ok; for the record; NOBODY has stated that they spiked and tied off a rope and nobody has tied together all the pieces. there has been talk about doing it; that is all.
this is important in game mechanics because you all will be trusting your lives to these knots and putting 1000 lbs on a knot is very different from tying your shoe laces. I have been waiting for these rolls trained or untrained to see if the knot, spike and rope hold as people climb onto the rope.
Also; as Kosan stated; the ground here is very fragile; no one has pounded a stake in the floor; you can tell because the floor is still here :) and not falling on Llvenoc and Grybols heads who are climbing without it. Their speed without a rope, due to the difficulty of the climb; is about 10' a minute or round.
Climbing without a light is wise; but will slow down your pace and without a rope, be much more difficult for those who cannot see in the dark. There is a fair amount of light coming from the city; so it isnt completely dark; is kind of like a clear night of stars during a half moon out in the wilderness; you can see to about your fingertips and lighter and darker impressions beyond that; no fine detail; but well enough to climb down a rope. You can still take 10's and 20's on this climb at this point.
I can easily carry you if i wait here, but I thought to move down below with my wand of webs to attempt to save any that fall, what say you? with my slippers of spider climb; I can easily walk on this cliff face.
I have no need to climb but will if I must; if you would close your eyes; I could get to the bottome quite quickly and safely. I would need to disrobe so to speak, and thus looking upon my naked body might cause one or more of you to fall.
I too, in need, could attempt to rescue a fallen comrade though his heart might burst with the vision of my body.
<she looks a bit embarrassed>
pics of the cliff face sent out to those I have email addresses for; if I have your email and dont know it or you want these emails also; send me an email with valgrymr's homebrew as subject line; maybe I forgot or dont recognise it.
I can see some odd plant growths at the base of the cliff. Some look to be giant mushrooms. I am too far away to tell if they are shreikers or not. Who ever came down this way marked out a good path of descent for us. The pinons I have passed so far are solid so we can use them.
Kemnebi eyes the cliff face dubiously, and looks with undisguised longing at the tunnel untaken. But he grins and looks at the others.
[i"]OK! looks like fun! Um,... we ARE going to use a rope, right? I mean, my reflexes are good, but not THAT good!"[/i] He questions after seeing not one but two people go over the edge with nothing to hold them up but their fingertips.
"Um,... you DO realize that the stories of cats always landing on their feet aren't, completely, true, right?" Kemnebi smiles nervously.
'Not that it would make that much difference if you fell from up here!' He adds unintentionally as he risks a quick vertigo-inducing peek over the edge.
ok; if your climbing; your climb speed is 1/4 of your walk speed; so if your move is 20; your climb speed is 5ft per round. If a round is 6 seconds; then 30 ft per minute? That seems pretty fast to me. Add 10 minutes for each needed rest period to regain con and str endurance.
hmm; that would mean to traverse this cliff a climber would be down in like 25 minutes plus lost time needed for rest and rerolls; if you fail a climb roll you just dont move; takes two failures to fall. climbing gear; pitons and ropes adds +4 to climb skill and I rule that it increases your speed as well as long as your not the guy having to place pitons and tie ropes; either action takes 1-5 minutes or one minute each if two peeps work together; one holding spike and other driving it in; the dc for this climb varies between 15 and 27 so some characters are like to need help if only climbing between the tough spots.
refer to players handbook pg 69 for climb if you need to.
I have no need to climb but will if I must; if you would close your eyes; I could get to the bottome quite quickly and safely. I would need to disrobe so to speak, and thus looking upon my naked body might cause one or more of you to fall.
I too, in need, could attempt to rescue a fallen comrade though his heart might burst with the vision of my body.
<she looks a bit embarrassed>
Mentally: 'And for the first time every I cosider that dying of a burst heart is not the worst way to go'
Mental equivalent of a wink
Through mindlink to all: 'Then I suggest you fly down ahead of the others and scout the way if possible. But be careful. Retreat if you are in danger, worry about my heart bursting later.'
Hmmm, looks like there are some caves along the cliff side and below...eh...hmmm...well...there seems to be some zombie like creatures...yellowish, I havent seen things like this before. A lot of fungus and refuse, bones upon more bones typically. That seems to be the left overs of those that live in these burrows, several of them. Likely more ghouls probably have some of those other things with them as well. Though I am not going close enough to check. Oh and if you do want to get too close, I suggest rapping something around the nose, most wingless ones dont much care for this smell.
ok; it will take 50 climb checks to make it down this cliff; Llvenoc and others; keep in mind that I wont have actions start until I get posts from everyone about there actions; so only one round of movement is possible; meaning; Llvenoc and Grymbol have made one round of climb actions even though I have some more rolls for them and we are waiting for everyone else to post actions.
Need to keep some game continuity. I you want and everyone agrees; we can just have everyone take a 20 and the extra time involved and just start at the last section. This climb is not that important to the storyline and the party has adequate ability from fliers and featherfalls and levitates and webs and whatnot to overcome the challenge of this wall as long as no combat takes place. In lew of all the wandering monster roll; I just figure everyone would take a d4 damage from rocks, scrapes, thorns, mold and the like on the way down.
what does everyone think about this?
Need to keep some game continuity. I you want and everyone agrees; we can just have everyone take a 20 and the extra time involved and just start at the last section. This climb is not that important to the storyline and the party has adequate ability from fliers and featherfalls and levitates and webs and whatnot to overcome the challenge of this wall as long as no combat takes place. In lew of all the wandering monster roll; I just figure everyone would take a d4 damage from rocks, scrapes, thorns, mold and the like on the way down.
what does everyone think about this?
Decidio there is no need for you to disrobe. There is no excuse for you to compromise your decency. Falco, and Kalona can scout for us. Perhaps if people thought about shedding there Plate Armour, and putting it in Thoron's portable hole. They will find they will have a greater range of motion and less weight trying to pull them down as we descend. They will have more endurance, and will be less likely to slip.
Now with all the rope, spikes, pinons, and climbing equipment piled up there. For the love of it all. You are all telling me that none of you can hammer a spike into a floor, or tie a knot?
Rules say that a piton has be be every three foot; I think this is not necessary if you tie a rope and climb down it batman style instead of doing the hand holds thing.
hehe the bottom is major danger and ob stack alls
what does everyone think about this?
hehe the bottom is major danger and ob stack alls
A little more info is that there are hundreds to thousands of dens here, they go at least a mile if not farther, while some of the creatures here may have gone to this army, many, many more remain.
what does everyone think about this?
Nebibit takes a look over the edge and seems to go a little paler "Err are we sure this is the only way down?"
what does everyone think about this?
ok; then in story mode, but we still need the original spike and rope placed and tied; need the rolls for this; if successful then story post follows; keep in mind; taking 20 is 20x the time.
_______________
The party spends a weary morning climbing down the cavern face amid dust and rocks with falling pebbles and stinking thorns of choke weeds and yellowish mold and lichen that in big enough patches attempts to strike out at the climbers.
With Kalona leading the fearless climbing of Grymbol and Llvenoc who are attaching ropes to pitons and putting pitons where needed as well as assisting those not good climbers over the rough spots; the party decends; and decends; taking rest and the noon meal upon one of hte many ledges. Occassionally a cave entrace in the wall can be scene; also water drips down parts of the wall from up above and pools in some of the larger ledges.
Kalona guides the party to land some several hundred feet to the left looking at the climbing ledge to where the number of barrows and giant mushrooms and strange plants lessen but never dissappear; the outskirts of the city and a guard post can be scene in the distance where their is a fairly large hole into the cavern wall and a road leading into the city.
Falco flies ahead to check and reports (i assume it is forwarded to the mindlink)
About 20 guards; 5 ghouls; 10 necropolitans in armor; looks greek; and some leader type and a couple necomancers; there is also a guy; who looks well dressed; talking to the leader and gesturing at the entrance; strangly; he is holding some symbol; almost identical to Thoronhens under the leaders nose and the leader is nodding; makes you wonder if thoronhen is expected or if he sold us out...
currently the party is against the wall in the foothills for lack of better word; in the distance Llvenoc and anyone with good dark or semi dark vision can see ghoul burrows; also; there are giant mushroom tries and creeper vines about ever 40 to 80 ft; someplaces denser; you see no shriekers at present; spot rolls to see them; at some vine plants you see corpses standing, siting or standing; they are yellow in color.
so; what is everyone doing and course of action?
** spoiler omitted **Namaste
** spoiler omitted **
Namaste
currently the party is against the wall in the foothills for lack of better word; in the distance Llvenoc and anyone with good dark or semi dark vision can see ghoul burrows; also; there are giant mushroom tries and creeper vines about ever 40 to 80 ft; someplaces denser; you see no shriekers at present; spot rolls to see them; at some vine plants you see corpses standing, siting or standing; they are yellow in color.
so; what is everyone doing and course of action?
At rest stop, while I can see almost nothing in the regular spectrum, Detect Evil and scan the entire area.
Kemnebi stuffs his staff into his magic haversack and nervously peers over the edge as others tie together ropes and prepare it for use. He nods slowly and seriously at Nebibit's question.
"No problem," He says softly to his fellow feline as they gaze over the side together, daring vertigo to taunt them. "It'll be just like the climbing wall in the exercise yard back home. Just a LOT taller,..." He gulps.
-------
As they make the decent, only his reflexes keep him from falling more than once, despite the rope. After 30 minutes, he looks like he is starting to relax, and even enjoying it a little bit. After an hour, he looks like the fun has flown. But he perseveres without complaining.
--------
At the bottom, he makes no pretense of dignity as he wearily kneels and, after brushing the immediate area free from dust and vermin, kisses the ground. He looks back up at the others gazing at him with varying expressions.
"What? I'm a feline, not a bird!" He snaps grumpily. 'No offense meant Master Kalona. But if I'd been meant to fly, I'd have been born with feathers, not fur!' He amends more contritely. He gets up, brushes off his robes, retrieves his staff from his pack and wearily leans on it.
'Thanks for the help.' He sends through the link. I'm ready when you are. We may have given them the slip, but I'd like to put some distance between us and any,... thing, that might know we're here!'
just so we can tie up loose ends:
Ok Rope on top I tie unskilled: 18 on 1d20 + 5 (Dex Mod) = 23.
Spike put in ground: 16 on 1d20 + 2 (Stone cunning to find stable place) = 18 + what ever plus' you want to add to that??
I throw rope down.
I climb over: 12 on 1d20 + 9 (Reflex Mod) = 21.
All the way down I climb taking a 20 + 18 (Climb skill Mod) = 38.
I rest at all possible ledges.
Strength checks (Fatigue) I also take 20 +7 (Str Mod) = 27 (Note I keep on my backpack and armor because that's what dwarfs do).
Me and Grymbol take front, Thorenhen Scouts ahead 30ft, Astinios in middle & the rest of the party is up to Namastre.
the entire area is infested with evil; right into the soil; old evil; long remembered death, pain and corruption. Each of the barrows have stronger evil; fresh and new; the evil of taking a life and eating a victim still screaming in pain and anguish. The plants suck the very life out of drained corpses and plot to catch and corrupt the unwary; you are truly in a wilderness of dank death and corruption.
Following the cavern wall subjectivly East; you see areas ahead not as evil as the others; as if the slumber of centuries has eased its pain.
At rest stop, while I can see almost nothing in the regular spectrum, Detect Evil and scan the entire area.
One question Kosan; where did you put the spike; where in the hall in relation to the edge and damaged area?
<in the mindlink>
Thoronhen, are you expected? It is not to far a stretch to believe that the Master of the left and right hand has agents even here; Falco has sharp eyes indeed; curious for a bat.
I suggest we let Thoronhen go make contact; and utterly obliterate him and his family is he is not faithful and causes our quest to fail; not that I doubt you, dear Thoronhen, I am just aware that many in your guild have...flexible morality when the chips are stacked against them.
"What? I'm a feline, not a bird!" He snaps grumpily. 'No offense meant Master Kalona. But if I'd been meant to fly, I'd have been born with feathers, not fur!' He amends more contritely. He gets up, brushes off his robes, retrieves his staff from his pack and wearily leans on it.
Kalona begins to giggle which rapidly becomes an enjoyable laugh as various images of cats with feathers in all varieties flashes through her mind...and some even seep into the link. No offense taken, would be quite a sight though...
Kalona will fly up and scout the area a bit more, she will try and not draw attention to herself...aka play like a normal raven. She will report back anything of note she sees/hears.
Kalona begins to giggle which rapidly becomes an enjoyable laugh as various images of cats with feathers in all varieties flashes through her mind...and some even seep into the link. No offense taken, would be quite a sight though...
Kemnebi sniffs haughtily at the images which Kolana's imagination allow to leak through the link. Then snorts in a feline chuckle.
'It would be a sight, wouldn't it?' He agrees with Kalona. ' But all the same, i'll stick with the ground for now, thank you.'
He looks around at the others. "Which way now?' He asks as he peers into the darkness, his slitted irises wide trying to make use of the available dim light.
WOW.
I look at ThoronHen.
<in the mindlink>
Thoronhen, are you expected? It is not to far a stretch to believe that the Master of the left and right hand has agents even here; Falco has sharp eyes indeed; curious for a bat.
I suggest we let Thoronhen go make contact; and utterly obliterate him and his family is he is not faithful and causes our quest to fail; not that I doubt you, dear Thoronhen, I am just aware that many in your guild have...flexible morality when the chips are stacked against them.
Nebibit's climb down is somewhat slow going probably not helped by the fact that she seems to try whenever possible not to look down. When she gets to the bottom she spends a few minutes tacking some deep breaths to calm her nerves.
Kalona begins to giggle which rapidly becomes an enjoyable laugh as various images of cats with feathers in all varieties flashes through her mind...and some even seep into the link. No offense taken, would be quite a sight though...
Kalona will fly up and scout the area a bit more, she will try and not draw attention to herself...aka play like a normal raven. She will report back anything of note she sees/hears.
Nebibit seems more irritated than amused but keeps quite as Kalona fly's off.
Mindlink: "I've received a message from Balfic, betrothed of Loviatar. He advises that we be alert for possible allies among the undead. They are apparently not all aligned to the same goals, and are as fractious among their orders as we are in the world of the living."
One question Kosan; where did you put the spike; where in the hall in relation to the edge and damaged area?
Where the hole is straight across to the opposite wall at the bottom where the floor meets the wall. I did check this area and found it more sturdy then by the hole.
In Mind link: Thorenhen, go and get us into the city, hurry lad I trust you, I do not wish to stay here all day.
Grumbling & Chuckling to myself: besides if ye do betray me I can find ye.
Mindlink: "I've received a message from Balfic, betrothed of Loviatar. He advises that we be alert for possible allies among the undead. They are apparently not all aligned to the same goals, and are as fractious among their orders as we are in the world of the living."
That may very well be, but I won't ally with them.
Well; depends on Namaster really; its her familiar; it comes through like she relayed his report earlier; hence; my Falco reports: then my Jewel suggests; lets let thoron make contact...
<in the mindlink>
Thoronhen, are you expected? It is not to far a stretch to believe that the Master of the left and right hand has agents even here; Falco has sharp eyes indeed; curious for a bat.
I suggest we let Thoronhen go make contact; and utterly obliterate him and his family is he is not faithful and causes our quest to fail; not that I doubt you, dear Thoronhen, I am just aware that many in your guild have...flexible morality when the chips are stacked against them.
Thoronhen; you going ahead to make contact?
Kalona is scouting up above you guys as is Falco
any change to the marching order?
some of the area here; vegetation and all looks very unfriendly and hostile.
Is the whole party moving ahead to the road/guard area or waiting or what?
any change to the marching order?
Is the whole party moving ahead to the road/guard area or waiting or what?
No change to marching Order (Unless Namastre changes it).
Unless some states otherwise we all stay put and Guard and ThorenHen goes forward.
Ok; with Kalona and Falco doing arial recon (falco hanging from the cliff wall upside down halway between the two places - its a bat thing)
Wonder why Thoronhen's player picked a rogue toon when rogues have so very much interplay in my game if he isnt going to post much; curious.
yeah; job change and all that; but hehe I have some inside info...
Ok; with Kalona and Falco doing arial recon (falco hanging from the cliff wall upside down halway between the two places - its a bat thing)
Wonder why Thoronhen's player picked a rogue toon when rogues have so very much interplay in my game if he isnt going to post much; curious.