Into the Dolmenwoods (Inactive)

Game Master Daniel Stewart

The prestidigitator searched his memory, mentally flying through a score of texts for anything that matched what he was seeing here...

Intelligence: 1d20 ⇒ 19 Bah XD

...after a time saying "Hmm, this matches no place I've ever encountered in my studies..." he paused a moment before grinning "A new discovery then!"

Siegen peers at the tower.

Detect Construction Tricks 1-2 of 6: 1d6 ⇒ 2 Aha!

As expert miners, dwarves have a 2-in-6 chance of being able to detect new construction, sliding walls, or sloping passages when searching.

Intelligence 10: 1d20 ⇒ 16

"Little for it but to check inside.", says Siegen, as he begins to walk towards the tower.

Siegen notes that the tower has some areas that should be kept away from due to weak construction. As you approach the ruin, you notice within the crumbling walls there seems to be a single remaining room at the back that still has an intact roof. A dark doorway leads into this interior space.

Siegen points out a few spots.

"Do not walk in there. Or under that. They are ready to crumble. Over there, that room with the roof. We go for that."

Brother Jacob listens to the dwarf explain about the tower. "Good thing we have you along, Master Ingold. Even though I didn't mean it that way, my gift to you is already paying off!"

===============

During the past hour, the older man also introduces himself to the other members of the search party.

"I am Brother Jacob, penitent of Saint Mordh the Martyr, patron of the unlucky. What brings you to such a small settlement on the edge of the Dolmenwood?"

Earlier

"I am Siegen Ingold, of the hold Nargaakarak in the Grey Hills to the far south. I seek dwarven ruins, items, and word on strange dwarves who dwell in the Dolmenwood."

"Into the tower then. Lead the way, master dwarf. Hopefully, if little Kenny is here, he didn't fall foul of any such weaknesses. Though a small child would be less likely to dislodge them, I think."

Earlier as well:
"Voronwe Aranwion. As you seek the strange dwarves of the this land, I come following rumors of distant kin of my own folk."

Pickles looks at the dark opening with a little trepidation.

"Well I must admit that looks like a good place to hide... or hide someone".

The brave halfling steps forward with the others his bow drawn, and his almond eyes darting about.

Earlier...

As they chatted idly on the journey, the wizard joined in after a time, burning off the last haze of booze as sobriety returned "I'd be happy to share my tale, would you have it. I was born among the nomads within the Great Desert far to the south. My early years were normal for one such as that status affords...until a certain celestial event opened a new path..."

He goes on to describe how one night he witnessed 2 shooting stars collide, and when he tracked down the fallen detritus, camping at the crater it had left...he began to hear a soft voice from within guiding him north.

The voice was clear and protective in a way, and over a few years eventually brought him to a cave holding a cache of scrolls. The writings contained arcane mysteries unanswered, histories, philosophy...even the first symbols of spellcraft. From this new learning he began to self-study wizardry, becoming a medium for that realm beyond the stars.

"...the voice has never left me, though I no longer hear it in speech. Rather it has become a part of my instinct, guiding my magics with words and gestures." he explained.

----

Now...

Ziyad poured a thick oil into his lantern, and with a few strikes had a flame burning bright within. He drew a dagger in his other hand and followed the party cautiously down the stairs...

Siegen advances towards the door, sword and shield in hand, and eyes and ears open.

Just a note...there is no door to this room, just the opening.

Ok, need one (and only one) of you to roll a d6. First one to roll counts.

1d6 ⇒ 4

As the group enters the dark interior of the ruin, they are alerted to the presence of bats within. It is only moments before the swarm descends on the party.

What do you do?

Ziyad hits the floor, hoping the bats simply rush past...

Earlier in their journey...

As the group walks through the forest, they each take their turn to speak. Sigfried listens quietly to each of them, nodding softly at their tales. When there was a lull in their conversation and the oppressive quietness of the forest threatened to fill the space, he would speak up.

"My name is Sigfried. I was trained by the master swordsman Marius Tennen. He was hired for a task in this forest a few years ago but never returned nor did he send a letter back of his further exploits. I think he disappeared in these woods...and I mean to find him."

Currently...

The ruins stood amidst the forest, stones broken down and decrepit. It stood there and Sigfried could feel the silent challenge it presented. Unwilling to let fear control his heart or his blade, he followed after the others.

No sooner than entering the ruin, there was suddenly the squeaking of a swarm of bats up above. Grabbing his shield, he lifted it to cover his head as he crouched down low to the ground and tried to knock away any of the small beasts that got too close to him in the confusion.

Brother Jacob crouches down and holds up his shield to protect himself from the swarming bats as best he can.

"Damned winged rats, begone! We are not your food!"

Siegen braces himself, as if facing a charge. He plans to use alternating sword and shield blows to strike away any bats that approach within his reach.

Voronwe steps to the side up against one of the walls, pulling his hood up to protect his face.

"Bats should not be dangerous. They mostly feed on insects not on people. We likely simply disturbed their home."

Swarms of bats circle the party (-2 to all attack rolls) as they invade the creature's home. Among this swarm, the group sees several larger specimens that are more aggressive than their smaller cousins and attack.

There is one Giant Bat per character

Giant Bat Attack (Siegen): 1d20 ⇒ 14
Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 1

Giant Bat Attack (Jacob): 1d20 ⇒ 6
Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 1

Giant Bat Attack (Sigfried): 1d20 ⇒ 10
Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 3

Giant Bat Attack (Zyiad): 1d20 ⇒ 11
Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 3

Giant Bat Attack (Pickles): 1d20 ⇒ 19
Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 1

I don't get a bat. That's nice of them. They must like elves.:) Assuming you just missed me:

Voronwe keeps his back to the wall and tries to keep the small ones from his face as he swings wildly.
Sword: 18 + 2 - 1d20 ⇒ 18 + 2 - (4) = 16

With flail and shield in hand, Brother Jacob swings at the enormous bat trying to eat him while calling out encouragement to his companions.

"Death bats! Death bats! The end is nigh! Repent all ye sinners, repent!"

Flail: 1d20 ⇒ 9, that hits AC 10.

I assume we're playing with descending AC?

Whoops..I knew I was missing someone!! Sorry Voronwe

Giant Bat Attack (Voronwe): 1d20 ⇒ 1
Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 3

What is the Giant Bat Thac0? Did its 11 hit Ziyad?

Both Ziyad and Pickles were hit this round, and no one hit...remember the smaller bats are blinding you, so the -2 to hit needs to be applied to your attacks. The bats AC is 6

Near death, Ziyad tries to disengage from the rabid animal and retreat to safety.

I think the term is 'fighting withdrawal': The character moves backwards at up to half their encounter movement rate. There must be a clear path for this movement.

There is a clear path right out the doorway...

Pickles immediately draws back his ready arrow, and releases it at one of the giant bats before turning to run from the cave. On the way out one of them nips at him drawing blood.

1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7 Shortbow

1d6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3 Arrow

But his panic at the sudden appeareance of the creatures causes him to lose his aim.

Siegen slashes at the bat but it dodges easily!

Sword vs bat with +3 melee, -2 blinding: 1d20 + 3 - 2 ⇒ (4) + 3 - 2 = 5

Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 6

Amidst the horde of bats that blinded him, larger specimens descended from up above. One came for him, trying to bite down upon his skin before being batted away. Drawing his sword, his sword slashed out at the beast.

Attack: 1d20 + 3 - 2 ⇒ (6) + 3 - 2 = 7
Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

I just have to say - 5 attack rolls between us and the highest was a 9. Damn, we are not a lucky group.

@thejeff: Agreed!

As he stumbles out of the room, a deep gash upon his arm, Ziyad drops to the ground. The bats that had been blinding him scatter into the late afternoon gloom and the larger specimen joins them.

The rest of the party stays in the darkened room and the bats continue to defend their home.

Party up?

Siegen continues to batter at the bats!

1d20 + 3 - 2 ⇒ (3) + 3 - 2 = 4

Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 3

Sorry Bats up first

Those left in the room are yet again buffeted by the bats.

Giant Bat Attack (Siegen): 1d20 ⇒ 12
Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 4

Giant Bat Attack (Jacob): 1d20 ⇒ 12
Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 1

Giant Bat Attack (Sigfried): 1d20 ⇒ 15
Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 4

Giant Bat Attack (Voronwe): 1d20 ⇒ 19
Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 3

Giant Bat Attack (Pickles): 1d20 ⇒ 6
Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 1

"Damn beasts! Get out of our way!" Sigfried roars, swiming his weapon through the air at the massive bat that fluttered around him.

Attack: 1d20 + 3 - 2 ⇒ (7) + 3 - 2 = 8
Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10

Initiative: 1d6 ⇒ 4 if needed again

Free from immediate threat, Ziyad selected the most injured of the giant bats...pulling a dagger from the side of his leather boot and hurling it quickly into the foe...

Dagger Throw: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 = 11 hits AC 8
Dmg: 1d6 ⇒ 3

+1 is from short range, but after throw withdrawing a bit farther.

Also the variable damage from different weapons (like d4 for a dagger) is a rules option. Are we using that option? If so, heres my revised roll:

Dmg if variable rule: 1d4 ⇒ 2

Sorry, yes we are using the varied weapon damage rule...sorry forgot that was a thing...

No worries just wanted to be sure, very much enjoying OSE

With his companions getting hurt, Brother Jacob calls out: "Retreat! Let's get out of here!" He swings his flail defensively as he leaves the dark chamber.

Flail: 1d20 ⇒ 18, that hits AC 1 and does 1d6 ⇒ 5 damage.

Fighting withdrawal outside

As he retreats, Brother Jacob strikes one of the giant bats and downs the creature. Once outside, the smaller bats fly off into the surrounding forest.

Blood streaming from his arm, Voronwe strikes at his bat again, as he retreats out the door.

Sword: 18 + 2 - 1d20 ⇒ 18 + 2 - (17) = 3
Damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

I believe Pickles mentioned that he was retreating out of the cave after he shot an arrow... but since he was missed we'll just assume that he slipped and tries the same this round.

1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23 Short Bow

1d6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3 Arrow.

He then dashes from the room laughing at his expert shot.

"Teach you to bite me beast".

Both Voronwe and Pickles land killing blows against the giant bats that were attacking them. As they retreat from the room, the smaller bats follow, then like the others, disperse into the forest.

” I hope those bats didn’t kill Kenny. I think we gotta go back in and check... better prepared this time”.

Siegen stands at the doorway, wary of more bats assailing the group.

Still staring into the doorway, he replies:

"Aye, Pickles. Let us press back in."

Ziyad has trouble stopping the bleeding, but presses forward...scanning the ceiling of the structure for more mammalian hazards with the light of his lantern.

So no more big bats?

As the group exit the room, most of the bats leave also, including the larger creatures. A few smaller bats still circle the roof, but the majority departed.

The room is a complete mess. Bat guano covers everything, and small beetles and worms feed on the waste. Odd humps can be seen throughout the room as if something was located under the years of accumulated bat poo.

Siegen kicks over some of the lumps, seeing if any loot lies underneath.