ok; the party has no troubles following Kalonas description and the halls to the hole in the wall leaving the booming sounds from the guardroom in the distance.
The floor and wall are spiderwebbed with cracks, Kosan, with your dwarven aptitude and stone cunning; you figure this floor is very unsafe and you doubt 100 lbs can walk on it safely; the right side of the hall is fairly sound so walking slowly back against the wall opposite the hole; you guess people can scoot by without much issue (just a reflex roll with a low dc)
As for climbing down; looks do-able; seems like one or more things has climbed down already as looking around you see some tool made chips and like that; it is a fair long way though; probably 700 ft; unless there are shelves and like that to rest on; the endurance of the climbers is going to be a big factor especially since you have no real climbing gear though the spikes could be very handy.
stepping to the edge would need to be careful work so as not to have the cracked hall and wall give way as this would be a danger if heavily trodden upon.
Other groups of Drow... That could be extremely problematic. Depending which Houses they are from, or if they are outcasts; there could be blood flowing in the streets.
Val
So which way Kosan? Down or follow the hall? Whatever we do, we should do it quickly. Before our pursuers catch us. Or that damned thing howls again.
Other groups of Drow... That could be extremely problematic. Depending which Houses they are from, or if they are outcasts; there could be blood flowing in the streets.
So which way Kosan? Down or follow the hall? Whatever we do, we should do it quickly. Before our pursuers catch us. Or that damned thing howls again.
In Mindlink: Thorenhen rig the hole in the wall with a grappling hook and about 30 feet of line, Fray the rope as if it came apart when we were climbing down. Maybe we can get a few of our pursuers to walk on the weak area in front of the hole and kill them or even make them think we went into the hole to the city. I say we go along the path.
Keep to the opposite side of the hole, the area in front of the hole is incredibly weak and may go at any moment, and let us go down the hallway path and not down the hole.I retrieve my rope from thorenhen and put it back on my backpack.
In Mind Link: Hurry we must go.
Kemnebi looks at Nebibit, then the others, then shrugs his shoulders.
'SOunds good to me! I bow to your underground expertise master dwarf!' The magus replies through the link. He is very careful only to walk where Kosan pointed out it was safe. Walking as softly as only a feline can. When they are all safely past the dangerous portion he takes his place back in line, staff at the ready,...
"Damn fine strategy Kosan," Astinos responds through the link as he follows alongthe stronger path.
"I agree, that is a good plan. Let's hope that our pursuers are actually intelligent enough to be fooled by such a ruse!"
Kalona mentaly sighs a bit then speeds back through the whole in the wall to her perch on Skelly #1 (Skelly #2 and #3 are still guarding the kitties).
Nothing like stretching your wings after breakfast. Please lead on. The skelly moves toward her walking position.
Nebibit also shrugs If you think it will work go for it
In Mindlink: Thorenhen rig the hole in the wall with a grappling hook and about 30 feet of line, Fray the rope as if it came apart when we were climbing down. Maybe we can get a few of our pursuers to walk on the weak area in front of the hole and kill them or even make them think we went into the hole to the city. I say we go along the path.
Keep to the opposite side of the hole, the area in front of the hole is incredibly weak and may go at any moment, and let us go down the hallway path and not down the hole.
Alright. So Kosan; how long do you think this stone has been compromised? If it has been for any reasonable length of time. We have to assume the enemy is already aware of it, and will avoid your trap. If we are forced to retreat this way by encountering a superior enemy force. This area will be our death trap.
Going down the cliff we would assure that we will get to our destination instead of a labyrith of hallways and tunnels before us. Granted the trip down will be exhausting and slow work. But we will have the advantage of avoiding enemy patrols, or that army that started its march up toward the surface. I do believe we were all in agreement that we do need to avoid conflict, and replenish our engeries. I don't wish to undermine your expertise Kosan, but I do wish to fully voice out other possibilities. Though I am not an expert of stone work like Kosan is. I am a decent spelunker, and can assist those who have no experience. Either way I will support Kosans decision.
Alright. So Kosan; how long do you think this stone has been compromised? If it has been for any reasonable length of time. We have to assume the enemy is already aware of it, and will avoid your trap. If we are forced to retreat this way by encountering a superior enemy force. This area will be our death trap.
Going down the cliff we would assure that we will get to our destination instead of a labyrith of hallways and tunnels before us. Granted the trip down will be exhausting and slow work. But we will have the advantage of avoiding enemy patrols, or that army that started its march up toward the surface. I do believe we were all in agreement that we do need to avoid conflict, and replenish our engeries. I don't wish to undermine your expertise Kosan, but I do wish to fully voice out other possibilities. Though I am not an expert of stone work like Kosan is. I am a decent spelunker, and can assist those who have no experience. Either way I will support Kosans decision.
To Val: can I tell when and how this hole was made and how long the floor has been weak?
In Mind link: Sound counter tactics Llevonic.
[ooc] grumbling to myself: Damned blasted point eared, non-shaving, child lookalike, all knowing elves always see a solution bit never see if they have the tools to get to the solution. [ooc]
In Mind link: there are 4 problems with your course. 1. It tis a 700 foot decent and we have 300 foot of rope. 2. The enemy is almost at our heels and we do not have enough time to get our entire party down the rope, some being very bad climbers with no climbing gear, seeing as how we have to go 1 at a time due to the floors instability. 3. even though the skeleton weighs only 40 lbs, his armor, sword, boots, etc should put him over the weight limit and hopefully there will be more than 1 foe looking over the edge thereby increasing the weight. 4. we are ill equipped in case someone falls or our enemy catches us on the ropes. No feather fall spells or such spells.
"I may be able to bring something to the table here, but it could be risky. I can create a very strong Astral Construct , with the ability of flight , which will last for a little less than a minute. It can carry up to 800 lbs, though its speed will be reduced at that weight. Potentially, depending on total party weight, we could, by doing this once or a few times, have the construct carry everyone down. The problem is that if it uses only its fly speed, it would not be able to make a 700' trip in 42 seconds ... unless we rely on freefall. But I don't know how rapidly we could descend in freefall and still give it time to pull out of the dive and deliver us safely to the ground before it expires."
Your guessing weeks to a month; pretty recent stuff; no wear and no erosion ;no dust in the cracks; stone doesnt have much discoloration from being in open air... like that.
Alright. So Kosan; how long do you think this stone has been compromised? If it has been for any reasonable length of time. We have to assume the enemy is already aware of it, and will avoid your trap. If we are forced to retreat this way by encountering a superior enemy force. This area will be our death trap.
Going down the cliff we would assure that we will get to our destination instead of a labyrith of hallways and tunnels before us. Granted the trip down will be exhausting and slow work. But we will have the advantage of avoiding enemy patrols, or that army that started its march up toward the surface. I do believe we were all in agreement that we do need to avoid conflict, and replenish our engeries. I don't wish to undermine your expertise Kosan, but I do wish to fully voice out other possibilities. Though I am not an expert of stone work like Kosan is. I am a decent spelunker, and can assist those who have no experience. Either way I will support Kosans decision.
To Val: can I tell when and how this hole was made and how long the floor has been weak?
In Mind link: Sound counter tactics Llevonic.
[/ooc]...
Yes; either of the flyers could check or answer; looks like several ledges and depression; some easy going areas and rough areas below you; no ledge or depression look big enough to hold the entire party; not to mention strength; but with 300 ft of rope; going down not be that hazardous as the dwarf has a natural skill in this sort of thing and we would just take it that he is helping best he can.
as for crossing the weak spot; would require a reflex roll and a roll by me of weight of crosser vs str of weak spot; so lighter the better. the weak spot is about 20ft long in the hall and might be weak farther on and no guarantee that this hallway actually continues past the 80 more ft that was checked as it goes around a bend. The floor will get consecutively weaker as str checks near failure.
using your astral construct; you could lower the worst climbers to a ledge down about 6 rounds of movement for it; and be over the hardest part and worst part of the climb; that ledge can hold 3 fairly safely. Will save those who ride the construct about a couple hours of climbing. Dont worry to much about the mechanics; just in case I have graphed out the climb in case you guys want to do it randomly generationg the climb difficulties; slow; but fairly safe going after that ledge I describes; if you want to see the graph as a sort of description given from Kalona or Falco; let me know; also let them know as they didnt really look at this cliff and one could really give it a more intense eyeball to fill in some details.
oh course; if the hall collapses; there is a chance of being able to catch on a rock on the cliff or a little shelf; will give two rolls; second harder than the first to try to save yourself; but anyone not having gone may then have to attempt to leap the 20ft or more gap in the floor which is probably going to be cinamatically heroic hehe.
The dwarf would also warn; that as this area is damaged; one of the greatest dangers in the climb itself; is sharp rock edges and kicking rock down on those below; also; rope use would be helpful as knots get checked with rolls as well when you have several people dangling from a single rope
anyone char afraid of heights?
"I may be able to bring something to the table here, but it could be risky. I can create a very strong Astral Construct , with the ability of flight , which will last for a little less than a minute. It can carry up to 800 lbs, though its speed will be reduced at that weight. Potentially, depending on total party weight, we could, by doing this once or a few times, have the construct carry everyone down. The problem is that if it uses only its fly speed, it would not be able to make a 700' trip in 42 seconds ... unless we rely on freefall. But I don't know how rapidly we could descend in freefall and still give it time to pull out of the dive and deliver us safely to the ground before it expires."
...
keep in mind that riding something that is at freefall and suddenly stops is still a crash effect for those falling unless you have some deceleration period. the game difference in the crafted oject in freefall then suddenly stopping would be fall damage applied per that distance to those riding and the craft. But, like I said; you can get 800lbs of characters and equipment without issue.
terminal velocity for the game is something like 24d6 damage max regardless of distance fallen; plus any damage for hitting stuff on the way down and modifiers for what you impact; also; unprotected characters can breath during that time so if you jumped off the edge for example; it would take about 4 minutes to hit the ground; so con check to see if you can hold your breath that long or you take that response; most people who fall from great height suffocate long before they hit the ground. All in all; climbing is a lot safer than jumping.
Is it just me or does anyone else smell something extremely heroic/disastrous coming up?
[ooc]Are there any ledges below, spaced so that we might be able to descend to a ledge within our available 300' ...
In Mind Link: So My Lady I take it my plan has been scrapped for Llevonic's Free fall one.
Grumbling to my Self (as I am getting out my Master work Climbers Kit, Ascender/Slider Device, 6 Pitons & my grappling Hook): Damned Pointy eared wine sipping baffons. Why does everyone take there advise when it is more troublesome. Its best to go down the hall Kill everything we meet. Break into the city by shattering the doors and gaining glory. Bah, Instead lets all sprout Butterfly wings & flutter down this cliff 700 feet to land a lightly as a summer wind blowing across their face exposing those ridiculous ears, Bah.
In Mind Link: Thorenhen climb back in your hole and retrieve Brave Llevonics Pack I need all of the Metal spikes in there like this one (hold up a Piton (Metal stake with a Hole at one end) there should be 21 of them I need the Backpack also. Well my lady is this the route you wish to take?
hehe Kosan; 10 exps for making the GM laugh histerically hehe. Ok; Kosan; whew; still chuckling; Thoronhen hands you something familiar when you get it; this is a portable frame for a stove and spit for turning stuff over a fire and hanging things to dry and hanging pots; not metal for climing; all these rods have threads and holes and pins that make a really nice thing for cooking.
In Mind Link: So My Lady I take it my plan has been scrapped for Llevonic's Free fall one.
"No, not scrapped. I just want to make sure all options are on the table and that we are well informed of the pros and cons of each option."
It should be noted that continuing and crossing or climbing down are hazardous and both options have merit.
"Now that I've thought about it a little more, the main drawback that I see to Kosan's plan is that it relies on the intelligence of the undead, and we have to thread the needle a bit with their intelligence. On the one hand, in order to be fooled, they would need to be at least intelligent enough to have the ability to reason (i.e. rope over edge means someone went down rope). On the other hand, we would need them to not be intelligent enough to think to look over the edge and see if anyone is actually on the rope, or to check to see if the rope is still moving as if someone was on it further than their range to detect life. We could put Kalona and Falco down the rope a ways, occasionally pulling and tugging on it to give the illusion that it is moving under peoples' weight, should we go with that option."
When my sister was with Kalona and Kalona was holding back all the undead pursuit by herself; they saw some intelligent enemies; at least one necromancer and some ghouls who are intelligent and often trackers; track by smell; perhaps Kalona can provide more information as she saw more than my sister.
<all in general mindlink>
We do not have time to discuss this. What are we going to do? Both plans sound good. I am a decent climber and can use Feather Fall on meself. So someone quickly make a choice and lets do it.
hehe Kosan; 10 exps for making the GM laugh histerically hehe. Ok; Kosan; whew; still chuckling; Thoronhen hands you something familiar when you get it; this is a portable frame for a stove and spit for turning stuff over a fire and hanging things to dry and hanging pots; not metal for climbing; all these rods have threads and holes and pins that make a really nice thing for cooking.
to Val: I'll take your ten thank You.
To Thorenhen: Blast it boy this isn't what I, Humm (I play with it for a few minutes) Outstanding, that is one truly resourceful boy ( I pack it into my Backpack) now that will do nicely, Nicely indeed.
In Mind Link: Does any one have any of these (I hold up a Piton) For a 700 Foot Decent I need about another 10 - 30 if possible also does no one have rope. Did ye think to enter the bowels of the earth and not bring Rope what kind of adventures are ye.
In Mind Link: Does any one have any of these (I hold up a Piton) For a 700 Foot Decent I need about another 10 - 30 if possible also does no one have rope. Did ye think to enter the bowels of the earth and not bring Rope what kind of adventures are ye.
I only have 30ft of rope left. The rest of my climbing equipment was lost awhile ago. If you want I can take the lead climbing down. It was my idea. so I should take the brunt of the risk, and test the way down.
<rolls her eyes and sighs>
Kosan if you would get the rope ready for those who don't know how to climb. I will inspect the way down.
I have another 50 ft of rope, silk. But no pitons unfortunately.
to decidio privately:
I have 50' of rope also.
Kosan if you would get the rope ready for those who don't know how to climb. I will inspect the way down.
In the Mind Link: So is this the way you wish to proceed Lady nemaster?? if so then I have got 300, 330, 430 feet of rope 6 Pitons, 2 Grappling Hooks, a Climbers Kit an Ascender/Slider set. OK who is good at knots? Tie these all together my 100 then Thorenhen's 200 then the 2 - 50 footers then the 30 footer.
Grumbling to myself: Blast, I sure would like to know who is going to provide the butterfly wings and the cool breeze. Blast all feminine featured, non-eating, undermusceled, pointy eared, omnipotent, tree lovers always trying to prove themselves Superior to their superiors. Oh wait I'll go down first, probably climbs like a pregnant oboleth.
In Mind Link: Yes that will be fine Llevonic check the way for us for I am sure that you climb like a spider. OK Lads lets get this escapade going.
Grumbling to My Self: Blast, maybe I should toss down my pack to Llevonic to help him in his climbing (Chuckle to myself), Blasted pointy eared mischief makers always willing to kill a party when the only thing needed is the life of a fool.
<rolls his eyes and groans>
"I've got two coils of silk rope, 50' each, but no pitons. If worse comes to worst, the silk swaths that I wear are enchanted to an unnatural hardiness and will not tear easily. Ultimately they are simply several long strips of loose cloth, and they could be tied together end-by-end for another 50' or so. But mind you, though I'm not overly modest, I would prefer not to be dangling in midair nude as a newborn babe."
"With my rope added, that's 530 feet of rope - or 580 if the gents want an eyeful. That will get us to one of the ledges near the ground. From there we can reposition the rope, I think. If Falco lacks the strength to unfasten the rope once we're safely to the bottom, then I can remain behind and do it myself, then fly it down to you, if Grymbol could bestow his spell to hide me from the undead so that I can remain out of sight of those that pursue us."
"If we're going to use the Astral Construct to carry our less capable climbers to the ledge, then we will need at least one of those lengths for that - the 30-footer should do, or my Swaths could serve that purpose."
"I've got two coils of silk rope, 50' each, but no pitons. If worse comes to worst, the silk swaths that I wear are enchanted to an unnatural hardiness and will not tear easily. Ultimately they are simply several long strips of loose cloth, and they could be tied together end-by-end for another 50' or so. But mind you, though I'm not overly modest, I would prefer not to be dangling in midair nude as a newborn babe."
While its appreciated Namaste. I think it would be best you remain clothed. I would hate to see Astinos falling to his death trying to protect your decency, or Kemnebi trying to steal a look.
ok; need a balance and reflex roll to go over the edge; regardless; part of the edge crumbles away; depending on the rolls is how much.
Llevenoc; occasionally; 5 times each 30 foot; you find a rusted iron piton already driven into the wall face once you get about 100 foot down the side.
dc for the first part is pretty easy at 12 for climbing; so far nobody is using the rope; so this is all sheer climb skill. Once the rope is secured then +6 can be added for the rope; dont forget armor mods in your climb skill.
need a roll or what your taking a 10 would be for balance and climb.
about a 100 ft down the wall face gets really difficult to climb; you may take a 20; but going is slow; very sheer and slants inward so gravity is against you.
as this is a long climb; we need a strength check 10 x str score in number of feet as a gage of tiredness; armor mod and encumberance should be subtracted from this score. Failure doesnt mean you fall, only that your muscles are getting tired; so make a con check each section. A rope will add 30 foot to this distance once it is being used and add a significant bonus to the climb skill, and reflex rolls Also; as this is constant use; a negative modifier will be applied each section; so you will need to take rest periods in a non str using locale.
did anyone have rope use?
so should be a bit like this;
balance and reflex to go over the edge.
(assume str 10 for this example); every 100 ft; str, balance and climb check; start con check on second and continue; so second 100 ft; str, con, balance and climb.
what this means in game terms:
str failure; getting tired -2 to all further rolls, each failure combines.
con failure; must rest or risk fall.
balance failure; some part of wall comes away; gm determines how much; as long as not catastrophic; climbers below check reflex as rocks fall on them.
Well; if you make it all the way down; aught to be quite and experience and decent points.
Someone has already been this way. There are rusted pinons about every 30ft.
[ooc] Whenever I get to a ledge I will take a few minute break to let my muscles rest and to see how the others are progressing. At the 100ft mark I will start using the rope. I will then start taking 20's on my climb checks with the ropes assistance. 20+7+6=33 Until I get to an easier patch of rock to climb. Then I will go back to takes 10's for that. Unless I am fatigued then I will continue to take 20's to make sure I don't slip up. I will also continue to take 10's on my balance rolls 10+6=16, unless the rock becomes brittle like shale then I will take 20.
Namaste
I am thinking that Astinos and Kosan are probably doing the astral elevator down a bit; then use our numbers to climb down from there; that is the plan as I understand it; does that jive with everyone?
just keep in mind; there is no rope to climb yet.
So has anybody spiked the ground in a solid spot, and got the rope tied off yet? I am already on the first ledge.
Yup
just keep in mind; there is no rope to climb yet.
If any of you have a light source PUT IT OUT NOW!!! Light travels alot further than you would imagine. Creatures accustomed to the dark can see a source of light miles further than you can. I believe the human analogy is a Lighthouse upon the Ocean? We don't want a Vampire or something worse looking up, and saying... Gee I wonder what that light is up there on the cliff. I should go fly up there and check it out. The last thing we want is a protracted battle while we are hanging from the cliffside.
Kalona looks back at Llvenoc and Kosan.
Hmmm, well, I guess its your lives. Fortunately the door to a powers afterworld is nearby to catch those who dont have very good climbing abilities. Or even those that do...
There was at least one Necromancer and a Mogh in the group of ghouls, they can be tricked just like anyone as can trackers. Of course its not automatic. So effort would be required. I more or less thought Kosan had the right idea and an appropriate modification to the area would bring the tunnel down on the persuers. But if folks want to climb I guess I will take a look about, I thought I saw a ledge or cave or two...probably take a few hours to go all the way down I think, if not longer. Wonder if those ghouls will throw their lunches at those descending or simply warn those below... Still not sure how the majority here plan on getting out after the "rescue", should be interesting though.
If I recall correctly a bunch of ghoul types more or less inhabit the area under the cliff, guess I will swoop down there and work my way back up.
With that Kalona takes flight, she will give a more detailed review of the cliff area and what is below it.
Namaste
** spoiler omitted **