I'd like to see some consensus before I break out the wandering monster table.[/ooc]
Amazingly, you manage to catch a day's rest in the hallway without being attacked by anything. Not even the ogre has come back when you rise late in the afternoon. Proteus takes the opportunity to check on Sandros's bite-mark, and it does not seem to be infected.
Where do you want to go now, and what's your marching order?
I'm definitely ok with going on, I just didnt want to (a) wait 8 hours for nothing, but the channeling skill makes it worthwhile; and (b) sit around for 24 hours in a dungeon when we can still see the daylight from the entrance (practically.)
So, I say we
1-Get on with it for another encounter or so
2-Wait the 8 for the channeling
3-Leave the dungeon for a safer place to camp till next morning.
(I vote #1, but I tend to make bad decisions, as can be seen by the lumps on the lumps on Grond's head.)
OK I vote we wait 8 then go on :)
Proteus takes the opportunity to check on Sandros's bite-mark, and it does not seem to be infected.
Proteus feels rejuvinated now that his "nap" is over. While he's checking on Sandros neck, he non-challantly states "You fighting the ogre. That was the bravest thing I have ever seen Sir Highpoint; wreckless, but brave. Thank you.
Proteus grabs a quick snack while Roylenna prepares her spells and make himself ready.
Also, given your past record, you can as well roll for initiative (kidding, it's always useful).
Iniative: 19+0=19
Roylenna meditates, regaining her used spell slot, and tells Sandros, "I will try to keep your lesson in mind, Sir Highmount. But in the darkness, I think my first priority is still going to have to be to provide light - both so that you may see our enemy and so that I may shoot at them. Is that not so?"
Before Grond sets out, she goes to speak to him quietly.
For Grond:
But in the darkness, I think my first priority is still going to have to be to provide light - both so that you may see our enemy and so that I may shoot at them. Is that not so?"
Speaking of light, Proteus chants, "Luminas" twice. Once on Sandros rapier (if he wishes) and once on his own holy symbol.
Grond listens attentively to all that is said. In particular the dialogue between Sandros and Roylenna, adding little but absorbing much.
Consider all old rolls void, New Rolls:
Initiative: 14+3=17
Perception: 5+5=10
Stealth: 11+7=18
Acrobatics: 5+7=12
Grond ponders the three directions. "Well, they all end up turning to the north," he says, "might as well head due north o'er yawning gulf yonder. Could be an ambush though." He shrugs. "Which way? ...Sandros?"
Sandros sighs. "I have no desire whatsoever to cross that chasm. Which means it is undoubtedly where Bramley will eventually be found. Let's get it over with."
Grond gingerly steps out onto the stone bridge, carefully prodding the ground with his javelin. It seems solid enough. To the left and right the ground drops away into a 50 feet deep crevasse, but the passageway is comfortably broad. After about 80 feet the corridor turns to the right (east) and the crevasse ends, to your great relief.
The passage goes on for about 40 feet before widening into a small chamber, littered with debris (mostly smashed furniture and diverse bones). There is only one narrow (5 foot) exit to the right (south) and you note that it is too small for an ogre.
As Grond peeks around the corner he sees a small room 20 feet ahead, occupied by two strange rat-faced humanoids in leather armor, armed with scimitars. One is looking in your direction while the other seems to be looking to the right (west). Grond quickly withdraws, hopefully unseen.
Now what?
When the explorations begin anew, Roylenna will once again conjure her ghost lights to hover over her at the back of the party or a little behind the party. As she crosses the chasm bridge, she will try to nonverbally get someone's attention and gesture toward the lights and the chasm.
If she cannot get anyone's attention, she will go ahead and do it, conjuring a second set of lights . She'll set the first pair to drop straight down the left side of the bridge 50' and the second pair to drop straight down the right side of the bridge 50' . She will then alternate moving each set of lights 50' in their respective directions to the extent of the spell's range.
Perception checks (1d20+0=9, 1d20+0=4, 1d20+0=4, 1d20+0=6)
When the explorations begin anew, Roylenna will once again conjure her ghost lights to hover over her at the back of the party or a little behind the party. As she crosses the chasm bridge, she will try to nonverbally get someone's attention and gesture toward the lights and the chasm.
Roylenna's probing lights make it easy to discern that the crevasse is just a big, empty cave, about 50 feet wide at its largest and 50 feet deep. You don't spot anything moving down there and there doesn't seem to be an awful lot of hiding-places. Relieved, you proceed carefully.
Grond will quietly retreat to the edge of the light cast by the party, he will then descibe all he has seen.
"Is it possible (based on the map) that there are two paths to this same room?"
"Is it possible (based on the map) that there are two paths to this same room?"
"Is it possible (based on the map) that there are two paths to this same room?"
Proteus looks to the others, "If we are going to fight, then perhaps it is best if we attempt to take them from two sides."
Proteus looks to the others, "If we are going to fight, then perhaps it is best if we attempt to take them from two sides."
Sandros nods, "A good thought, but we have not yet explored those other passages. Even if you are correct in guessing that the other passage reaches this spot - and I'm inclined to agree with you there - we would still have to split up to verify it and to make sure that there are no other potential opponents in the area.
"Given that we don't really know who or what these creatures are, we might be doing them a disservice in planning for an immediate attack. Perhaps we should consider attempting a dialogue? If they attack, of course, we know our response, but if they can be reasoned with, they might have information of some kind."
Sandros nods, "A good thought, but we have not yet explored those other passages. Even if you are correct in guessing that the other passage reaches this spot - and I'm inclined to agree with you there - we would still have to split up to verify it and to make sure that there are no other potential opponents in the area.
"Given that we don't really know who or what these creatures are, we might be doing them a disservice in planning for an immediate attack. Perhaps we should consider attempting a dialogue? If they attack, of course, we know our response, but if they can be reasoned with, they might have information of some kind."
"I agree that we shouldn't split up to ensure that both passages lead to the same area. I disagree regarding attempting any negotiation. Whether they are wererats or ratmen, they are disease ridden I am sure. Even I am shocked to say, I actually concur with Grond in this particular instance. However, if we ensure the other path is safe then Grond need do little to sneak up from behind if we attack from the front."
"If this is a vote, I vote with Grond."It is not hard to see the surprise in Proteus face. "If we are not all in this, then maybe it's best to backtrack to other caverns."
"Given that we don't really know who or what these creatures are, we might be doing them a disservice in planning for an immediate attack. Perhaps we should consider attempting a dialogue? If they attack, of course, we know our response, but if they can be reasoned with, they might have information of some kind."
"It would be good to be prepared for either course. Perhaps two could attempt to initiate discussions and three could wait out of sight, waiting for sign from the diplomats of how the strangers react. Or perhaps more should go - I know there are those that would be more likely to negotiate if they think themselves in a weaker position. These same people would take advantage of any they perceived to be weaker than themselves."
"You can really set the stage very differently if the diplomats were, for example, myself and Proteus as opposed to Sandros and Rana. I guess the question is what appearance do we wish to give?"
"I agree that we shouldn't split up to ensure that both passages lead to the same area. I disagree regarding attempting any negotiation. Whether they are wererats or ratmen, they are disease ridden I am sure. Even I am shocked to say, I actually concur with Grond in this particular instance. However, if we ensure the other path is safe then Grond need do little to sneak up from behind if we attack from the front."
"Disease? Eww. I had not considered that yet."
"We could flip the plan, also. We know this path appears safe. Grond could wait here in hiding while the four of us proceed around the other side. What the signal would be to begin the attack, I do not know, but that might be a safer way to split up the group -- letting the single sit still rather than stumble into something alone."
"And we can always begin the excitement by talking -- maybe that would be the signal. Sorry, I ramble. Just thinking out loud. I will accept whatever the party decides." She winks at Sandros. "And I promise not to change the plan once blades have been crossed."
"A decision needs to be made. I feel we should forgo diplomacy, but am willing to attempt it if that's what we decide. I'm worried that if they are like their smaller brethren, than once we make contact they will either scurry away into their hole or their numbers will poor forth from every crack. Either way, it seems futile."
"If we decide to attack, I like Royl's idea of the four of us coming from the other direction if Grond feels he can handle himself here alone. That will give him the advantage of surprise. Otherwise, Royl can stay here with him."
"Signals shouldn't be a problem since the rest of us will require light to make our attack from the other direction. Grond will easily be able to see when combat is to take place."
"I would like to here from Rana and see what he thinks as it appears that he is the deciding factor unless either Sandros or Grond can be swayed."
"If Sandros or Grond cannot be swayed or we do not hear from Rana shortly. I suggest we move back to the first passageway that we went by in the room with the ghoul and explore it further."
"The longer we stay here, the more likely we will be discovered and our lose our advantage. We should not tarry."
Standing by and mutely watching the others discuss their plans Rana's eyes dart from one person to the next.
Throwing his hands up in the air Rana begins muttering to himself in his native tongue.
For those of you that speak Tharbrian:
Looking up and shaking his fist in the air.
More Tharbrian:
Rana looks around at the others one more time before peering over the bridge himself.
In his most commanding voice he tells Grond,"Go back over there and be seen by the rat creatures. Get there attention and draw them onto the bridge. They have only possibly seen you. We will wait here at this end of the bridge and will jump out and attack them. We can push them into the hole below or attack them from the sides with arrows. Good plan neh? Now get going!"
Grond looks at Rana as he orders him forth. "Why me?" he asks.
"Because you hide and sneak and if the saw anyone it would have been you. If someone else goes then they'll know there are more."
"Hmm. I don't like this plan. I don't like being bait, and I dont like fighting and running for my life over a precarious drop. I say we split up and attack from both directions at once. Or if kindness is warrented, Royl and Proteus approach from this direction and draw their attention, as well as their intention, while we prepare an ambuscade from the other direction."
Sandros shakes his head. "I am willing to be bait. I would like the opportunity to offer these beings a peaceful gesture before we commence with the slaughtering, but since I am alone in this desire, I will accept the consequences of going forward with it. If they prove to be hostile, I will have their attention, which should allow the rest of you to proceed with a rear assault; I will fall back to the larger chamber between here and the room with the ratmen."
Sandros grins. "And if they do try to attack, I promise, they will find me a difficult target to hit."
He looks back up the passage with a hint of anxiety before continuing, "If we are agreed, you should move quickly. If they did see Grond, we have no idea how they might be responding; we may find them gone, at best, or the entrances fortified or trapped at worst."
Sandros shakes his head. "I am willing to be bait. I would like the opportunity to offer these beings a peaceful gesture before we commence with the slaughtering, but since I am alone in this desire, I will accept the consequences of going forward with it. If they prove to be hostile, I will have their attention, which should allow the rest of you to proceed with a rear assault; I will fall back to the larger chamber between here and the room with the ratmen."
"Very well, I will go with you. I suggest the rest of you take up positions on either side of the passage in the debris filled room on the southern wall. If things go sour, we will attempt to lead them back into the room where we can all face them. Let us delay no longer."
Sandros looks a little worried at Proteus' words, but all he says is, "Just stay behind me."
As he and Proteus move along the passage toward the ratmen, Sandros points to either side of the tunnel that leads to their room. Whispering, he says to the others, "You can take stations there - if they move into the room following us, you will have a chance to hit them from behind..."
As he and Proteus move along the passage toward the ratmen, Sandros points to either side of the tunnel that leads to their room. Whispering, he says to the others, "You can take stations there - if they move into the room following us, you will have a chance to hit them from behind..."
Whispering to Sandros, "I would suggest that we feign that we are lost in an attempt to allay any concern they may have that we intend to strike if they are suspicious of combat."
Sandros, with Proteus just behind him shedding his magical light, walks carefully down the narrow corridor while Grond, Rana and Royl wait out of sight in the room closest to the ratmen.
As you approach you hear a high-pitched whistle coming from the room. The two ratmen face you, scimitars drawn, but they do not move to attack. Neither do they respond to Sandros's gesture of peace. They eye you suspiciously, whiskers trembling.
"Agreed," Grond takes up his falchion and finds a nice crevice to hide in as instructed by Sandros ready to pounce from behind as they pass.
Perception (listening) (1d20+2=16)
Sandros exchanges a perplexed look with Proteus, before turning back to the ratmen. "I greet you," he says slowly. "Can you understand me? My friend and I are looking for someone. Can you help us?"
As you approach you hear a high-pitched whistle coming from the room.
Perception (listening) (1d20+2=16)
Sandros exchanges a perplexed look with Proteus, before turning back to the ratmen. "I greet you," he says slowly. "Can you understand me? My friend and I are looking for someone. Can you help us?"
The ratmen don't seem to understand what Sandros is saying, but they don't seem to be itching for a fight. Nervously, they exchange glances and motion to Sandros to go away.
Whispered to Proteus:
Whispered to Sandros
Proteus:
Straightening up slightly, Sandros eases his rapier from its sheath, not pointing it at the ratmen, and then takes a slow step into the room, looking around him for dangers.
Straightening up slightly, Sandros will ease his rapier from its sheath, not pointing it at the ratmen, and then takes a slow step into the room, looking around him for dangers.
Proteus' eyes get wide in a amazement as Sandros reaches for the rapier. Still smiling and trying to appear calm, "What are you doing?"
Proteus:
** spoiler omitted **Straightening up slightly, Sandros will ease his rapier from its sheath, not pointing it at the ratmen, and then takes a slow step into the room, looking around him for dangers.
The ratmen break out in a shrill chatter, leaving no doubt about where the whistle came from. You don't understand what they are saying but they seem unsure, neither retreating or advancing on you.
I guess the ball is in your court.