The mother of all dungeons

Game Master DEWN MOU'TAIN

I am a specialist in fire magic

looking at the Dwarf

thank you sir

Shaldar squats down and walks through.

Stoically, Pwent backs the Wizard up, just in case something is waiting on the other side. That makes two people on one side of the hole in the wall (assuming the gnome didn't go through already), and the rest on the other side

Lyle joins Pwent and Shaldar on the other side of the hole. Trying to keep away from the light spells and stay in the cover of darkness. Pulling his cloak around him to hide any reflections of light off his blades.

Calas follows through as well, wand at the ready (I am assuming that my light spell has worn off by now, as he did not refresh it, if not he keeps it hidden)

If something lies here... why is it so dark in this place? Calas whispers curiously, Perhaps they can see in the dark; if so we must be prepared for anything past these walls.

a groan comes up from the stair well, of one who has just died, their last breath from their body. A death rattle.

If Shaldar is unable to see who or what is making the noise she will cast spark to shed a little light on the situation

whispering

from embers to flame and back again

a quick little spark like flint hitting steel comes out of Shaldar's hand.

perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

@DM: is there a small rock or pebble nearby? Perceptioin (f needed):1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17
Calas wipes the sudden cold sweat from his face. That didn't sound good; let's go find out who that poor soul was, maybe he will have a clue as to where we are, or mayhaps even directions to a nearby town?Calas mutters hopefully.

Chromie looks back behind him to see that apparently everyone followed him through the opening. Realizing that now all of his stuff is left unguarded in the main cave, he darts back up the steps after it, leaving a few biting words with the rest of the survivors before going back into the main cave.

"You folks are really stupid, you know that? There's a lot of unknown foot traffic in this place, a cave you can't see in that's full of ominous sounds, and you're all too willing to just walk right in without a second thought. I was trying to scout ahead and see what was waiting for us, but that's just about a pointless endeavor now. You all can lead the way, I'm going back to get the rest of my stuff. And when you met whoever just died, give them my regards, because you seem eager to join him."

With his piece having been said, Chromie ducks through the opening to gather the rest of his belongings from the main cave.

in a whisper but with obvious venom upon her words

Be quiet Gnome! your little outburst has alerted more than us quietly coming here. And by the way, I know you can't see in the dark. So you scouting in the dark alone when you are blind is what is truly stupid so quit acting like your grande plan to save us is now ruined. Maybe working together instead of being a jerk would work out better.

as the Gnome passes Shaldar will glare down at the little person as if looking at a spoiled child who didn't get their way with her hands on hips.

now master Dwarf, can you tell me what you see

calas: you do see plenty of pebbles along the edges of the hewn stones

With everyone squeezing through the hole and onto the ledge, Chromie is irritated at the irresponsible behavior of the group that he has landed with. Yet, when he says so, he is sharply rebuked by the female elf.

With all attempts at "stealth" lost, the elf, Shaldar, encourages Pwent to report what he sees, since Chromie has walked off with the visible light for all others.

Being shy around the others, Pwent slowly moves forward, his mind playing tricks up on what he has just heard. Is it a monster? a creature of the deep? An ambush?

Creeping down the steps, he passes what he feels to be the halfway part, and can just make out another landing, rough hewn, looking like it was eroded instead of mined.

A landing! I see a landing He whispers up the hall.

Chromie returns to his gear and begins forcefully repacking it, angrily muttering to himself about an uppity elf.

Stupid elf... Too blind to even see the light I've got in my hand...Thinks she knows better than me... I know more about sneaking around than she thinks... Be dead if I didn't... Hope the bandits gut her first... Have to shake their hands afterwards... Work together! Hah!.. Let's all get trapped together more like it...

Finishing up with repacking his gear, Chromie places his rapier in its scabbard, fixes his quiver to his belt, hoists his backpack onto his shoulders, straps his buckler to his left forearm, holds his bow in his left hand, and uses his right hand to cast a quick spell on his buckler. The buckler begins to glow, while the dagger goes dark. Picking up his dagger and sheathing it, Chromie begins to slowly shuffle his way back to the hole under the weight of all his gear.

If it's not apparent, I've recast light, this time on my buckler instead of my dagger, freeing up a hand and allowing me to use my bow. I'm also now moving at 15ft speed and have an armor check penalty of -3 since I'm carrying a medium load

Calas casts light on his walking staff once more, and picks up a few sizable pebbles and places them in a pouch Well; lets see where it leads Calas replies, and starts to walk off towards Pwent.

Well, this is starting to bore me... by Nethys; if I want something to focus on, it might as well be this.

Calas casts light on his Quarterstaff; and moves twenty feet down the stairs, towards Pwent(or until Calas sees him whichever comes first)

Shaldar moves down the stairs as well trying to stay behind the others.

Lyle slides in behind the others and begins to move down the stairs.

Going down the stairs, the light reveals what Pwent has described. A large landing, mined from the rocky heart of this hill. Opposite you stands a single door set within a rock wall.

On the floor lies two bodies, each impaled upon the others sword. Each appears to have died in agony, grappling with each other even as they slid their blades into the stomachs of each other.

everyone make perception checks

Perception 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

as a side note you could roll perception initiative etc for.the group if it is needed by all thus keeping the game from stalling waiting for one perception check. I have seen it work rather well in other games. .

Perception 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

It was a battle then; did they have a falling out, or were they enemies to begin with? Calas searches both people, trying to identify them. Maybe they are part of a mercenary band... Calas begins to mutter to himself, ears strained for an unfamiliar footstep.

Perception Check: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19

Meanwhile on the rain splatted beach...

<lightning flash>
The storm tosses a large section of shattered decking onto the shore.

<lightning flash>
A figure stumbles free, walks a few steps and is lost to darkness.

<lightning flash>
The figure lies prone on the strand. Foot tangled in a soaked leather bag.

<lightning flash>
The figure runs for the cave entrance, waved on by the other survivors.

Going through the aforementioned bag and seeing to the NPC survivors. Who are they btw or are you keeping them nebulous as possible PC replacements? If so then take the care and conversation as read. It will take me at least 10 minutes with flint and steel to get a fire going in the cave entrance in any case.

Perception: 1d20 + 3 => (16) + 3 = 19

Pwent doesn't know what to make of all this, so he wisely says nothing.

Hearing someone stumble into the cave, Chromie stops his movement towards the opening and looks back. A crouched figure is visible, silhouetted against the cave mouth and illuminated partially by the lightning strikes. He hears the scraping of steel on flint and sees sparks flying, leading him to believe the newcomer is another castaway trying to get dry. Letting out an exasperated sigh and shaking his head he speaks out just loud enough to ensure that he's heard.

"I take it you just washed up. In that case, stop with the fire. I know, you're half-drowned and cold. So are the rest of us. But we've got bigger problems right now. This place isn't empty, and whatever is in here doesn't seem friendly. I'm thinking bandits, but it could be worse. If you want to catch up to the rest of us, follow me. If you want to stay back here, then fine. Either way, you'll probably want to prepare to defend yourself in case things go sideways."

The gnome then ducks his way into the opening and sees that someone in the group up ahead has lit the area at the bottom of the stairwell. He begins making his way to them slowly, stepping as lightly as he can.

Dewn - I'm not going to roll perception since I was in a completely different area when the call for a roll was made. If you want me to roll anyways, I will. Or you can roll for me to keep the game moving forward.

Hywel - I don't think there are any other survivors. The kick-off post made mention of "yourself and 4 others" making it to shore, so I'm thinking that our initial group of 5, 6 with you being here, is all that made it.

while you are the only survivors, the dead have begun to wash ashore. So ill allow Hywel's post of rummaging through the dead bags.

I wonder if their equipment has been enchanted... or if they were... Calas then mutters a spell and scans each body carefully, looking for any sign of magic on their persons.

Calas casts detect magic and goes over the bodies, checking for signs of enchanted equipment, and any possible Illusion/Enchantment spells were affecting them

"I take it you just washed up. In that case, stop with the fire. I know, you're half-drowned and cold. So are the rest of us. But we've got bigger problems right now. This place isn't empty, and whatever is in here doesn't seem friendly. I'm thinking bandits, but it could be worse. If you want to catch up to the rest of us, follow me. If you want to stay back here, then fine. Either way, you'll probably want to prepare to defend yourself in case things go sideways."

The gnome then ducks his way into the opening and sees that someone in the group up ahead has lit the area at the bottom of the stairwell. He begins making his way to them slowly, stepping as lightly as he can.

"More like three-quarters but I take your point." The Figure returns the flint and steel to his pack. "How many others survived?" he asks as he starts to follow the gnome.

Dewn: Contents of said bag? And what season/climate is it? We are soaked, not a major problem in a Italian summer but in a Norwegian winter...

I think we've all made our perception check, or at least those who should. Sh what do our senses pick up, if anything?

weather climate: it is fall, warm days, cool nights. No risk of hypothermia, but cold enough to make your life miserable until sunrise.

contents of bag: 5 days of rations, 2 wine skins, thieves tools, 3 thunderstones, and 10 ruined torches

Cast detect.magic

Hywel follows the Gnome down the stairs.
Softly: "That sack looks a little heavy for you. If you like I can take it. A little more won't matter with the steel and seawater I'm already lugging."

On reaching Coen brothers landing.

Quietly:"Hello again, looks like we are the only one to make it. There are bodies on the beach. Maybe we should bring them into the cave so the tide does not carry them away. "

"Thought I smelled blood"
Hywel kneels by the corpses and examines them.
...
"Friends of yours?"

DEWN: Age, race, and genders for the corpses? Any indication of how long they have been dead? Liquid blood, still warm vs. dry blood, rotting stench and cloudy eyes. Any armor or gear other than the swords? Uniforms or other insignia? Pockets/ Rings or jewelry? Taking 20 on any Perception check since we appear to have the time. Total 21.

"I can manage with my gear. But thanks for the offer."

Reaching the landing and regrouping with the others, Chromie looks at the two bodies and then turns to the Elf with a smirk on his face.

"Did you give them my regards yet, Elf? Or couldn't you see them with your nose pointed at the ceiling like that? You sure didn't see my glowing weapon the last time I passed by, and I thought you folks had eyesight to rival us Gnomes...

Chromie pauses for a second to let his mild insult sink in, then continues.

Anyways, you guys search the bodies yet? And has anyone bothered to actually make sure this area is safe to just stand around in or are we having ourselves a nice little pow-wow and just hoping that nothing's watching us? Oh, and by the way, found another castaway that washed up. He was trying to start a fire upstairs when I went to get my stuff. Figured I'd bring him along before he did anything stupid."

He then kicks the foot of one of the bodies while muttering something about a "schmuck" under his breath, walks back to the steps, and sits down on one of them.

To all: I am assuming we met/introduced ourselves on the boat. Kosher?

Pausing a moment to raise an eyebrow at the apparently angry Gnome, Hywel speaks in a soft and friendly tone.

"Looks to be just the two ways out, Mr. Blackwater. One to the beach and the other that door." Hywel indicates the large door with a nod.

"I haven't checked it yet but anything coming through would give us warning. Though you are welcome to barricade it should that be your fancy."

Once the investigation of the bodies is finished.

"What say we move this unfortunate pair up to the cave. They are not too bad now but in a short time they will cease to be pleasant company."

Hywel rises and dusts off his hands. "Mr. Axehand? If you would lend your muscle to this endeavor we will be done quickly. If Mr. Blackwater or Mr. Dermain would be so kind as to join us with their arcane light? Perhaps we could gather the other dead from the beach at the same time. I am sure their families would appreciate the effort."

There is a pouch underneath the bodies Calas picks up the bag and hands it to Pwent; he then stands up after his investigation of the bodies, and looks at Chromie. Master Gnome; you are incredibly cautious, but we have to continue moving if we want to find out were we are, and since this cave is inhabited I would much rather meet them in the late evening while they are more to be likely asleep. Hmm... Calas looks through his belongings and pulls out his spellbook; which he begins to write some notes down...

MrBlackwater it wasn't the inability to see that was problematic. If you want to run off by yourself with no support and get youself killed by all means let us knkw now and we will ket you go your own way. Endagering yourself without confiding with the other could get me killed as well so by all means understand I have no intention of finding my death here. Now if you will be quiet I need to concentrate.

Shaldar will move towards the magical glow.

A few moments pass when Calas looks at Hywel, and closes his spell obook and puts it away. Yes, Master Hywel; I would be happy to assist. Calas walks up the stairs and casts Light on the bottom of his Quarterstaff and shines it down the stairs. How's this? He asks quietly.

shaldar, the magical glow is coming from the bag. It has a conjuration aura.

just to bring everyone up to speed, everyone is at the bottom of the stairs. There are two dead bodies with swords sticking out of them, each dead body holding the sword that impaled the other. There is a door opposite where you stand.

spellcraft: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 9 = 19

The bag is magical. Calas did you wish to try an identify it. I am usually pretty good but it may be escaping me

I would love to give it a shot! Calas hops down the stairs, casts detect magic, and begins to examine the bag.

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10

ok, calas, ill throw you a bone

You are stumped by the bag; it eludes your skills at deciphering its inner workings while you hold it about, looking for a sign for its purpose. Shrugging your shoulders in your mind, you flip the bag open, and thrust your hand inside. You feel around, your hand brushing across the contents of various items.
pulling one out, you see in your hand a torch.

An extradimensional bag? Calas muses to the group I believe I'll hold on to it; I would like some more time to investigate it. He then places the torch back in the bag.

Very good that could be very helpful. Was there anything else in it besides the torch?

Chromie stands up and takes a few steps forward, his eyes wide and with a greedy grin on his face.

"I'm with the Elf on this. Upend the bag and lets see if there's anything of real use in it."

"They must have been fighting over the bag."
Hywel says softly as he lays the bodies out and covers them in their cloaks.

DEWN: Age, race, and genders for the corpses? Any indication of how long they have been dead? Liquid blood, still warm vs. dry blood, rotting stench and cloudy eyes. Any armor or gear other than the swords? Uniforms or other insignia? Pockets? Rings or jewelry? Taking 20 on any Perception check since we appear to have the time. Total 21.

DEWN: Re. those torches in the bag from the beach. Can they be dried out and used or are they firewood at this point?

torches can be used as firewood

Inspecting the bodies, Hywel sees that the bodies just died recently, within the last 10 minutes. both are human. One is wearing Studded leather armor, the other is wearing chainmail. Both are wearing large silver rings. Looking at the body itself, a light amount of blood is found where the bodies lay, having dripped from the sword wounds.

"Well they weren't professionals. Wearing a ring is a sword fight is asking for fewer fingers..."

The bad is emptied.....

"Torag's adamant codpiece!"

Looking over the ocean of gear filling the landing...

"I do not know who these poor men were but I have never heard of bandits being so will equipped Mr. Blackwater.

Big Bag list copied to OOC thread for sharing out.

I feel like a kid in a candy store

Looking at the mass of stuff on the ground Shaldar notices the spell books and goes through the six trying to see if any have any spells.

There must be something in these

After finding the book with all the spells she casts Detect Magic but steps back fully expecting the pile to light up like a fireworks display.

Well let us see what else we have here.

well at least it's not trapped...

Well; I am by no means an expert on enchantments, but it either the bag or something around them may be trapped to cause infighting, or perhaps they both got greedy at the same time?... Either way we should be cautious,

Calas casts detect magic and checks for any signs of unfamiliar magic (enchantment and necromancy auras)

Spellcraft:1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5 (already added forbidden school penalty)

I going to grab a dagger and hold on to it; just in case, everything else... Shalder, while we are waiting for others to decide what to do, would you like to help me identify the scrolls and potions?

yes that is a good idea we should take time to see what these things are before moving on

I would like to take 20 to identify which would be 29 on all these items. But if you rule I can't take 20 I will roll.

10 bottles fiery red liquid spell craft to identify: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27
20 potions of bright yellow liquid spell craft to identify: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29
10 bottles of yellowish green liquid spell craft to identify: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11
100 potions of dull yellow spell craft to identify: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28
10 bottles of neon green liquid spell craft to identify: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (16) + 9 = 25
10 bottles of brownish liquid spell craft to identify: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15
2 scrolls with red ribbon spell craft to identify: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16
2 scrolls with black ribbon spell craft to identify: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10
2 scrolls with yellow ribbon spell craft to identify: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22
2 scrolls with green ribbon spell craft to identify: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22
2 scrolls with blue ribbon spell craft to identify: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18
1 scroll within a scroll case spell craft to identify: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11

"So we have infighting where everyone dies, and a bunch o' bags lying around. Me thinks it'd be pretty safe to assume what happened. Just hope there aint more o' those bags o' bones around, ready ta attack us!" Pwent says, holding his axe a bit tighter now.