Secret Tunnel! Secret Tunnel!
The Goblins made sure to arrange the caravan ahead of time, everything was a go! They even gave you horses (ish) to keep up. They were all about getting the show on the road because it's no telling till how long someone else would look for that secret tunnel! It's through the mountain after all.
The caravan trundled along for a few hours every day before setting up at night where there was songs and drinking, with a couple goblins that would always play local folk songs... in Goblin-Talk of course. They played such wonderful hits as:
"The Rock Over There"
"Caravan of Joy"
"The Roof is On Fire" (Particularly lively since the roof really was)
And "Don't let the Rainin' Get you Down"
On the third day of this journey you finally found yourself meandering along the road nearby a stream that careened through the mountainside. It was a rather pleasant day, no rain, bright blue sky, a light breeze, and a slight chill to the air thanks to the higher elevation. Pine trees ran in all directions, but the underbrush was reasonably thin. If you were to set up for a picnic, it would be the perfect spot really.
"PICNIC TIME!" Correction, it will be the perfect spot for a picnic.
Dagdan rides with his face tilted up toward the sunshine, the babbling of the stream a cheerful sound that brings a slight upward tug at the corners of his mouth. A recent refugee from Myrrdion, he is still gaunt from the long march to Alexandria, but he is once more starting to show signs of health. When Picnic Time is announced, he arches an eyebrow and turns to regard their surroundings, the leather he wears creaking softly with the movement. He grips his saddle horn and dismounts, taking the horse by the reigns and moving to tie it losely where it can have easy access to some of the lush grass that grows along the banks.
Sadly, Masamya can't understand any of the songs...but she does enjoy the music. When they stop for a picnic, Masamya simply eats a berry. She would smile at the fact that they're about ready to have a picnic. She looks to Dagdan and would smile there too. But there's one problem....
She has a beak.5r
So no smiling for Masamya.
Walery is here, yes indeedy. To help guard some gobbers. Because money, honestly. Research and experiments cost gold. More than he would have expected when he was someone else's student. But he'll take part in a picnic, no problem. Even if the goblins are providing the food.
Dagdan sneaks glances from time to time at Masamya, clearly unused to seeing one of the Egalrin. For better or worse, one of his sneaking glances is noticed as he finds the feathered creature looking his way, so he awkwardly lifts a hand to wave. With a last look to make sure the horse is secure, he approaches the other two hired hands and gives a small smile. "Feels good to be back on my feet," he offers by way of easy conversation.
GAME: Dagdan rolls 1d20 + perception: (12)+10: 22
GAME: Dagdan rolls perception: (3)+10: 13
"Never seen an Egalrin before?" Masamya says to Dagdan as she catches him staring. "We're not that reclusive, I assure you."
Walery rubs his backside and agrees about good to be back on feet. "Not so common in a lot of human lands apart from Alexandria, though, I've heard," he comments.
"No," Dagdan admits, somewhat sheepishly to Masamya. "I hope I didn't give offense. There just aren't many...well, /any/ in the village where I grew up," he agrees with Walery. "Alexandria is a /far cry/ from Lorek's Stand."
The Picnic is well laid out with a bunch of foods that the goblins quite love, though there's also a spread of berries and other such interesting twists like... a wrap of herbs with cheese and even a mix of them with the berries and then in sandwhiches! OH THE FOOD! Ooo, spicy.
With the food all laid out, the goblins start to dig in with a fervor. They are quick to offer the adventurers food and when you're not looking, they slip more food onto your plate, usually little bits that are drasticly different from what you're eating. They're friendly like that!
"None taken. Believe me....there's still some misconceptions about Egalrin." Masamya says before looking towatds the picnicers....and.....finds food on her plate that...she didn't pick out. "I hope this isn't explosive." She says looking at some of the spices warily...
Walery is used to eating with goblins, from his time at the Enclave, and while he doesn't necessarily have their appreciation for certain flavors, he takes it in stride.
The resident dwarf of the company, Gimring, spends much of his time during the caravan's journey keeping to himself, behaving kindly enough toward the goblinoid patrons of the expedition, but it is clear in the way he carries himself that when they approach him, it's as if someone's handed him a bowl of curdled milk. Now that they've stopped, he gently strokes his magnificent beard in thought, gingerly nourishing himself on the spicy goblin-food. Bushy brows appraising his fellows.
Dagdan, it would seem, is an adventurous eater. Or perhaps that is just what being a refugee does to a guy. He digs in with gusto, licking his fingers clean and doing his part to make the Goblins feel appreciated for their repast. "S'good," he murmurs to them around a mouthful, bowing his head in what he hopes is the universal sign of 'thanks'.
GAME: Gimring rolls perception: (20)+8: 28
GAME: Masamya rolls perception: (12)+13: 25
GAME: Walery rolls perception: (1)+6: 7 (EPIC FAIL)
GAME: Dagdan rolls perception: (8)+10: 18
Gimring has partially disconnected.
There's a sudden change in Gimring's demeanor, his jaws moving more slowly as they chew on a tough bit of meat given to him by one of the smaller goblins. His plate falls to the ground with a clatter as he calls out with a booming voice that rings through the air like hammer on anvil, "In the bushes! Orcs!" he calls, dramatically, calloused hand feebly palming the handle of a warhammer at his waist, but not drawing it.
Masamya stands up and turns towards the group of orcs coming their way. She even opens her wings a little bit to appear larger. Of course, she also stays BEHIND Gimring.
All of that delicious food ends up on the ground at Gimring's shout. Dagdan barely has time to give it a sorrowful look before he pulls his longsword free of its sheath in a soft whisper of sound. Glancing to Gimring, he tries to discern the bushes he's refering to, then moves to place himself between them and his goblin employers.
GAME: Walery rolls initiative: 12 + 4 = 16
GAME: Dagdan rolls initiative: 10 + 1 = 11
GAME: Masamya rolls initiative: 8 + 3 = 11
GAME: Gimring rolls initiative: 11 + 2 = 13
GAME: You roll initiative for Orcs! 1: Roll: 9 + Bonus: 0 = Total: 9
GAME: You roll initiative for Orcs! 2: Roll: 2 + Bonus: 0 = Total: 2
GAME: Kisaiya advances the initiative order.
Round One - Init 16.
It is now Walery's turn! Gimring is next!
GAME: Note Flat-footed on Walery ended.
Walery was trading food with a goblin and totally focused on that when the cry of alarm comes out. Seeing orcs in the bushes, his first inclination, being Alexandrian, is /more/ for lunch, so he calls out a greeting. "Hello there, my fine oruch fellows! Come for lunch? The chili is good!" This is as far as he understands oruch culture.
GAME: Walery rolls diplomacy: (9)+1: 10
"WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH!" Calls one of them as he holds his cudgel on high! You think the diplomacy is not going as well as you hoped.
GAME: Kisaiya advances the initiative order.
Round One - Init 13.
It is now Gimring's turn! Dagdan is next!
GAME: Note Flat-footed on Gimring ended.
GAME: Kisaiya advances the initiative order.
Round One - Init 11.
It is now Dagdan's turn! Masamya is next!
GAME: Note Flat-footed on Dagdan ended.
Gimring stands by his goblin charges, stubby fingers tightening into a balled, angry fist at the intrusion by the orcish attackers. He remains where he is, for now, looking for all intents and purposes like a common dwarf and waiting to see what the tusked invaders do. His eyes look cold, steeled against the imminent violence to come.
GAME: Dagdan rolls bab + 3: (4)+2+3: 9
Dagdan takes one look at that response from the orc to Walery's friendly invitation and sets his jaw stubbornly. Without a sound, he dashes forward and attempts to engage the nearest orc, his longsword glinting in the sunshine as it arcs through the air...and only the air, the orc easily sidestepping his blow.
GAME: Kisaiya advances the initiative order.
Round One - Init 11.
It is now Masamya's turn! Orcs! 1 is next!
GAME: Note Flat-footed on Masamya ended.
GAME: Kisaiya rolls 1d20: (19): 19
GAME: Kisaiya rolls 1d6: (6): 6
GAME: Kisaiya advances the initiative order.
Round One - Init 9.
It is now Orcs! 1's turn! Orcs! 2 is next!
GAME: Kisaiya rolls +6: (6)++6: 12
GAME: Kisaiya rolls +6: (14)++6: 20
GAME: Kisaiya rolls 1d6+3: (5)+3: 8
GAME: You damaged Dagdan for 8 points. 13 HP remaining.
GAME: Kisaiya rolls +6: (7)++6: 13
GAME: Kisaiya rolls +6: (12)++6: 18
GAME: Gimring rolls 1d20+4: (13)+4: 17
GAME: Gimring rolls 1d6+3: (1)+3: 4
GAME: Kisaiya rolls 1d6+3: (6)+3: 9
GAME: You damaged Gimring for 9 points. 12 HP remaining.
GAME: Kisaiya advances the initiative order.
Round One - Init 2.
It is now Orcs! 2's turn! Walery is next!
Gimring stands firm as the orcs advance forward, bellowing their war cries and howling like animals. His jaw set, he intervenes as they try to press past him, strong hands awhirl as he pushes a blow aside with a roll of his arm and brings his fist with a *crack!* into the side of one of the savage's skulls. As it falls, another falls upon him, bludgeoning the surprisingly nimble dwarf and drawing a scowl of pain from him.
The Oruchs are start charging in the direction, one of them starts getting tangled up the roots that Masamya cast, but they're already in range of Dagdan, taking advantage of it they swing with wild abandon. They are all about trying to go after these Goblins and subsequently the people that are protecting them. They swing their clubs at him and one of them strikes. The other group goes after Gimring, and even though he downs one, another takes its place swinging with their clubs at the dwarf.
GAME: NEW ROUND!
Kisaiya advances the initiative order.
Round Two - Init 16.
It is now Walery's turn! Gimring is next!
Walery activates his titan armor.
GAME: Walery activates his Titan Armor, gaining: +4 Dex
GAME: Walery rolls 1d20+7: (10)+7: 17
GAME: Walery rolls 1d6+4: (1)+4: 5
Huh? (Type "help" for help.)
Huh? (Type "help" for help.)
GAME: Kisaiya advances the initiative order.
Round Two - Init 13.
It is now Gimring's turn! Dagdan is next!
GAME: Gimring rolls 1d20+4: (6)+4: 10
GAME: Gimring rolls 1d20+4: (13)+4: 17
Walery sighs as the oruch give their signal for 'Die horribly'. Well, he tried. He shoulders his death ray and picks his target, the closest orc to him. Switching the selector to FIRE, he pulls the trigger and a bolt strikes that orch, splashing in a fiery splat that probably makes him more angry, but definitely makes him more dead.
GAME: Gimring rolls 1d6+3: (5)+3: 8
GAME: Kisaiya advances the initiative order.
Round Two - Init 11.
It is now Dagdan's turn! Masamya is next!
Huh? (Type "help" for help.)
GAME: Dagdan rolls bab + 3: (19)+2+3: 24
GAME: Dagdan rolls bab + 3: (6)+2+3: 11
GAME: Dagdan rolls 1d8 + 3: (5)+3: 8
GAME: Kisaiya advances the initiative order.
Round Two - Init 11.
It is now Masamya's turn! Orcs! 1 is next!
Gimring stomps his booted feet on the ground, assuming a wide stance as he begins to become surrounded by foes. His hairy knuckles fly, then, a whirling dervish of blows: a weaker one first to an orc's tougher gut, but quickly followed by a vicious uppercut that sends the creature to the ground, toppling backwards from the blow. The dwarf mutters a curse in Khazad, a particularly offensive expletive for orcs, and as he beard waves from the suddenness of his motion he looks about the once peaceful gathering with what can only be described as regret.
Dagdan cries out as one of the orc club catches him in the temple, making him stagger. A trickle of blood slides down the side of his face, but he ignores it, focusing against the pain and bringig the sword back across is a vicious slash that catches not one, but both of his attackers. It cuts deep, and with matching thuds, the pair of orcs drop to the bloodied and trampled grass.
GAME: Masamya used a Wand of cure light wounds.
GAME: Masamya rolls 1d8+1: (8)+1: 9
GAME: You damaged Dagdan for -9 points. 21 HP remaining.
GAME: Kisaiya advances the initiative order.
Round Two - Init 9.
It is now Orcs! 1's turn! Orcs! 2 is next!
GAME: Kisaiya rolls 6: (1)+6: 7 (EPIC FAIL)
GAME: Kisaiya rolls 6: (1)+6: 7 (EPIC FAIL)
GAME: Kisaiya advances the initiative order.
Round Two - Init 2.
It is now Orcs! 2's turn! Walery is next!
Seeing Dagdan getting hurt, Masamya retreives a branch from her feathers and touches Dagdan's shoulder with it....and his wounds begin to heal quickly.
GAME: Kisaiya rolls 6: (14)+6: 20
GAME: Kisaiya rolls 6: (6)+6: 12
GAME: Kisaiya rolls 1d6+3: (3)+3: 6
GAME: You damaged Gimring for -9 points. 21 HP remaining.
GAME: You damaged Gimring for 9 points. 12 HP remaining.
GAME: You damaged Gimring for 6 points. 6 HP remaining.
GAME: NEW ROUND!
Kisaiya advances the initiative order.
Round Three - Init 16.
It is now Walery's turn! Gimring is next!
GAME: Kisaiya rolls 3: (4)+3: 7
GAME: Dagdan rolls bab + 3: (9)+2+3: 14
GAME: Dagdan rolls 1d8 + 3: (1)+3: 4
The Oruchs that are attacking Dagdan seem to be falling over with their strong attacks, the three that remain all look shaken and they try to swing at Dagdan but fail miserably! Their strikes are way off the mark, nearly clubbing themselves in the process. There's a short argument, one pushing the other as the club nearly hits him. It's a distraction that Dagdan was looking for as his sword lashes out and cuts down another of the oruchs, leaving only two that redouble their efforts after him.
"YOU STRONG HUMMIE! WE CRUSH!"
Unfortunately, Gimring is not having as easy of a time over on his side, four of the oruchs stillr emain and two of them take swings at him. Thankfully only one of them really hits him, but it's still enough to leave him looking quite the worse for wear. They start to laugh and one in the back points at the Khaz and says.
"He not so tough! GOBBO ON THE MENU NEXT!"
GAME: Walery rolls 1d20+8: (20)+8: 28
GAME: Walery rolls 1d20+8: (10)+8: 18
GAME: Walery rolls 2d6+10: (6)+10: 16
GAME: Kisaiya advances the initiative order.
Round Three - Init 13.
It is now Gimring's turn! Dagdan is next!
GAME: Gimring rolls 1d20+4: (15)+4: 19
GAME: Gimring rolls 1d20+4: (10)+4: 14
GAME: Gimring rolls 1d6+3: (6)+3: 9
GAME: Gimring rolls 1d6+3: (6)+3: 9
Walery's next shot is an orc that's attacking ferociously, and paying no attention to his own defense. He's waiting for an opening, and he squeezes the trigger. And again for the one tryting to get on Dag's other flank. Pow. Pow. Two dead orcs with scortchmarks on their heads. Well, what remains of their heads.
GAME: Kisaiya advances the initiative order.
Round Three - Init 11.
It is now Dagdan's turn! Masamya is next!
GAME: Dagdan rolls bab + 3 + 1: (1)+2+3+1: 7 (EPIC FAIL)
Gimring reels from the assault of the orcs, the once statuesque dwarf becoming beaten and bloody as he does his damnedest to stem the green and gray tide. His booted foot comes down then, slamming on the top of one of the orc's own feet, and as it yowls in pain, he spins and brings the back of his fist against the creature's face. As it crumples to the ground, he intercepts an incoming club, grabbing it mid-swing as another orc, surprised, receives a powerful blow from the Khazad's heel to the chest.
GAME: Kisaiya advances the initiative order.
Round Three - Init 11.
It is now Masamya's turn! Orcs! 1 is next!
GAME: Masamya used a Wand of cure light wounds.
GAME: Masamya rolls 1d8+1: (6)+1: 7
GAME: You damaged Gimring for -7 points. 13 HP remaining.
GAME: Kisaiya advances the initiative order.
Round Three - Init 9.
It is now Orcs! 1's turn! Orcs! 2 is next!
Now that Dagdan was out of danger, Masamya turned her attention to Gimring, and touches the same stick on his shoulder, healing some of his wounds.
There is a gasp from Dagdan as a feelig of warmth and light suddenly suffuses his body, the bone and tissue at his temple knitting together with magic, and the pain leeching away. "Thank you!," he calls, even as his blade sneaks out to take down another orc. Allowing momentum to direct the blade, he brings it up and--"WHOA!" He staggers back as a bolt of...something takes out the last two orcs by him. That leaves...the two near the dwarf. The young man breaks into a charging spring, blade lowered to skewer the group's remaining foes. He cuts a heroic figure, hair streaming back, limbs pumping...until his foot catches a root and, with a cry of surprise, he goes horizontal and lands hard on the ground, barely keeping a grip on his blade.
GAME: Kisaiya rolls 4: (11)+4: 15
GAME: Kisaiya advances the initiative order.
Round Three - Init 2.
It is now Orcs! 2's turn! Walery is next!
GAME: NEW ROUND!
Kisaiya advances the initiative order.
Round Four - Init 16.
It is now Walery's turn! Gimring is next!
The two oruchs that remain in the group attacking Gimring, one of them steps back and ducks out of the fight, making a break for the forest while yelling a battle cry. He's not retreating! He's attacking the trees! "WAAAAAAAAGH!" The last one takes a swing at Gimring, but he's no match for the dwarf, "WHEN YOU GET SO TUFF?!"
GAME: Walery rolls 1d20+7: (20)+7: 27
GAME: Walery rolls 1d20+7: (9)+7: 16
GAME: Walery rolls 2d6+8: (7)+8: 15
GAME: There is already a timestop here!
GAME: Walery deactivates his Titan Armor.
GAME: Kisaiya removes the timestop.
Timestop by Kisaiya has left.
GAME: You remove the timestop.
Walery grumbles as the one orc runs off. He's not sure if he's decided that attacking thed trees is a safer bet, or if he's retreating - but orcishly, or if he's merely deranged. All seem equally likely. But Mick Walery is here to make sure he won't decide to come after the goblins later, so he squeezees the trigger one more time, sending a bold of pure fire - not the sissy kind of fire you cook with, but real, hardcore fire - downrange to catch the orc in the back, dropping him messily.
Dagdan doesn't want to think about what orc parts are raining down on him as Walery's blast kills their remaining attackers. With a grunt, he pushes himself to his feet, using his upper arm to wipe at the blood on his face. Offering what he hopes is a reassuring smile to their employers, he walks quickly to his horse to soothe the beast, placing a gentle hand on its neck. His other hand pulls a cloth from the saddlebag, and, once the horse is calm, he sets about cleaning his blade.
Gimring allows a long, drawn out exhalation of air to spill past his lips as Masamya's enchanted branch touches his shoulder, bruises fading and cuts sewing themselves shut. He murmurs his thanks then, his muscles tightly coiled, once shaking, now finally finding some meausre of relaxation ad Walery fells the last of the orcs. He fidgets then, messing with the strands of his beard that have gone astray from the chaos of battle. "is everyone alright?" he haggardly calls out.
Masamya fluffs herself out a bit as the gory mess happens. thankfully, she's not hit by any blood. "Hmpf. If they hadn't attacked...they'd have lived." She says as she opens her wings and flaps them a couple of times. "Are you all right?" she says to the goblins.....staying with Gimring for the moment.
As the last two orcs are slain by Walery's shot, the Goblins let out a whoops "Did you see that?!" One of them cries out, another mimes Walery taking aim and firing at a third Goblin. The goblin that was mock-shot at lets out a cry and falls over dead like the oruch did, but on his back instead of face first.
"WOW! And that one move!" And one of them swings an imaginary sword like Dagdan.
"OR HIM!" And one of them points at Gimring before making a whole bunch of punches followed by saying "HuuuuUUwaaaahhhhHH!" And striking a dramatic pose.
"I WANT ONE OF THOSE!" Another yells while pointing at Masamya's wand, "That was AMAZING! It heals wounds in a second! Where did you get that!" And a couple of them mob Masamya, trying to get at the wand.
"OKAY! OKAY! Hey! C'mon! We have a tunnel to find ya damn Gobs!"
Masamya REALLY fluffs up now...and her wings open wide as she holds the wand out of their reach. "hey HEY! We do need this to protect you guys, so.....how about I get you guys one later, and let me keep this one. We do still need to be healed." She says as she wanders back over to Gimring. he does still have bruises on him.
Dagdan can't surpress his grin. For all of his recent troubles, it feels /good/ to be outside, helping defend people from threats. With one last check to ensure that his sword is clean, he slides it back ito his sheath, then tucks the rag away. He unties the horse, then leads it to the stream for a quick drink before they set off once more.
Walery will explain the fundamentals of his death ray to any gobbers who seem interested. He's quite chatty on the technical aspects of his trade.
Turning to Masamya, the resident dwarf offers a more formal thank you, his rumbling voice softened by the fatigue of the road and from fending off the attackers. "I owe you, noble one. Blessings of the stone and the Maker upon you." Gimring smiles then, jovial, though the rambunctious goblins strip the joy from his hardened features soon enough. Warhammer still untouched, he turns on heel on joins the others in preparation to travel to the fabled tunnel.
A collective grumble arises at the sound of the tunnel still needing to be found. Not irate, more: /maaaaan/ really?! sort of groan as they start to move back toward the center, beginning to pack up the picnic to eat on the go. One of them follows after Masamya, "How did you do that though?" She asks of the Egalrin. "That was so cool! I mean, I've heard of those things before but I've never seen one used! Usually it's like... lots of chanting or bandages. But that thing is awesome!"
Walery's explanation of the death ray nets him two that follow along on pony, as they listen wide-eyed and constantly asking for further details on how /exactly/ it works.
Dagdan too ends up with one of the goblins following along on pony back but it's not long before the convoy begins its slow journey onward again. It's another couple hours before one of the goblins pulls out a map. They turn it one way, then the other, then around 180 and...
"THAT WAY!" One of them calls and points right toward a cave. Well... Huh.
"Secret Tunnel! Secret tunnel! Through the Mountain! Maybe this is the one! I HEARD THE BARD MYSELF!" The leader glares back at the others then starts off with the convoy toward the tunnel entrance.
GAME: Masamya rolls perception: (16)+13: 29
GAME: Dagdan rolls perception: (17)+10: 27
GAME: Walery rolls perception: (13)+6: 19
GAME: Gimring rolls perception: (10)+8: 18
Walery and his listeners will take a spot close to the middle, where he can rush to either end... but isn't actually close to a spot that might get ambushed.
Walery does edge toward the read, though.
Perhaps humbled by the close call with the group of orcs earlier, or maybe concerned about any others following the goblin convoy into the cave, Gimring takes up the rear of the caravan, short and stubby legs carrying him forward slowly into the gaping maw of the tunnel. "A bard, he says." the man grumbles to himself, reaching absentmindedly to his pocket and procuring a flask. Taking a deep swig, he seems to visibly relax some as the sky gives way to stone overhead. That is, until the dwarf hears something. Tapping the nearest person or goblin ahead of him on the shoulder, he whispers out quietly, "I think we're being followed..."
As the cave entrance appears, Dagdan gives his mount some urging with his heels, and trots up to the head of the envoy, taking point. As he swings from the saddle, his foot touches the ground and he frowns, deeply. His head turns, his gaze searching back down the length of the caravan. "Eyes to the BACK!," he calls out suddenly. "The ground is moving!"
GAME: You roll initiative for The Darkness!: Roll: 14 + Bonus: 1 = Total: 15
GAME: Dagdan rolls initiative: 20 + 1 = 21
GAME: Gimring rolls initiative: 6 + 2 = 8
GAME: Walery rolls initiative: 12 + 4 = 16
GAME: Masamya rolls initiative: 1 + 3 = 4
"you aren't the only one Gimring." Masamya says as she looks behind them. "Something is making the cave shake....."
The Goblins start to huddle forward as the comments were made and cries about eyes to the back! A few shrieks even wait... That sounds more like, well those were not shrieks of terror. Ahem! MOVING FURTHER BACK ALONG THE CONVOY... you see far off behind the light start to blot out, and then it comes again. Echoing and loud, "WAAAAAAAAAAAAGH!" Another group of oruchs, six strong again. Man they are just out in force!
The Oruchs quickly start charging down the passageway, clearing the first 120 feet or so at a run, they'll be charging in at you soon enough, but thanks to the astute perceptions of your party - everyone knows that they're on their way. They really are a tenacious bunch it seems.
GAME: Kisaiya advances the initiative order.
Round One - Init 21.
It is now Dagdan's turn! Walery is next!
GAME: Note Flat-footed on Dagdan ended.
GAME: Gimring rolls perception: (16)+8: 24
GAME: Kisaiya advances the initiative order.
Round One - Init 16.
It is now Walery's turn! The Darkness! is next!
GAME: Note Flat-footed on Walery ended.
Biting back a curse, Dagdan pulls his sword from its sheath once more and starts to run toward the back of the caravan, zippig past goblins and pack animals as he goes, eyes squinting against the figures punching orc-shaped holes of darkness in the light from the mouth of the passage.
Walery activates his titan armor.
GAME: Walery activates his Titan Armor, gaining: +4 Dex
GAME: Walery rolls 1d20+7: (1)+7: 8 (EPIC FAIL)
GAME: Kisaiya advances the initiative order.
Round One - Init 15.
It is now The Darkness!'s turn! Gimring is next!
GAME: Kisaiya advances the initiative order.
Round One - Init 8.
It is now Gimring's turn! Masamya is next!
GAME: Note Flat-footed on Gimring ended.
GAME: Kisaiya advances the initiative order.
Round One - Init 4.
It is now Masamya's turn! Dagdan is next!
GAME: Note Flat-footed on Masamya ended.
Walery shoulders his death ray and draws a bead, but the goblins eager to see him in action are jostling him just too much to get a clean shot, and he leaves a soot mark on the roof of the cave with a wild shot.
GAME: Gimring casts Bless. Caster Level: 1 DC: 15
GAME: Masamya casts Entangle. Caster Level: 3 DC: 14
GAME: Kisaiya rolls 1d20: (5): 5
GAME: NEW ROUND!
Kisaiya advances the initiative order.
Round Two - Init 21.
It is now Dagdan's turn! Walery is next!
Gimring readies himself as the orcs surge after the caravan, whoppiong and hollering filling the tunnel with echoing savagery. His beady eyes affix themselves upon the walls, and he says aloud, "I don't think we're the first to use this place... don't leave the front of the convoy unprotected!" Stepping forward, he whispers to himself in Khazad, "Reos, great Maker, I know that I am not your greatest son. But lend me your aid..." Clutching a holy symbol at his breast, previously tucked beneath his common tunic, his prayer seems answered, and a feeling of divine presence and protection settles over those of the group.
GAME: Dagdan rolls bab + 3 + 2: (15)+2+3+2: 22
GAME: Dagdan rolls 1d8 + 3: (8)+3: 11
GAME: Kisaiya advances the initiative order.
Round Two - Init 16.
It is now Walery's turn! The Darkness! is next!
GAME: Walery rolls 1d20+7: (7)+7: 14
GAME: Walery rolls 1d6+4: (4)+4: 8
GAME: Kisaiya advances the initiative order.
Round Two - Init 15.
It is now The Darkness!'s turn! Gimring is next!
As Dagdan charges down the passage, he blinks in surprise whe the Orc charge is broken, roots reaching up to climng to their legs and feet. He doesn't stop his own headlong rush, however, gaining speed even as he takes advantage of his momentum to cleave at those orcs near the front of the entangled area. The blade cuts deeply through two of them, blood sprayig the cavern wall as the young ranger pulls his sword free with a sickening sound.
Walery has shaken free his fan club and draws a bead on one of the orcs again, closing one eye and firing. A plume of fire appears at the orc's chest, and he drops. He lets out the breath he was holding.
The oruchs seem to be dropping left and right as the party slays them where they stand, entangled in the weeds that sprung from the ground. But even as you do, there's something going on with them. They suddnely seem to be trying to break off their attack. It goes beyond just trying to pull free of the weeds (which they're definitely trying to do) no, and then one of them shouts out, "THE LAST VERSE! THE LAST VERSE! OH GODS! SECRET TUNNEL!" And that one manages to break free, tripping and stumbling, but getting free and running back for the entrance.
At the front of the caravan you hear cries and the rumbling intensifies. With a CRASH! There's a creature that bursts through the wall!
http://s3.thingpic.com/images/aZ/FSNAEejApuw3bcaummhWy9h9.jpeg
GAME: Kisaiya advances the initiative order.
Round Two - Init 8.
It is now Gimring's turn! Masamya is next!
GAME: Kisaiya advances the initiative order.
Round Two - Init 4.
It is now Masamya's turn! Dagdan is next!
GAME: Gimring casts Divine Favor. Caster Level: 1 DC: 15
Gimring curses aloud as the horrific creatures bursts from the ground and the screaming starts. He clutches his silver holy symbol closer, imploring Reos for the strength to defend his charges. His prayer answered, stubby legs carry him forward in a run then, and at last his hand falls to draw the neglected warhammer from his hip with a reverence and reluctance one might ascribe to a sacred object. "Khazathic! Khazathic!" he calls, imploring glory and victory for dwarvenkind.
GAME: Masamya rolls 1d20+3+3: (20)+3+3: 26
GAME: NEW ROUND!
Kisaiya advances the initiative order.
Round Three - Init 21.
It is now Dagdan's turn! Walery is next!
GAME: Dagdan rolls bab + 3 + 1: (11)+2+3+1: 17
GAME: Dagdan rolls 1d8 + 3: (3)+3: 6
Masamya's head whips around as something barrels through the wall of the cave. As Gimring moves to engage, Masamya takes a breath and....stomps on the ground. The rumble is greater than the naked thing that is standing there and she stays there. "I don't think it's attacking yet...."
GAME: Kisaiya advances the initiative order.
Round Three - Init 16.
It is now Walery's turn! The Darkness! is next!
GAME: Walery rolls 1d20+8: (14)+8: 22
GAME: Walery rolls 1d6+5: (1)+5: 6
GAME: Kisaiya advances the initiative order.
Round Three - Init 15.
It is now The Darkness!'s turn! Gimring is next!
Walery decides a giant naked mole rat is a higher priority than some orc bandits, so he shoulders his death ray and takes the shot. A flash of light from his death ray, and a firey impact on the molerat mark his accuracy, such as it is. A small patch is set ablaze.
GAME: Kisaiya rolls 1d20: (1): 1 (EPIC FAIL)
The giant creature 10 feet long and five feet high stumbles back up to its feet and with a noise rather like a roar lashes out at the nearest caravan with its front teeth. It surely would've been a fatal blow if it wasn't for the goblin that threw a bag of seed at it. It WHAPS it in the side of the head before tucking its head down and eating up the bag. Somehow, you don't think that trick will work again though.
GAME: Kisaiya advances the initiative order.
Round Three - Init 8.
It is now Gimring's turn! Masamya is next!
GAME: Kisaiya advances the initiative order.
Round Three - Init 4.
It is now Masamya's turn! Dagdan is next!
Gimring continues to bound forward on his short legs, barrel chest rising and falling with the huff and puff of his breath. Knuckles whiten, the grip on his warhammer tightening as he closes the distance with the great big monster.
GAME: Masamya rolls ranged: (9)+5: 14
GAME: Masamya rolls 1d6+1: (5)+1: 6
GAME: NEW ROUND!
Kisaiya advances the initiative order.
Round Four - Init 21.
It is now Dagdan's turn! Walery is next!
Now that the mole rat is prone, Masamya closes the distance a bit more and actually throws electricity at it, leaving a burn mark on it's flank.
GAME: Kisaiya advances the initiative order.
Round Four - Init 16.
It is now Walery's turn! The Darkness! is next!
GAME: Walery rolls 1d20+8: (18)+8: 26
GAME: Walery rolls 1d6+5: (4)+5: 9
GAME: Kisaiya advances the initiative order.
Round Four - Init 15.
It is now The Darkness!'s turn! Gimring is next!
GAME: Kisaiya rolls 7: (16)+7: 23
Dagdan double-checks that the orcs have, in fact, broken. When he affirms that they have, the young Myrrdion pivots and sprints back toward the front of the caravan. Sweat trickles down his face, his hair matted with the running to and fro. As he goes, he shouts what he hopes are reassurances to the goblins he passes.
GAME: Kisaiya rolls 1d8+7: (7)+7: 14
GAME: You damaged Masamya for 14 points. 18 HP remaining.
Walery fires another bolt of fire at the molerat. This shot is better aimed, though the small shots he's taking aren't going to hurt a critter like that by themselves. But if he can slow it so one of the warriors can clobber it, that's a good thing.
After his near miss there's one hit after another as he's stuck with this loud gun and then there's the lightning! THE LIGHTNING! It roars and bounds toward Masamya as the closest opponent and the one who had struck with that lighting. He rears back and sinks his teeth into her with a roar! This molerat means business!
GAME: Kisaiya advances the initiative order.
Round Four - Init 8.
It is now Gimring's turn! Masamya is next!
GAME: Gimring rolls 1d20+9: (6)+9: 15
GAME: Gimring rolls 1d8+4: (2)+4: 6
GAME: Kisaiya advances the initiative order.
Round Four - Init 4.
It is now Masamya's turn! Dagdan is next!
GAME: NEW ROUND!
Kisaiya advances the initiative order.
Round Five - Init 21.
It is now Dagdan's turn! Walery is next!
GAME: Masamya rolls 1d8+1: (1)+1: 2
GAME: Masamya used a Wand of cure light wounds.
GAME: You damaged Masamya for -2 points. 20 HP remaining.
GAME: Dagdan rolls bab + 3 + 1: (5)+2+3+1: 11
Gimring runs forward with a powerful battle cry, the unarmored dwarf leaping into the air with his warhammer in hand. He brings the head of the weapon crashing down onto the creature's skin with a sickening thud, quickly backing away to try and avoid retaliation from the beast.
GAME: Kisaiya advances the initiative order.
Round Five - Init 16.
It is now Walery's turn! The Darkness! is next!
Stepping back from the mole rat, Masamya touches her own shoulder with the wand. "Ow. That hurt..."
GAME: Walery rolls 1d20+9: (16)+9: 25
GAME: Walery rolls 1d6+5: (4)+5: 9
Dagdan cuts hard at the molerat, trying to beat it away from Masamya, but the beast writhes away from the blow and the ranger finds only air. A grunt escapes him as his blade meets none of the expected resistence, and he bellows with frustration.
GAME: Kisaiya advances the initiative order.
Round Five - Init 15.
It is now The Darkness!'s turn! Gimring is next!
Walery fires his death ray at the molerat again, drawing a bead and shooting it in the head, or as close as he can get. He sizzles more fur and has it plenty mad, even as he cycles another charge into his weapon.
GAME: Kisaiya rolls 7: (1)+7: 8 (EPIC FAIL)
GAME: Kisaiya advances the initiative order.
Round Five - Init 8.
It is now Gimring's turn! Masamya is next!
GAME: Gimring rolls 1d20+7: (2)+7: 9
The molerat turns on Gimring as his new source of pain. Another loud roar of anguish at the dwarf as it lunges in at him but that dwarf is simply too quick. It misses with a snap of its jaws right where the Khaz was, but not where he is.
GAME: Kisaiya advances the initiative order.
Round Five - Init 4.
It is now Masamya's turn! Dagdan is next!
GAME: Masamya rolls 1d8+1: (3)+1: 4
GAME: You damaged Masamya for -4 points. 24 HP remaining.
GAME: NEW ROUND!
Kisaiya advances the initiative order.
Round Six - Init 21.
It is now Dagdan's turn! Walery is next!
GAME: Masamya used a Wand of cure light wounds.
Gimring backpedals even further as the creature slinks forward to take a bite out of his hide. He snarls back, hammer falling in retribution but finding only air as the beast writhes out of the way of his blows. "Back!" he yells, "Back, beast!"
GAME: Dagdan rolls bab + 3 + 1: (12)+2+3+1: 18
Seeing the molerat move off, Masamya starts using the wand to heal herself. the indignity of missing feathers!
GAME: Dagdan rolls 1d8 + 3: (8)+3: 11
GAME: Kisaiya advances the initiative order.
Round Six - Init 16.
It is now Walery's turn! The Darkness! is next!
GAME: Walery rolls 1d20+9: (8)+9: 17
Dag takes advantage of the beast's interest in Gimring, to rearback with his blade and thrust it deep into the molerat's side, the blade sinking in almost to the hilt before he yanks it free. "This doesn't have to be your fight," he bellows senselessly at the creature, readying his blade once more.
GAME: Walery rolls 1d6+5: (6)+5: 11
GAME: Dagdan rolls bab + 3 + 1: (15)+2+3+1: 21
GAME: Gimring rolls 1d20+7: (5)+7: 12
GAME: Masamya rolls melee: (5)+4: 9
GAME: Dagdan rolls 1d8 + 3: (8)+3: 11
GAME: Kisaiya rolls 7: (10)+7: 17
Walery is shooting at the creature over and over as it fights his allies, driving it mad as his shots burn its flesh in several small but painful hits. Cycling the action on his death ray and firing again, he nails it hard in one shoulder. It's gonna feel that in the morning.
GAME: Kisaiya advances the initiative order.
Round Six - Init 15.
It is now The Darkness!'s turn! Gimring is next!
The molerat charges! Gimring takes a swipe at it as it runs by, cutting deeply into the molerat, but it is deadset on its course. Walery! THAT HUMAN! It lets out a roar as it charges by the others making its way toward the Artificer. Its jaws snap, the vicious teeth missing the human by a bare margin. And good thing too! The Egalrin can tell you, its bite hurts!
GAME: Kisaiya advances the initiative order.
Round Six - Init 8.
It is now Gimring's turn! Masamya is next!
GAME: Gimring rolls 1d20+9: (10)+9: 19
GAME: Gimring rolls 1d8+4: (6)+4: 10
Gimring turns on heel as the monstrous thing surges past him, the cavenr rumbling as it claws and scratches its way toward the heart of the convoy. He's hot on the beast's heels then, struggling to keep up as it assails Walery, but he perseveres. Clambering underneath the creature while it busies itself with the artificer, he circles around towards its front and swings his hammer wide at a run, the blow crushing flesh and bone beneath as he brutally fells the creature with a roar. For a moment, a rumbling groan, then silence.
Walery breathes a sigh of relief as his allies manage to take the molerat down before it can eat his face.
Dagdan bends over, sides heaving, after the molerat drops. Sweat drips from his forehead to fall on the ground, but he is unhurt this time around. When his eyes rise, he offers a look of pity to the slain animal, then shakes his head in frustration. A squint is given back toward the entrance as well, to make sure the orcs haven't regathered their courage.
GAME: There is already a timestop here!
GAME: Walery deactivates his Titan Armor.
GAME: Kisaiya removes the timestop.
Timestop by Kisaiya has left.
GAME: You remove the timestop.
Walery deactivates his titan armor.
Masamya makes a face. "Shame we had to kill it. Knowing our luck, it was territorial." She then lets out a breath of air through her nose.
Walery shrugs to Masamya, "Well, it would have mangled the goblins, so we did a good thing." He follows thre caravan, lost himself.
Gimring kneels by the body of the creature, hammer hald aloft in both hands, palms up as if in offering. He whispers prayers of thanks to Reos, beard covering his plain tunic as his head bows in reverence. Rising, he loops the haft of the hammer through the leather at his belt and sighs. Through the rest of the journey, the dwarf is quiet, even moreso than he was to begin with. And he certainly keeps nursing that flask a lot more, to boot.
With the Molerat dead, the convoy is able to start moving forward with a rather loud cheer of joy! Several hours are spent traversing through the caves, and the Goblins start playing music to enjoy the passing time. Thankfully they don't light all their torches at once and hope that it'll light them for even longer, but try as they might it seems to be dead end after dead end.
Soon it's just one twist after another, and after another few hours, a fitful night of sleep, it takes the combined efforts of Masamya and Dagdan to guide the caravan back out of the caves (Thank the Gods for Rangers and Druids!)
It looks like the attempt to find the Secret Tunnel through the Mountain was a folly, it simply wasn't meant to be on this journey and so the Goblins start back toward Alexandria. But, even if the expedition didn't pan out. It was still an adventure! One the Goblins will never forget.
Secret tunnel!
Secret Tunn-n-n-el!
Through the Mountain.
Secret-Secret-Secret TUNN-N-N-EL!