DM Blayde MacRonan's Of Aeons and Giants: The Continuing Adventures of Team Ruby (Private Campaign, Closed Recruitment)

Game Master Blayde MacRonan

Thinking the hammer is the better choice, Liesel-Marie hefts it and considers the darkness.

She looks at the others in their party, "I know he doesn't need light, but I do. Tsadok, Rocnork, do you need light? I don't want to send him in too far ahead, but I don't want my light to give him away."

Thinking a scout and a rearguard with darkvision would be good, with the torchbearers in the middle. Agrimmosh is potentially one-handed, so I can carry the torch. Is anyone able to cast light? Or do we need to actually light it?

Rocnork's normal inscrutable facial expression does not change as he responds gruffly to Liesel-Marie, My eyes like elf eyes, see better than human eyes, but not as well as orc eyes.

Translation: Rocnork possesses low-light vision, but not darkvision. Tsadok has darkvision and low-light vision.

Kytynna speaks up, Agreed. Nyym does have a knack for finding trouble, so I'll go in after him. Next should be you and Aiko with the torch, Rocnork and the orc guy after that.

When she is done speaking, the elf draws her weapon, a temple sword fashioned entirely of shimmering translucent blue crystal. With a nod toward the Erutaki, Kytynna crosses the portal's threshold into the corridor beyond.

Kyt moves 10 feet into the corridor. The Drow Bunker Map has been set and updated to take into account both Kyt and Nyym's movement.

The samurai watches as first Nyym, then Kytynna, pass through the portal. With a smile on her lips and a twinkle in her eyes, Aiko says to Liesel-Marie before stepping in after them, See you on the other side, vel'nys.

Aiko moves in 15 feet next to Nyym.

Liesel-Marie glances at the rearguard and heads in behind the leaders. She will light a torch if necessary.

Rocnork, in turn, eyes Tsadok. His partner, possessing superior visual acuity than most, will make an excellent rear observer. The wyvaran glances at the portal and what lay beyond. If he is lucky, the corridor will open up into a larger area, one big enough to allow the use of his wings. Should that happen, he will be able to assist the half-drow scout by performing aerial reconnaissance.

But until then, Rocnork will keep his attention focused mainly on the ground like everyone else.

The wyvaran takes his place inside the bunker with the others.

So as to speed this along, once Tsadok enters, the group makes it way down. Using Nyym's Perception check, no traps are uncovered along the way. The ramp extends further some 200 feet, lighting up every 10 feet as you go and descending to about 50 feet below ground, before disgorging you all onto a 20-foot square platform lit by similar lights. Just beyond the landing is a chamber. Peering in, you are able to see the following:

The floors and walls in this chamber are covered in cracked tiles, smeared with some dark residue. To the left and right are the ruined remnants of what may have once been small chambers, though whether they were once closets, cells, or even sleeping chambers is impossible to tell. All that remains are the broken bases of interior walls and what may have been horizontal shelves or bunks. Directly ahead, a metallic jamb or frame holds fragments of a shattered glassine wall 10 feet wide. Beyond, steps drop down to a sunken catwalk.

Aiko: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19
Kyt: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (6) + 12 = 18
Liesel-Marie: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13
Nyym: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (5) + 10 = 15
Rocnork: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12
Tsadok: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (4) + 13 = 17

A search of the chamber reveals mostly useless rubble. The spot marked "3A" on the map indicates an area with broken glass. And this time, the words 'the map' have been linkified for your perusal, unlike in a previous post that I made. Despite the size of the document, each square represents 5-foot of movement

Nyym will continue to advance up to the next set of stairs. But will take a position behind the wall for cover just to the left of the steps. Ince there he will peer around the corner for any threats and traps. Included in this. He is looking for any lights in the floor lighting up in areas other then his groups.

perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (14) + 10 = 24

Nyym will continue to advance up to the next set of stairs. But will take a position behind the wall for cover just to the left of the steps. Ince there he will peer around the corner for any threats and traps. Included in this. He is looking for any lights in the floor lighting up in areas other then his groups.

perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (14) + 10 = 24

Once he moves into the antechamber, Nyym notices that the lighting mechanism used for the ramp does not seem to be present here. The half-drow does not see any threats or traps present within the chamber. He can also tell that at one time, the glass wall (at 3A) was once intact and possibly had a sliding door in the center of it.

Tsadok brings up the rear. As he crosses the threshold of the portal he changes the way his feet falls. So that his body is in complete rhyme, so that his rings on his blade does not move.

Stealth: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (5) + 9 = 14

As he moves further into the underground lair he focuses his senses on his surroundings.

Perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (8) + 12 = 20

Insert Music: Keiichi Okabe - The Wretched Automatons [FULL INSTRUMENTAL]

As Tsadok moves further in and once he goes down the stairs, a metallic grated catwalk extends before him, 10 feet along each side of a smooth-walled hexagonal tunnel that leads off into the darkness.

The tunnel is 10 feet wide along its flat bottom and ceiling, 10 feet high, and the tunnel walls angle outwards 3 feet on either side, forming a hexagon in cross-section. The tunnel is stone, cracked in many places, and slick with moisture, with patches of slimy residue congealing in many places. At irregular intervals, the cracks open into wider crevices, no more than a foot wide, leading into narrow, twisting cysts; the residue is always thicker in such places.

The Drow Bunker Map has been set and updated to take into account both Nyym and Tsadok's movement.

Seeing that the lighting mechanism ends with the platform, Liesel-Marie takes out her torch, and with the use of her elemental fire, sets the combustible end ablaze. As her eyes (and those immediately around the Erutaki) adjust to the illumination, Kytynna (her eyes adapting the fastest), Nyym, and Tsadok notice that some of the black residue is moving slowly down the bubble tunnel toward the group.

I've rolled initiative. The residue (the antagonist) is moving at a rate of 5 feet a round. Liesel-Marie and Rocnork (due to their perception checks) are unable to act during the surprise round. Once everyone else has acted, we will begin Round 1. The map has been updated to take the residue's presence into account.

Liesel-Marie: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21
Antagonist: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18
Rocnork: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17
Aiko: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16
Kyt: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14
Nyym: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13
Tsadok: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

The sharp eyes of the elf are the first to adjust to the newly-lit torch, extending the range of her vision and thus enabling Kyt to spot the slowly moving ooze-like substance. Her mind races back to the tomb, to the Raggedy Man and what happened with Aodhàn.

Not again, she mutters to herself before declaring loudly, Never again! And with those words, she sends a blast of water down the tunnel.

Kyt's surge fist: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22
surge fist damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11

She can't tell if she hurt the creature or not, but hopefully her action will cause the others to respond just as decisively as she has.

DM Blayde MacRonan: Yes, I know... I had Kyt act out of initiative order. That's why I'm having Aiko act now.

The samurai isn't sure what it is she is seeing slowly trundling its way toward them up the corridor, but whatever it is, Aiko does not like it one bit. Apparently, neither does the elf Kytynna as she takes a half-step back to gather the vital energy flow within her body, moving her arms in a sweeping motion in an effort to draw it out for the purpose of releasing it. As Kyt does this, an azure aura began to shine about her, manifesting as glittering wisps of energy. The elf then cups her hands and brings them forward in an attempt to release a bright cyan blast at the creature, slamming into her foe and sounding like waves crashing against rocks on the shore.

The sight nearly floors the Minkan warrior, but her years of training does not allow the shock to prevent the samurai's body from acting. Aiko's katana and wakizashi find their way into the samurai's hands, ready to engage this strange and unusual threat.

Aiko draws her daisho as her move action for the surprise round.

From the discussion page:

After talking with Tsadok's player, it would seem that I misunderstood the post that was made. He should still be bringing up the rear, not out in front of Nyym, the party scout. Therefore, I will be changing the map to take this into account after making this post.

The map has been updated.

Nyym from his position watchs the slow moving entity. Not sure how to approach dealing with it. He is quickly reminded of a past event as he hears Kyts declaration and sees the shot though the dimness. Although he was sure that damage had been done. His mind could not deny what his eyes showed him as the dark creeping entity showed no sign of being affected. With this in mind, Nyym opts to hold his attack till either Liesel-Marie or Kyt use thier abilities again. He hoped that by doing so, that he may be able to add his attack to thiers much as he did in the tomb with Liesel-Maries to bring down the Raggedy Man.

Tsadok draws his nine ringed sword from it's sheath so as not to disturb the rings. Even though the creature was struck by some force. As he awaits the action from the creature, he stays aware of his surrounds. Mainly if anything comes up from the rear.

Perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (7) + 12 = 19

Tsadok draws his nine ringed sword from it's sheath so as not to disturb the rings. Even though the creature was struck by some force. As he awaits the action from the creature, he stays aware of his surrounds. Mainly if anything comes up from the rear.

Perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (7) + 12 = 19

Ever watchful of his surroundings, Tsadok is unable to locate any threats beyond the immediate one slowly trundling towards the party.

And with Tsadok's action (drawing and sheathing a weapon requires a move action while his Perception check takes no action to perform), the surprise round comes to an end. Round 1 is officially underway. First up is our Erutaki Warrior Princess™, Liesel-Marie.

Liesel-Marie: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21
Antagonist: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18
Rocnork: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17
Aiko: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16
Kyt: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14
Nyym: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13
Tsadok: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
Battle Music: Keiichi Okabe - The Wretched Automatons [FULL INSTRUMENTAL]
Current Placements on the Battle Map

I'm not sure that she can see the threat yet.

Liesel-Marie hisses, "What is it? What do you see?"

Once I know what I can see, I'll post my turn.

Torchlight provides normal illumination out to 20 feet and dim illumination out to 40 feet. Given her current position, Liesel-Marie wouldn't be able to see the creature. Kyt, due to her low-light vision, is able to see twice those ranges and therefore is able to make out the creature as if it were under noontime conditions.

Then Liesel-Marie delays until she has some direction from her allies. Agrimmosh is in her primary hand, the torch is in the other.

Liesel-Marie: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21
Antagonist: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18
Rocnork: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17
Aiko: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16
Kyt: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14
Nyym: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13
Tsadok: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
Battle Music: Keiichi Okabe - The Wretched Automatons [FULL INSTRUMENTAL]
Current Placements on the Battle Map

Liesel-Marie
Liesel-Marie hisses, What is it? What do you see?

The Erutaki didn't have long to wait for the answer to her question...

Antagonist: The Black Residue
The dark substance, sensing the presence of life nearby, continues to move eagerly toward Nyym and the others.
Full-Round Action: Run. The residue advances 20 feet (4 times its normal movement speed).

Rocnork
The wyvaran calls forth his sand and launches it at the advancing creature.
Standard Action: ranged attack with sand blast

sand blast: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17
sand blast damage: 3d6 + 6 ⇒ (6, 6, 6) + 6 = 24

The blast strikes with unbelievable force, battering the dark substance of the residue's form before dispersing. To his surprise, the creature seems unaffected by his attack.

Undaunted, Rocnork begins moving his arms, as though sweeping the air about him. As he does this, particles of sand materialize and swirl around his body.
Move Action: gather power

This ends Rocnork's action for the round. Next up is Aiko. Given that I have a couple more posts to make, I will wait until either after the samurai's post or the next one done by Liesel-Marie to update the map.

Once the creature becomes clearly visible to the samurai, Aiko does not hesitate in the slightest. Leading with her tachi, she charges toward dark mass and attacks it head-on.
Move Action: 15-foot move
Standard Action: Attack with katana

katana strike: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (10) + 13 = 23
katana strike damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

Liesel-Marie: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21
Antagonist: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18
Rocnork: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17
Aiko: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16
Kyt: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14
Nyym: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13
Tsadok: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
Battle Music: Keiichi Okabe - The Wretched Automatons [FULL INSTRUMENTAL]
Current Placements on the Battle Map

Araki Aiko
Once the creature becomes clearly visible to the samurai, Aiko does not hesitate in the slightest. Leading with her tachi, she charges toward dark mass and attacks it head-on.
Move Action: 15-foot move
Standard Action: Attack with katana

katana strike: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (13) + 13 = 26
katana strike damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11

Aiko feels the blade cleave through the substance that is the creature's "body". However, she watches somewhat dismayed as the cut portion merely reattaches with the overall bulk of its form with no apparent harm done to the gurgling thing.

My weapon has no effect on it, she calls back to the others.

This ends Aiko's action for the round. Next up is...

Kytyyna
Kyt unleashes another blast at the black mass.
Standard Action: surge fist

surge fist: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27
surge fist damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

The elf's expression twists into one of consternation. It is clear that so far none of their attacks has had any effect upon the thing. What exactly are they dealing with?

She doesn't allow herself to panic, however. Instead, Kyt says aloud, It looks like physical attacks don't hurt it. Perhaps something else... The elf looks to Liesel-Marie. Perhaps fire will hurt it?

This ends Kytynna's action for the round. I've been moving pretty fast, but I still want to give both Nyym and Liesel-Marie the opportunity to take their delayed actions. So if that's what you want to do, post them and I will incorporate them into the narrative before making an update to the map.

I need to retcon my action. I wouldn't need to light a torch as I have an everburning torch. I will drop it where I'm standing.

Liesel-Marie hustles forward, moving the hammer to her off-hand as she does so and manifesting her blade of flame in her empty hand.

Attack: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11
Fire damage: 2d6 ⇒ (3, 6) = 9

Nyym slips around the corner closing with both the dark creature as well as Liesel-Marie in Hope's of combining attacks with her. If it worked. It would make for a hell of a light show and hopefully some serious damage.

kinetic katana: 1d20 + 4 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 4 + 5 = 23

damage: 2d8 + 4 ⇒ (7, 8) + 4 = 19

Antagonist: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18
Rocnork: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17
Aiko: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16
Kyt: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14
Liesel-Marie: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14
Nyym: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14
Tsadok: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
Battle Music: Keiichi Okabe - The Wretched Automatons [FULL INSTRUMENTAL]
Current Placements on the Battle Map

Due to their previous use of delay, Liesel-Marie and Nyym will go the same initiative as Kytynna, but after her. The initiative order has been updated to reflect this.

Liesel-Marie
Liesel-Marie hustles forward, moving the hammer to her off-hand as she does so and manifesting her blade of flame in her empty hand.
Move Action: 20-foot move
Standard Action: attack with flame blade

Nyym
Nyym slips around the corner closing with both the dark creature as well as Liesel-Marie in Hope's of combining attacks with her. If it worked. It would make for a hell of a light show and hopefully some serious damage.
Move Action: 10-foot move
Standard Action: attack with kinetic katana

The duo's movements are done in perfect sync with one another, Liesel-Marie with her flame blade and Nyym with his electric katana. The resulting outcome being her flaming assault is crisscrossed with an electric charge meant to fry the black mass.

The effect is immediate.

The mass issues a burbling groan as a ten foot chunk of it is reduced to a fine black dust from contact with the duo's composite energy blade. The entirety of the creature shifts and shudders to compensate for the loss, but it is plain to see that its size is smaller than before.

This ends Liesel-Marie and Nyym's action for the round. The map has been updated to take into account their actions for the round. Next up is Tsadok.

Tsadok watches as the others strike the ooze, when Aiko calls back saying that blades have no effect. Tsadok changes the grip in which he holds his blade. Maintaining the two-handed grip he shifts his right hand up to be able to place two finger on the side of the blade. He starts moving toward the ooze while doing so, he starts to vibrate his hands which in turn starts the sword’s rings to vibrate at the same tempo. Which causing a reverberating sound to come from the blade. He moves to strike the ooze with a slashing strike in which the rumbling of the blade seems vibrate thru the ooze itself.

Attack: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (2) + 13 = 15
Reverberating DMG: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

Antagonist: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18
Rocnork: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17
Aiko: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16
Kyt: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14
Liesel-Marie: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14
Nyym: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14
Tsadok: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
Battle Music: Keiichi Okabe - The Wretched Automatons [FULL INSTRUMENTAL]
Current Placements on the Battle Map

Tsadok
Tsadok watches as the others strike the ooze, when Aiko calls back saying that blades have no effect. Tsadok changes the grip in which he holds his blade. Maintaining the two-handed grip he shifts his right hand up to be able to place two finger on the side of the blade. He starts moving toward the ooze while doing so, he starts to vibrate his hands which in turn starts the sword’s rings to vibrate at the same tempo. Which causing a reverberating sound to come from the blade. He moves to strike the ooze with a slashing strike in which the rumbling of the blade seems vibrate thru the ooze itself.

The dark mass releases yet another burbling groan as once again the entirety of it shudders from the attack. Only this time, it seems to noticeably expand, to the point of reaching the tunnel's ceiling before rapidly deflating a much smaller size.

Thanks to Tsadok's attack, the residue has been reduced from its original size to a 5-foot square. In addition, due to the composite blast attack performed by Liesel-Marie and Nyym, the creature is now vulnerable to physical attacks until the beginning of Liesel-Marie and Nyym's turn.

This ends round 1. Round 2 begins now.

Antagonist: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18
Rocnork: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17
Aiko: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16
Kyt: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14
Liesel-Marie: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14
Nyym: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14
Tsadok: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

Antagonist: The Black Residue
Uncertain as to what just transpired to it, the dark mass begins wailing in a bizarre cacophony. It lashes out at Aiko with a pulsating and undulating tendril.
Standard Action: slam attack

Black Residue's tendril attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21 (-2 due to Wounded threshold, +1 due to size); total attack roll: 20
tendril damage: 4d6 ⇒ (1, 3, 1, 1) = 6

The samurai leans back and as she does so, uses the tip of the tachi's blade to prevent herself from falling to the tunnel floor, narrowly avoiding the appendage.

Rocnork
Taking advantage of the creature's attempted attack on the samurai, the wyvaran end his windmilling motion by pointing at the residue. As he does this, the particles of sand that had materialized and been swirling around his body streaks toward the smaller mass.
Standard Action: spends 1 point of ki and accepts 1 point to empower his kinetic blast, though the burn is mitigated by his use of gather power at the end of his previous turn

sand blast: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12 (-4 due to firing into melee, +2 due spending ki); total attack roll: 10
sand blast damage: 4d6 + 10 ⇒ (6, 4, 2, 5) + 10 = 27

Once again, the stream of sand strikes with unbelievable force, battering the dark substance of the residue's form before dispersing. The wail that follows the impact is an indication that the mass has been hurt by Rocnork's attack.

Araki Aiko
The Minkan samurai pushes off her tachi and sets her feet, bringing her upright and in line to attack the eerie mass. Aiko puts her weapons to work, the keen edges of her daisho gleaming in the artificial torchlight.
Full-Round Action: full attack with flurry of blows

tachi attack: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (15) + 13 = 28
tachi damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5
tachi attack: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (19) + 13 = 32 the 19 is within the weapon's critical threat range
tachi critical threat roll: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (5) + 13 = 18
tachi damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5 +4 damage due to successful critical; total damage: 9
wakizashi attack: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9
wakizashi damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
Aiko does a total of 21 damage with her flurry of blows

Aiko delivers deep cuts to the dark mass, striking from varying angles to maximize the effectiveness of her blades. Her assault proves to be more than the creature can bear, causing it to break apart and evaporate from view. With a grim nod of satisfaction, she drops into seiza, laying both weapons across her lap a produces a cloth from her robes. With one hand, Aiko shakes the creature's ichor from the wakizashi, then wipes it down and sheathing it before doing the same with her tachi to complete the ritual of chiburi. The samurai rises from her kneeling position and turns to face the others.

That was... interesting.

With the black residue's defeat, this combat has ended. Everyone gains 800 XP, plus an additional 400 XP for the previous roleplay. This brings your current totals to 20,850 (LM, Nyym, Kyt, Rocnork, and Tsadok). Team Ruby has achieved tier 3 and is 2,150 XP away from tier 4 or 6th level. Break out the fanfare! Get your characters properly updated and we'll move on.

Liesel-Marie gains 4 hit points and her wound thresholds have been adjusted. I think she's ready to move on.

Once the battle appears to be over and the exotic warrior is cleaning her blades, the Erutaki lets her blade of flame fade and turns to her elven friend to ask, "What in all of Belkzen was that! Did you see how our blades did so much more damage when they hit together? Did you know they could do that?"

She walks back to where the magical torch lies and retrieves it, still shaking her head at what just happened. "And by all that is holy, what WAS that thing, anyway?"

The idea came to me when it appeared that Kyt and Aiko didn't seem to affect it. Then I though back to our battle with the Raggedy Man. It was a gamble that fortunately paid off. As to what that was I haven't the foggiest idea. But I get the feeling that w
Whoever and whatever is down here knows something is up now after the racket that thing raised.

Nyym listened and watched for anything that may have been attracted by the sounds the odd creature had made.

perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 10 = 19

Aiko nods her head, agreeing with Nyym's assessment. It couldn't be helped. But we will have to be more vigilant going forward.

Nyym cannot tell if anything else has been drawn to them by the combat.

Kyt racks her brain to try and figure out what it was that they just fought...

Nature check: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

but she is unable to come up with anything.

If anyone else wants to give it a try, you can attempt a DC 15 Nature check. If there is nothing else to discuss...

The tunnel continues on for about three-quarters of a mile before the group finally comes across something:

Ahead in the distance in this seemingly endless tunnel, you see a flickering blue light, guttering out and then after a brief span wanly returning before again going dark. Approaching closer, you see the battered hulk of a hexagonal metallic tube, with cracked bubble-like windows along both sides and at each end. Several bluish lights seem to be moving inside the hulk.

Untrained - thinking is not really my schtick.

Nyym stares at the remaining dust of what had attract them to see if it was familiar to him.

nature check: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 1 = 12

Whatever it was, it eluded him. He moved on ahead. Once they arrived at the battered contraption. Nyym inspects it to discern anything it may yield.

perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (11) + 10 = 21

Nyym is able to make out something, but to really put it together he will need to make a Lore (engineering) check.

Lore check: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23

And with that result, the half-drow is able to deduce the following:

Nyym examined the tube then looked around to see the others of his party..

It would seem that this was some sort of transport for whoever came with this place. I am not exactly sure as to what type of beings were with this place. But this bears the mark of intelligence of the likes I have never seen. It's even showing some residual signs of power. The type of power it would seem was ment to help this thing move.

Nyym scanned the area to see if any other objects or hint of the beings that used this contraption..

Whoever these beings were. I can't help but feel that we are in way over our head on this one. But the lives of those back in Trunau were in danger should these things ever make it back there. We must see this through and gods willing, they would survive to tell the tell.

Nyym kept these last thoughts to himself. They had a task and people to protect.

"Like a wagon? Did they use some sort of livestock to pull it? Or was it powered by magic?"

I must confess that I do not have any knowledge in the workings of this place. But it would seem that they had another way to make this thing move. We would call it magic. But I would surmise they would have called it something else. Again, my lack of knowledge only allows me to guess beyond what I have been able to piece together. Hopefully we will learn more as our decent into this place progresses. This place amazes and scares me at the same time. This is all new as we have never encountered such before.

Time for some more Perception checks:

Aiko: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23
Kyt: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (17) + 12 = 29
Liesel-Marie: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18
Nyym: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (14) + 10 = 24
Rocnork: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27
Tsadok: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (14) + 13 = 27

The entire group is also able to make out something moving around the wreckage: a half-dozen hunched, wiry emaciated humanoids clutching long shards of metal. They are clad only in rags and sagging drapes of skin, and their flesh glows with a pale blue light, their huge bulging eyes a baleful red.

And now to see if any of them have noticed the group (I did an average of your Dex scores to determine the modifier for the d20 roll):

Antagonist Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10
Team Ruby Stealth: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18

It looks like they are unaware of the group. How are you going to handle this?

Nyyms mind flashes back to before they entered this place. He was told by the priestess that Drow had been converted and beyond any help. Could these be some of those covered Drow? Nyym focuses on one for a better inspection. He had to be sure before informing the group.

perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (15) + 10 = 25

Nyyms mind flashes back to before they entered this place. He was told by the priestess that Drow had been converted and beyond any help. Could these be some of those covered Drow? Nyym focuses on one for a better inspection. He had to be sure before informing the group.

perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (15) + 10 = 25

These creatures, while humanoid, do not resemble dhaerow. That becomes more clear when some of them drop into a creepy four-limbed shuffle from time to time while you watch.

Also, while you're watching, the blue light flickers around the wrecked vehicle. When it does, the creatures turn their attention to it, gathering around and placing their hands into it. Upon doing this, the glow from the wreckage dims and the radiance from their bodies brightens. As though they are feeding upon the the light.

Nyym stays with his companions and continues to watch the activity before them. As he did so he spoke in a low whisper...

It seems as though they are feeding on whatever the blue lights are in the contraption. The lights within it are dimming as the lights on thier bodies grows brighter. Almost like they are scavengers feeding off remains..

The samurai, looking thoughtful, whispers to Kytynna and the others, I would feel a lot better if we can get past this without drawing too much attention to ourselves. Your shinobi raised a very good point earlier about drawing unwanted attention to ourselves. If we can avoid a fight, then we should do so.

The samurai, looking thoughtful, whispers to Kytynna and the others, I would feel a lot better if we can get past this without drawing too much attention to ourselves. Your shinobi raised a very good point earlier about drawing unwanted attention to ourselves. If we can avoid a fight, then we should do so.

Rocnork offers a slight grunt in agreement. Though he is no stranger to killing, the wyvaran will only do so if no other option presents itself. Sneaking good.

Kyt looks first at Liesel-Marie, then Tsadok, before asking in a low tone, What do you think?

Whispering back, ”Sneaking might be good, but I’m not good at sneaking.”

Nyym nods his agreement with Aiko. Although it means leaving potential enemies in thier backfield. It would be best to avoid being detected as far as they can. But he could not shake the feeling that they were being shadowed by another. Posibley for a second chance at what's down here and to make sure they fulfilled their agreement. Or to observe from the shadows to get a read on thier capabilities. But he almost knew there was another behind them.. Nyym glanced back the way they came. He doubted he would spot anyone. But he looked just the same..

perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (2) + 10 = 12

Nyym gave a slight smirk back in that direction, but was timed with Liesel-Maries claim of unstealthiness.

Maybe I'm just getting paranoid. But then again, maybe not. We will find out soon enough I suppose.

Despite his knowing that 'there was another behind them', Nyym doesn't pick up on anything that would confirm this belief. Perhaps his self-diagnosis of paranoia is more on the nose than he realizes... ;)

Kyt gives Liesel-Marie a smile. You don't have to be good at it. Just better than than their ability to notice.

She returns a wry smile, "Not faster than the bear, just faster than the other guy fleeing the bear. I've heard that one before. Would it be possible to draw them away from our intended path?"

Nyym stays with his companions and continues to watch the activity before them. As he did so he spoke in a low whisper...

It seems as though they are feeding on whatever the blue lights are in the contraption. The lights within it are dimming as the lights on thier bodies grows brighter. Almost like they are scavengers feeding off remains..

Kyt remembers what Nyym had said earlier. I don't think so. If they are feeding off of the energy, then we would have to supply them with some ourselves. I'm not sure what that would be and I don't want to risk anyone trying to find out.

Spellcraft check: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (13) + 13 = 26

Aiko's thoughtful expression gives way to an enlightened one. I believe it is raw magic - energy without native form or substance. The elves of Jinin have developed an understanding of its nature to harness and weave it into shapes that can be used as weapons, defenses, or tools. And yet, despite the limitless potential of force energy, few spells and magic items make use of it. Primarily due in part to the influence of beings composed of animate magic force. The sages have speculates that these beings possibly originate from some realm of magical force, but if so, no planar explorer has yet discovered the place and returned to tell of it.

She continues. If what your scout says is indeed true, that they are in fact feeding on this energy, then we would need something capable of generating enough to gain their notice. A spell or wand. Something along those lines.

Liesel-Marie is confused as the conversation seems to have changed quite a bit from stealthing past. She looks at the exotic blademaster, "So if we don't have this energy, they won't bother us? I am only looking for a distraction so I can get past them. I don't care if they are getting their food or not."

I think the point she was trying to make is that while that may be a food source for them. We do not truly know enough about them to risk someone to lure them away. For all we k ow they may be able to detect life energy as well if it gets close enough and deside that said life force is as appetizing. In truth. The creatures could very well be poor souls drained by whatever those blue lights are and the lights themselves might be a life force of it's own and that's how they survive.

That said, Nyym goes back to observing the creatures and looking at ways to deal with them or slip past as the others discuss options as well.

perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16

trip7: 3d10 ⇒ (5, 10, 7) = 22

perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (15) + 10 = 25

There doesn't appear to be a rhythm or pattern to when the energy returns and the creatures feed. Irregular would be the best way to describe it.