To Gaze into the Abyss (Inactive)

Game Master Dreaming Warforged

"Eamch forgive me, I may be making unfair assumptions, but being a dwarf, do you know anything about the structure caves? Does the one we're in seem stable to you? If it were, perhaps we'd be justified in leaving them here until we find something to make a cast..."

"No offense taken. I may not be as knowledgeable as some of my folk, but I have picked up a thing or two in my years."

As he makes his way over to Anevia, Eamch looks over the chamber for its stability. Knowledge (engineering) 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27

He'll kneel by Anevia, and disassemble his bindle stick. He'll use the stout oak stick (his club) for a brace and the scarf to bind it. He'll use strips of his ragged tunic for additional binding material.

If someone has a better heal check, he'll aid them. If not, he'll set the leg and bind it in a temporary splint.

Heal 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17

"That helps a lot. Thanks Eamch. Now I just a cane and I can probably walk on my own, though slowly."

She says as she gets up with Eamch's help. A makeshift cane is quickly found and she smiles for the first time. "Ok. Now I'm ready to go!"

Barek continues looking about, keeping an eye for additional people, or any possible threats.

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

He chuckles and grins. "I thought we'd never get a smile out of you, Anevia was it?"

His hands grip invisibly at blades that are not there. The nerves are on his face, as he keeps the scale close to his chest and underneath his armor.

"Good, good." Eamch mutters as Anevia manages to rise.

"It looks like this place is stable for now, but another trauma to it, like the battle before, could bring it all down."

"Then definitely we need to get our asses out of here before we end up becoming part of the rubble."

Surprised by the presence of the scales, Zoresk takes one turning it over in his hands. Is this meant to be a sign? Did the great Terendelev fall so that we may live? Shaking his head against such nonsense, he listens to the ongoing chatter before saying, "Glad to see one of us can treat wounds like that." Zoresk casts a mistrustful glance at the ceiling before replying, "I agree. Let's get moving. I'm thinking that those of us who can fight should be ready to. Can you three -Anevia, Aravashnial and Horgus- keep together and support each other? We need to all go together, but I want to be ready for anything. That means those who can fight need hands free."

Kord picks up a scale, "We should keep these as reminder of Terendelev's sacrifice."

Turning to the group, "Let's gather up and prepare to move out. I can take lead, unless someone objects."

Despite the gravity of the situation, Dalmien suddenly seems animated by a strange enthusiasm.

"Yes lead on! Kord, Eamch, Zoresk, Barek, Anevia Horgus and Aravashnial...Today begins the rest of our lives!"

Prepares the cheesy "End of Episode One" anime music.

You make your way slowly through the tunnel. It meanders left and right and down and up. You quickly learn to mind your head after a few painful encounters with the low ceiling.

The air gets heavier and your nostrils tickle as moldy smells of ancient dampness reach them.

Up ahead, Kord notices the tunnel opens into a cavern of small size. He can make a small pile of bones at the edge of his light.

Zoresk follows along as Kord takes the lead. He hands his torch to someone bringing up the rear as they prepare to enter the tunnel, leaving both his hands free to carry his blade. As they advance, he stays alert and as quiet as he can, hoping to hear anyone approaching. That's right, stay alert and ready. You'll get alive as long as you're aware of your surroundings and ready for anything that might attack.

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20
Stealth at normal speed: 1d20 - 1 - 10 ⇒ (18) - 1 - 10 = 7

Kord picks up a scale, "We should keep these as reminder of Terendelev's sacrifice."

Turning to the group, "Let's gather up and prepare to move out. I can take lead, unless someone objects."

At Kord's prompting, Eamch will pick up a scale as well. After a moment, he tucks it into his pouch. If any scales are left after others take one (if they choose to), Eamch will gather the remaining ones to take with them if that is feasible in a short time.

At Kord's offer to lead, Eamch replies "That is fine, but I will be right with you. My ancestors' blood allows me to see in some darkness, at least out a few dozen paces. I will help watch for danger." When the passage is wide enough, he'll walk with Kord. When the passage is only wide enough for one, he'll follow behind Kord.

Dalmien follows the group, a hand stuffed in his pocket, playing with the large silver scale. He is happy to stay towards the back of the group, keeping an eye on the wounded few.

Kord carefully makes his way into the cavern. He walks up to the bones for a closer look.

Perception:1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7

Whispering, "Eamch, do you see anything?"

Stealth: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10
Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18

Barek tries to blend a bit into the shadows as he keeps his eyes open for the group, hoping to use the landscape to his advantage, if they happen to get ambushed.

Perception 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (13) + 10 = 23

Eamch carefully scans ahead, trying to see if anything lurks near the bones.

You are still lined in the corridor leading to the small cavern for now.

Squinting into the darkness, Eamch says "I thought I saw an insect. A huge one. I couldn't tell what, but..." he shudders at the thought of what he glimpsed. He waves a hand in the general direction he saw it, and the vagueness of the gesture indicates that it has eluded his sight again.

"I don't think we have any choice but to go on. We'll need to be doubly on our guard now though." Zoresk says as he strains to see into the darkness. Hefting his blade, he keeps a careful eye out as the group continues (if the group continues without talking. :)).

Barek remains silent, looking around into the darkness, trying to keep aware of any nasty bugs that might be trying to sneak up on the group.

Dalmien reaches for his dagger while playing nervously with the scale in his pocket with his free hand.

Kord continues moving forward cautiously.

Perception:1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23

The Centipedes Under Kenabres
Round 1 - The Centipedes
You move forward with care, when two yellow insectoid heads spring from the rubbles and dash towards you, their long and sinuous body, large as dogs, undulating with thousands of legs.

Kord is caught inside the legs before he can step back. He feels chills as poison runs through his veins.
//-4 hp and Fort DC 13 or 1d3 ⇒ 2 damage.

Map

All of you are up.

I'm really looking to get Barek around to flank one of these nasty beasties, and I'm hoping that's possible. :)

Dancing back midstep, Zoresk regains his footing as curses at the speed with which the insects appeared. Zoresk swings forcefully at a nearby centipede, hoping to end its threat quickly. How did these creatures get down here? Sparing a glance over his shoulder, he calls, "Are there any behind us?"

Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21
Damage: 1d10 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14 It would be the same attack/damage if it's with a flail or fauchard.

Upon hearing Zoresk's question, Dalmien quickly turns his neck around to check what's behind.

Seeing Kord wounded, Eamch tries to help with his dagger, hurling it at the centipede.

To hit 1d20 + 2 - 4 ⇒ (10) + 2 - 4 = 8
Damage 1d4 + 0 ⇒ (4) + 0 = 4

"Insects! Locusts! These could only be Deskari's minions! Beware their evil powers!" says the blind elf as he trails the group with Anevia, the blind supporting the crippled.

Round 1

Fort save:1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21

Kort says a prayer to Gorum and then attacks the centipede to his right with his great sword.

Attack:1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21 Damage:2d6 + 6 ⇒ (5, 4) + 6 = 15

The Centipedes Under Kenabres
Round 1 - The Righteous Underdogs

Barek grimaces, watching his traveling companion go down, and it is then that he knows he must move with certainty. And it is then that he rolls between the giant bugs, getting himself into a decent spot for a strike with his daggers.
//Barek makes the roll and the insects can’t react in time to catch him off guard. He lands on the other side of them.

Dancing back midstep, Zoresk regains his footing as curses at the speed with which the insects appeared. Zoresk swings forcefully at a nearby centipede, hoping to end its threat quickly. How did these creatures get down here? Sparing a glance over his shoulder, he calls, "Are there any behind us?"
//The bug is sliced by the Kellid warrior with a wet sound.

Upon hearing Zoresk's question, Dalmien quickly turns his neck around to check what's behind.
//A ray of frost springs from his finger, but his companions are in the way and his aim is off.

Seeing Kord wounded, Eamch tries to help with his dagger, hurling it at the centipede.
//But it hits the floor before the insect.

"Insects! Locusts! These could only be Deskari's minions! Beware their evil powers!" says the blind elf as he trails the group with Anevia, the blind supporting the crippled.

Kort says a prayer to Gorum and then attacks the centipede to his right with his great sword.
//Slicing it neatly at the head.

Round 2 - The Centipedes
From the corner of your eyes, you see with horror four more long bugs crawling down the rubbles.
Zoresk gets AoOs on d2 and e2.
d2: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 111d10 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8
e2: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 171d10 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

Quick as lightning, the Kellid cuts one before it gets to Barek.

The others move in and try to sting at your legs.

Barek is unable to avoid the bug, and it’s pincers sink deep, pumping dark fluid in his veins. //-4 hp and Fort DC 13 or 1d3 ⇒ 2 Dex damage.

Map

All of you are up.

Grinning in satisfaction as he manages to dice another of the creatures, Zoresk releases his hold on his weapon to deliver a back-handed blow to the nearby centipede with his cestus. Time and time again the reach of this blade has proven its worth. Resuming his grip on his blade, Zoresk prepares to spring to Barek's defense.

Free action to let go of my fauchard with my right hand (with the cestus) and bash the centiped in d2 before taking hold of my fauchard again. I'll step up into it's square it dies.

Cestus attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13
Cestus damage: 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

"Look! They click their mandibles twice right before they strike! Hit at them when they are doing that! It is harder for them to avoid your attack when they are committing to theirs." standard action to start advice, same as bard's inspire courage, +1 to hit and damage for all.

Barek gasps at the bite deep into his thigh, fighting off the poison coursing through him. 4/8 HP

Fortitude: 1d20 ⇒ 19

Barek takes a step over the body of the dead centipede E2 and grasps his blades hard, striking at its unprotected backside.

Flanking the hopefully alive one in D2.

Dagger 1 Attack: 1d20 + 1 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 1 + 1 + 2 = 14
Dagger 2 Attack: 1d20 + 1 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 1 + 1 + 2 = 21

Damage 1: 1d4 + 1d8 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (3) + (5) + 1 + 1 = 10
Damage 2: 1d4 + 1d8 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (1) + (5) + 1 + 1 = 8

If it is dead, then Barek will focus on the one in F4

Barek turns to strike at the centipede that dares to strikes him in the dark.
Dagger 1: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 3 + 1 = 15
Damage: 1d4 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 + 1 = 4

Gathering his resolve, Kord takes a 5 foot step forward to allow Eamch to move up.

"By Gorum, you're right Eamch!", Kord listens for the double click and then strikes at the southern centipede.

Attack:1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 4 + 1 = 16 Damage:2d6 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (6, 2) + 6 + 1 = 15

"What's going on up there? Why have we stopped? What? Giant insects?!? Do something!!"

"Horgus! Keep your mouth shut! Can't you see they are?!"

Dalmien curses as he misses.

Dalmien steps up as far as Eamch. He attempts to hit the closest insect still alive in sight with a Ray of Frost, using Eamch's advice to predict its movement.

Ranged Touch Attack: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12

Damage: 1d3 ⇒ 2

The Centipedes Under Kenabres
Round 2 - The Righteous Underdogs

Grinning in satisfaction as he manages to dice another of the creatures, Zoresk releases his hold on his weapon to deliver a back-handed blow to the nearby centipede with his cestus. Time and time again the reach of this blade has proven its worth. Resuming his grip on his blade, Zoresk prepares to spring to Barek's defense.
//The bug manages to slip his attack.

"Look! They click their mandibles twice right before they strike! Hit at them when they are doing that! It is harder for them to avoid your attack when they are committing to theirs." says Eamch, providing advice to his companions.

Barek gasps at the bite deep into his thigh, fighting off the poison coursing through him. He takes a step over the body of the dead centipede and grasps his blades hard, striking at its unprotected backside.
//The bug is sliced in a rapid succession and stops moving.

Gathering his resolve, Kord takes a step forward to allow Eamch to move up.
"By Gorum, you're right Eamch!", Kord listens for the double click and then strikes at the southern centipede.
//The cut is neat, and slices without a sound, leaving the centipede lifeless.

"What's going on up there? Why have we stopped? What? Giant insects?!? Do something!!" shouts Horgus.

"Horgus! Keep your mouth shut! Can't you see they are?!" replies Anevia.

Dalmien curses as he misses and steps up as far as Eamch. He attempts to hit the closest insect still alive in sight with a Ray of Frost, using Eamch's advice to predict its movement.
//Unfortunately, all he does is turn rubble to frosty rubble...

Round 3 - The Centipede
The last centipede slithers forth towards Kord’s leg and strikes.

The vicious bug finds an opening and pinces with great efficience, pumping its venom in the cleric’s blood. //-5 hp to Kord and Fort DC 13 or 1d3 ⇒ 3 Dex damage.

It is quickly dispatched right after by the combined offensive of the companions.

End of combat.

Make sure you keep your status lines updated. Kord should read 10/14 now with -5, and Barek shoud read 4/8. Thanks.

Dalmien grasps his dagger firmly in a bout of frustration with himself. Useless! . His new-found companions had dispatched the beasts with efficiency, selflessly exposing themselves to the beast's bite. What had he done? Make the ground slightly crispy with icy dew.

Regardless he is thankful. Without Barek's acrobatics, Kord and Zoresk's deadly blades, and Eamch's helpful advice, he would have been eaten alive.

"Are..Are they gone? Are you all alright? You were all fantastic! I am deeply indebted to you. That was incredible! I've always wanted to be a crusader like you! "

A search of the room turns up, besides the bones of some forgotten adventurer, a torn bedroll, three candle stubs (each can burn for 30 minutes), a bent fishhook, 10 feet of badly frayed hemp rope, and a copper brooch depicting a bat perched on a mushroom—both of the bat’s eyes are tiny amethysts. This brooch is worth 200 gp.

Above you is a chimney leading up. You can't see the surface, but you can see, at the edge of your light, a stone ledge jutting out at a right angle, twenty feet off the ground. The leather strap of a backpack hangs from the edge of the ledge.

Dalmien grasps his dagger firmly in a bout of frustration with himself. Useless! . His new-found companions had dispatched the beasts with efficiency, selflessly exposing themselves to the beast's bite. What had he done? Make the ground slightly crispy with icy dew.

Regardless he is thankful. Without Barek's acrobatics, Kord and Zoresk's deadly blades, and Eamch's helpful advice, he would have been eaten alive.

"Are..Are they gone? Are you all alright? You were all fantastic! I am deeply indebted to you. That was incredible! I've always wanted to be a crusader like you! "

"I'm all right! Thanks to you all!" says Horgus as he takes in the items: "Hey, these could be useful! One of us should carry those."

He looks up: "No way I'm climbing this!"

How difficult does it look to climb this lower part of the chimney? Could one of us take 10 to retrieve the pack? Is the chimney the only way out of here, other than the way we came?

There seems to be a lot of handholds and footholds to make the climb , but the rocks seem loose in places, making it dangerous (DC 20).

Ahead the cavern opens to a passage that leads further into Kenabres' underground.

Take 10 is possible.

Fort Save:1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19

"Nasty creatures!"

Kord casts CLW on Barek and himself.

Barek: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
Kort: HP= 5+ 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

"Let's keep moving. Eamch, can you take lead? You are better equipped to navigate these subterranean passages than I."

Kord will follow behind Eamch.

"I would be honored to lead the way. But I can't help but think that pack may have something useful."

Unless someone is willing to try and climb for it, Eamch will pick up a sizable stone and see if he can dislodge it.

To hit 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9

"Huh."

He tries a couple more times.
To hit 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22
To hit 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

The copper brooch catches Dalmien's eyes.

"I'd be willing to carry the findings, Horgus. This brooch...does it mean anything to anybody? It seems so well crafted" "

Breathing heavily, Zoresk takes a moment to clean his blade of ichor with a spare rag. Grimacing at the bones, he assists in the search before returning to gaze up the chimney. Sizing it up, he shrugs and says, "I suppose I can give it a try. Let me take my armor off and that should make things a bit easier."

If no one objects.
Setting aside his armor, pack and cestus, Zoresk begins to climb up the shaft towards the pack.

Do you need more than one climb check?
Climb: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22

Edit: Adding Zoresk's look at the brooch.

Once he's finished his attempt at climbing, Zoresk takes a look at the brooch that Dalmien was talking about.

Knowledge(???): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9 That can be for history, religion or planes depending on what is most appropriate.

The pack is of good quality and contains:
-10 days of trail rations,
-a flint and steel,
-a set of caltrops,
-two flasks of oil,
-a bundle of 12 arrows,
-a potion of cure light wounds,
-a potion of lesser restoration.

Separate the items found among yourselves please, IC.

From what Zoresk can tell, the way up is perilous at best, and looks blocked by structures and rubbles.

The cave leads to another tunnel.