The Righteous Shall Rise...

Game Master verdigris

K. Dungeoneering: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25

Jurin stares at the blob, then shakes his head and turns to the object of Serra's question.

"It's a big amoeba, Serra. Nothing to be scared of. Usually they're so small they're invisible, but if enough people believe in them they can grow big and strong and learn to ride."

Nod nod nod.

"Maybe we should get them to come up to us? Seems much safer, yes?"

Eli studies the map, a small smile creeping across his face, as he listens to Jurin inform the rest regarding amoebas.

"Well, it's a shame we don't have the means of sending an invisible scout ahead, who could communicate with one of our own telepathically, and warn us of exactly what Graf worries about." Eli smiles at Jurin in mock disappointment.

"Graf, would you be able to do as Jurin theorizes? Get them to investigate up here? Is Hosilla generally untrusting of your mongrelmen?"

Graf thinks on this for a moment before answering. "I...I could try. The worst that could happen is I die before finishing Helen's gift. Should I fall, will one of you pledge to finish the carving, and see that she gets it?"

Cole eyes the rope ladder with distrust.

"Graf, how far down is it if we fall? How much exposed climbing is there? Frankly, I don't like the idea of you going on ahead without any of us to back you." ...or to see if you're truly repentant.

He rubs a little dirt off his bow and checks his arrow supply for the fight ahead.

2 is good: 1d2 ⇒ 2
2 is good: 1d2 ⇒ 2

He gathers up a few arrows from his pack and loads them in his quiver. He then checks the room for possible loot.

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20

Graf considers before answering,"35 feet all told? with 15 of that being exposed. It will be dark, unless you take light with you, of course. Do not worry for my safety."

lootz: potions (2), wand of something or other; Other Gear mwk chain shirt, club,mwk longbow with 20 arrows, obsidian unholy symbol of
Baphomet, mwk light crossbow

"Graf, why would you believe your life to be at risk if you descended the ladder? You are part of this den, are you not? Are the guards as likely to strike you down as any other?"

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21

Eli strains to hear anything below, but shakes his head when nothing becomes evident.

An eye still on Xanthos and Beagan, Eli returns to the gnome, and grasps his shoulder once again.

CLW, 5/5: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

"This is the last of my Healing for the day. I am uncertain that we should proceed. We have 35' between us and them. Perhaps we could rest here for a spell? Unless Hosilla can fly, we could easily retract the ladder until we're ready to venture downwards."

Jurin nods at Eli.

"That would be wonderful, wouldn't it? Imagine, someone nobody could see that could look ahead and tell us what they found. Well, I suppose Graf would do as well."

Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21

"If only we had a rope, that would be something."

Jurin stares at the blob, then shakes his head and turns to the object of Serra's question.

Brutal.

Serragrel nods thanks to Jurin for helping quell his curiosity. "Amoeba, huh? Neat." He examines the amoeba for a while longer.

It's like looking the mirror, huh, fatso?

* * *

1d10 ⇒ 8 remembering stuff

Serragrel examines the loot, curious about what it might be. He tries to recollect words his mother taught him and and the half-orc hand gestures to match.

Well done. You're not completely useless, are you, fatso?

"Hmmphf...that seemed to have worked," Serragrel's primitive tail swishes as he thinks about what he sees.

1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19 Wand
1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18 Potion
1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10 Potion

1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9 Perception

* * *
Serragrel listens to the various plans cast about and offers his own, a scheming thought borne from the trickster demons of his mind.

"Maybe, Graf, maybe you go tell them that we are here. Tell them to come get us! Sound the alarm and let them come to us. You need not lie, but only tell them what they want to hear," Serragrel offers.

Eye #2 and #4 affix on Ely and his idea.

"We could also rest if there are no other ways up. Graf...are there other ways up to us?"

Wand of longstrider, 10 charges left, potion of cure light wounds.

"I can lead them up here, if you like. That would let you attack one at a time coming through the hole. Though that will also alert Hosilla. There weren't any other ways up that I know about, but who knows what Hosilla has had her demons work? Rumor is she has some of them blocking the way up." Shaking his head, Graf continues, "but I doubt it. she likes her privacy, Hosilla does."

Serragrel turns over the wand in his half-orc hands, uncertain that he can use the wand.

"Well, uh, this wand provides quick feet. I, of course, can't use it, but maybe one of you might," he says through his beautifully-pouty dwarven lips.

He tosses one potion to Ely and the other to Beagan.

"One of those potions will curify you...and I'm pretty sure the other one does the same," Serragrel announces with a small amount of confidence.

Eli’s touch seems to brighten the Gnome’s scowl, and he sits a bit higher on Xanthos’ back. ”Thanks again, Eli.” He scoops up the potion tossed to him, sticking in in his bandolier for now, waiting to see what the plan is before deciding if/when to use it.

"Resting while such evil is so close at hand is a little worrisome, although it would give us some time to rejuvenate. We'd have to keep a close eye out for danger."

”I don’t know if Xanthos could climb down a ladder.” The bunny dog rumbles a little beneath him. ”Umm, even if he can climb almost as well as he can jump…”, he pats the mount, ”I’m not sure the ladders are his thing. I do have rope. And, of course, I could ask Tenderlev to let him float down.”

He taps the pouch that contains his shiny scale. ”If it's helpful, I think at least three of us could float, possibly more. Hmmm, like I think I could ride down on my X-bunny’s back, and still have two others slowly sink through the air. However, if it’s 35’ down, 15’ of it exposed, anybody floating could be open to a crossbow shot or a swing of a club. Graf said it’s dark - I wonder if the guards see in the dark? If not, some of us silently levitating down might be a quiet way to sneak up on them.”

Graf moves to touch Beagan on the shoulder, though thinks better of it when Xanthos grumbles. "They can see in the dark as sure as I can."

"If no one is opposed, I'll take that bow and those arrows. I don't use non-cold iron as a rule, but in a pinch they'll do."

Presuming it's OK, Cole repositions his gear and considers. He's also totally willing to part with his old bow and a supply of arrows if someone is without a ranged weapon.

"I don't think we should wait. Right now there's a chance we have surprise on them. At least the first person down the ladder does anyway and that's something. I say we go, and go now. I'm willing to be the second one on the ladder if that helps."

Detect Magic on the weapons.. any magic?

"I agree with you Cole. We should use our advantage and attack while they are distracted. We can hardly rest while screams rise up from the pit bellow."

Hearing about the dragon scale option from the Lupus Knight, Grasker will re-equip his shield and weapon.

"Yes! We will strike from the above like avenging angels! Our safe descent will not leave us at risk, do not fear. Beagan, your mount, Cole and I should lead the way."

Assuming the scale provides normal feather fall we still move at 60 feet/round.. so no worries about dangling mid air.

In the (six) seconds before we descend Grasker will pray to Iomedae for his sword to strike true: magic weapon.

Serragrel turns to Kastor, ready to 'spring' into action.

"Kastor, stay here until the sounds of combat are over then climb down carefully. This might be dangerous!"

Serragrel sheathes his starknife and readies to descend, happy to 'adroitly' climb down the ladder (taking 10) or featherfall (if offered) or levitate down.

"Grasker, Cole, Ser Beagan, lead on! I shall follow," Serragrel draws himself up to his knightly-looking best, smoothing out his dignified dwarf beard with his half-orc hands. His dainty halfling feet make him seem more grotesque bulletin board pin than manling.

"If we strike quickly, we cannot help but be victorious."

Then I can raid the pantry.
You can't let the food go, can you, fatso?

Eli taps the masterwork chain shirt, and frowns. "There is equipment here that would protect us better. Who will don the armor? Or do we have no time for that?" Rash fools, and, yet, who am I to judge? If this is where it ends, so be it.

Eli stands by the hole, ready to descend in whatever position in line he finds himself. He tucks away the potion of healing.

Cole, despite himself, smiles as he prepares. In the few seconds before he leaps into the hole (or climbs carefully on the ladder), he takes out his own scale and picks off a few errants flecks of dust.

He rubs it (1d8 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 10 = 18), tucks it back in his pouch, and rushes forward!

"It's in the hole!"

Serragrel gives one last look at Kastor and follows Cole down. He tries to time his descent with Beagan's timing.

Hearing the group determined to root out the evil below, Beagan says a prayer and pats Xanthos. Retrieving Tenderlev’s scale from the pouch, as his fingers stroke and polish the shiney, smoke slowly starts whisping out from under his hand. The mist coalesces into a billowous pillow under Grasker. Xanthos gives the swordsman a nudge, and when Grasker is over the entrance, Beagan points his finger down and the clouded man descends through the hole.

Settled on his mount’s back, the Gnome repeats the process until Grasker, a Xanthos carrying Beagan, and Cole are all hovering in clouds half-way down the passage towards the floor below.

Clouds grant concealment (20% miss chance) to the levitating "cloudwalkers".

”Ok boys, may the Big R’ bless us!”
Assuming everybody but Xanthos will need help seeing, Beagan will cast Light on his shield.
Arcane Spell Failure(low is bad): 1d100 ⇒ 23 Succeeds.

With a nod and a prayer, Beagan’s fingers point again, lowering first Grasker down to the floor in the dark, followed by Xanthos carrying Beagan and his glowing shield. Xanthos tenses and prepares to strike any nearby foes, while Beagan keeps on eye on Cole, prepared to move the archer down when he gets a chance.

If Xanthos reaches the ground and is able to act, Xanthos will strike if a guard is within reach. Otherwise, Xanthos readies to attack any enemy that approaches.

Xanthos(bite): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 201d6 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Going once, going twice, speak now, or the mwk chain shirt stays behind.

The little gnome works his magic and carefully crafted descent order, leaving the others to climb down.

The noise from below, which was difficult to hear and no one actually made the perception check on that I saw. becomes clearer. Two different voices cackle and grunt, while a third groans, whimpers and occasionally screams.

As each adventurer breaches the exit of the tunnel, two mongrelmen behind the barricade come into view. A third appears to be strapped down over the barrier as they torment him. "Suck it up, loser. You'll live, probably."

Serraling smeiles at Kastor as he waits for Cole and Beagan to get going.

He will follow suit, seeking to help the bound mongrel when he gets to the ground.

Please assume we're taking all loots, GM AA. We'll lump it on Jurin for the time being.

Oh, I was sure you were taking it, just wasn't sure if it would be in actual use for this combat.

Serra Iondri Phaer: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22
Cole Zeff: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21
Elyanius Myoch: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (17) + 0 = 17
red mongrel: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16
Beagan Berelcar: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12
Mongrel Graf: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15
Jurin Kreedsön: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15
Grasker: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (9) + 0 = 9
mongrel in green: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

Though the group was expecting it to be absolutely dark in the cavern below, one of the two mongrels appears to be wielding a torch on his entertainment. Between this and their obvious focus on their actions at hand, none of the three mongrelmen below appear to notice Beagan's light.

Surprise round, the three floaters have cleared the tunnel, Serra and Jurin are still on the ladder, while Ely and Graf are still in the room above. Serra is up, followed by Cole, then Ely.

Serra delays for Cole, not wanting to squish the man.

Round: Surprise, Initiative: 21

Cole is careful as he descends to line up a shot at the arguing mongrel men before he slips to the floor and they gain the benefit of their barricade cover. He shoots the one not being tortured and not holding the light.

Long Bow: 1d20 + 6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 6 + 1 + 1 = 19 (scale, point blank) damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2 (point blank)

Round 1, Init 21-

Serragrel double moves down the ladder.

AC 16, buckler off for climb/fight.

Cole's arrow catches the mongrelman in the green cloak in the shoulder, injuring him slightly.

Serra double moves down the ladder, clearing the lip of the tunnel, though still a ways from the floor.

Ely, Beagan(and Xanthos) and Jurin are up

Round 3, Initiative 9+

GM AA clarified the three levitating folks are roughly moving down together, one after the other. So at the start of the surprise round, Grasker is on the ground, Xanthos/Beagan are 10’ up, and Cole is 15’ up.

Beagan points his finger and the cloud under Xanthos’ feet flutters down to the floor below. Spotting apparently only one exit from this room, as soon as he feels the ground beneath him Xanthos runs and leaps over the barricade, attempting to block any escape.

Jump(Xanthos): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16
Beagan(Ride): 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (17) - 1 = 16

Beagan just barely maintains his seat in the saddle as Xanthos's claws clip the top of the fence. When the mount turns to guard the door, the Gnome’s gaze looks up at Cole, preparing to move him down when his concentration returns.

Previous post was for the Surprise Round, Init 12, not round 3.

Beginning Round, Init 17

Eli finishes donning the masterwork chain shirt, and keeps Graf company.

"Graf, you should go next. I'll follow you. There are more to defend against now, so you there should be less risk. Let's hope we can prevent the guards from raising the alarm."

Eli readies to descend after Graf.

At Eli's urging, Graf braces the door, moving the table in front of it. "in case the guards from the Trophy hall come to check in. This will alert them, but at least they won't be behind us."

unfortunately, that means he can't head down this round. Ely can if he chooses, or wait until next round.

Jurin continues down the tunnel, following Serragrel.

Round 1, top of the round

Cole Zeff: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21
Serra Iondri Phaer: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 21-
red mongrel: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16
Beagan Berelcar: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12
Mongrel Graf: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15+
Elyanius Myoch: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (17) + 0 = 15
Jurin Kreedsön: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15-
Grasker: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (9) + 0 = 9
mongrel in green: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

Ely from last round, then Cole and Serra. For the next round, Serra goes on 21- and Ely on 15.

Eli watches Graf in his preparations. "Trophy Hall, you say? How many guards from that direction?" Eli delays, preferring to keep Graf in front of him at all times.

Round 1, Init 15

Eli descends at the last, keeping an eye on the door, before both take to the ladder.

Round: 1, Initiative: 21

Cole, still hanging in mid air, and finding he likes the view, takes a pair of shots on the same target he lightly wounded the last round.
Long Bow: 1d20 + 4 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 4 + 1 + 1 = 17 (scale, point blank) damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6 (point blank)
Long Bow: 1d20 + 4 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 4 + 1 + 1 = 21 (scale, point blank) damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7 (point blank)

Cole, surprised by his success, can't help himself as he exclaims, "Hah! Ha ha ha! Hah!" in a moment of honest happiness.

Graf answers, her words coming in grunts as he moves the heavy table. "At... least...two...uplanders, usually."

The mongrel in the green cloak looks up just in time to see Cole's arrows as they drill into his eyes. He groans and flops forward over the bound mongrelman beneath him.

Round 2, Init 21-

Serragrel climbs down the ladder, then enters his soldier's stance waddle, taking total defense.

AC=20.

Serragrel clambers down the ladder and takes a fully defensive position on the ground.

Round 1, Init 16

The scarlet-skinned mongrelman draws back in shock, dropping the torch. Drawing a long dagger from the flesh of the bound mongrel, he surges forward and attacks the closest invader.

"ALARM!!! INVADERS!!! HOSILLA!!!"

attack on Beagan: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 231d4 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

Beagan (Xanthos), Graf and Ely are up

Above, Graf begins his descent.

Round 1, Initiative 12

The dagger digs deep into the Gnome, shaking his grip on the mount.

Beagan(Ride): 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (19) - 1 = 18

Beagan remains firmly in the mount's natural "saddle" despite the blow, and Xanthos attempts to return the favor.

Bite(Xanthos): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 201d6 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8
Claw(Xanthos): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 201d4 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3
Claw(Xanthos): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 181d4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

As the mount's teeth and claws dig deep into the guard, Beagan points his finger at the clouds beneath Cole and drops the archer to the ground, and then draws his sword.

"Reject your evil ways and your soul may yet be saved. Otherwise, face the consequences of your gullibility."

The Gnoman Warrior levels his disapproval at the remaining Mongrel while his Holy Mount tears into the creature, easily doing as much damage as Cole did to his cohort, but the angry mongrel continues to stand and glower.

"You'll pay for that, you uplander vermin! When I'm done with you, you'll regret ever coming below!"

Ely is up, Jurin and Grasker are up. The creatures beyond the barricade have cover(-4) from those on the ground.

Eli begins his descent, directly in-line with Graf's pacing. He concentrates on not hitting Graf in the face with his hammer.

Round 1, Init 9

So the green fellow is down?

"That is some amazing shooting."

Grasker will leave his magic holy cloud and attack the remaining mongrel monster.

1d20 + 5 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (17) + 5 + 1 - 4 = 191d8 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 + 1 = 9

Yes, the Green one is down.

Grasker tries to step off the cloud, but finds he is not able to do so. Levitate is dismissable by the caster, but takes a standard action. Grasker can pull himself forward using the walls and such(usually at half speed), but will remain off his feet and takes a -1 for every round that he takes an attack action.

Grasker's arrow flies true, striking the scarlet skinned mongrel and sinks deep. Still, the creature rages, even as his life's blood runs in rivers across his chest.

Jurin, Cole and Serra are up!

Jurin rushes forward, attacking the bonds that hold the tortured mongrel.

"Lazy Baker! Your frosting's runny!"

Round 3, Init 21-

Serragrel moves to flank the remaining, bleeding mongerlman. He 'deftly' climbs lumbers over the barricade to aid Ser Beagan.

Starknife attack:
1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 3 + 1 = 8 to hit;
1d4 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 2 + 1 = 7 damage.

Being a knight is hard work.
Maybe you're just winded from all the activity today, fatso. But I bet you'd have energy to raid the pantry, huh?

Serragrel downcasts, as if knowing something inside were true.

Serragrel lumbers over the barricade to flank the remaining mongrelman, but he misses pitifully, his mind focused elsewhere.

Cole is up and then the red skinned mongrelman.

Round: 2, Initiative: 21

Cole takes his shots, grinning as he hopes to continue his lucky streak.
Long Bow: 1d20 + 4 + 1 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 + 1 + 1 - 4 = 17 (scale, point blank, cover) damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6 (point blank)
Long Bow: 1d20 + 4 + 1 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 + 1 + 1 - 4 = 4 (scale, point blank, cover) damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5 (point blank)

Round 2, Init 19

Cole Zeff: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21
Serra Iondri Phaer: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 21-
Urziel: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19
red mongrel: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16
Beagan Berelcar: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12
Mongrel Graf: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15+
Elyanius Myoch: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (17) + 0 = 15
Jurin Kreedsön: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15-
Grasker: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (9) + 0 = 9
mongrel in green: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8
Cultist 1: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

Cole's arrow finally stops the raging red skinned mongrelman, dropping him just as the door behind Beagan slides open. A fat, balding Tiefling stands on the other side.

Flashing a wicked, semi-toothless grin and brandishing a sword, he crooks a finger at Beagan, "Oh, Hozilla's gonna *love* you!"

Meanwhile, Graf continues his climb, finally stepping off the ladder.

Beagan, Xanthos are up next, and Ely.

Round 2, Init 15

Eli takes in the events unfolding, as he waits for Graf to move out of his way for stepping off the ladder as well. I tire of the underground, Lenore. If this is what it takes to fight demons, leaving the air above...

Round 2, Initiative 12

Beagan sees the clouds still billowing around the formerly levitated, re-coalescing and possibly hindering his allies. As he hears the door open behind him, he has just enough concentration left to dismiss the cloud hugging Grasker’s feet.

Xanthos spins to meet the threat, allowing the Gnome to see the Tiefling and a bit of what’s beyond, and Beagan immediately goes pale. ”N-n-n-not again!” While Beagan looks shaken in the saddle, Xanthos lets out a little, enraged rabbit squeal followed by a resounding growl before he attacks.

Bite(Xanthos): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 61d6 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7
Claw(Xanthos): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 151d4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
Claw(Xanthos): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 191d4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Feeling the fear and loathing radiating from his rider, Xanthos steps back, trying to lure the demonspawn out of the doorway.

Graf and Ely make their way down the tunnel, one after the other.

Xanthos bites and claws at the old tiefling. Only his claws find purchase, sinking deep into his gut. Sensing his partner's fear, he releases his target and backs off trying to lure him back out the door.

Urziel, -8

Jurin and Grasker are up!

Round 2

Grasker will check out the mongrelmonster bound to the barrel, and assist with first aid if he is bleeding out.

heal: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17

Not really looking for the recently converted ally, Grasker calls out "Graf, what is with this bound guy?"

After first aid he moves forward, ready to attack whatever Beagan finds so startling.