Oil of hold portal
Cure light wounds
Hide from undead
Remove fear.
Oil of animate rope
Jump
Oil of magic weapon.

Obviously I don’t expect to get all/any of these but it’s worth a shot.


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

Feigr sleeps restlessly, the spirits seemingly antagonized by the failure to enter the mines more swiftly. When he joins the group preparing to enter his eyes are red and dark circles line his eyes. He grunts a greeting as he shoulders his pack.


Minor Crab-beast

  • small strong box with a good latch or lock and fills it with sawdust Yes
  • Universal solvent Yes one dose
  • Ungent of timelessness Nope - not really required for any writings you will find
  • Feather token: bird Nope - Dolgrym has the Raven Bracer
  • Ioun torch for the vision impaired Yes
  • Potions, caster level one: available are: 2 x Cure light wounds, 1 x Hide from undead, 1 x Remove fear, 1 x Jump
  • Potion of Darkvision That's a no initially, I have a solution for you in the pipeline - but want to make you stumble in the dark for a little while first ;)

A short time after dawn the group prepares to move out and into the mines themselves. The full encampment stands silent grim sentry over you as you pass - all aware of what you have set out to do... and the dangers that you will face within. No words are exchanged, but there is a palpable sense that the will of the camp moves with you.

Moving through the entrance tunnel your footsteps begin to grow louder as the walls press in. Soon enough you make it to where Stonebrow struck his gladringgar... and find it still free and clear of refuse and not defaced. The silent expanse of the mine stretches out ahead of you and to your left and right.

There are three rough 'roads' that you can follow initially.
Straight ahead - was a larger thoroughfare that stretches into the distance... but ruins are on both sides.
Left and Right both track around the rim of the large cavern that makes up the Grand Transept. One of your flanks will be to stone, while the other is unto ruins.
The Armory is said to be to the far right corner; the Stockades near and left; and the Treasury straight ahead across the Grand Transept.


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

The elf murmurs, "Perhaps we should begin with the stockade; it's closer, so we're less likely to be cut off, and we can be attacked from fewer directions at once."


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
DM - Voice of the Voiceless wrote:


  • Potion of Darkvision That's a no initially, I have a solution for you in the pipeline - but want to make you stumble in the dark for a little while first ;)[/list]
  • Unknown dwarf ancestry emerges to the forefront?

    "Exploring what is nearest does sounds like a good idea, I would hate leaving something behind us and getting cut off."


    || 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 agree, let us head to the Stockade, though I'd like to visit the Armory sooner than later."

    Female voice: My sisters were created to be used, they will not be in the Armory.
    Best to check anyway.


    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

    "Oh, the Armory is high on my little list as well, but I would rather we find out a few things about the lay of the land before we try to challenge the creatures that may have looted a dwarven city's worth of weapons. It would be embarrassing to come this far, only to fall to axes forged by your ancestors...."


    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’

    "I agree. To the stockade." Dolgrym pulls out his wand, increasing his defenses.

    Burn off another charge of Mage Armor wand, leaving 23 charges.


    Male Dwarf Trapsmith Rogue

    Love carefully repacks his gear. Thanks GM. new toys noted.

    To Khepri: "Here, a gift from old Stonebrow." The thief hands the Ioun torch to the Paladin. Remember to add it to your gear.

    To all: "Stockade. Only real choice. Let me take point here. If we get seperated follow the green."
    Love slips about 10-20 feet ahead marking the way at intersections with small chalk marks in out of the way areas.

    Dear leader:
    any sign of the "...black stone seemingly discarded and roughly the size of your fist. It looks soft and crumbly..." that I saw during the previous poke about?


    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

    On my inventory. So is the assumption that I will be using that?


    Male Dwarf Trapsmith Rogue

    It is hands free and never runs out. Don't see why not.


    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

    Except for the times we might want to draw less attention to ourselves. (I know, the idea of a paladin being sneaky is a little incongruous, but there it is.)


    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

    That is my thought too. Of course, I don't mind being the shiny beacon of light that draws attention while the rest of you attack unnoticed! :)


    Male Dwarf Trapsmith Rogue

    Easy enough to put it in a sack when you dont want it. The only real draw back is it can be grabbed in combat so you will want some backup sunrods etc just in case.


    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 have 10 with me, and I have my Warrior of the Holy Light ability


    Male Dwarf Trapsmith Rogue

    Right, light issue covered. :7)


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

    Peace seems to settle over Feigr again as the group enters the mine. It is good to get this underway. There are spirits to send to the forge. "I agree with the plan to proceed to the stockade. That seems to be the sensible choice."


    Minor Crab-beast

    As per usual, weekend time was limited - update inc. in the morning.


    Minor Crab-beast

    Love:
    You've found naught but traces of the stone thus far, merely a pebble here, some crumbled fragments there.
    Will point it out explicitly in spoiler when you find a worthy quantity.

    For Khepri - I've assumed that the bullseye lantern is the primary option for skulking - with the ioun torch shrouded upon your shield.

    The group begins to make it's way hugging the left side of the entry hall. The wall of the chamber appears to have once been decorated with a mural of some kind... but centuries of neglect have rendered it but a shadow of it's former state. You catch fragments that are legible - a bearded dwarf here, a holy symbol of the dwarven gods there but nothing that sheds much light on the context within the whole.

    The other side of the rubble strewn path you walk along is bordered with piles of rocks that must have once been freestanding structures of their own. Little remains of them today though, all having been returned to stone. Despite how well they were built centuries ago... even dwarf made stone breaks under enough pressure.

    Perception DC 16 - Cynara can roll:
    After a hundred feet or so, you note a peculiarity about one of the structures. Behind a partially standing wall you see a patch of ground that is strangely empty of debris or dirt...

    Fickle Hand of Fate:
    1d100 ⇒ 39

    Ahead you see a side street leading deeper into the chamber, while the path continues skirting the side of the mine. You note that there are signs of passage upon the ground leading both ways along the path you follow... but also into the side street...

    Survival DC 14:
    The tracks are booted and from creatures roughly the size of man. The passage is recent, within the last day or so.


    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’

    Perception 1d20 ⇒ 1

    Survival 1d20 ⇒ 20

    "Look at the tracks...booted humanoids, clearly. And they are fresh. I'd bet they were made in the last day or so. Wonder where they came from?]


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

    Perception 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (3) - 1 = 2
    "How you spot things like that Dolgrym, I'll never know. Even now I'm not sure I see what you are. Just seems like disturbed dust to me. Do you think it is from the ratmen or the dark creatures that have been harrying our camp or something else?"


    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

    Perception check: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9

    Once Cynara has the tracks pointed out to her, she asks, "Do they look anything like the tracks in the giant's cave?"

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