Once More into the Breach - GMF's Wrath of the Righteous (Inactive)

Game Master Fanguar

A moment, Maeve mutters in the general direction of the pompous nobleman. Glancing towards Horgus, Maeve suppressed a scowl. Nobles would be nobles regardless of where they came from. She had seen what power and authority did to those who possessed it. It could corrupt even the best of people. She herself had nearly fallen to its embrace when she had first gained the blessing of her patron. She did not like this man.

One of us should scout ahead. Sizing each of the others up, her eyes settled on Ruarc. Pointing towards the man who wore the strange blackened armor she nodded to herself. You, Ruarc, you said you could see in the darkness and you seem good with that blade. You should scout. The light will reveal our approach. Taking a piece of copper wire, she ran it around her finger and then fashioned another piece into a makeshift ring before offering to the man. I have a spell that will allow you to speak with me at range. It will last for ten minutes or so before I need to recast it. Plenty of time for you to check both passages to see what lies beyond. Will you accept this? Holding her hand above the bit of copper wire she uttered a silent invocation to her patron before grunting in pain. She felt a bruise begin to form over her left rib. She shook her head and blocked out the dull throb. Her patron's gifts did not come without a price. Gritting her teeth she offered the copper woven ring to the man, holding it between her index finger and thumb. She waited.

Aglamore takes Ruarc's hand. "Aglamore. More pleased to meet you than you could know, Ruarc." The priest doesn't elaborate, but his enthusiasm seems genuine.

"Come, let us get our charges to the surface while there is still a city to defend."

He plunges his longspear into the last maggot, then cleans the weapon while Maeve casts her spell and talks with Ruarc. The woman's plan was a good one, and the priest left them to it. Planning had never been his forte.

Turning to Horgus, Aravashnial and Anevia, he asks a question. In deference to the blind man, he identifies himself first. "This is Brother Aglamore. I know who you are, Lord Horgus. But may I ask who you two are? I think if we are to survive together, it would be best to know who our traveling companions are."

After shaking Aglamore's hand and nodding in agreement, Ruarc turns to listen to the scarred woman's plan. "Certainly," Ruarc replies to Maeve when she's finished, taking the ring and slipping it over his finger. As he does so he notices a silver scale gleaming in the muck stuck to his boot. Frowing, he leans down and plucks it free. Immediately Ruarc can feel the magic of the dragon's scale flowing into him. Wonder what this does? I guess I'll have to figure that out later. He turns back to Maeve and asks, "What must I do for you to hear me?"

Rakeesh fished a bight of cloth from the rubble nearby and cleaned the gore from his blade. He frowned as Lord Gwerm and Maeve discussed the plans for advancement.

"It is a dangerous propsition. I dislike the idea of sending you off on your own. But, I dislike the idea of wandering blindly through these tunnels, as well." Rakeesh stared down each tunnel in turn to the limits of his vision. Finally he shook his head in frustration.

"I suppose reconnaissance is the only option. Take care you do not put yourself in the way of danger." He sniffed at the air, recoiling from the wafting carrion smell. "Is it too much to ask for something as simple as a draft of fresh air to guide us?" he asked to nobody in particular.

Rakeesh walked beside Aravashniel as Anevia guided him towards the tunnel mouth. "Suppose for the moment that St. Clydewell's has fallen... a terrible prospect, I know. If you were rallying a defense, or even just hiding from the onslaught, what would be the most likely redoubt?"

As Ruarc makes his way down the tunnel...

Rakeesh paced the tunnel mouth and glanced impassively up the cavern's length willing his eyes to see further than he knew they could. Within moments his patience had run its course. "We should follow. I know nothing of these caverns, but they could be a honeycombed labyrinth through the undercity. A few turns would be enough to render anyone disoriented and lost. Demons are overhead, and other creatures of darkness beneath... we should stay together."

Rakessh slung his heavy pack over his shoulders. "I will stay at the front, and do my best to place myself between you and danger."

"As soon as Maeve explains her spell to me I will go alone. It'll be quieter, and I won't go far. When something horrible inevitably spots me, I'll shout," Ruarc says calmly to the paladin, seeing how nervous he seems about the idea of solo reconnaissance. "I normally don't even have someone to shout to." His tone leaves it totally unclear whether he's joking or not.

As soon as Maeve explains the spell, which I think we can assume she does Ruarc heads down the SW passage 100 feet, taking 10 on stealth for a 15 and 10 on perception for a 15. If he comes to any doorways or barriers he will turn back as soon as he sees them. Same goes for creatures. After scouting the SW tunnel he will do the same thing for the NW tunnel and then report back. It'll take him two minutes if the timing's important.

It appears that my last post got eaten.. hm.

At the midway point of the light, Joao stood, having sheathed his sword upon seeing that it was not needed. A pass of his hand brought the scarf down from around his nose and mouth, having seen that the dust was not so bad as to make him cough now. As he stepped back, he noticed something under his foot, and looked down to see a small scale. Curious, he picked it up and was surprised when the knowledge of what it was came to him immediately.

Thoughtful, he tucked the scale into his beltpouch, and looked out into the dark as the others organized themselves. He really was unimpressed by the merchant, and had more respect for the Anevia and the elf whose name was too long for him to recall at present. 'Aravash-something', it was, he believed. He would dwell on why he was saved by a dragon that he did not know later, once they were all out from underground.

Sinking back down into a crouch, he waited for Ruarc to explore.

I think we can assume that Maeve explains the spell. Also not that it matters, but it's NE and SE, apparently I no longer know how compasses work....

Traveling a short distance down the SE passage, Ruarc finds that it opens up into a another small cavern before narrowing again and continuing on. The cavern has one interesting feature: A stone ledge juts out at a right angle on the south wall, fourteen feet off the ground. The leather strap of a backpack hangs from the edge of the ledge, while above, a narrow fissure yawns up into the dark. DC20 Climb check to retrieve

Slinking on through the darkness, he continues to follow the path until he reaches a Y junction with a branch continuing to the east, while another branch heads off to the northwest. Having reached his self imposed 100 foot scouting limit, he returns back the way he came. Stopping only long enough to to deliver his scouting report, he scouts the NE exit. It too continues a ways before widening briefly before narrowing again. This smaller cavern appears to have once served as a campsite or temporary lair. A torn bedroll lies next to the cold remains of a fire. A pile of bones, broken equipment, and rubble lies just past the campsite.

A trio of giant cockroaches have now claimed this cavern as their own. They hiss at Ruarc, clacking their mandibles threateningly, but seem content to leave him be as long as he doesn't come any closer. A few cautious steps backward later, he turns and quickly returns to report his discovery.

"An abandoned campsite? How intriguing!" Aravashnial seems quite excited by the unusual find. "We should investigate it. There might some useful things that were abandoned and we might even learn something about the inhabitants of this underworld."

Horgus spits in disgust, "Are you mad elf? There are more giant bugs over there. I don't see why it's worth risking our skin just so you can pick through a rubbish heap. I say we go out the southern way. It's clear sailing and if we can fish that backpack down, we might even find something useful."

Links to the interactive google drive map or flickr map can now be found on the campaign tab.

"The elf's right, all information could be potentially important," Ruarc counters Horgus. "Lets go handle the roaches."

Another battle as a team wouldn't do us any harm. Maybe this time you won't make a fool of yourself...Whoever was camping there might have had a map. Ruarc leaves his shield strapped tightly to his back and holds Justice in a two handed grip. He heads quietly back towards the cockroaches, assuming at least a couple of the others will follow and too impatient to get back to his sister to care if they don't.

Do we know what the dragon scales do as soon as we pick them up, or does someone need to spellcraft them?

Before Ruarc began to explore…
Nodding at the man’s words Maeve gestured towards the woven band of copper. The premise is simple. The two bands are linked. Merely point in the direction of the intended recipient and whisper your message and as long as I am within range I will hear what you speak. The message also travels two ways and I can reply. Crossing her arms in front of her, the scarred young woman walked with him towards the edge of the passage. Myself and the rest of the group will wait behind you a safe distance, but not so far as that I cannot hear whatever you wish to relay. Glancing back at the other wounded survivors. Maeve sighed. We will need to take our time anyway due to the injured.

Once Ruarc returns.
Silently listening for a whisper from their scout, Maeve considers the options presented. Surprisingly she finds herself agreeing with the nobleman’s words. Its hard to say what might lay in the direction beyond the cavern with the stone ledge. However it is only a short distance away. I think Horgus is right. Currently we are low on supplies and have only what we brought with us. Let’s at least retrieve the backpack before we deal with the cockroaches. Anything of value might help us in the time ahead.

GMF, I think you missed my question for the NPC's, above. I'll ask it again here.

Turning to Horgus, Aravashnial and Anevia, he asks a question. In deference to the blind man, he identifies himself first. "This is Brother Aglamore. I know who you are, Lord Horgus. But may I ask who you two are? I think if we are to survive together, it would be best to know who our traveling companions are."

Rakeesh stood dumbfounded at the cavern mouth. "What information? Does the backpack not contain information?" He gestured towards the southeastern passage, as Ruarc moved quickly down the opposing one. "They are mindless vermin. Yet, they were courteous enough to leave you unmolested. There is no purpose in willfully seeking their destruction."

Aravashniel and Anevia moved together in a more measured pace behind the retreating form of Ruarc. Rakeesh was left standing beside Maeve and Lord Gwerm. "By the Vengeful one's sixth fiery wing! Saving those three is going to get us killed!" Rakeesh hefted his glaive and gave a exasperated sigh before hustling down the passageway to catch the others.

@Aglamore: Sorry I forgot to include that in my last post,
@Ruarc: You know their abilities.

The elf looks abashed, "You are right. I apologize for my rudeness, but I hope you can be forgiving considering the circumstances. I am Aravashnial, a conjurer and dabbler in the mystical arts. I have been been working with the crusaders for a number of years now.

"Sorry Brother, in our haste, it seems that our manners were the first things cast to the wayside," the limping woman says with a wry smile. " My name is Anevia. I guess you could call me a retired adventurer. My partner is a paladin with the eagle watch. I try to leave all the excitement to her these days.'

She clears her throat and raises her voice a little, "If I might chime in. I'm all for you taking out those bugs, but I have no intention of getting within spitting distance of danger when I can barely limp along. You're more than welcome to take out the bugs and I'll shed a little light for you to search their lair, but I'm not going in there while they're still about."

Anevia is your only source of light at the present, so you'll need some other source of light if those without Darkvision want to go fight. OTR: I can't believe that no one has light/dancing lights memorized or bought a lantern. Joao actually bought torches, but RPed them to the foot of his bed in his inn room, which makes perfect sense.

Ruarc will go fight the roaches alone if he has to, but he's betting on at least Rakeesh following him. It looks like the tunnels connect after a short ways, where are the roaches on the map?

Aglamore has torches. They're part of his Cleric's Kit.

Why should Ruarc fight alone? Why fight the roaches at all? Aren't there two routes ahead?

"Alright," Aglamore tells the three. "We are going to get out of here alive and together. But it may take some time. These appear to be dangerous caverns and it may take us some time to advance to the surface. We're all anxious to do it, but we want to arrive there alive, so we're going to be cautious."

"Anevia, you're a former adventurer? Then you likely have more experience at cave-hopping than we do. Don't hesitate to chime in with the voice of experience. Aravashnial, I may ask you to conjure something for us if the situation gets bad. I know you can't see, but if we run across anything particularly mystical, I hope you will lend us the benefit of your knowledge. Please stay with Anevia and let her guide you."

"My lord Gwerm, I know these are not the surroundings you are used to, but we will try to get you safely to your people. Please remain with Anevia and Aravashnial so that we can protect all of you."

"As for the bugs, Anevia, we'll do any fighting that turns out to be necessary, and I have several torches to light our way. Please just try to help Aravashnial along safely."

He shouldn't fight alone, I was just thinking that no one else (except Rakeesh) would be able to see. Ruarc doesn't want to miss anything that might be in the campsite, and is impatient because he's imagining his little sister getting torn to shreds by demons upstairs. So if everyone else wants to go around the bugs and ignore the campsite, he will go kill them himself. If other people are going to help him, then great, the more the merrier.

"This is beneath you, beneath us," Rakeesh whispers as he catches Ruarc. "We are tasked by Ragathiel with destroying great and certain evil in this world. The Empyreal Lord will not praise us for visiting death upon these insignificant vermin..."

Rakeesh continues to prevail upon Ruarc until they reach the campsite. The cockroaches immediately turn and hiss at the noisy approach of the armor-clad guardian.

"Nor will he condemn us for being thorough," Ruarc replies only a single time to the paladin, despite his repeated protestations. Typical paladin, doesn't want to get his hands dirty. He strides directly towards the nearest cockroach and attacks it.

Just waiting on GM. Ruarc doesn't see bugs as a big threat and he's too stubborn to be dissuaded this time.

Pytros finds himself - against his nature - taking a liking to the cleric. The man may have a wholly different mindset about the role of man in the world, but his cautious and meticulous nature seems quite similar to the Hermean's. "I'll take a torch. I've got a free hand for it." He takes one of the flaming clubs in his left hand, glad to have a separate source of light. "As torches and magical light will alert anyone or anything of our approach, scouting by the two angel-blooded among us will be of great importance. As for the immediate choice before us, we will need as many supplies as we can find. We do not know if we will be down here for hours, days, or even weeks. We must search both the abandoned pack and the campsite, even if it means dispatching the vermin. We must do so carefully, though."

Knowledge: Nature 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12

Pytros thinks for a moment, considering the danger of the giant vermin. "A roach of the size that you describe? They carry no disease, and armor ought to protect us if we kill them quickly. A single blow from a strong arm should be sufficient. They are capable of flight, so do not be surprised if they take off with their crude wings. They generally do not attack unless threatened or hungry, but we have no way of knowing how scarce their food supply might be. The prudent move is to surround and kill them."

Can Pytros use the whip to knock the backpack down? He doesn't have Improved Whip Mastery, but he could knock it loose.

If not the whip, I've got a grappling hook and rope. Should be like an AC 5 ranged touch to hit an unattended object or something relatively easy like that. I could probably make the climb DC as well if necessary.

Letting the two lead, Joao felt a bit useless at the moment. He could not scout, and with the three attacking a target, given the skill they evinced, there was little need for him to engage. So he followed along with the rest, letting them do the work for now. At the backpack being mentioned, he thought about what he could do about it, and felt pretty confident that he had a solution. He would see how it played out when they went that way. He had a feeling that this group would not leave this place without exploring almost everything.

As they walked, his mind wandered towards what may be going on in the city above them. They were clearly too far underground to perceive anything-- a mixed blessing-- but where would they find their exit?

Taking a cue from the cleric, he identified himself before speaking. "I'm Joao. I can reach that backpack easily, provided it is not too far away."

That'd be a good thing to do while three of us handle the roaches. Get two birds stoned at once. :P

We advance on the roach motel.

@Pytros:Sure, you can use your whip.

Anevia coughs politely into her fist at Aglamore's suggestion that she might knowledgable about the underground. "Truth be told, I was never much of one for caves, but if you find a locked door or chest, I might be able to give aid."

"She's a damed thief," Horgus mutters under his breath, but fails to get a rise from Anevia.

"I could summon some allies in a pinch," Aravashnial admits, "but I would need to conjure it beside me and it will prove very difficult to direct. It might be best to hold them in reserve until we absolutely need them."

Having decided to deal with the insects the group moves to the NE exit, the party heading towards the trio of insects, while the nobleman and two injured party members wait behind at the tunnel entrance. Reaching the smaller cavern you are greeted by a trio of agitated cockroaches.

Round 1
19 Aglamore
18 Ruarc
14 Pytros
14 Bugs
8 Maeve
7 Rakeesh
4 Joao

The cavern is 40' by 40', so plenty of room to maneuver. The map isn't to scale and I don't feel like remaking it so we'll go mapless again. I do plan using combat maps, but it's not really worth it for 3 bugs you guys will probably 1 shot.

Round 1, Initiative 18

Charge the nearest bug.
Attack (charge, flat footed): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13
Damage: 1d10 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

AC:19
HP:10/10
___________________________________

Ruarc charges one of the cockroaches, his boots scuffing rapidly against the cave's floor. His black cloak streams out behind his shoulders as he raises Justice's steely black blade above his head. No need for sophisticated tactics with these vermin, he thinks leaping the last few feet and bringing his whole weight down with his slash. He nearly misses the skittering insect, but his blade is too swift. He chops the overgrown pest down center of its back, splitting it nearly completely in half. Grotesquely the insect's legs and mandibles continue to move! It's not quite dead yet, though its gooey innards are quickly leaking out through its ruined shell.

Aglamore charges alongside Ruarc, stabbing forward with his longspear at another giant arthropod.

charge attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23 <-vs. Flatfooted AC
roll to confirm crit: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11
damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

End 5' back diagonally from Ruarc. AoO if the bugs advance on Agalamore.

AC 14
HP 10/10

@Aglamore: +2 to hit for charge? If so, then that's a confirm on the crit.

Aglamore charges into the battle and spits one of the the cockroaches cleanly with his spear, it twitches feebly before dying.

Round 1 Init 14
Pytros Whip vs AC13: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19
Non-lethal damage: 1d3 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

Pytros slides into the room and cooly snaps his whip, launching the wounded cockroach from consciousness.

Round 1 Init 14b

The remaining cockroach skitters forward to nip at Ruarc,
Attack: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

but doesn't come close to hitting him.

Round 1, Initiative 8

In the dim light of the cavern, Maeve watched as the other members of the makeshift group charged towards the skittering bugs. Their carapaces glinted in the flickering edges of the magically created light. Their shells seemed to have an dark opalescence about it and their wings flickered almost too fast to be seen. Keeping one hand on the crossbow, the young woman considered raising the weapon and letting loose with a bold but then shook her head. The scars that she bore on her body were painful and tight. She doubted she would be able to make the shot. Instead she closed her eyes briefly and brought forth the ominous power of her patron. Summoning up the wellspring of whispered malice that temped her, she opened her eyes and started into the creature’s soul. Like many beasts it had a rudimentary intelligence. It could know fear. That is what she focused on. Driving her sight into the creature she forced something inside of it to crack like the window pane of a old tavern. Suddenly the motions of the insect became more frantic and unsure. It seemed to leave itself open to attacks when normally it would not. It was afraid.
________________________
SA: Evil Eye on cockroach (-2 AC) Will Save vs DC14: 1d20 ⇒ 4

Round 1, Initiative 4

No action taken

Considering that he was keeping an eye out for any other potential threats that would show themselves, he was surprised when the first attacks from the others did not eliminate the large roaches. Still, he was not going to hasten in to land a blow against the roach, since the others would certainly dispatch it before he would even reach it. So, unworried, he looked at what he could see of the rest of the cavern. Unable to see in the dark, he was handicapped by his dependence on the light.

So far, they had not found anything too threatening, which led him to believe that this area of the caverns that they had fallen into were less than occupied. Hopefully they would discover why that was, and Joao did hope that it was for a more natural reason.

With Rakeesh's spoilered attack, there is only one bug left and he is disabled, so I'm going to call it.

With deadly precision the party descends on the trio of insects and with a flurry of blows and a spay of gore, the fight is over before it even begins. As the adrenalin fades and you dispatch the wounded, you find that once again the Gods have carried you through battle unscathed.

With the former occupants of this chamber dispatched, you are free to explore the abandoned campsite at your leisure. A thorough search of the campsite turns up a torn bedroll, three candle stubs (each can burn for 30 minutes), a bent fishhook, 10 feet of hemp rope, and a copper brooch depicting a bat perched on a mushroom - both of the bat’s eyes are tiny amethysts.

While the campsite is being tossed, Pytros and Joao go to retrieve the backpack from the ledge. A few well placed cracks of his whip frees the pack and Joao nimbly catches it as it falls. Investigating their find reveals it to be a masterwork backpack containing 10 days of trail rations, a flint and steel, a set of caltrops, two flasks of oil, a bundle of 12 arrows, and two potions.

Regrouping, the party shares the fruits of their respective searches.

"Well," says Anevia, "at least we know that we'll get a last meal down here."

"Not funny," Horgus says with a frown. "Now that the great and powerful slayers of vermin are finished, perhaps we might continue looking for a way out?"

Aglamore cleans his spear, then examines the brooch with interest. "Does anyone recognize this? It looks like it might be associated with some subterranean group or cult."

He'll be sure to describe it to Aravashnial.

Ruarc is pleased with the rapid dispatch of the vermin and the group's acquisition of additional supplies. When everyone is gathered examining their finds he says, "Excellent," To no one in particular. "I will scout ahead the same as I did before, Maeve, your spell." He almost commands, extending his copper ringed finger, but at the last second he tacks on a gravelly "...please."

Once Maeve's got the message going on, I'll stealth down the passage another 100 feet, same as before. Any creatures or barriers and I'll stop to report via the spell. When I've gone a hundred feet, I'll whisper back for them to advance that far and then keep going until we find something noteworthy. Perception is 15, so is stealth.

The final roach struggles to move, floundering about on its belly as Rakeesh's blade sheared through its carapace. With a casual spin of the glaive, Rakeesh impaled the insect through its head, completing its destruction. Coup de Grace

"This campsite has not been completely dismantled by vermin or time. How long do you imagine it has been abandoned?" Rakeesh rubbed the firepit's ash between his fingers, turning the consumed remains of the logs over.

Survival (aid another, perhaps?): 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (2) - 1 = 1

Pytros jams his torch into a crevice in the subterranean wall as he tries to snatch the backpack. He recalls his long, arduous hours of training with the whip, learning to utilize every long inch of the weapon. "A whip is more than a simple weapon," he opines to the quiet Joao. "It is an extension of yourself. With practice, it is as reliable as a wizard's telekinesis." He snaps it forward with a deft twist of the wrist, trying to wrap the end of the whip around the backpack's strap. He successfully wraps it around, but the whip unravels when he tries to pull the pack free. He frowns with displeasure. "I suppose I am still in need of more practice with it, then."

He tries a second time, pulling it a bit closer. His third attempt rocks it backwards, then rolls it over the ledge. Joao snatches it out of the air with incredible reflexes, grabbing it by the straps. "Impressive speed," he offers as a compliment. "If there's anything fragile in there, you saved it." His words are quite genuine; if there's anything Pytros learned about leadership, it is that genuine compliments engenders loyalty far more than harsh criticism. Joao hands him over the backpack quietly, letting Pytros look through it. He pulls out the flask of oil and the potions, letting Joao see what his quick reflexes saved.

Knowledge (arcana, local, or religion) 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20

Joao and Pytros return to the campsite. He explains the supplies they recovered, and examines the items salvaged from the campsite. "I suppose that Horgus can carry the backpack with our supplies. Everyone is expected to contribute." He uses the noble's first name intentionally, goading the man a bit with the feigned familiarity. When Aglamore broaches the subject of the brooch, he asks to see it. "May I? I have a fairly broad base of studies. I may be able to identify it."

Standing off to side of the wreckage that was once some sort of camp, Maeve, listened to the others. Horgus in particular had begun to get on her nerves and she already detested the man. No matter she thought scowling inwardly. Briefly the idea of instilling a true sense of fear into the man rolled across her thoughts. They had a dark tinge to them. She smiled, but rejected the idea. It was a useless waste of resources.

Wordlessly, the young woman watched with intelligent eyes as the various contents of the backpack and camp were sorted through before letting her dark brown eyes settled on the two blown glass vials that the group had found among the discarded backpack. Walking forward casually the scarred woman picked up one, holding it up to the flickering light before uncorking it and sniffing the contents. Seeming pleased with herself she reenacted the same motion again.

Gesturing to the two vials she held up the first one. The light reflected off the vial. It was a pleasant shade of blue and smelled faintly of honeysuckle. Maeve knew this because the memory of her first experience with the flower was still fresh in her mind; she had only seen it after she had escaped from the wastes. Honeysuckle did not grow in the wastes. Thorn creepers, death lily and other poisonous plants did, but not flowers. This vial contains a magical draught that will heal wounds. It is not the strongest of its kind, but it will be effective. Glancing at the blind man and the crippled woman, Maeve sighed. It won't restore sight or fix your leg however. Holding up the second vial, the liquid an emerald green she gestured to it. The second will restore fatigue, coordination, strength, health or even intelligence if it is somehow lost to something like poison or a magical spell. They will both be useful.

After the brief description, Maeve nods to the scout and calls up her will. Holding the power was painful. It always was, but Maeve had never learned that it could be any other way. She bit her lip and felt the power roll through her. She resisted the urge to let out a whimper of pain. She had learned to deal with such things in her brief life. Directing the flow of power through her hand, it blossomed into the coppery wire ring she had fashioned before she directed it outward creating a link with the second ring. Breathing out slowly, Maeve nodded. It is done, the rings are linked and the spell is in effect. I will hear what you say.

______________________________
Spellcraft vs. DC16 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26
Spellcraft vs. DC18 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19

Joao noted the things that came out of the backpack he had caught with a slightly disinterested eye. He did pay attention to what he could see of the cavern around them, though. This was a curious group, but then again, all but three of them had been saved by the dragon... He supposed that he trusted its-- her-- judgement, since it was her dying act.

Again, his thoughts turned to the surface, wondering what was going on up there. He knew that currently, there was not much that he could do, but this was not the start of his tenure there that he had expected. Of course, he supposed that no one really expects a demon invasion. All in all, he was glad to still be alive, and the rest was a work in progress.

As for the others that survived the fall with various injuries-- though Horgus, whatever his means may be, made him suspicious. His were the kind of people that they had taken things from. It was safe to say that he was somewhat wary of him.

The elf was blind, so he paid less attention to him than he normally would if he could see, but he did not deny that his magic would likely help them before they gout out of the tunnel.

Anevia was something else entirely. He accorded her a good deal of respect, since she had done this before, or at least had more experience than he had. Not to mention that she knew how to use a bow.

When nothing shows itself that they have to worry about, he squats and waits for the scout to tell them to move, one hand never too far from any of his weapons. Falling underground may have kept them from the demons, but there was also some truth to every rumor. An underground society did not seem like a cheery bunch of people, especially after current events.

Rakeesh stirred the firepit with a partially burned stick. Unfortunately, he was no tracker, and the best he could determine was that the fire was no longer burning... though he was careful not to say as much. Despite his ignorance, Lord Gwerm walked over and stood beside him.

"You seem to have some skill with that blade," the haughty noble tapped a knuckle on the flat of Rakeesh's glaive, "and a modicum of common sense. You thought better than to squash those filthy bugs for a bit of moldy rope and a bauble from some careless mole-person. Why did you step into that fight?"

"Because seven of us stand hale and hearty," Rakeesh nodded towards Anevia and Aravashniel, "while two among our number are wounded. We do not benefit from carrying more wounded among our numbers."

Horgus gave the empyreal-blooded man a strange look. "Something off about you..." he muttered under his breath. "That was some list of names you rattled off. You have a remarkable lineage?"

"'Sah' means 'son of'," Rakeesh acknowledged. "My father was a hereditary noble of Osirion. His title and lands will pass to me upon the death of my mother. The title "Nomarch" would not translate well into your concept of peerage. You might call it a "Baron" or the equivalent of a landed knight. I am one hundred and eighty-fourth in line for the Ruby Throne."

"A hundred and eighty-four, eh? Guess you don't hope to see it in this life then." Horgus gave a small laugh, but also leveled a more significant appraising eye at the young man.

"I would not be so certain. The nobility of Osirion are not patient, and many of them find death long before their time. One hundred and eighty-four is not so deep. Anything less than three hundred is considered a blood-royal."

Horgus leaned in conspiratorially. "In that case, brother, let us look to our own salvation. Help me get to the surface, and away to safety, and you will return to your land with the wealth of a prince."

"I will see you to safety... brother. But, we are not safer on our own. And I will not abandon these others. Have faith that together we shall prevail."

Knowledge (nobility): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24

Everyone seems so down on Horgus... thought I'd try and win him over. =)

Ruarc:

Ruarc ghosts along the tunnels finding another small chamber. Several mounds of rock lie in heaps in this cavern, recently fallen from the walls and ceiling. Now and then, bits of dust settle from cracks in the stone above. Nothing seems amiss and he begins to make his across the rubble strewn floor. Suddenly, what had seemed little more that a tumble of stones rises up and a great snake lashes out:

Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22
Damage: 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8
Grab vs FF CMD: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 13 Grappled

Group:

Horgus sneers at Pyros, "I suppose you should learn some respect foreigner. I am not some servant for you to order about. Give me a blade and I shall fight. Do you have a real weapon foreigner? I've only heard tell of slavers who were so handy with a whip. Are you also slaver scum? Whether or no, I would have a care with that tongue of yours, or you had better make sure I don't survive our return to the surface."

Intimidate Vs Pytros: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18
time: 1d6 ⇒ 1 x 10 Minutes Pytros has to act friendly towards Horgus for the next 10 minutes

Rakeesh steps in and leads the furious nobel man to one side and he slowly cools down as the Paladin speaks. By the time Rakeesh is finished, Horgus has regained his composure. "I'll hold you to that promise." (Disposition raised to helpful)

Meanwhile, Aravashnial ponders the significance of the jewellery, Know(History): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (11) + 12 = 23

"If it has any significance beyond a bit of decoration, I cannot say. It sounds like a fine bit of work and that would be hard to come by down here. It might have belonged to someone important, but who can say for certain."

Before he can speculate further, Maeve hears a shout of alarm from Ruarc.

Round 1
24 Aglamore
23 Rakeesh
22 Ruarc
10 Joao
10 Snake
8 Pytos
3 Maeve

Google map is updated. If you don't have access, just know that it'll take a double move to get into melee range

Round 1

Free action:Talk to Maeve
Standard action:Attempt to break grapple.
CMB check vs DC 18: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18 Woohoo, go 30% chance to succeed!
Move action: 5' SW and draw shield.

AC:23, CMD 16
HP:2/10

-----------------------------------

Ruarc is caught completely off guard by the well hidden predator. It's fangs sink deep into the back of his neck, before the serpent rapidly coils itself around the dark knight. Ruarc grunts in pain and says, "Giant snake. Request immediate backup." He can feel a surprising amount of his own warm blood fountaining out of the ragged bite wound in his neck, and hopes fervently that the spell carried his words back to Maeve. Fueled by pure adrenaline and instinct, Ruarc manages to hook several slick loops of the constrictor, and flings it away from him, breaking the grapple. He steps back, breathing hard, and quickly grabs the shield off his back. He holds the shield and Justice up defensively, hoping to ward off the snake until the others can close the gap.

"Please stay where you are," says Aglamore to the civilians, rushing forward to help. His heavy armor slows him enough that he can't reach Ruarc in time.

Move Ex3,SE,E,NE,E

He is ready to take an AoO should the snake enter his 10' reach. Longspear +3 (1d8+4/x3)

The conversation between Pytros and Horgus was paid attention to with a slight bit of interest, though he kept his facing outwards into the dark, not wanting to get surprised by a spider or something similar. He was in a situation where they could not be avoided, and knew next to nothing about where they were. One was bad enough, but both of those things were something that he had been taught to circumvent whenever possible. In their current position, where they were, he was a bit uncomfortable.

--give me a blade and I shall fight.

While Joao disliked the man's attitude, he was also not fond of the idea of having dead weight with them, especially with that of the man in question. So he rose from his crouch, drawing his short sword out of its sheath and reversing the grip to offer it to Horgus with a slight nod of encouragement. "Please treat the weapon well", he said in a quiet voice.

The whisperword spell hit Maeve like whipping gust of wind. Though the spell only carried the man's words, she felt that she could sense pain and exertion through the link. Giving credence to the message a second later she heard a shout of pain. Ruarc needs help. He says it’s there's a giant snake ahead. Acting quickly, the young woman rushed forward though the rough stone passageway. Reaching the cavern ahead she saw the armored man desperately holding his shield in front of him as he waivered on his feet. Ahead of him was a large snake. Maeve wasn't sure what type it was but the coloration seemed to blend in with the shadows and stone. Poisonous? She thought before frowning. She wasn't sure. Flicking a hand out towards him, she pointed in his direction channeling the power of the spell that connected the two copper rings.

_____________________________
DA: Double Move
Knowledge (nature) (untrained) to tell if the snake is poisonous. 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9

Once again, Rakeesh began pacing and fidgeting the moment Ruarc began his solo trek through the cavern. "We should not be separating. We are stronger together, weaker apart."

Ruarc needs help. He says it’s there's a giant snake ahead.

Rakeesh all but ran down the rough cavern corridor. The inequalities of the floor and walls holding him back from a flat-out dash to the Ragathian's aid.

Double Move.

Round 1
24 Aglamore
23 Rakeesh
22 Ruarc
10 Joao (delay)
10 Snake
8 Pytos
3 Maeve

Round 1 Init 10
Hissing in frustration at its escaped prey and the other intruders in its midst the agitated snake surges forward. A sinuous blur among the rubble that litters the floor, it makes for a hard target as it closes in. It lashes out in a blind animal fury and connects solidly with Rakeesh, its thick scaly coils quickly wrapping around the stunned Paladin.

Randomizer: 1d2 ⇒ 1
Acrobatics: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (16) + 15 = 31
Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17
Damage: 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

Grapple: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17

Back in the other room, Horgus takes Joao's blade gratefully and after he runs through a few showy practice routines, nod appreciatively. The trio waits nervously, as the sounds of battle and Rakeesh's cry of pain echo down the length of the tunnel. With a sidelong glance a the two wounded, Horgus takes up a defensive position near the entrance to their cavern.

Pytros and Joao can take their actions and then we can start round 2. Also please let me know who is carrying sources of illumination. Right now, I believe it is only Pytros.

Your friendly neighborhood cleric is carrying a torch. But he can't fight with one. He intends to drop it when he gets into position. Don't know if it'll remain lit or not.

Round 1
AC: 15, HP:9/9

Move action: Double move

Aglamore leading the way with the torch was all Joao needed to be confident in assisting. He moved forward with haste, catching up to Aglamore to see what they were up against. A large snake was not something he expected to be underground, much less one that would see a human being as food. Then again, he did not expect to be underground at the beginning of this day, either.

His hand stayed near the hilt of the knife at his belt, seeming like he may have been the only one that had a spare weapon on his person. Although, others had more equipment. If he had thought to take his pack with him, he would be a bit more comfortable, but it was a minor worry.

Round 1, Initiative 8

MA: 30' move
SA: 30' move

Knowledge: Nature (DC 12) 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13

Pytros breaks into a run to help out the armored outsider, whip coiled in one hand and torch in the other. He holds the flame in front of him, looking at the snake as it wraps around Rakeesh. His mind quickly catalogues the potential species it might be, based on its size, coloring, and habitat. "It isn't poisonous, but it kills its prey by crushing them! We have to free him, or kill it!"

Round 2

SA:Attack.

Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14 Hit, it has the grappled condition.
Damage: 1d10 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13

HP:2/10
AC:23

I also want to point out something I just noticed. I should be dead right now in all likelyhood, and Rakeesh should have taken more damage.

A creature with this special attack can crush an opponent, dealing bludgeoning damage, when it makes a successful grapple check (in addition to any other effects caused by a successful check, including additional damage). The amount of damage is given in the creature's entry and is typically equal to the amount of damage caused by the creature's melee attack.

When a creature with the constrict universal monster rule grapples a foe, when does it deal constrict damage?

A creature with constrict deals this additional damage every time it makes a successful grapple check against a foe. This includes the first check to establish the grapple (such as when using the grab universal monster rule).

I didn't notice it had the constrict ability earlier or I would have said something then :/

"Your eyes fall on me, and your wings shield me," Ruarc whispers as the snake bites Rakeesh and begins to crush him in its thick scaly coils. Ruarc pivots on the balls of his left foot, swinging his shield to the side to make way for Justice. He swings the long black blade across in a whistling arc. Its tip slices through four of the coils wrapped around the paladin in an upward diagonal slash. Dark blood and loops of glistening ophidian intestine glisten in the torchlight as they tear free of the snake's sliced open skin. "Hold on Rakeesh," Ruarc says calmly as he flows back into his shielded ready stance.

Round 2

hp 8/13, AC 13 (grappled)

Rakeesh dashed into the room brandishing his glaive in the flashiest and most menacing way possible. Whether by design or chance, he drew the attentions of the massive snake. Its jaws latched on to his leg, as the coils quickly enveloped him. The lengthy blade fell to his side uselessly, as his left arm was pinned to his side by the snakes attack.

Free action to drop the glaive.
Move action to draw a dagger.
Standard action: Attack:: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12

Damage: 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

I did not realize that constrict includes the first successful grapple. I don't want to ret-con that far back, so fortune smiled on you that round. Rakeesh is a different matter

1d4 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

and he takes another 5 point of damage. Joao's delayed until after the snake, so hopefully Aglamore can rescue Rakeesh....