DM
The keep awaits you.
Kivara Sunchild
A cold shiver runs down Kivara's spine as the wind from the sea catches her. As she stares at the pile of decay that once walked she is reminded of how they faced zombies a few days earlier when they first entered the slums and learned of the black hand.
She considers stowing the mace at her side but then changes her mind as she realizes this is probably the first of many encounters to come. So, keeping her buckler in place at her arm and the mace ready in hand, she looks to the others. Noting the still-perched locations of the more nimble companions, "How sturdy are you two up there?"
If either of them seems to show even the slightest hint of not feeling stable/comfortable, Kivara insists that they get down now, then, rather than later when there could be trouble and a hasty retreat necessary. If niether of them shows any signs of discomfort on the walls, she will not care one way or the other if they stay up there or come down now.
"Well ..." she nods towards the building, "I guess this is it. We should proceed as though whomever is here is already aware of our presense. However, if it is just more of these abominations (referring to the zombies), they would not have the mental capacity to plan much - but someone or something has awakened them so no telling what that person or thing is capable of doing." She pauses for a moment. You can not be sure what she is thinking but she seems uncomfortable at whatever the thought is. After a moment of this self-contemplation, she returns to the keep before them. "There are buildings to the left, to the right, and this in the center. Preference?"
(ooc: any last minute plans before just walking in? Knocking on the front door? let's keep the planning brief and in character :-))
If no one offers any suggestions, Kivara simply looks to the sky (the domain of the Shining One), "The sun rises in the east, so let's go to the right first and work our way west ..."
(Got to love her reasoning, no? :-))
Rose
Kipler Farwall
He reaches into his belt pouch, seemingly satisfied with whats there he mutters a few strange words to himself and waits to enter.
Enkhild Ironfist
Stepping forward, he enters the main room before him to allow the others behind to pass through the gates.
Fodel Bersk
DM
2 suggestions have been made. Starting to the East and starting in the center...
Come to a decision and take some action.
Kendrick Lokian rolls...
Roll 1, 20 sided di(c)e 1 times. Add 8 to the result. Drop the lowest 0 di(c)e.
12 + 8 = 20
Total = 20
Kendrick Lokian
Climbing back down (take 10 if it'll work - total 12), Kendrick agrees. "As good a logic as any, let's go."
Preparing to move out, Kendrick nudges Kipler as he passes. "I love that height advantage - I could see right down her armor."
Kipler Farwall
Kip grins and prepares to follow Kendrick and the others....
Ian
Enkhild Ironfist
"Let's get moving, I don't feel like hanging around in the open any more than the rest of ye."
Kendrick Lokian
DM
OOC: Nothing apparent on the fallen undead, Kendrick.
Had to use a thrown-together marching order, please see the marching order thread...(everyone)
Kendrick Lokian
For instance, for this door, Enkhild could open the door where he is (Y25), but then step back to Y24 to be able to attack anyone coming through the door, but also hold the unprotected corner there. I could take the corner at W24 after searching the door for traps or unlocking it if necessary (unless someone else wants to), allowing me to cover the doors behind us in case something charges out of them. Everyone else could fill in X24 (Kivara), W25 (Rose), W26 (Ian), X26 (Kipler), and Y26 (Fodel) - preferably intermixing fighters and such.
This would allow Kivara to hold an exposed length if things attack us from the rest of the keep and for her to be able to heal the most people; Rose could fire her bow into the room; Ian would be more protected from charges and bull rushes, and wouldn't be exposed unless we were totally overwhelmed from the rear; Kip could support Fodel and wouldn't be exposed in case something else attacked us; and Fodel would be able to reach his enemies (and his increased movement could be used in case others needed support).
Of course, this would break down as soon as we all charged into a room or something attacked us that could fly, but I'm just trying to plan for the present. If we started doing this it would soon be second-nature and we hopefully would suffer less grief in the future.
Enkhild Ironfist
"Or, ye know, I could just knock on the door, yell loudly, and let everyone come to us."
He laughs a little, but none of the others seem to share in his sense of humour, so he lets Kendrick continue. When Kendrick has finally explained everything, Enkhild shrugs his shoulders and grunts.
"It be a good plan, but let's not be taking this sort of discussion every time we see a door. For all we know, it be an empty broom closet.
Well, all, take your places as Kendrick said, and let's try this here door."
Reaching forward, Enkhild tests the door's handle and, should it be unlocked, he opens it wide and steps back to his "assigned" position, axe and shield at the ready.
DM
As the wind blows, a rather musty scent wafts out of the dark room, but nothing follows. Inside can be seen the outline of a wall along the north. To the south, it is too dark.
Rose
OOC: As for search for traps and such, Rose has search +7, Open lock +8, and disable device +8. So I would say who's ever is highest should do it or we could take turns.
Fodel Bersk
Kendrick Lokian
Kendrick yields to anyone that thinks they have any sort of roguish skill. His sensory abilities may be very good, but his actual tinkering skills are somewhat lacking.
As the door is thrust open, Kendrick sighs and lowers his bow. "It figures... no one in sight - isn't that always the way? This is where planning sort of breaks down - someone actually has to ENTER the room."
Kendrick rocks back and forth on the soles of his feet, looking around with an innocent expression on his face as he silently mimics whistling a tune.
Enkhild Ironfist rolls...
Roll 1, 20 sided di(c)e 1 times. Add 0 to the result. Drop the lowest 0 di(c)e.
7 = 7
Total = 7
Enkhild Ironfist
He also looks for any items which may conceal enemies, even if he cannot spot the enemies themselves. With his shield up, he stands at the ready for anything that may come his way.
[FULL DEFENSE: +4 AC]
[SPOT: 7]
Enkhild Ironfist
"Seems to be an empty room, folks. Well, empty except for some fungus on the wall over there.
Wait, I suppose ye can't see what I'm pointing at. Well, regardless, over in the dark there. Just trust me on it. We should probably take a look around anyways."
The dwarf trundles into the room, a little less alert to danger now that he believes the room to be empty.
Kendrick Lokian rolls...
Roll 1, 20 sided di(c)e 1 times. Add 8 to the result. Drop the lowest 0 di(c)e.
18 + 8 = 26
Total = 26
Kendrick Lokian rolls...
Roll 1, 20 sided di(c)e 1 times. Add 3 to the result. Drop the lowest 0 di(c)e.
9 + 3 = 12
Total = 12
Kendrick Lokian
(I don't know if you want to apply some sort of penalty to the search roll?
*crossing fingers*
Please say no.
Please say no.)
Ian rolls...
Roll 1, 20 sided di(c)e 1 times. Add 4 to the result. Drop the lowest 0 di(c)e.
19 + 4 = 23
Total = 23
Ian
Ian stumbles into the dark room, stubbing his toe. "Damn it!! We'll need to see if we're ever going to make it through this place in one piece."
He pulls a dagger from his belt, reciting some arcane words Ian waves his hand over the dagger and it begins to glow a pale white light. He looks a round at the others with a satisfied grin on his face. Seeing Kendrick inspecting the fungus his eyes light up “Kendrick! Bring me a sample of that please.”
OOC: cast light on dagger. attempt to determine what kind of fungus it is. If it can be useful(for potions, healing salves, spell components,etc) I will take some.
Rose
Having no interest in poking around dusty, moldy, old rooms with nothing of apparant interest Rose takes up a position next to the door (Y24) and will keep a lookout.
Fodel Bersk
Kivara Sunchild
While not knowing what exactly is going on in the room some 15 feet away from her, Kivara is fairly certain by the reactions of those inside that things seem benign.
After a second or two, she sees something inside glowing with a soft, pale, white light (Ian's spell) and realizes that those with poor vision are no longer in danger of the darkness.
That being the case, Kivara takes a step northward (to X23). No point in everyone crowding in/near the room if all is safe. And, from this new position, she is almost equi-distance from all the other doorways and she has a good view of the northern passage way to watch for oncoming trouble.
She spends this time keeping lookout.
Kipler Farwall
Kipler stands near the halfling crossbow ready watching the others search around.
DM
Ian rolls...
Roll 1, 20 sided di(c)e 1 times. Add 10 to the result. Drop the lowest 0 di(c)e.
14 + 10 = 24
Total = 24
Ian
DM
Not edible, but not terribly harmful either.
Ian
DM
Kendrick Lokian rolls...
Roll 1, 20 sided di(c)e 1 times. Add 6 to the result. Drop the lowest 0 di(c)e.
2 + 6 = 8
Total = 8
Kendrick Lokian rolls...
Roll 1, 20 sided di(c)e 1 times. Add 2 to the result. Drop the lowest 0 di(c)e.
5 + 2 = 7
Total = 7
Kendrick Lokian
BIC:
With a cry of "LOOK OUT!" Kendrick attempts to tackle Enkhild and throw him clear of the area he is standing in. (A partial charge action.)
Aw, frig - hopefully it's a touch attack or something. (P.S. If I can use tumble instead for the action, then add 6 to the roll.)
Maybe a strength check to take him clear? Double frig. Sorry, E-man, this may hurt.
NEXT ACTION
Just in case anyone stands around gaping, Kendrick immediately leaps back to his feet, draws a dagger, and frantically scrapes at either himself or anyone else that was caught in the area (see DM's post).
DM
In the split second before it releases, Kendric tries to tackle or at least move the stout warrior. Unfortunately he fails to do either.
I need a Reflex save from both of you. I'll let you know the effect.
Enkhild Ironfist rolls...
Roll 1, 20 sided di(c)e 1 times. Add 2 to the result. Drop the lowest 0 di(c)e.
13 + 2 = 15
Total = 15
Enkhild Ironfist
[REFLEX: 15]
Kendrick Lokian rolls...
Roll 1, 20 sided di(c)e 1 times. Add 6 to the result. Drop the lowest 0 di(c)e.
7 + 6 = 13
Total = 13
Kendrick Lokian
Uh-oh. Hope that's enough to at least have evasion kick in.
DM
Enkhild Ironfist
"Look what that stuff did to my shield! Who goes and puts goo in the rafters of a room!?!?"
Enkhild examines the goo as he scrapes it off and then flicks it onto the floor. As he does so, he takes a casual glance at the goo to make sure it isn't doing something odd. You know... like moving. ;)
Ian rolls...
Roll 1, 20 sided di(c)e 1 times. Add 10 to the result. Drop the lowest 0 di(c)e.
10 + 10 = 20
Total = 20
Ian
DM
Enkhild Ironfist
Odd that. Moving goo. He calls out to the other group members who are outside the room.
"Any of ye know how to get rid of moving green slime? Cuz this here mess is starting to get uppity!"
With his shield in front of him, Enkhild moves closer to Ian to hopefully help block the slime from getting too close to the mage. Using his axe arm to hold the mage back, he tries to keep Ian behind him.
"Well, mage, if ye can make that there green goo *poof* and disappear, now would be an opportune time to be doing it!"
Enkhild goes into a defensive posture, trying to block himself and Ian from the advancing goo with his shield.
[FULL DEFENSE: +4 AC]
Ian
Action: half move towards the door, ready a spell if the slime attacks anyone.
OOC: How much do I know about the slime?
Rose
Kivara Sunchild
Presuming she can hear enough of the other's people conversations (DM's Call?) she turns and simply says (loudly, but not yelling, if possible). "Just come out and close the door!"
Hopefully, there was nothing of extreme interest in the room :-)
'Course, if Kivara actually sees the moving pile of sludgery, there is no telling what she will do :-)
Enkhild Ironfist
When everyone has safely cleared the room, Enkhild will heed Kivara's advice and shut the door.
Kendrick Lokian
Kendrick rolls to his feet, making sure that none landed on him. After reassuring himself that he is fine, he watches Enkhild's shield to see if the goo is having any other effect on the metal as he cautiously retreats.
"Is it a plant or a liquid? Either way perhaps if someone has a torch, it should either burn or evaporate..."
DM
Moving out of the room, the creature follows slowly small pausopods forming from the shallow pool reaching out to you.
Kendrick, as you reach the doorway, you notice pitting on Enkhild's shield where droplets of the creature remains.
This is everyone's first encounter with it, though Enkhild would know what it is and it's capabilities being a dwarf. Anyone else with a background that involves subterranian things or mining would as well.
Kivara, you can easily hear what is going on.
The slime stops a few feet shy of the door and just sits there, a bubble forming on occasion.
Enkhild Ironfist
"That blasted creature pitted my shield!
&%#@%! @#&!
I haven't had to see one of these in years. Don't go near it, that's for sure, but Kendrick's right. If somebody has some fire, that should do the trick."
Rose
Enkhild Ironfist
"Now, lass, I don't think we should be getting too close. My shield is already pitted, so I might as well step forward with the torch and attempt to burn it away. I should be able to keep it away with the torch and shield."
When the torch is lit, Enkhild tucks his waraxe in his belt and raises his shield before him. In a part crouch, the dwarf inches his wide frame towards the creature, with the lit torch held forward around the edge of the shield.
"So, ye disgusting little thing, open wide, cuz Pappy's bringing you some dinner."
The dwarf seems very upset that his shield was pitted by the disgusting little slime. Hopefully, his anger will not blind him into doing something stupid and getting himself hurt.
DM
Enkhild Ironfist rolls...
Roll 1, 20 sided di(c)e 1 times. Add 6 to the result. Drop the lowest 0 di(c)e.
15 + 6 = 21
Total = 21
Enkhild Ironfist rolls...
Roll 1, 6 sided di(c)e 1 times. Add 0 to the result. Drop the lowest 0 di(c)e.
1 = 1
Total = 1
Enkhild Ironfist
[TORCH ATTACK: 21]
[TORCH DAMAGE: 1]
DM rolls...
Roll 1, 20 sided di(c)e 1 times. Add -2 to the result. Drop the lowest 0 di(c)e.
11 + -2 = 9
Total = 9
DM
Enkhild Ironfist rolls...
Roll 1, 20 sided di(c)e 1 times. Add 6 to the result. Drop the lowest 0 di(c)e.
5 + 6 = 11
Total = 11
Enkhild Ironfist rolls...
Roll 1, 6 sided di(c)e 1 times. Add 0 to the result. Drop the lowest 0 di(c)e.
6 = 6
Total = 6
Enkhild Ironfist
"Well, folks, if anyone can help, it would be more than appreciated."
Realizing he should keep his distance this time around, Enkhild pokes forward with the torch, watching the flames lick away at the goo. With his shield up, Enkhild backs away from the goo 5 feet, hoping to keep it moving and draw it out so the others would have a chance to take a swing at it.
[TORCH ATTACK: 11]
[DAMAGE: 6]
Ian
Rose
Rose still holding the oil and seeing Enkhild having some problems, moves up behind to the dwarf. "Let me try something.
She waits for Enkhild to move.
Kendrick Lokian
Kendrick begins to rummage through his pack, looking for the torches he has. Quickly passing them out, he moves to light them so that they can be thrown in at the creature if necessary.
OOC: That will probably take a couple rounds, right?
Kipler Farwall
DM
Kendrick, at this point you have the torches out, but not lit.
Rose, with oil in hand you watch the slime, it seems "dead?"
Taking a look at Enkhild's shied reveals that the pits have developed into holes ruining the shield. The small bits of slime on the shield, are getting slightly larger.
Enkhild Ironfist
Cursing and muttering under his breath, the Dwarf fumes as his shield lies on the ground being dissolved by the creature.
As the anger wears off, he realizes that at least it was only his shield that had been dissolved.
"My thanks to ye, Kendrick, fer yer quick thinking. I'm sure we both would be looking like that shield right now were it not for ye, lad.
Plenty of excitement 'round here, that's for sure. Should we try door number two? This time I promise to look up. And keep those lights handy!"
Enkhild moves to take his position by the next door. Without his shield, he seems much less armored, but his two-handed grip on his waraxe show that he is eager to deal out some revenge.
Rose
Enkhild Ironfist
Fodel Bersk
Kendrick Lokian
Taking a piece of wood (something from the ground, or a piece of the rotten door), Kendrick lights it on from the shield and then tosses it into the middle of the growths on the ground. Taking another one, he moves it carefully underneath the stuff still on the ceiling to see if more will fall (but keeping his arm out from directly underneath).
Looking back at the others with the varied expressions of amusement, curiosity, and impatience, Kendrick shrugs. "Never hurts to be cautious. We may have to move quickly through here at some point and forget about the stuff."
Once he is sure that everything is ok (shouldn't take more than a minute or two), Kendrick waves grandly for the others to preceed him as the group continues.
Ian
DM
DM
DM