The Mouth of Doom (Inactive)

Game Master Grimmy

Should be 11/20, took 9 from that earlier attack and I don't think anything hit me before.

Con: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14

Con: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 1 = 13

Oh ok, I thought you were at 11hp when that encounter started.

The party heads out, following Krull as he stumbles along.

The forest is dense and knotty, glowing warmly in the newly risen sun. Krull seems to navigate by the sounds and maybe even the smells. At times he stops abruptly and turns only to lead you into a small field of wild flowers that release a fragrance when trampled under foot, or a stretch with damp mossy trees filled with the chorus of tree frogs. He shows something like excitement when you pass a withered tree blasted by lightning or fire, a faint sulphuric odor hanging in the air.

After four hours it begins to rain, though hardly enough to break the dense canopy of trees. High above, raindrops glisten in thick spider webs.

Krull is moving at a very tedious pace, if those of you with the survival skill wish to forage for food and water as you go it won't slow you down any further. Otherwise deduct rations or make a con checks against fatigue.

Rogues don't get Survival... Bah! Should have gone Trapper Ranger ;)

Con: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15

Are you out of food?

Survival: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (8) + 13 = 21

I think that means I can find food and water for myself and 5 others.

Hound tries winging a few squirrels and birds.
Survival: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13

Hound manages to get food for himself and one other.
This is getting tedious. If we don't see results soon, I say leave him.

It's an hour before noon when you break the treeline. You have escaped the Forest of Hope alive. Ahead of you stretches grassy meadow abutted by hills six miles to the South and South-West.

Krull takes off his blindfold.

"The shack is somewhere in this glade. There should be day old hoof prints around here somewhere."

You can see clear across the glade to the hills six miles away but uneven elevation and numerous copses of trees dotting the landscape preclude any possibility of spotting this stone cottage from here with the naked eye.

Hound starts looking arond. Survival: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17

Ghae squints into the sun to see whether there is any sign of smoke from a fire or other indication that might show the direction to the cottage, tracks, broken grass, dragged bodies, etc.

Perception: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (7) + 11 = 18
Survival: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (9) + 13 = 22

Not sure which is relevant.

Hey Grimmy you were right, I am down to 2 hp

Q's eyes widen and he searches around for the hoof prints.

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16
Survival: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

Ghaelja spots the tracks.

Raziel follows intently on his companions looking for tracks, his mind set upon learning their skill at following such clues.

"If you guys can point me on a general direction for the tracks, I can move ahead and scout the area" - he suggests.

Ghae bends down and examines the ground. She points to a faint imprint and some broken grass.

Too big for a deer. Could be a moose, but not quite the right print. I am pretty sure that these are from horses, lets see where they lead.

Ghae will lead the way and direct Raziel where to go so that he can scout ahead to look over any new rises as they approach in order to avoid being surprised.

Raziel tries to scout somewhat ahead of the group, keeping an eye on the direction they are taking, and shifting his positioning accordingly.

Stealth: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (13) + 10 = 23

Hound keeps up with Ghaelja

Eli continues to move with the group, not having anything to say or anything to add to the effort at the moment and so not speaking.

Ogrim trods along, muttering about this had all be worth missing a good night's sleep.

Is it ever REALLY worth losing sleep over?

You do not need sleep. I hear a Ring of Sustenance + a Potion of Cappuccino eliminates the need for sleep and also gives you the Wired condition as a free bonus.

After a couple of hours Raziel crests a rise and spots a stone cottage. This must be the hostage shack.

Ghae sneaks up next to Raziel and tries to see whether there is anyone about or if there is anything of note about the cottage.

Perception: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (7) + 11 = 18

"There it is" - the tiefling whispers to Ghaelja, his eyes surveying the area for opponents and ways to approach the cabin unseen.

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27

Ghae nods back:
Yes, there it is. But, what awaits us here? We have heard all types of tales. Ogre witches, horrors, bandits. Who knows what is actually here.

"I think I can approach further" - Raziel retorts, still surveying the scene.

The stone chimney is conspicuously not producing any smoke despite the chilly autumn day. If the cottage is occupied perhaps it's occupants don't want to attract attention.

In the yard of the cottage Raziel can see something like a chicken coup, as well as a large cauldron.

"If you can draw them out, I can scout out a good position to snipe from." Q looks around, surveying the land.

Looking for a sniping position within 100' of the place.

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22

There's a perfect copse of trees, but only if they can be drawn out. The windows of the stone cottage are little more then arrow slits.

Just tell me when you want me to approach, I am not stealthy

Q shakes his head and curses, "They will be too smart to come out of there to us... I suppose we'll have to kick in the door and start smashing heads. What does the hostage look like?"

Ghae looks at Q:
Probably the one that is tied up and gagged.

"I don't know their lifestyles, that could be anyone." Q says in all seriousness.

Ghae raises her eyebrows at Q's comment:
What type of monastery did you say you had your training at?

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24

"I was not trained at a monastery." he says, sensing her sarcasm but choosing to ignore it. "Once we have finished this task I will tell you all about life on Nedlaw pond. For now, let us make way, hopefully by stealth." he winces as he draws his bow and gets ready for the long trek down.

Krull looks at Ghae mournfully.

"Tied up and gagged? Do you think so? We have to get in there."

"If it helps, I was the one stuck in a monastary and, while I can't give any specifics, the rumors and stories flying about that place makes your question seem much less sarcastic, Ghae. Anyway, anybody got any bright ideas on how to get this over with? I'd like to get some sleep tonight."

Have we had a chance to finish resting? Or are we still without sleep or regaining spells?

I assume we've been on a forced march to make it here in time.

Correct. Ogrim and Q are fatigued everyone else made the check right?

What time of day is it? We could possibly rest and then descend on them before dawn... I mean they don't know we're coming.

We have no clue what we are facing and are pretty much without spells and several of us are injured. I do not think that resting would be a bad choice.

Wouldn't resting put the woman's life at risk even further?

We don't have a map yet, but:

"I'm taking a further look" - Raziel comments to Ghael, casting a quick arcane spell (Message) on her, then plodding off, trying to find suitable hiding spots for a stealthy approach.

Stealth: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 10 = 19

Hounds will be ready to advance when Rziel gives the signal.

Raziel skulks