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As you gather the pack lizard from the cavern, you notice that there appears to be sign of a struggle. While two pack lizards came in here, there is blood on the ground and only one pack lizard here. Looking up to the spider hole, you can imagine the fate of the other pack lizard.

Taking the pack lizard back to the storage area, you pack the supplies as securely as you can and set off after the gnome to the east.
Need a marching order. Whomever will be managing the pack lizard needs to make three handle animal checks. Whomever is tracking the gnome needs to make three survival checks. Two people can use the aid another action on the survival checks (can not be the same person that does the handle animal checks).

Then your time will be coming Quin....

Hey everyone. Sorry my posts have been a little light lately. I've got some RL issues going on right now but I will try to post as frequently as possible. Thank you for your time.

which gnome? two went west and one east?

Ivy wipes the blood from her dagger before answering in broken undercommon, "No caches around here. The lizard was carrying supplies for our trip. Tracking is not one of my strong points but I could give it a shot. Fastervault is a few days away making it a dangerous trip alone. The primary defenses would be a militia in times of need but I'm not sure what else there would be. There is no standing army."
I emailed a map of Fastervault to everyone. Let me know if you didn't get it. What is the plan now?

Knivy Ivy shrugs her shoulders, "The two that went west will either die or end up at one of the gnomish outposts. The one that went east will either die or end up back at Fastervault." Knivy nods her head toward the cave with the spider hole and signs, "The pack lizard went in that cave."

Leiaf stabs the sheriff through the heart and it slumps down off his spear. The other gnomes see the death and run off into the depths of the underdark.
out of initiative
The turncoat smiles at Leiaf and signs "You, you have the power to lead. I will follow you. I am known as Iverna Already-Has-Your-Knife but others call me 'knivy Ivy' for short." Looking around at the carnage, she smiles "What do you command of me, master Leiaf?"

Shelquet: take the time you need.

I haven't had ample time to post due to RL issues this week. In addition, I'm trying to figure out maps to help out with the battles so I should have a new post Tuesday. Sorry for the delay.

Will do. Having a long day myself. I'll update tomorrow night.

HAS ANYONE NOTICED THAT AS YOU HAVE TO BE AT LEAST 3RD LEVEL TO CREATE WANDS WE'VE BEING DOING WANDS OF CLW WRONG FOR YEARS

Craft wand requires caster level 5 not 3; however, you can create a magic item of a lower caster level than which is required for the feat; therefore, wands of less than 5L are perfectly valid

Shelquet: as Leiaf and the turncoat are currently flanking the sheriff, without another person to assist there are no other flanking options.

Leiaf moves up and takes the place of his recently departed centipede and stabs at the sheriff but fails to penetrate his armor. Vrek begins to sing a song and readies his sword there are no enemies within striking distance so I'll turn the sword attack into a readied action The remainder of the party continues to hide. The turncoat, with Leiaf's help, stabs the sheriff in the back again causing him to stagger.

The gnome to the east finally crawls off of the grease and stands up. The northern gnome moves behind the turncoat and stabs the turncoat in the back. 2 damage The western gnome's form begins to appear streaked and moves toward the party.

Round 14. Everyone is up. Leiaf & Vrek are in the open. Everyone else is still hiding.

Shelquet: mutagen is still in effect. lasts 10 minutes per level.

As a giant centipede appears before the sheriff, the turncoat stabs the sheriff under his arm pit but the sheriff is still standing. vrek sings a tune causing grease to appear under one of the feet of the gnome toward the east. The centipede bites the sheriff in the leg causing a negligible injury but the gnome must take a moment to fight off the poisonous effects. The remainder of the party remains hidden waiting to strike.

The sheriff turns on the centipede and vanquishes it with one clean stroke. The gnome under the grease tries to stand but falls, then he starts to crawl toward the edge of the grease away from the fight. The other two gnomes aim their swords at Leiaf and Vrek. both of you need to make fortitude saves (Leiaf gets a +8 alch bonus) on dc 12 you are blind

round 13 over. Round 14 is up! everyone is up. I'm waiting until the majority of the party has acted before assuming someone would give up his/her hiding

Long day. Will update tomorrow.

Shelquet wrote:

I concur with Leaif. I'm ready to eviscerate some Gnomes! I'm curious though, are they Gnomes or Svirfneblin?

Svirfneblin... but 'gnomes' is quicker to type

Leif is right. gnome is quick than svirfneblionenkankdlndkn???

round 12
As you all inch forward back around the main tunnel, you see the turncoat talking to one gnome while one watches the entrance. they are not coming to you. on the map they are between the tunnel you are in and the one leading to the spider den. A few other gnomes are handling the pack lizards. Once everyone is in position, Liante fires a bolt but it misses and startles one of the pack lizards. As the sheriff turns to look at Liante, the turncoat stabs it in the back.

round 13. everyone is up! Quin, Shelquet, Argent, & Leiaf need to roll stealth. Still have Vrek's stealth check.

Sorry, had some RL issues plus the second adventure came out. Have been trying to incorporate it into my plans.

He must serve the drow if he has been taught our signs... No drow would permit himself to teach it unwillingly.

Liante signs to the gnome, Who do you serve little one? We are here to bring strength and take away the weak.

The gnome signs, I served no one before but I would hear whispers after I plunged my blade into flesh before. The whispers had no name. They just said I would find opportunity here. The gnome looks over its shoulder worriedly, I must get back to the others. I will position myself next to the sheriff. You must strike quickly or they will get away and warn the other gnome communities At that, the gnome goes creeping back around the corner and into the tunnel proper.

okay, what are your plans? every additional round you take will change the layout of the battle field against you. For responses, I'm counting every 48 hours as one round.

Hey everybody. I got a request from a member called "GM Niles" whom said that several of you know him/her. GM Niles asked if s/he could take over the seventh sibling. I said I would put it to you all as to bringing in a replacement. Thoughts?

the gnome is speaking in drow sign language. Combat rounds are still going. You have one round to discuss matters with the gnome before he leaves which equates to 48 hours of real time starting now.

As Leiaf starts to talk, the gnome frantically signs Use sign! Do you want them to hear you! In answer to your question, I don't much care for the mayor or the sheriff. I think they are all weak. I heard a whisper that if I took a job going with the sheriff, then I would be granted a grand opportunity. I assume this is it.

Vrek, you do not "hear" any dishonesty in the gnomes words. Also, the caravan is out in the cavern so I'll keep your stealth roll for your approach.

Hey everybody. I've got some RL issues so I'll try to post something by Wednesday. That should give everyone time to decide what they want to do.

Leiaf fires an acid dart but shoots above the gnomes head.
Liante finishes concentrating on the gnome and sees a faint aura of illusion magic.
Shelquet stabs the gnome with her dagger. 1d100 ⇒ 50no sneak attack, also, sneak attack damage doesn't receive any additional bonuses
Vrek fires another arrow but it misses the gnome.
Quent fires another ray of frost at the gnome but misses the gnome.1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 51d20 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 1 = 191d3 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

The turncoat stabs at the armored gnome and it falls down. 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 261d4 + 1d8 ⇒ (2) + (3) = 51d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 81d4 ⇒ 4
The turncoat flashes hand signals "There are three more guards, the sheriff, and two pack lizards waiting in the tunnel. I was sent to check on these three. If I don't report back immediately, they will come in force. I assume you are from the drow stronghold. These gnomes are planning on gather a force of gnome warriors from the surrounding communities to throw off the yoke of the drow taxes."

Round 10. Argent's shield spell is expiring next round. You have one round of actions to take before the gnome must leave

Vrek fires at the wounded gnome but it deflects the arrow off of its shield.
Leiaf hits the gnome with a dart of acid. since most acid spells are conjurations I will assume that these don't require SR checks.
Argent lashes out at the gnome but it ducks under the blade.
Quin shoots a ray of frost at the gnome but it hit the wall behind it.
Liante fires her xbow at the wounded gnome but it bounces off its shield. 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 151d8 ⇒ 31d100 ⇒ 39
Shelquet stabs his dagger at the gnome and hits the gnome under the chin dropping it. 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 221d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 31d100 ⇒ 75

The gnome lashes out at Argent 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 231d6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 31d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 171d6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6 but his shield spell limits the damage.3 damage
Out of the darkness a leather clad gnome appears behind the gnome that struck Argent and stabs the other gnome in the back.1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 151d4 + 1d8 ⇒ (1) + (2) = 3 The stab is a glancing blow but it surprises the other gnome. the leather clad gnome signals "Let us finish this. I have a proposition for you all."

Round 9. Everyone is up!

Alright. I'll post this rounds actions tonight when I get off work.

Liante continues to focus on the auras. Quin, Shelquet & Argent have two magical auras; Leiaf has one aura; the two gnomes each have an aura on them that is more powerful
Leiaf sends an acid dart at the gnome but hits the wall.
Quin sends a ray of frost at the gnome but it dodges out of the way.
Argent moves up and swings at the first gnome but the sword bounces off of its shield. attack on gnome 2
Vrek fires his bow at the other gnome attack on gnome 31d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 241d6 - 2 ⇒ (6) - 2 = 41d100 ⇒ 59 and the arrow slams into its shoulder.
Shelquet moves up and attacks the wounded gnome 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 221d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 31d100 ⇒ 98 but her dagger bounces off its shield.

The gnomes attack Argent and Shelquet 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 241d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 41d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 81d6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 61d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 61d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4 and Argent is slashed across his arm while Shelquet is able to dodge the attack.

Round 8. Everyone is up!

Leiaf moves back and throws a blob of acid at the gnomes but misses his shot.
Argent, newly embolden, moves up and brandishes his blade there isn't a clear path to the gnomes and they are beyond a double move
Liante focuses her energy to determine if there is magic at work they are 65' away so I assume you move up 10'. 1st round of concentration: there are magical auras within the cone effect
Vrek fires a bolt but it bounces off the creatures shield.
Quin moves up and fires a ray of frost at the first gnome1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 71d20 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 1 = 171d3 ⇒ 11d100 ⇒ 50
Shelquet 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7 downs another formula and lets her wounds heal. use cure light wounds formula

The gnomes level their swords at Shelquet and Argent 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 61d20 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4 but their magic fails to penetrate your resistance.

Round 7. Everyone is UP!

Quin shoots a ball of web at the gnome1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14 sticking it in place. Shelquet moves around the gnome to flank it with Leiaf AoO1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 221d6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 61d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 41d6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 51d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19 but the gnome catches her in the side as she passes. staggered at -1 hp Shelquet is bleeding badly and takes her last breath to drink an infusion use cure light wounds infusion1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2 which stops the bleeding.

Seeing the danger, the gnome tries to break free from the webbing 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19 and is able to cut his way out and tries to run back toward its allies. AoO from Leiaf and Shelquet1d20 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 1 = 171d8 - 1 ⇒ (3) - 1 = 21d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 211d4 + 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + (2) + 1 = 4 As the gnome tries to run Shelquet and Leiaf skewer the gnome and it falls dead at their feet. With the gnome's death, Argent's sight returns.

Just as it seems the tides have turned, two more gnomes come around the corner with swords and shields drawn. Both look odd like you are looking at them through a thick syrup.

Round 6. Everyone is up!

Vrek utters a eirie note and the gnome's weapon becomes covered in yellow slick 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22 but the gnome keeps his grip. Leiaf moves up and attacks the gnome but his stab is easily swatted aside. Liante fires another bolt but the gnome raises his shield deflecting the bolt. Argent remains crouched behind the casks waiting for the blindness to wear off.

still waiting on Quin and Shelquet. round 5 continues

Quin: everyone acts in the order they post with all pcs acting before the npcs. initiative order pretty much only matters for surprise rounds and round 1.

Okay. 48 hour rule is in effect. I rolled SR checks as appropriate and had Quin attack with a ray of frost.

FYI, Fire Mountain Games put up a post on Kickstarter that book 2 should be hitting the internet by the end of March, 2014. Not holding my breath but here's hoping.

Leiaf charges forward and slaps the gnome across the face SR check:1d20 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9 but the magic washes over the gnome without any effect. Liante fires a bolt that bounces off the shield of the gnome. Vrek fires a bolt and hits the gnome under the arm. no crit. 2 damage Shelquet moves up and attacks with his dagger slashing it across the face. 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 241d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2possible crit:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 71d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4nope Quin fires a ray of frost at the gnome striking it but the magic washes over the gnome Attack, SR, dam:1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 201d20 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 81d3 ⇒ 3. Argent bunkers down and is trying to blink away the blindness. spellcraft:1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11

The gnome stabs Shelquet in the thigh and backs away. 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 191d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

round 5. Everyone is up! 48 hour rule is in effect

Been waiting on Argent, Quin and Shelquet. I don't like doing a lot of DMPCing but it might be required to keep things moving.

I'm not unaware that sometimes people have trouble posting. Perhaps a rule that if you do not post within 48 hours, then (a) in a noncombat situation you follow the lead of the majority and (b) in a combat situation you will take an action that does not exhaust a small limited use ability (attack with weapons or a first level class ability but not a spell/infusion/spellpoint).

Is that acceptable to everyone?

Quin moves to beside Argent and readies to strike anyone that comes within range. Argent tries to ready himself but being blind doesn't quite have the effect he intends. total defense gives a dodge bonus to ac and being blind you lose your dex and dodge bonuses to ac

The gnome moves up and attacks Shelquet but she ducks to the side in her enhanced speed. 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 71d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

Round 4 everyone is up! And apparently, the dice roller hates the gnomes too.

Shelquet injects herself with some concoction and begins moving quickly. Liante fires another shot but it bounces off the wall. Leiaf hands a vial to Argent before grabbing a few more vials and heading toward his sister.

Quin is up

Well, I have to be the only person here whom ran it with a lawful evil party. Even in the evil party campaign I would echo that one of the most important things is establishing the connection with the NPCs (Vanthus must die was exclaimed many a night). Second, I would agree that you need to read through the entire campaign at least once to set up some foreshadowing (I used dreams and ritual induced visions to slip information about the abyssal connections). The issue with the evil party was making sure that you had someone taken in the later books that the party would actually chase into the abyss (in my case it was a PC who had been killed and resurrected by Vanthus [even evil characters can be loyal to their friends plus KILL VANTHUS!]).

That is pretty sweet! I just used gamer paper and a lot of markers. Did it help when you ran the encounter?

Vrek fires at the gnome but misses. Argent stumbles back into the storage room and falls to the ground after getting behind one of the walls.

Shelquet, Leiaf, Liante, Quin are up!

Argent exclaims, "I'm blind!" to which the gnome smirks. Liante casts a silent spell that boosts everyone with confidence; however briefly. Vrek moves up beside Argent and fires at the gnome but hits the wall behind him. Leiaf downs a dose of the gnome's bane and hides behind the crates before calling to Argent, "Argent! Follow my voice!" Shelquet moves up and tries to stab the gnome but swings wide.

The gnome swings his sword at Shelquet. 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 71d6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6; however, he stumbles and then move back down the tunnel. You hear some commotion from the main tunnel but do not see any reinforcements coming.

Round 3: everyone is up!

Shelquet: Vivisectionist give up the bomb ability of the Alchemist and instead have the sneak attack ability of the rogue. I'll let you ditch the vivisectionist archetype if you wish, otherwise, you need a different action.

RL issues affect us all from time to time. Glad to hear you're back.

Shelquet moves up behind Argent and readies her dagger.

The gnome steps back and waves his hand at Argent. sr check1d20 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 1 = 10 Argent make a DC12 fort save. On failure, you are blind You hear more commotion down the hall.

Round 2. everyone is up

You all started in the hidden cache cavern which is off of the south cavern on the bottom of the last map. A single gnome came around the corner of the passageway that leads between the cavern adjacent to the hidden cache and the main tunnel. The gnome signaled back up the tunnel and the noises from the pack lizards stopped. Said gnome was shot at, chopped at, and sprayed at. The gnome has not acted yet but per Leiaf's last post, Leiaf is set to attack if the gnome comes within range (highly unlikely as the gnome is in melee).

I was trying to give ShelQuet time to post an action. If we don't hear anything within the next six hours, then I will DMPC her actions.

Liante fires a bolt at the gnome but it dodges out of the way. Quin moves up and sprays the gnome with multiple colors; spell resistance:1d20 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 1 = 10 however, it doesn't seem to affect the gnome. Argent moves up and swings his sword at the gnome but it dodges out of the way. Vrek starts up a song that empowers his brothers and sisters. Leiaf readies his spear against the gnome coming toward him.

Shelquet is up

moving on
Leiaf causes a casing of cold magic to envelope his hand while reading his spear. Argent readies his blade and incants a spell to bring a disk of force before him. Vrek draws a blade and hides along the tunnel passage. Quin brings a covering of force magic around himself. Shelquet waits patiently confident in her own abilities.

You all hear the sounds of a group of large lizards moving along the main hall. Argent and Vrek notice a small gnome peak around the tunnel entrance twenty feet away. The gnome notices most of you and waves his hand back the way he came. At the gnome's signal, the lizards go silent.

Begin combat.
Round 1. Everyone is up!

After Shelquet posts her actions we will proceed.

I assume that everyone was in the store room looking over the hidden cache. Still waiting on Shelquet and Quin.

Roll perception checks as well.

As you all sort through the supplies, you hear some large creatures moving from back behind you in the tunnel.
state actions that you are going to take. You have 2 rounds to ready yourselves.

Leiaf scans the room for magic but it appears that whatever magic was in the room is fading. The 120 stone vials contain some type of elixir that is not immediately known. There are 200 days’ worth of hard mushcake and dried auroch meat (i.e. iron rations).

Craft(alchemy) DC15:

Leiaf and Shelquet, after fervent searching come across a small discoloration in the stone. When pressed, the wall slides away and there is an escape of old, stagnant air. Within the chamber, you see large casks containing preserved rations and stone vials. There is far more here than the six of you could carry.