You do not hear anything other than what sounds like water rushing over a fall down the other tunnel.
My next actions will depend on above results.
I spin holster my pistol with savior faire, and move toward the lads in the room with the hobgoblins. There may be other exits from that room, and the children mentioned they were being held by hobgoblins in any case.
When I enter the room I will immediately take my bearings of the situation. If the hobgoblins have been living here, then it is likely they have food and supplies around. If we don't discover such things in this room, it is likely they make their "nest" somewhere else; and in which case, that is where I shall be looking.
I brush the ruined skull of the hobgoblin's head that I shattered with my last shot, and look down at him grimly, then my companions.
"Well, lads, it looks like that bit of business was handled fair enough. But this ain't over, as I see it. There's other folk that'd be still lost or dead in here, and I'd just assume find them and be out. With the rain comming... mine shafts aren't a good place to be with such waters pouring. Oh, and one other thing, who's the resident sawbones around here? I'd say thanks for your healing."I add rhetorically, for I knew the one that healed me was a priest, and cleric and an elf from my own homeland; which is a good thing, I'd say.
"Rumor 'round town back there was this place be haunted. Seems there may be worse things afoot then just goblin scum,"I add flatly, looking over the others with a covert glance.
In the middle of a mine shaft with an elf and fellow countryman trying to find missing children. Almost heroic in that light... Yet in the meantime I'm running with half-orcs, barbarians, and worse yet; a heretic Drow lover.
Ha! But what of that? You've been succered by a Succubus, contracted yourself and your ship to a pirate lord, and done smuggling and piracy yourself. So answer me this: what difference does it make if a demon-Drow type runs with you? You've been living hip-deep in dung since you took up with Snaga, this be hardly different, eh?
The words strike home to me, and I turn to the one called "Germon".
"Lad,"I think for a moment, before looking the Drow-lover full in the eyes, "we got off on a bad start. I loathe Drow, and don't trust 'em at all. But then, seems unfair to judge a shipmate until you know the cut of his sails. If you speak well on the Drow you mention, well, they done cruel things, but they got honor; I'll grant 'em that. Could be that I'm mistook in my judgements there, so I be offering my hand in the way of truce, and apology on it,"I add extending my hand to Germon.
The Slice is just finishing cleaning his blades, and reloading his spring sheaths, when the well intentioned gunslinger enters the room. He takes his two spare daggers from his leg sheathes, and approaches the young man knives held out. As he gets within 5' he deftly tosses the knives into the air and catches them by the blades.
"Here"! "Just take these daggers and kill me now". "At least I'll die then by my own decisions, and not by some loudmouth acting like he's the only individual in the world". "You put all our lives in danger by brashly charging in here, and making more noise than a birthing water buffalo".
While I applaud your intentions, your methods were selfish and dangerous". "You left us no options, except to recklessly dance behind you, and hope for the best". "We were lucky this time...or have been so far, but who knows what awaits us ahead of us". "One things for sure...they know we're here". "Hopefully they wont just kill the children, and make their escape through some side tunnel". "If we're going to get through this situation we have to learn to work together".
He then turns to the rest of the party. After young Lance kills me would you all make sure to bury my body". "I'd rather not end up in a Hogoblins latrine trench".
Cael will grab Lance's hand and hoist him in the air to his eye levelSlow down! Think! You come rushing in here with your boomsticks you are going to not only get us killed but the children as well. You remind me of the chickens back home. Only once Lance at least awknowledges this will Cael set him down.
As for the "Drow Lover" I consider him a friend. Any actions taken against him will be taken against me. He adds as a punctuation onto his statement to Lance.
"Gentlemen!"
Darnail will say loudly and clap his hands once together to catch attention before letting his voice return to quieter tones.
"We are all fish out of water here, and unsure of our exact future. Many of us no doubt feel a bit unbalanced by the turns of events. We have had a stumble, but it has already been acknowedged and also apologized for on several levels. Threats and intimidation will make nobody a friend and merely generate hard feelings. We are in this for the forseeable future, it would be prudent that we not only tolerate each other, but work on accepting each other as well. Lance has been a ship captain, and as such would typically be Expected to take the initiative and act with the crew following without question. Cael also says that he is next in line to be leader of his Clan and have acted similar. Just..."
Darnail will sigh softly and spread his hands.
"Brith's Light, we are all equals here, and need to work together. I am very grateful to know of these missing children, and like Lance am very interested in finding them. We should finish searching this area and move on, before the weather makes things worse, and have a more in depth heart to heart once we can all share some Ale around a warm fire."
He'll smile a little bit.
"I'll even buy the first round. Now, if it's alright, to business?"
Darnail will start looking around the room and give the bodies a once over as well, looking for any clues or signs of children to be found in this room the Goblinkind were in.
You all find the same things on the hobgoblins in here that Cael found in the other room.
...
I look down flatly at this barbarian reaver in front of me and deftly disengage myself from his grip; saying nothing as I drop to the ground. I have met men from Gaelic lands before and am somewhat aware of their customs. To manhandle each other like common thugs is not considered so weighty an insult as it may be in civilized society, just a more back-water way of communicating with people. Still, I won't be bowing to his level and resort to violence. Unless he tries to manhandle me again...
As for the complaing of this melodramatic knife-man of in front of me? Well, what of it. Every man has his vices, and his seems to be complaining. I can live with complaining, it's not the end of the world.
"|Thou speak with great wisdom, ally,|"I say to Darnail in his native language (anyone who can understand Elven should be able to understand me). "|I agree with thy wisdom on these matters, it is meet that we should expand our search for those, the innocent, lest they be lost in these darksome tunnels forever.|"
As I say this I search the body of the one that I shot rather deftly... discovering the same bits of junk and few coins that I expected. I pocket the cheap coins for now, and leave the rest of the carrion.
If there is nothing else in the room, I look at Germon for a moment, then toss a scrap of meat at his dog. His dog can eat it, or not, but that's up to him.
Turning back to Darnail...
"Well, after you then, mate. You lead, but just watch your step, it's slick out there."
BTW Lance its "Just as soon" not "just assume".
BTW Lance its "Just as soon" not "just assume".
BTW Lance its "Just as soon" not "just assume".
I agree I actually enjoy Slice as a character, but I will interact more with you in our WoT game...=)
Germon was about to accept Lance's hand when Cael grabs him. Once Lance is down Germon will address them. He starts with Cael "Easy friend. I understand your frustration but now is not the time to lose our heads"
He then turns to Lance "Or to be hasty. We need to move as a group. I accompanied you this far to make sure you wouldn't be overwhelmed but I think it's best we stay with the group. I understand the danger the children are in. I'm sure if you had explained this to the rest of us earlier, we would have all been more supportive of your sense of urgency. So please, exercise some caution. I value the lives of all my comrades and I would not forgive myself should I loose even one of you." Germon then turns to the rest of the group. "As you have heard, there are some missing children somewhere in this mine. We should move in earnest but stay together. I will lead." Germon picks up his lantern and waits for the others to follow.
I'm fine with that if he can tone.it down. I'm sure that won't be a pro
blem
Having found nothing Clue-wise or Sign wise here, Darnail will lift his glowing light overhead once again, and with a regrouped party more forward with them when they do.
Hmm... lots of things I'd like to say, but it seems like the best thing is for ME to bow out... I may keep playing, I don't know, but in either case I should add that I will be unable to post for a while.
Imimrtl, you have my character sheet, feel free to NPC him for a little while. When I am able to post again I will let you guys know what's up on sticking around. But I don't want to be the guy that grinds anyone's gears, and it seems like I am.
I should add that I don't really see what I have to apologize for or act contrite about. While walking through mines looking for children I kept walking ahead of the others and calling out to them; and that was pretty much it. I got shot, and killed my share of hobgolins.
And if my character didn't "mesh well with the group", it's probably because since we started there really hasn't been a group. Half the party went to the tombs, some stayed in the town. And the ones in the town divided; I went to get information to help us figure out how to get out of here, but I did that alone, and that was that. How am I supposed to consider us a "team" at this time in character? I hoped we could develop a team/group dynamic over posts and stories, but I didn't think it was expected to happen right away.
As for the comments made earlier about Drow? In this game Drow are like Nazi's. At least, as I've been told, so I figured people (especially ones that came from an elven nation) don't like Drow. Then when I apologize for my claim to dislike ALL Drows... I don't know... it seemed my apology on that count bothered people as well.
Finally my internal monologues were for story purposes. If other players are planning on acting on what I am thinking about, and stuff I write for just for story detail, well, I didn't know that either. Anyway, like I said, I'll be away for a few days, feel free to NPC my character in the meantime.
And if my character didn't "mesh well with the group", it's probably because since we started there really hasn't been a group. Half the party went to the tombs, some stayed in the town. And the ones in the town divided; I went to get information to help us figure out how to get out of here, but I did that alone, and that was that. How am I supposed to consider us a "team" at this time in character? I hoped we could develop a team/group dynamic over posts and stories, but I didn't think it was expected to happen right away.
Cael stands at the edge of the doorway. Obviously perturbed, almost wearing a path in front of the doorway from the constant pacing. That coupled with the heavy breathing and the spinning f the massive warhammer in his hands brings a sense of urgency to his words Yes, you butt heads. That's what brothers of battle do. It's over. Now that we know why lance took us into the mine can we work as a group, all of us, and rescue these children. Then you two, the sneaky one and the chicken, can hug and keep each other warm later.
Lance responds that The group can deal with things once the main issue of the children are rescued then we can have a discussion on things to come. For now Slice why don't you take the lead and we will back you up.
As you walk down the straight and downward tunnel, out of the darkness in front of you, a human figure slowly condenses. It is a man in traveller’s garb, bearing a staff. He has his back to you but is slowly rotating in the air. You see that his feet are a foot above the floor. As his face comes into view, you see that his eyes are missing, his teeth are bared in a rictus grin and there is a ragged slash across his throat. If you do not attack it immediately, it points to the floor at an angle further down the hall. You quickly get that it seems to want you to go down further. It does not respond to any questions and only continues moaning in a gurgling fashion and pointing to the floor.
Know:Religion to try to identify it or anything about it...
"Brith's Golden Hand!" Darnail exclaims in surprise, drawing up short. He will be defensive, ready for attack, but when the being just gestures, he will study it more closely.
"Can you speak?"
Edit:
I watch the strange floating object in front of us... a mist, a fog... a passing phantasm... gods know...
I look down and check the water levels of the rain water rising rushing down the mineshaft. Looking to Germon's dog, and then toss him a scrap of meat from my pouch and bend down to scratch his ears, if he'll let me. They say beasts and spirits don't mix well... so I'd like to keep the pup calm if I can. But if not, I'll just keep my eyes open and look around me to see if this is the only thing down here.
Hmm.... they DID say the mine shaft's were haunted back in the town... doesn't everyone know that story already? Should I say something... Yes... but in a moment; let this spirit do the talking first, then move from there...
Looking at the floating spirit and thinking on the kids...Logarth begins to pace.
Knowledge History to find out if I remember anything about why this mine is haunted.
"Think we should keep moving down the shaft."
Stealth:
Cael whispers to whomever is closest Can I smash it?
The apparition does not respond and only keeps moaning eerily and pointing further down the tunnel and down. As if it is pointing to an area lower in the mines.
Darnail will stare at it for a bit, brow furrowed in thought.
"I think...its trying to tell us something. Something up ahead. It hasn't attacked, so lets move past it for now?"
Picking his way past it, he will make sure not to move inadvertently through any part of it, and continue onwards, looking back over his shoulder at it every few steps.
As soon as you all pass the ghostly form disappears. As you progress down the tunnel a square shaft yawns in front of you; you cannot tell how far down it plunges. From a hole in the roof above, a thick metal chain dangles down into the shaft. There is a constant low rushing sound from the water that pours over the rim and down into the darkness. Just at the rim of the shaft, a mine cart is tipped over the buffers at the end of the rail track, as if it had smashed into them at high speed. It looks like it nearly went over all the way.
There is also a room to the right of the shaft at the end of the tunnel. This circular chamber has a mechanism like a capstan in the middle, with crossed wooden beams extending out from it. Leather fastenings are affixed to these. A groove in the floor houses a thick chain that runs from the capstan out through a low opening to the west. A lever is set into the floor by the capstan.
I look at the chain... maybe I could reach it... maybe; if I could jump well enough. It shouldn't be any harder then dodging the tides when we crossed to the village. On the other hand...
Maybe jumping for the chain wouldn't be such a great idea... But wait!
I reach into my pack and pull out the length of rope I bought on the way over here... good thing, too, it seems. Unraveling the heavy hemp cord I gauge the distance and attempt to lash the length of the rope around the chain and drag it to us. It may take me a moment, but I am confident in my ability to eventually snag the chain with the rope, and hopefully drag it toward us for someone to grab ahold of.
Sir Elf, can you make this coin glow too? When Darnail cast light on the coin Cael will toss it down the shaft and try and estimate the distance to the bottom of the shaft.
Also after calculating this Cael will attempt to hook the chain using the grappling hook and rope.
Sir Elf, can you make this coin glow too? When Darnail cast light on the coin Cael will toss it down the shaft and try and estimate the distance to the bottom of the shaft.
1d20+5Also after calculating this Cael will attempt to hook the chain using the grappling hook and rope.
1d20+2
It is about 50 feet down the shaft. Between you and Lance you are able to get the chain.
Germon continues with the group holding the lantern out in front following Slice Once he sees the figure floating, he merely looks at it in fascination.
"It could be a spirit. A good one? Or a bad One?"
Once the group starts to move Germon follows. Once in the room Germon watches for a moment as Lance and Cael try to get the chain. He examines the level. "Does anyone know what this lever is for? I wonder what will happen if it's pulled." Germon waits to hear from the others.
Lance! Your the impulsive one. Care to find out?
"Interesting!...I suspect that the capstan in the chamber next to this when turned would raise or lower ....hopefully a platform or gondola of some kind...the lever is obviously a locking in place mechanism...what's that? You want me to light a coin? Oh very well, here you go. Now it would make logical sense, as miners would need some way to raise or lower themselves and ore from a lower level. So all we would need to do is...Er...what are you all doing with that chain?"
Germon continues with the group holding the lantern out in front following Slice Once he sees the figure floating, he merely looks at it in fascination.
"It could be a spirit. A good one? Or a bad One?"Once the group starts to move Germon follows. Once in the room Germon watches for a moment as Lance and Cael try to get the chain. He examines the level. "Does anyone know what this lever is for? I wonder what will happen if it's pulled." Germon waits to hear from the others.
"Mate, I'd not be pulling levers yet. Let us look over the mechanism a bit first. Who know's what will happen if it get pulled, eh?"
I grip the chain as I look down the shaft, rubbing my chin with the back of my hand.
"You said it right before, lad,"I said to Cael "This..."I add to my pistol, patting it down "be my... boomstick? When I shoot it you'll hear it all over realm, and twice as far in the caves. My calling out to the lads lost in here was because I knew the first shot I made with my weapon draw more attention then all of us put together. So, I figured I'd put up a call out to any before my weapon does, eh? But I weren't trying to be overimpulsive, just find the missing lads in the caves was all..."
Hmm... On the other hand...
"Well, lad, maybe you're right... Besides, as they say... today be a good day to die, right?"
I take the chain and swing across the chasm.
"Before we go being all floating Jinny like that ghost back there or go pulling any levers perhaps a stone and my darkvision and perception can tell a thing or two."
I wonder who will be the death of me? Logarth says with a chuckle to himself.
Perception:
"But should anyone be jumpin for it, best be me or the rogue, I think."
There is nothing on the other side of the shaft. It is a square shaft That goes down 50 ft.
After seeing that Lance is not going to take his daggers and kill him, the Slice follows after the party to the pit. He stands in the back as the others try to determine what to do about the situation. So be it. I'll just look after my own skin. I intend on living through this.
From the back of the party Perception.
Acrobatics Check...
After seeing that Lance is not going to take his daggers and kill him, the Slice follows after the party to the pit. He stands in the back as the others try to determine what to do about the situation. So be it. I'll just look after my own skin. I intend on living through this.
From the back of the party 1d20+4 Perception.
You notice that the capstan mechanism has flakes of rust that have recently been scraped off.
Acrobatics Check...
1d20 + 8
You are able to make it down without much trouble. The large chain links give good handholds.
You are deep within the mine, at the bottom of the lift shaft. Water is pouring in from high above. A tunnel leads off into the darkness to the north. Your light reflects off the black water that already partly fills the tunnel. There is no doubt that the mines will be completely flooded if the rain persists outside. It is approximately two feet deep at this point and as such is difficult to walk through.
scranford@earthlink.net
Logarth follows Lance down the chain.
Climb:
Once down at the bottom Logarth looks around for anything out of place.
Perception:
Logarth follows Lance down the chain.
Climb: 1d20 +7
Once down at the bottom Logarth looks around for anything out of place.
Perception: 1d20 +9
You are able to make it down to the bottom without a problem. There is a single tunnel heading away from the shaft. As you are moving around at the bottom your foot hits something soft but seems fairly large.
Darnail moves to the edge and stares down.
"You have to be kidding me. Do i look like a monkey? Cael? would you mind helping me try to turn this capstan and see if we can raise it?"
Darnail will try to look hopeful.
Germon looks at the shaft with annoyance. "Arg! Climbing is not one of my strong suits." He paces back and forth for a bit. Barrett moves forwards and climbs down
Barrett Climb
After passing in a frustrated fashion for a bit, he take the chain and then hooks his grappling hook too it. He then ties a rope to the hook and then ties the round himself. Germon proceeds to climb down.
Climb