"Hmmph, well, so how will we proceed next?"
"Two sets of stairs down, I vote we take the one not right next to the throne room. Hopefully there won't be so many guards that way." Nia looks around at the others. "Unless we want to take a break since we know there aren't any goblins left up here?"
"Good idea, Nia."
Garrick says, "I'm thinking taking a rest isn't the worst idea... and, with the goblins gone, someone from below might come up to see what's happened.... "
He pauses, then adds, "Or, if they heard what just happened, they've probably readied some surprises for us -- waiting, then, would be to our advantage. They can't stay on full alert all the time. I mean, if it were just goblins, I'd say they couldn't even manage it for more than half an hour, but we know better now."
"That is fine tactical thinking master Oakbeard." Vidar nods at the dwarf with approval.
"And, if we have a little luck on our side, this is the one and only way up and down, meaning if we block it off somewhat, we have all the advantages for now."
Nia nods. "I could stand to take a break too. But there's two sets of stairs down, Vidar. The other one is right next to the chief's throne room. We could try to trap one of the sets of stairs and block the one we want to use."
There's enough miscellaneous garbage in the stockade to block the doors to the stairs. The party sets a watch overnight, in case someone tries to come up from below (or if the goblins return with reinforcements), but nothing disturbs your slumber.
Garrick stretches with a yawn, then reattaches his breastplate. He pauses for a moment, mentally probing the newfound magic unlocked in his blood, This is both like and unlike my feygift.... Still, not the time to start experimenting....
He takes up his axe and shield, then moves his arms and legs to make sure everything was seated correctly before saying, "Well, I think we've explored everything above ground, so it's time to go under. Thinkin' they must be expecting something, so we'd best be on our toes. I'd go first, but I'm thinking there might be a load of traps."
Check result (27) x DC (20) = 540 SP/7 days per week = 77 SP
77 SP x adventuring penalty (1/4) = 19.3 SP progress
AF cost in SP = 200 (180.7 SP remaining)
Nia spent some of their resting time mixing powders and sublimating tiny crystals and swirling vials as she attempted to replenish her supply of alchemical weaponry.
When the others started getting ready, she nodded at Garrick and stood up, checking her gear to make sure it was all securely stowed. "I wouldn't trust goblins not to constantly set off anything really tricky, but I'll keep a look out for traps."
Nia hears nothing and descends the stairs. They debouch into a chamber lit by a single lantern hanging from a hook next to the stairs. Several rickety doors open into the room, and a few discarded dog pelts lie heaped in the northeast corner, a light film of dust covering them.
Nia gives the all-clear, and the rest of the party follows her down to the room.
Garrick follows, axe in hand, his eyes scanning for something out of place.
Nia puts a finger to her lips and starts checking the doors for traps and listening for sounds on the other side.
Here we go again...
Vidar follows, cautiously.
Nia hears nothing and notes nothing special about the first two doors. She smells something like vinegar and rotten flowers at the third door, and hears what might be a giggle. There is nothing noteworthy about the remaining doors.
She frowns at the third door and walks over to the group, whispering once she's close enough to be heard by her companions. "Smells like vinegar and rotten flowers there and I think I heard giggling? The other doors seem fine. Do we want to take the bad smelling crazy door first or one of the other ones?"
Garrick says, "Vinegar? Might be the pickle-eaters from above."
Nia nods. "OK, get ready and we'll rush that door." She pulls out a small vial of some kind of liquid that she'd put together while they rested and grinned. "I don't know why I didn't think of that before."
Garrick draws his axe and nods to indicate his readiness.
"Master Oakbeard, do not rush in befor allowing me to cast a spell on you.
I would do so now, but the noise would give us away."
Garrick nods, "Aye, sounds good."
Once everyone indicates they're ready, Nia opens the third door. She tries to do it quietly, just in case whatever is in there isn't watching the door.
Nia opens the door to reveal a snarling bugbear in armor, with four unarmed goblins in diaphanous clothing huddled behind him.
Round 1:
Initiative order
Garrick
Bruthazmus
Vidar
Nia
Ilryan
Bruthazmus: AC ? T ? FF ? HP taken: 0[/ooc]
Garrick lets the power singing in his blood loose, feeling the power of life surge though him, his skin turning to bark as he draws his axe. He smiles at the bugbear, and says, "Shalelu says hello," the power causing his voice to reverberate strangely as he swings a mighty blow.
for
Garrick can't get in front of the door without shoving Nia aside, but even with reaching around the doorframe he's able to manage a solid hit. Roaring curses, the bugbear winds up with his heavy flail and attacks Nia to clear his way to the dwarf.
Well, that did not quite work as planned...
Improvise again I fear.
Ilryan casts a quick spell to bolster Nia and waits for some space to clear.
Nia grunts as the heavy flail hits her in the face, riding the energy of the blow to spin away from the bugbear and Garrick. Shaking her head, she pulls a packet of glittering silver dust out of a pocket and tosses it into the air over her head.
Vidar mutters a quick spell and enhances Garric's melee potential further.
Garrick steps into the space Nia had occupied and smiles at the Bugbear, "Here I am. No need to growl."
for