Operation: Graystone #3

[GM Mad]

Operation: Graystone #3

April 12th, CR 569

The newly formed Wyvern Squad had departed Fort Graystone on their first mission: to find out what happened to Chimera Squad who had been dispatched to the Eagle's Nest outpost. After riding all day, Wyvern Squad reached the coral that Chimera Squad used to store their mounts. Leaving their own mounts there, Wyvern Squad then started the long walk up the ramp inside the mountain to reach the outpost at its top. They, like Chimera Squad, never made it.

An ancient trap was sprung not too far from the top, dropping Wyvern Squad onto a steep ramp that sent them sliding back down and deep inside the mountain itself. The long slide suddenly ended with the group being airborne for a moment and then landing in a small pool of rancid water. Sergeant Traken landed on a iron spike and was killed. The bloated body of a dead goblin was also found in the pool.

The dead body of a half-elf was found on the shore, partially eaten. Thankfully, he is dry. Flare rips of parts of his remaining clothing into long strips. These are then wrapped around the spent torches to provide an alternate source for fire. Lamp is on hand and will be used to on the torches once a fire has been started.

Butternut rummages through her gear and finds most of it wet. However, the leather pouch that holds her flint and steel kit is mostly dry. The pouch itself is waterproof, but some water slipped in through the top making the contents damp. A small portion of the half-elf's clothes are gathered up to use as a fuel source to light the initial fire.

Butternut builds a small hole in ground in a mostly earth part of the ground. The cavern's ground is both earth and stone. Placing her tinder into the hole, Butternut adds a small portion of cloth over it. Using other parts of the half-elf's clothes, Butternut dries off her flint and tinder as best she can.

Finally the halfling is ready to begin. She strikes the flint and steel together to make sparks that will eventually make the fire. It takes over five minutes, but Butternut is able to light the cloth on fire! Once there is enough fire, the torch with the cloth wrapped around in with lantern oil on it is then lit and the area brightens up considerably!

Those who could not see before, Erisciana, Lucyus and Wimzy, can now at least see a small 15 foot radius. Lucyus realizes that he has been carrying around a spike with a skull on it and discards it. The Paladin of Heironeous also notes that his battle axe is now hanging from Vernar's waist.

Everyone can now see the dead body of the half-elf and Sergeant Traken. The area around you seems to be deserted right now, but noises can be heard far off in the distance. The sounds of rats, the dripping of water and so on. The passage curves to your left and then suddenly turns right. There only seems to be one direction to go right now.

[GM Mad]

GM Notes:

Some other weapons can be dragged up from the rancid pool. Some daggers, short swords, long swords and a few shields. Going to take any or just leave them here? From the post it seems that Erisciana took Sergeant Traken's shield. He still has a longsword and a dagger among his normal gear.

By my counting, the group has 10 torches among them. Ren and Vernar has 3 each, plus the four found on Sargent Traken. The torch that was lit was one of the spent ones that came down with you. There is one more spent torch that can be wrapped in cloth and have lantern oil applied to it. The Alchemist's (Greek) Fire was saved as it tends to be volatile and dangerous.

Assuming that you are going to be moving on, what order are you going to be using? Are you going to light more than one torch at a time?

Here's a map of the immediate area. The squares are 10' in size. The blue is the pool you fell into.

Dungeon Map

graystone001.jpg (9.89 KiB) Viewed 10324 times

Now what?

[Erisciana]

Erisciana -

Butternut is about to fling the ruined food in her pack away in disgust when Erisciana speaks up. "That's good to know, Eri. At least we won't have to go without food."

Erisciana smiles, "That is one more thing to our benefit. Hopefully, we will manage to get out of here before too long."

"Goodness, you can cleanse our food!? That is perhaps the most hopeful thing I've heard this day! Praise be to the Healers of this world!"

"Praise be to the goddess," Erisciana adds. "And may we have more hopefulness as we begin to exit this horrible situation."

The priestess can hear the conversations and rustling about and before long there is a flame illuminating the rough cave. Erisci blinks a few times as her eyes get adjusted to the new light. She sees the two dead bodies and the priestess frowns slightly. Unfortunately there is nothing that they can do for either of them.

Erisciana has claimed the Sergeant's shield, as no one has objected. She will also pick up one of the daggers dredged up from the pool as well. Erisci readies herself as she expects to move out soon. The group begins to discuss a leadership arrangement with the death of Sergeant Traken. She considers who might be the best option, but for now, she keeps her tongue.

[Ren Silvare]

Butternut:
"Yeah, about three days, Ren," Butternut replies. "And the only ones I saw evidence of before that were goblins. Since he didn't come with us, if he appears to have been dead for less than a week or so, he was probably with Chimera."

"I think it highly probable the half-elf is part of Chimera squad then. 3 days to dry down here would be plenty of time. With the goblin bodies looted it appears there are two other groups which could still be here if they haven't killed one another."

Flare:
Then to his shoreline companion: "Ren, what will we need to utilize your Greek Fire? Lucyus' oil? Vernar's spark-stones?"

"With all of this dry cloth I don't think the Greek Fire will be necessary. Let's just use the oil Vernar brought for some makeshift torches till we can dry some more off. My thought was that we would need something unaffected by the moisture. A little greek fire goes a long way." Ren responds with a hidden glint in his eyes.

Working with Flare to cut strips of cloth and to dry off essential equipment, the lamp, torches, and all of the flint and steel present, they soon, with Butternut's help, have maximum two torches lit and distributed to Eri and Lucyus who will be the only ones with really obstructed vision.

"We should keep two of these going for now and consolidate down to one later, but the extra heat from another torch will help to dry out some of our stuff for now." Ren mentions.

Erisciana:
“Another issue we should address: we do not now have a formal leader. Everyone doing what they each see fit could possibly get many of us killed. We should choose someone to organize us, at least until we get out of this predicament.”

Lucyus:
“I would second that. Is there any here that wish to lead?”

Butternut:
"Don't have much use for leaders, myself," Butternut replies. "However, if I had to pick one, I would choose either Vernar or you, Lucyus."

"A leader? HA, I do believe we have more pressing issues at hand. If there is a leader among us they will make themselves known as we work our way out of our current predicament. I've barely known you a short time and I'm to trust you to make choices for me? Don't be absurd. My best chances for survivaly are to work together with ALL of you so it won't simply be 'as I see fit'." What is it about power vacuums which causes this affect on humans? Are they not capable of their own autonomy? At least Butternut seems to have better priorities in this moment.

"If it's necessary then I, for one, would prefer Vernar over Lucyus. Someone with a few more years and a little less wet behind the ears. No offense Lucyus but weren't you just given your knighthood or whatever it is you call it? Butternut might also be a solid choice but I am more concerned with what is ahead than this discussion." With that, Ren starts to walk toward the entrance of the tunnel and works his way to the right bend keeping to the darkness and wary for any further traps in the floor or walls, most particularly at the entrance to the tunnel before working his way to the bend and peeking around the corner.

[Erisciana]

Erisciana -

"I think it highly probable the half-elf is part of Chimera squad then. 3 days to dry down here would be plenty of time. With the goblin bodies looted it appears there are two other groups which could still be here if they haven't killed one another."

"That sounds like a reasonable assessment," Erisci adds. "We do not know how long it will take to exit this cavern complex. If this was built by dwarves as Traken mentioned, it could be quite extensive."

"With all of this dry cloth I don't think the Greek Fire will be necessary. Let's just use the oil Vernar brought for some makeshift torches till we can dry some more off. My thought was that we would need something unaffected by the moisture. A little greek fire goes a long way." Ren responds with a hidden glint in his eyes.

"We should keep two of these going for now and consolidate down to one later, but the extra heat from another torch will help to dry out some of our stuff for now." Ren mentions.

"Do we have enough oil to remake these torches with more cloth when the makeshift ones go out? It is unfortunate we do not have a lantern. I can possibly cast Firelight, if it takes that long for us to get out. It will make a torch brighter and last 4 hours. Based on the earlier torch use, using the two makeshift torches, plus Traken's one at a time, gives us two and a half hours of light."

"A leader? HA, I do believe we have more pressing issues at hand. If there is a leader among us they will make themselves known as we work our way out of our current predicament. I've barely known you a short time and I'm to trust you to make choices for me? Don't be absurd. My best chances for survival are to work together with ALL of you so it won't simply be 'as I see fit'."

"I think the point is for us to work together for our common survival, but if everyone does 'as they see fit', we could be in as dire a predicament as having a leader who is only out for themselves. Granted we do not know each other, but I believe that we need some coordination between those best suited for various tasks, with some common direction. I don't think anyone is suggesting an autonomous leader, but rather one direction for our group. A group with purpose, direction, leadership, communication and organization will overcome a larger number of individuals in most cases. I feel that having no leader makes this situation more dangerous than it needs to be. As you said, Ren, we barely know each other. We do not know much about each other's abilities. We could waste spells or ammunition in a fight if we are not coordinated. Or we may not expect what another may do and act contrary and negatively. We cannot afford that in this unknown. The scouts should handle the scouting, the fighters the fighting, the spellcasters the spellcasting."

"If it's necessary then I, for one, would prefer Vernar over Lucyus. Someone with a few more years and a little less wet behind the ears. No offense Lucyus but weren't you just given your knighthood or whatever it is you call it? Butternut might also be a solid choice but I am more concerned with what is ahead than this discussion."

"Perhaps Lucyus and Vernar should be co-leaders then. That would avoid a single autocratic voice, without the inefficiency that a council of seven would bring," the priestess suggests.

[Vernar]

Vernar -

Butternut seems to have the best chance of getting a fire started. Vernar waits attentively, making sure nothing rises out of the pool while she works. In what seems like an eternity, a spark produces a flame, and then his infravision is replaced with normal sight. It is only then that the dwarf realizes he is carrying the wrong axe, but with his waterlogged equipment and armor, it was difficult to notice the difference in weight.

"I believe this be yours," Vernar will say, offering the paladin back his weapon. The dwarf will rummage about to find his missing hand axe. As he looks around, his eyes wander to the walls and ceiling. He forces his focus back to the collected weapons, steadying himself with two long breaths. Now is not the time for struggles, he chides himself.

While everyone takes stock of their equipment and our situation, there is conversation of who should now be the leader of their group. Many races choose a leader as a means to ensure a group remains focused, but a bad leader can also bring a quick, painful end to the best intentions of those in their charge. Surprisingly, Vernar's name is offered up by a few, but Erisciana voices a reasonable compromise.

"Perhaps Lucyus and Vernar should be co-leaders then. That would avoid a single autocratic voice, without the inefficiency that a council of seven would bring," the priestess suggests.

"I would think that choice the best," Vernar replies. "The good paladin surely possesses the martial skill an' knowledge o' battle to best direct us. I can certainly strive to lead us out o' this wretched place. That said, I propose we proceed shortly, keeping the same order as before. If we only use one torch at a time, it would be wise. Ren an' Butternut, when ready, scout ahead to see what be facin' us."

The dwarf will surrender his torches to those who will need them. Having hopefully reclaimed his axe, Vernar will have it and his short sword at the ready and await the word that it is safe to move ahead. He will stay at the edge of the light with the grim determination to protect those now in his charge.

[Erisciana]

Erisciana -

"I would think that choice the best," Vernar replies. "The good paladin surely possesses the martial skill an' knowledge o' battle to best direct us. I can certainly strive to lead us out o' this wretched place. That said, I propose we proceed shortly, keeping the same order as before. If we only use one torch at a time, it would be wise. Ren an' Butternut, when ready, scout ahead to see what be facin' us."

"I agree with moving out. And relatively soon. We don't want to waste our limited torches." Vernar suggests only using one torch, which makes sense. "I can stand nearby to Lucyus and utilize it's light almost as well as having a torch myself." Erisciana prepares herself for departure. She will ready the sergeant's shield and her mace. If no one takes Traken's coin purse, she will be sure to grab it. "We clearly can use this coin for more equipment," she says to no one in particular. "We should also take his tabard back to the fort," she also mentions, "unless we need it for torches..."

Erisci waits for the scouts' preliminary investigation.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Based on Vernar's suggestions the party order will then be:
Ren
Butternut
Vernar
Wimzy
Flare
Erisciana
Lucyus

[Lucyus]

Lucyus -

Lucyus looks about in the dark as different voices are heard about him. He closes his eyes and silently prays to Heironous and steels himself for whatever comes. He hears the flint to steel as Butternut begins to strike a flame. Lucyus sees the spark of flame and looks somewhat away as it begins to dance to life.

"Praise be to the goddess," Erisciana adds. "And may we have more hopefulness as we begin to exit this horrible situation.

“Indeed.”The paladin says simply and softly as his eyes still begin to get used to the light. He finally sees what he is holding a his brow furls as he drops the skull spike upon the ground.

"We should keep two of these going for now and consolidate down to one later, but the extra heat from another torch will help to dry out some of our stuff for now." Ren mentions.

“It would be better to save the torches. Our things will dry in time,” he says as he squats down near their former leader. He takes his holy symbol and recites a prayer and closes the man’s eye lids. “When this is over we will send for his body.”

Talk of whom to lead comes to pass and Ren is not one so quick to choose a leader.

"If it's necessary then I, for one, would prefer Vernar over Lucyus. Someone with a few more years and a little less wet behind the ears. No offense Lucyus but weren't you just given your knighthood or whatever it is you call it? Butternut might also be a solid choice but I am more concerned with what is ahead than this discussion." With that, Ren starts to walk toward the entrance of the tunnel and works his way to the right bend keeping to the darkness and wary for any further traps in the floor or walls, most particularly at the entrance to the tunnel before working way to the bend and peeking around the corner.

“I think all of us are a little wet behind the ears, given the situation. Besides, all of us fell for the trap that brought us here. As I said before, I am no knight. I have received my training since I was just a lad. What you fail to realize my friend, is that I chose my fate to help others and I continue to do so.”

"Perhaps Lucyus and Vernar should be co-leaders then. That would avoid a single autocratic voice, without the inefficiency that a council of seven would bring," the priestess suggests.

“I have much to learn but I agree if you’ll have me. Besides sometimes it is difficult at best to direct or guide others when you are facing adversaries so closely.

"I agree with moving out. And relatively soon. We don't want to waste our limited torches." Vernar suggests only using one torch, which makes sense. "I can stand nearby to Lucyus and utilize it's light almost as well as having a torch myself." Erisciana prepares herself for departure. She will ready the sergeant's shield and her mace. If no one takes Traken's coin purse, she will be sure to grab it. "We clearly can use this coin for more equipment," she says to no one in particular. "We should also take his tabard back to the fort," she also mentions, "unless we need it for torches..."

“Give me the other torch. I will guard our rear. If anyone does not wish to have our dear departed sgt’s sword, I would like to use it.”

Lucyus will be ready to move out, “Watch out for traps and let us be gone from this place.”

[Butternut]

Butternut:

If she can find a decent one among those dredged from the water, Butternut will grab an extra short sword as a backup in case something happens to her current one. She doesn't feel like she has any use for more daggers, having three already.

Erisciana smiles, "That is one more thing to our benefit. Hopefully, we will manage to get out of here before too long."

"Don't really mind it much down here, myself," Butternut says, "though I would prefer my clothes and gear were dry." She searches her memory for any ways she knows of to discourage the rats from eating the half-elf's and Traken's bodies. Perhaps something that would smell bad to them. Where's a cat when you really need one...

"It might be a good idea to move Traken's body over there near the half-elf. That way, it will be easy to find both of them when we return."

"I think it highly probable the half-elf is part of Chimera squad then. 3 days to dry down here would be plenty of time. With the goblin bodies looted it appears there are two other groups which could still be here if they haven't killed one another."

"I'm rooting for Chimera, myself," Butternuts mutters sardonically.

"That sounds like a reasonable assessment," Erisci adds. "We do not know how long it will take to exit this cavern complex. If this was built by dwarves as Traken mentioned, it could be quite extensive."

Butternut had missed that mention of dwarven construction by the Sergeant. She pauses mentally to reassess. "The path we were climbing above certainly reflected dwarven workmanship, but this down here seems more natural -- other than the spikes in the bottom of the pool." Butternut turns to their dwarven companion. "Any thoughts on this, Vernar?"

"With all of this dry cloth I don't think the Greek Fire will be necessary. Let's just use the oil Vernar brought for some makeshift torches till we can dry some more off. My thought was that we would need something unaffected by the moisture. A little greek fire goes a long way." Ren responds with a hidden glint in his eyes.

The gnome's confirmation of the presence of dry cloth draw's Butternut's attention. She makes her way over to where Ren and Flare huddle near the body. Drying her flint and steel as best she can on a spare scrap of dry cloth, the halfling woman sets to work. She digs out a miniature fire pit to build the fire in and makes judicious use of the available bits of cloth. It takes a few minutes, but she is patient and determined, and is eventually rewarded with a small flicker of flame. "That's got it..." she murmurs to herself. Working carefully, Butternut nurses it into a decent flame. Soon, two torches have been lit from the small fire, enabling those without infravision to finally see their surroundings.

Now that a little light and heat is available, Butternut goes through her quiver to clean and dry her bolts, as well as the bowstring and mechanism on her light crossbow. Best to take care of them so that they will continue to serve faithfully.

"Do we have enough oil to remake these torches with more cloth when the makeshift ones go out? It is unfortunate we do not have a lantern. I can possibly cast Firelight, if it takes that long for us to get out. It will make a torch brighter and last 4 hours. Based on the earlier torch use, using the two makeshift torches, plus Traken's one at a time, gives us two and a half hours of light."

Butternut glances over at the pile of remaining scraps of cloth, but doesn't have a good sense of how much was used to make the torches. "Good point, Eri. We'll probably want to save your spell for the very last torch. I think Ren and Vernar may have some torches too, so that may help as well. Flare, how many more torches do you think we have supplies for?"

“It would be better to save the torches. Our things will dry in time.” He says as he squats down near their former leader. He takes his holy symbol and recites a prayer and closes the man’s eye lids. “When this is over we will send for his body.”

Butternut nods in agreement with both of Lucyus' statements, encouraged by the young paladin's good sense.

Erisciana suggests Lucyus and Vernar as co-leaders, which seems a reasonable compromise to Butternut.

"I would think that choice the best," Vernar replies. "The good paladin surely possesses the martial skill an' knowledge o' battle to best direct us. I can certainly strive to lead us out o' this wretched place. That said, I propose we proceed shortly, keeping the same order as before. If we only use one torch at a time, it would be wise. Ren an' Butternut, when ready, scout ahead to see what be facin' us."

"I can live with that," Butternut states dryly as she smothers the fire she created a few minutes before, gathers up the remains and any other cloth scraps for future use, and tucks them in her belt pouch. Perhaps the residual heat will help dry the other contents of the pouch. "You ready, Ren?" she asks, looking toward the gnome. Seeing that he is already moving toward the sharp bend in the tunnel, Butternut moves to take up position behind him, slinging her pack into place as she goes and moving as quietly as she can.

Lucyus will be ready to move out, “Watch out for traps and let us be gone from this place.”

"I will do my best," Butternut says grimly. She is keenly aware that she missed spotting the trap before and will redouble her efforts to not repeat that failure.

[GM Mad]

Post Continued:

April 12th, CR 569

Butternut has made fire using her flint and steel kit. The two used torches were both wrapped in cloth from the dead half-elf's clothing with lantern oil added to them. Since everyone can see now, the group gathers up what they can and moves on.

Ren followed by Butternut leads the way. Vernar and Flare come after that. Lucyus carries one of the torches and Erisciana and Wimzy stay close to him so that they can see.

The passage you are moving through is natural, not created. The floor is uneven in places, sometimes rising up, sometimes dipping down. Mold can be spotted occasionally growing on the lower walls of the passage.

The area you just left was twenty feet high, but now the ceiling drops closer to ten feet overhead. The passage leaving your arrival area winds its way to your right and then back to your left. Another figure is seen sprawled on the ground as you move along. It's a goblin this time, but like the earlier body much of it has been eaten so that very little remains. The goblins leather armor has been shredded and no weapons or gear are otherwise noted. Some fabric could be taken from what remains of his clothing.

A little further ahead, the passage widens up and it becomes clear that you've arrived at a natural intersection. Three different paths now lie before you. The first path is on your right and slightly wanders off further to the right. The other two ways are close to each other and are more like a fork. One fork goes away to your left, the other to the right.

Ren notes something when looking down the fork that goes off to your left. There is a shape further down the natural cavern. He can make out another body, perhaps a goblin judging by its size. However, this one is not prone on the cavern floor. It's hovering in mid-air!

[GM Mad]

GM Notes:

Flare can see in the dark, so he does not need to be close to the torch bearers. Only Erisciana, Lucyus and Wimzy are in the dark down here. Who is carrying the second torch?

Here's is the updated map for the area:

graystone002.jpg (12.79 KiB) Viewed 10261 times

Ren's location is noted and Butternut is behind him. Vernar and Flare would be next with Erisciana, Lucyus, and Wimzy with the torches bringing up the rear. The “FB” is the floating body noted above.

Now what?

[Vernar]

Vernar -

Butternut had missed that mention of dwarven construction by the Sergeant. She pauses mentally to reassess. "The path we were climbing above certainly reflected dwarven workmanship, but this down here seems more natural -- other than the spikes in the bottom of the pool." Butternut turns to their dwarven companion. "Any thoughts on this, Vernar?"

"They might a' chosen to build over an existin' cave complex," Vernar offers after a moment's thought. "I doubt they did not know 'bout all this down 'ere b'fore building. Would explain the trap, usin' what already existed, but to what end if you can jus' walk out? That last bit's a puzzle, least until we can see more o' the place..."

[Erisciana]

Erisciana -

The group completes its plans here at the pool, moving Traken's body out of the water and near to the fallen elf. Some of his possessions are taken, as they would prove useful in this unknown environment. The priestess' suggestion of co-leaders is accepted, if grudgingly by some, and Vernar and Lucyus are Wyvern's leaders, at least for now.

Regarding the potential dwarven construction, Butternut and Vernar exchange some thoughts.

"They might a' chosen to build over an existin' cave complex," Vernar offers after a moment's thought. "I doubt they did not know 'bout all this down 'ere b'fore building. Would explain the trap, usin' what already existed, but to what end if you can jus' walk out? That last bit's a puzzle, least until we can see more o' the place..."

"Perhaps when the spikes were not broken and missing, walking out was much less of an option. It seems that they were rather prevalent at one time, but the trap has fallen into disrepair." Erisci pauses for a moment, "Fortunately, for us!"

With one lit torch, the group moves out, the scouts able to see with their innate infravision. Erisciana keeps her shield and mace prepared, this time looping the hanging strap from the bottom of her mace around her wrist, so as not to lose it should they meet some falling trap again.

Moving through the rough cavern, Erisci keeps her attention on everything she can. There likely are more surprises to come. Eventually they reach a split in the tunnels and decisions on which way to go must be made.

[Butternut]

Butternut:

"They might a' chosen to build over an existin' cave complex," Vernar offers after a moment's thought. "I doubt they did not know 'bout all this down 'ere b'fore building. Would explain the trap, usin' what already existed, but to what end if you can jus' walk out? That last bit's a puzzle, least until we can see more o' the place..."

"Perhaps when the spikes were not broken and missing, walking out was much less of an option. It seems that they were rather prevalent at one time, but the trap has fallen into disrepair." Erisci pauses for a moment, "Fortunately, for us!"

Butternut nods in response to both comments. "Makes sense, though I'm guessing the way out isn't easy - and I'm not sure the rats we've been hearing are the only creatures down here. Still, someone had to have put those spikes at the bottom of the pool, so that may imply they got out somehow."
___

Soon, they start making their way down the rough passage. Butternut is careful to watch her footing in this treacherous environment as the tunnel weaves drunkenly this way and that.

Seeing Ren stop, Butternut glides up beside him. A branch leads back to the right, and she can just make out a split in the passage going forward. "What do you see?" she whispers, knowing the gnome has far better infravision than she does. "I'll relay the message back to the others."

[Ren Silvare]

As Ren approaches the fork cautiously, he quickly surveys the scene. First looking to the tunnels on the right he notices one meanders off into the distance, hmmm that way is most likely a diversion, doesn't seem a focused enough path to lead toward whatever exit there might be. We should make note of it but this fork seems more deliberate and promising. The right fork being empty from what he can see, he tries to pay close attention to whether either of the tunnels is wider or taller for having hauled the equipment through. Then with freezing in place and a hand to his waist he sees the goblins floating body. After watching it for a moment, and ensuring that it doesn't move He can feel Butternut's presence behind him before she whispers,

"What do you see?"

"Well, we have a meandering path to the far right which to me seems more a diversion from the true goal. I am much more interested in this seemingly intentional fork." Eyeing the body to see if there is anything he can tell suspending it from the wall he comments in a hushed voice, "If we want to follow the goblins and make sure they are dead I have a feeling we should head to the left, though I am pretty sure there are traps in the walls, cause a dead goblin is floating down the left fork. Otherwise we should take the right path. If I was designing a place though, I would make the real path have more traps so we may be more likely to find an exit following the goblins. However Chimera squad may have wanted to avoid the goblins so if there are survivors they may have gone a different direction, considering the goblins were here first and they should have seen this body."

[Butternut]

Butternut:

"Well, we have a meandering path to the far right which to me seems more a diversion from the true goal. I am much more interested in this seemingly intentional fork." Eyeing the body to see if there is anything he can tell suspending it from the wall he comments in a hushed voice, "If we want to follow the goblins and make sure they are dead I have a feeling we should head to the left, though I am pretty sure there are traps in the walls, cause a dead goblin is floating down the left fork. Otherwise we should take the right path. If I was designing a place though, I would make the real path have more traps so we may be more likely to find an exit following the goblins. However Chimera squad may have wanted to avoid the goblins so if there are survivors they may have gone a different direction, considering the goblins were here first and they should have seen this body."

Butternut listens to Ren's long-winded explanation, but one thing catches her attention more than the rest. "'Floating down the left fork'?" Butternut asks quietly. "How fast is it moving? Is it coming this way or going the other way?"

Once her confusion is clarified, Butternut glides back to consult with Vernar. "We got an intersection just past the next bend ahead, Vernar," she says softly. "The right path cuts sharply back to the right, the middle path is more or less straight ahead, and the left path is slightly off to the left of the central path. Ren sees it as a side path and a fork, though it looks to me more like 2 paths crossing in kind of a narrow 'X'." Butternut holds up her hands in a narrowly-crossed arrangement to demonstrate. "There is a dead goblin hanging in mid-air in the left path, which seems like an obvious indication of danger that way. Could indicate more traps that way, but no way to know."
_________________________________________________________________
I think we decided on only one lit torch. The other one was probably put out by someone.

[Erisciana]

Erisciana -

Butternut nods in response to both comments. "Makes sense, though I'm guessing the way out isn't easy - and I'm not sure the rats we've been hearing are the only creatures down here. Still, someone had to have put those spikes at the bottom of the pool, so that may imply they got out somehow."

"I would agree that the way out is likely not simple, easy or quick. It's entirely possible that other creatures are down here. The rats could be an abundant food source for them. I would have to imagine there is a way out, unless it was closed off or damaged over the years. That could explain why it is in disrepair," she adds glumly. Let's hope we are not completely trapped down here.

Erisci hears faint talk about a 'floating goblin' up ahead. She moves up closer to Vernar, while still staying in the light of the torch held by Lucyus. She doesn't hear what Ren had to say but gets a portion of Butternut's relay to the dwarf.

"There is a dead goblin hanging in mid-air in the left path, which seems like an obvious indication of danger that way. Could indicate more traps that way, but no way to know."

"Are we sure it's dead?" the priestess asks quietly. She looks at Wimzy and Lucyus and wonders if it is undead. Fortunately they have a few of their number that may be able to deal with an undead being, if that's what it turns out to be. "We should be careful in case it, or whoever caused it, may be a threat."

She looks to their archer Flare. "Perhaps we could shoot it from afar to be certain?"

[Vernar]

Vernar -

After getting Butternut's update, Vernar pauses to think for a moment. Three paths, but likely only one true one, he ponders. He is aware the others are moving up closer to him and are likely to put in their own thoughts on the matter.

"I will move up t' guard the intersection while you an' Ren decide on our best path," Vernar tells Butternut. "The goblin body should get at least a quick inspection from a safe distance t' determine if it is truly dead. I doubt it is a floatin' specter, and suspect a more simple, mechanical explanation will be found."

The dwarf will signal to the rest of the group that there are three paths now lying ahead of them, indicating the number and direction with fingers and pointing. He will move up to the first tunnel to the right, his back to the opposite (top on the map) wall, keeping his axe and short sword at the ready. He will steady his breathing, thankful to now be in a more open section of this cave. Vernar will focus mostly on that first passage to the right, but make sure to check on Ren and Butternut. He will act as a relay between the scouts and the main group should one of them, or even himself, spot something unfriendly.

[Lucyus]

Lucyus
Lucyus does not stare at the fire as the torch is lit. He takes it firmly in his hands and looks about. It is then he sees Vernar has found his axe and offers it to him. "Heironous be praised! Thank you my friend," as he takes the battle axe back.

It is soon agreed to move out and Lucyus is glad to leave this place behind. He takes care not to look directly into the light and is careful of the uneven floor. Several moments later Lucyus sees the others ahead stop as they have found something.

"I would agree that the way out is likely not simple, easy or quick. It's entirely possible that other creatures are down here. The rats could be an abundant food source for them. I would have to imagine there is a way out, unless it was closed off or damaged over the years. That could explain why it is in disrepair," she adds glumly. Let's hope we are not completely trapped down here.

"At least we wont starve," he says jokingly as he turns his back on the column and looks to their rear. As he does so he will try to see if there are reflections of the fire. "Whatever creatures live here will see our torch and come to investigate. We maybe able to see the reflections of their weapons; that is if they didn't dampen them with fire."

"What is it?" Lucyus hears talk of a dead body floating in a pathway. "Can they hear or see anything else?" the Paladin asks. Hearing the creature could be dead or alive or something in between. "If it indeed lives, is there anyone that speaks goblin? Vernar, do you need help watching the other two passages?" he asks as quietly as he can so the dwarf may hear him.

[Erisciana]

Erisciana -

Lucyus steps into the quiet conversation about the intersection and the 'floating' goblin-creature.

"I will move up t' guard the intersection while you an' Ren decide on our best path," Vernar tells Butternut. "The goblin body should get at least a quick inspection from a safe distance t' determine if it is truly dead. I doubt it is a floatin' specter, and suspect a more simple, mechanical explanation will be found."

Vernar and Lucyus take up positions guarding the right spur passage and the rear. The priestess nudges Flare to get his attention and gestures toward the right hand passage of the fork. She will keep her attention then on Butternut and Ren, but she expects they will quickly be out of their light source unfortunately. She stands near that fork, keeping Wimzy between herself and Lucyus. Surely they would be needing the Azrellan's talents before this adventure was finished. "I hope you are right, my dwarven friend," Erisci whispers, more to herself than to Vernar.

She readies herself behind mace and shield.

[GM Mad]

Post Continued:

April 12th, CR 569

Wyvern Squad moves along the underground cave system looking for a way out. They come to a three way intersection and Ren sees a 'floating body' up the left most passageway. The group wonders if this body is somehow being propped up in some manner. The general assumption is that this body is dead.

Upon hearing the talk of the body, Wimzy dashes closer. “Could be undead,” the halfling priestess says excitedly.

Wimzy concentrates for a moment and then announces, “Nope. Not undead.” She sounded almost disappointed.

Vernar takes a position to guard the first right had passage, while Flare moves to the one on the left. Ren, followed by Butternut moves closer to the floating body. Erisciana, Lucyus and Wimzy take up positions between everyone else.

As he moves closer, Ren can make out more details about the floating body. He spots a short sword near the body and it too is hovering in mid air. Numerous smaller objects start to come into sight. They remind the shadow thief of coins!

As Ren looks, the body and all the contents around it suddenly shimmer as if moving slightly and suddenly. The effect ends almost immediately, but there seems to be a haze around the body and the other floating objects that he didn't note before.

[GM Mad]

GM Notes:

Here is the updated map and I've placed everyone on it based on what was posted. I've included as far down as those with infravision can see down each passage.

graystone003.jpg (20.84 KiB) Viewed 10174 times

The floor of the cavern remains uneven as before. The lower patches have dirt in them, while other areas are more stone than earth. All three of the passages seem to be gently sloping downwards.

Now what?

[Butternut]

Butternut:

"I would agree that the way out is likely not simple, easy or quick. It's entirely possible that other creatures are down here. The rats could be an abundant food source for them. I would have to imagine there is a way out, unless it was closed off or damaged over the years. That could explain why it is in disrepair," she adds glumly. Let's hope we are not completely trapped down here.

"I guess we'll find out -- one way or the other," Butternut adds grimly.

"At least we wont starve," he says jokingly as he turns his back on the column and looks to their rear. As he does so he will try to see if there are reflections of the fire. "Whatever creatures live here will see our torch and come to investigate. We maybe able to see the reflections of their weapons; that is if they didn't dampen them with fire."

Butternut snorts in amusement, but doesn't reply.

"Are we sure it's dead?" the priestess asks quietly. She looks at Wimzy and Lucyus and wonders if it is undead. Fortunately they have a few of their number that may be able to deal with an undead being, if that's what it turns out to be. "We should be careful in case it, or whoever caused it, may be a threat."

Butternut shrugs. "It was too far away for me to be able to see it, but Ren seemed pretty certain."

"I will move up t' guard the intersection while you an' Ren decide on our best path," Vernar tells Butternut. "The goblin body should get at least a quick inspection from a safe distance t' determine if it is truly dead. I doubt it is a floatin' specter, and suspect a more simple, mechanical explanation will be found."

"What is it?" Lucyus hears talk of a dead body floating in a pathway. "Can they hear or see anything else?" the Paladin asks. Hearing the creature could be dead or alive or something in between. "If it indeed lives, is there anyone that speaks goblin? Vernar, do you need help watching the other two passages?" he asks as quietly as he can so the dwarf may hear him.

Vernar's instructions draw a nod of understanding from Butternut, before Lucyus speaks up. "Nothing else was apparent," she confirms. "As for speaking goblin, I can."

Butternut slinks forward to rejoin Ren. "Vernar wants us to investigate each of the three paths, while he and the others hold the intersection. We should start with this dead goblin you spotted." Concerned by the possibility of traps, Butternut will be checking the walls, floor and ceiling carefully as they move forward.

[Flare Nightstorm]

Flare Nightstorm (still outside the cesspool)

Most of Wyvern Squad has retrieved their larger weapons thanks to Vernar & Butternut.

Flare fasten his weapons more tightly to himself. He doesn't want to risk losing them in a similar trap. He also fastens and checks on his supplies and money pouch.

The goblin's leather armor has been shredded and no weapons or gear are otherwise noted. Some fabric could be taken from what remains of his clothing.

Flare, how many more torches do you think we have supplies for?

"Not as many as I'd like, Butternut. Eight, ten at best. I've a feeling we'll need many more before this ascent is done. Hopefully we stumble across other poor souls along our way, and they don't mind if we borrow from them."

Flare looks down at his own clothing. If I end up being one of the unlucky dead, I hope our squad allows me some dignity before making torches out of me, or my clothes. He chuckles at his own observation.

Flare is content with the choosing of Lucyus and Vernar as group leads. They are thoughtful, not rash.

As they move through the natural corridor, Flare locates a soft rock, chalky, maybe limestone.

He occasionally marks the wall with a unique, bird-like symbol. In case we lose our bearings..

A single narrow corridor is too good to be expected in a place like this, so Flare is not surprised when the single corridor opens up to a crossroads of three passageways.

After the ferocity of that last trap, I don't want to travel without the entire group. If people start talking about splitting up, I shall have to speak up.

Ren notes something when looking down the fork that goes off to your left. Perhaps a goblin judging by its size. However, this one is not prone on the cavern floor. It's hovering in mid-air!

D-OH. A chill runs up Flare's back.

"Are we sure it's dead?" Erisciana asks quietly. She looks at Wimzy and Lucyus and wonders if it is undead. She looks to their archer Flare. "Perhaps we could shoot it from afar to be certain?"

Flare reaches into his quiver and withdraws an arrow. "Aye. If the thing is dead, this shouldn't hurt one bit."

But before Flare can get further:

Wimzy dashes closer. “Could be undead,” the halfling priestess says excitedly. Wimzy concentrates for a moment and then announces, “Nope. Not undead.” She sounded almost disappointed.

Flare to Erisci: "Suppose it's best to save the arrows. Still uncertain how this floating thing is occurring. It's like we're looking at a reflection of a goblin, and not an actual, physical goblin body." He turns to Wimzy: "But you would have sensed that, right, Ms. Wimzy?"

Ren can make out more details about the floating body. He spots a short sword and it too is hovering in mid air. Numerous smaller objects start to come into sight. They remind the shadow thief of coins! As Ren looks, the body and all the contents around it suddenly shimmer as if moving slightly and suddenly. The effect ends almost immediately, but there seems to be a haze around the body and the other floating objects that he didn't note before.

Flare changes his mind about the floating goblin.

Butternut slinks forward to rejoin Ren. "Vernar wants us to investigate each of the three paths, while he and the others hold the intersection. We should start with this dead goblin you spotted."

Flare quickly loads his bow and shouts: "Prepare to duck, Mr. Ren! Ms. Butternut! I need to know if this thing can take a hit!"

When he has the clear shot, Flare Nightstorm takes it!

[Lucyus]

Lucyus-

"Probably being held up by magic or a trap of some sort," he says to the others, as the wheels begin to turn in his head. Flare begins to draw his bow; Lucyus looks to the ranger. "Hold your arrow. If the goblin is still alive, Butternut maybe able to gather information from it and if it lives, the noise of it dying will bring its companions."

"I maybe able to sense any evil presence in the area. Give me a moment to do so, then let your arrow fly upon conclusion."
Lucyus will start to try to detect evil, starting with the corridor of the Goblin Balloon and then focus on the other corridors.

[GM Mad]

Small Update:

April 12th, CR 569

Lucyus does not detect evil in the area.

Flare fires his arrow over the heads of Ren and Butternut. The shaft flies true and towards the hovering body. Suddenly there is a thunk and the arrow comes to a complete stop. There is a slight shimmer in the area around the arrow, but it goes away. The arrow itself is now hovering in the corridor a few feet away from its target.

Now what?

[Erisciana]

Erisciana -

"Suppose it's best to save the arrows. Still uncertain how this floating thing is occurring. It's like we're looking at a reflection of a goblin, and not an actual, physical goblin body." He turns to Wimzy: "But you would have sensed that, right, Ms. Wimzy?"

“That depends on whether it is a threat.” The priestess is frustrated because of being so limited in sight. “Maybe it’s caught in a trap of some kind. If it looks dead and is not undead then the goblin itself may not be the threat but rather something else to watch out for.”

Flare quickly loads his bow and shouts: "Prepare to duck, Mr. Ren! Ms. Butternut! I need to know if this thing can take a hit!"

Lucyus decides to Detect Evil first as a paladin, but it is unrevealing of anything new. And the goblin, which are an evil race, is not detected which reinforces Wimzy’s detection as well.

Flare lets fly his arrow and as the light does not let Erisci see the target, she closes her eyes to listen. There is a soft thunk as the arrow hits something. She does not assume. “What did you hit?” she asks.

[Lucyus]

“That depends on whether it is a threat.” The priestess is frustrated because of being so limited in sight. “Maybe it’s caught in a trap of some kind. If it looks dead and is not undead then the goblin itself may not be the threat but rather something else to watch out”

“Perhaps that is the trap,” he says back to the priestess. “To lower your guard so an attack from elsewhere may commence,” he says narrowing his eyes, hoping to get a better look at the scene before him. “It is not alive but certainly dead. Could it be an trick of the eyes, an illusion?” he asks the others about him, taking a cautious step forward to get a better look at the sight before him.

Lucyus will point the torch to the body's direction, as he does so he will look to the walls and floor then to the body. He will try to see if it is indeed real or perhaps an illusion.( Step closer to Butternut but not past.)

[Vernar]

Vernar -

There appears to be some commotion going on with the floating goblin body. Vernar hears an arrow fired and talk about illusions. Magic, Vernar grumbles silently.

“It is not alive but certainly dead. Could it be an trick of the eyes, an illusion?” he asks the others about him, taking a cautious step forward to get a better look at the sight before him.

"I can detect illusions," Vernar offers, "not that I've had a lot o' experience b'fore this." Vernar will move to position himself, after looking down the other corridor he was watching one last time to make sure nothing is skulking, so that he can see. If Lucyus holds the torch where the firelight shines on the scene, the dwarf can better detect the flaws of an illusion.

[Ren Silvare]

Butternut:
Butternut slinks forward to rejoin Ren. "Vernar wants us to investigate each of the three paths, while he and the others hold the intersection. We should start with this dead goblin you spotted." Concerned by the possibility of traps, Butternut will be checking the walls, floor and ceiling carefully as they move forward

"Fair enough." Ren whispers. With a bit more confidence after Wimzy's affirmation that it wasn't undead Ren starts moving down the hall slowly checking for any traps and intermittently looking to the floating goblin in case it should move. Upon seeing the sword and coins he begins fumbling in his belt pouch for a copper coin to throw at the wall and as he is rummaging

Flare:
"Prepare to duck, Mr. Ren! Ms. Butternut! I need to know if this thing can take a hit!"

Ren falls flat and Thunk the arrow hits a seeming wall in the pathway, right where the goblin and sword are suspended. Ren quickly retreats to the intersection to be in whisper range of Flare and irritatably states "Shhhhh. Are you trying to let everyone know we are here? If it is not undead and not evil there is no need for that." He walks back towards the left tunnel muttering under his breath, "...could've taken my head off."

Ren overhears Vernar talking about detecting an illusion and warns him off it, "At this point we know it is magic of some sort we simply need to know its effects, the bigger question is what its effects are and can we dispel it?" he whispers. "Let me try something."

Ren walks further down the passage and gets close to the seemingly invisible wall and tosses the copper coin lightly underhand, making sure it doesn't hit any of the other objects suspended there.

[GM Mad]

Another Small Update:

No traps are noted in any of the passages by those looking.

Vernar doesn't believe any illusions are present. Everything here looks real enough.

Ren produces a copper coin and moves closer to the hovering goblin. He tosses it forward and much like Flare's arrow, it flies forward and then suddenly comes to a complete stop. There is a slight ripple effect as if the coin had been tossed into a pond. The whole corridor before Ren shivers slight and seemingly the goblin and all the debris otherwise floating in the hallway moves forward a few inches!

Ren's can now see that the hovering goblin is truly dead. Much of its flesh has been eaten away and its clothing torn like before. Even worse it appears to be dissolving away in the haze it is suspended in!

Now what?

[Butternut]

Butternut:

"Not as many as I'd like, Butternut. Eight, ten at best. I've a feeling we'll need many more before this ascent is done. Hopefully we stumble across other poor souls along our way, and they don't mind if we borrow from them."

Butternut nods. "We'll make do, Flare."

"Probably being held up by magic or a trap of some sort," he says to the others, as the wheels begin to turn in his head. Flare begins to draw his bow; Lucyus looks to the ranger. "Hold your arrow. If the goblin is still alive, Butternut maybe able to gather information from it and if it lives, the noise of it dying will bring its companions."

"That's my thinking as well," Butternut says as she sides up closer to Ren for a better look.

“That depends on whether it is a threat.” The priestess is frustrated because of being so limited in sight. “Maybe it’s caught in a trap of some kind. If it looks dead and is not undead then the goblin itself may not be the threat but rather something else to watch out for.”

Eri's comment causes something to click in Butternut's head. She has heard strange tales and rumors in her past, and it occurs to her that the 'trap' here may not be mechanical - or even magical.

"I maybe able to sense any evil presence in the area. Give me a moment to do so, then let your arrow fly upon conclusion."

Butternut doubts that Lucyus will find any of the evil he seeks, but it cannot hurt to check. She spends the time taking a closer look at the dead goblin and other items seemingly suspended in mid-air. 'Is that a shimmer in the air...?'

Flare quickly loads his bow and shouts: "Prepare to duck, Mr. Ren! Ms. Butternut! I need to know if this thing can take a hit!"

The halfling warrior-woman instinctively ducks, trusting that the other ranger has some skill with his bow. Moments later, an arrow comes whistling past and then suddenly stops. It hangs there limply, an arm's reach short of its target. Ren retreats to berate Flare, but Butternut is transfixed by the scene before her and her need to understand.

There is talk of illusions, particularly from Lucyus and Vernar, but Butternut is focused on the dangling arrow and the strange shimmer, which seems to grow as Lucyus steps closer with the torch. "This is no mere illusion..." she says, though more to herself than others.

Returning, Ren tosses a coin at the shimmering wall, only for it to stop dead just as the arrow had previously. Ripples spreading out from the point of impact, illuminating the dimensions of this oddity. Alarm sets in as another piece of the puzzle slides into place. Then, it lurches forward!

"Arvoreen defend us!" Butternut squeaks as she begins to back away. "It's alive! The goblin is being consumed inside a giant blob of clear jelly, and it's coming this way!" Butternut pauses to try to get her emotions under control, and glances back at Vernar and Lucyus. "We need to get out of here. Take the next path," she says, pointing to the middle corridor.

[Lucyus]

Lucyus
Taking a cautious step forward with the torch and extending his arm, he tries to get a better view of what lies before them. Sadly there is not much to see and even worse he detects no evil before them. Ren steps closer and throws a coin and it shimmers, then slows, then stops. Whatever it is lurches forward causing the Paladin’s eyes to widen as the goblin body turns, half of its features eaten away.

“What in the nine hells is that?!”

Hearing Butternut’s cry of warning, Lucyus seconds the halfling’s findings. “To get close to this is to die. Let us move from this place before we become its next victim,” as he realizes the goblin probably tried to hit it with its weapons to no avail.

Lucyus will move to the next corridor, which Butternut suggested, and move into the corridor.

[Erisciana]

Erisciana -

Erisciana waits as the others discuss the bizarre situation before them. She cannot see the scene as the torch is too far away, as Flare shoots an arrow which apparently stops short of its target and Vernar tries to detect if it is an illusion.

"Shhhhh. Are you trying to let everyone know we are here? If it is not undead and not evil there is no need for that." He walks back towards the left tunnel muttering under his breath, "...could've taken my head off."

Erisci thinks that if the screaming from the fall and splashes in the water some 30 feet behind them didn't alert anything then Flare's outburst was unlikely to as well. Actually she wondered if it wouldn't be better if they did encounter something. That might break the tension a bit.

Lucyus does not detect anything with his evil-sensing ability. This was not a surprise as the others said the passages were clear besides the dead, not-undead goblin. The priestess finally gets a view of the scene confronting them as Lucyus moves closer to get a look for himself. Erisciana's eyes narrow at the sight. "That's not magic," she thinks, as Butternut voices her own understanding of the situation.

"Arvoreen defend us!" Butternut squeaks as she begins to back away. "It's alive! The goblin is being consumed inside a giant blob of clear jelly, and it's coming this way!" Butternut pauses to try to get her emotions under control, and glances back at Vernar and Lucyus. "We need to get out of here. Take the next path," she says, pointing to the middle corridor.

Lucyus confirms their change of direction. Erisciana lingers for a moment gauging the extremely slow movement of the gelatinous blob. She then quickly follows the paladin as she does not wish to get caught outside of a light source. "The blob is very slow moving. While it is likely deadly, it does not appear that it can catch us if we choose to stay ahead of it. Let us not get careless in escaping it and rush into other trouble," she cautions.

[Vernar]

Vernar -

Vernar studies the scene for a moment, illuminated by the torch. He looks carefully for those things that give away illusions. Something along the edges, or in the spots where the eyes don't focus. He scratches his chin under the thick beard. Nope, he thinks to himself, nothing there that shouldn't be. So then what?

Next a coin is tossed into this area, and again ripples like in a pond for the briefest of moments. Then Butternut is adamant that everyone is in danger.

"Arvoreen defend us!" Butternut squeaks as she begins to back away. "It's alive! The goblin is being consumed inside a giant blob of clear jelly, and it's coming this way!" Butternut pauses to try to get her emotions under control, and glances back at Vernar and Lucyus. "We need to get out of here. Take the next path," she says, pointing to the middle corridor.

Vernar turns, not wanting to be the cause of anyone getting devoured, no matter how slow the thing moves, and makes his way to the middle corridor. He will act as the group's scout until we can get reassembled, moving into the corridor far enough for everyone to reach it and get into momentary safety. Trusting his companions to move efficiently, the dwarf will keep aware for another of these "creatures" to make sure they do not get trapped between. He will also be wary of any traps, ensuring to look before treading too far into the corridor lest they meet a different grisly end.

[GM Mad]

Post Continued:

Butternut realizes that the floating body and other debris are not the real danger. The creature that they are all suspended in is! A gelatinous cube, a mindless creature, is slowly making its way down the tunnel picking up anything that it comes across and digesting anything non-metallic.

The group backs away from the slow moving dungeon janitor and Vernar leads the way down the middle passage. This way seems clear of traps or creatures. The tunnel starts going off to your right but then curves back to your left.

Up ahead another intersection can see seen. There is a passage going off to your left and your right. Straight ahead seems to lead into a small cavern. Noting suspicious is noted.

[GM Mad]

GM Notes:

Here is an updated map for this area.

graystone004.jpg (10.2 KiB) Viewed 9905 times

As before the maps I am putting up merely show what you can see as far as the post goes. I will not be putting them up as a larger map. If someone wants to put them together or 'map' the area on paper, they are welcomed to do so.

The right side of the first map butts up the left side of the second map. The third map grows out of the second map. The right edge of the third map lines up with the left edge of the fourth map.

It is assumed that as you are all 'new' characters, that you'll only have a little if any knowledge of monsters you might encounter beyond generalizations. I will be describing the creatures you run into much like the gelatinous cube you just encounter. Once you become more familiar with something, I will then just say what it is instead of leaving you to figure it out.

Now what?

[Ren Silvare]

As the coin impacts the outer wall of the creature, Ren starts, as the shimmering of the wall reminds him of gellatin and as it lurches forward he takes a little hop backwards. What in all that is holy? Ren had heard of these creatures before, but to come face to face with one is another matter. A small sense of awe at the mindless power of such a being washes over him. He takes a few cautious steps backwards, ascertaining whether it is moving with any intent, and then returns to the group, hearing several of them make astonished remarks.

"We should all follow Vernar post-haste. If we have to backtrack just keep that monstrosity in mind." Ren lets out a little shudder at the thought of an ill fate at the slime's "hands."

When they reach another fork in their path Ren comments "We have seen nothing but forks! My curiosity says go to the right just to determine whether there is a connection or not to the last path."

[Butternut]

Butternut:

Hearing Butternut’s cry of warning, Lucyus seconds the halfling’s findings. “To get close to this is to die. Let us move from this place before we become its next victim,” as he realizes the goblin probably tried to hit it with its weapons to no avail.

The halfling ranger is already moving, though she is glad that Lucyus agrees with her 'recommendation'. She weaves through the group, with the intent to regain her scout position near the front in the new direction of travel.

Lucyus confirms their change of direction. Erisciana lingers for a moment gauging the extremely slow movement of the gelatinous blob. She then quickly follows the paladin as she does not wish to get caught outside of a light source. "The blob is very slow moving. While it is likely deadly, it does not appear that it can catch us if we choose to stay ahead of it. Let us not get careless in escaping it and rush into other trouble," she cautions.

"You may be right, though I wouldn't assume that we've seen its best speed," Butternut says as she passes. "At the least, we should have someone watching behind us. Flare, perhaps?"

Vernar turns, not wanting to be the cause of anyone getting devoured, no matter how slow the thing moves, and makes his way to the middle corridor. He will act as the group's scout until we can get reassembled, moving into the corridor far enough for everyone to reach it and get into momentary safety. Trusting his companions to move efficiently, the dwarf will keep aware for another of these "creatures" to make sure they do not get trapped between. He will also be wary of any traps, ensuring to look before treading too far into the corridor lest they meet a different grisly end.

It doesn't take her long to catch up to Vernar, and Butternut resumes watching for any sign of living or mechanical danger as they move down the corridor. They soon come to an intersection, with paths going both right and left. Ahead, she can just spot what appears to be an opening into a larger space.

When they reach another fork in their path Ren comments "We have seen nothing but forks! My curiosity says go to the right just to determine whether there is a connection or not to the last path."

Their gnome companion puts forth a suggestion, to which Butternut adds her perspective, "I'm inclined to agree, though I think we should check the cavern ahead, first."
______________________________________________________________
My attempt to stitch the maps together: https://i.lensdump.com/i/8oNCoP.jpg

[Erisciana]

Erisciana -

Once the gelatinous blob has been identified, the group begins to move down an alternate passage. Vernar leads the way at first and the other scouts work their way into their normal positions. Erisciana will stay close to Lucyus, so that she can continue to see.

"We should all follow Vernar post-haste. If we have to backtrack just keep that monstrosity in mind." Ren lets out a little shudder at the thought of an ill fate at the slime's "hands."

Erisci tries to keep a mental picture of their meandering path in her mind's eye. She was always good at puzzles and this one might prove life-or-death.

Butternut comments on the gel's movement abilities"You may be right, though I wouldn't assume that we've seen its best speed," Butternut says as she passes. "At the least, we should have someone watching behind us. Flare, perhaps?"

"Perhaps. At any rate it has not seemed to perceive us, if it can even do so beyond touch. A rearguard is vital in this place, especially as we have more and more tunnels, intersections and passages behind us," the priestess agrees.

When they reach another fork in their path Ren comments "We have seen nothing but forks! My curiosity says go to the right just to determine whether there is a connection or not to the last path."

Their gnome companion puts forth a suggestion, to which Butternut adds her perspective, "I'm inclined to agree, though I think we should check the cavern ahead, first."

"What can be seen to the left? That may also connect back to the tunnel we just left but may offer alternate spur passages as well. We may want to know our all of options before we decide on a direction," she suggests, looking to Lucyus and Vernar.

[Vernar]

Vernar -

Whatever that blob is, it does not seem to possess the speed to catch them if they move with purpose. Good to know, Vernar thinks, as long as we do not get hemmed in. Soon enough Butternut catches up to the dwarf and moves into a more forward position. The others all seem to be accounted for, and once again the group faces a number of choices.

When they reach another fork in their path Ren comments "We have seen nothing but forks! My curiosity says go to the right just to determine whether there is a connection or not to the last path."

Their gnome companion puts forth a suggestion, to which Butternut adds her perspective, "I'm inclined to agree, though I think we should check the cavern ahead, first."

"I, too am curious 'bout the cavern," Vernar replies, "but I have no desire t' get trapped. We need t' be markin' the walls. Somethin' simple t' make sure we stop from runnin' 'round the same area."

The dwarf will watch in whatever direction the other two do not, assuming that we are going to move into the cavernous area first. If we go another direction instead, he will look into the cavern to make sure nothing lurks inside to ambush us after we pass.

[Lucyus]

Lucyus
As the torch light illuminates the others, Lucyus follows them down the cavern away from the gelatinous blob. Thankfully the creature is slow moving and they put some distance between the creature.
He makes certain to keep Erisciana near as she knows she cannot see as well.

"I, too am curious 'bout the cavern," Vernar replies, "but I have no desire t' get trapped. We need t' be markin' the walls. Somethin' simple t' make sure we stop from runnin' 'round the same area."

“Perhaps we can mark the cavern wall with a dagger scratches?
Lucyus follows the others into the cavern, watching the way they came to be sure that nothing creeps up behind them.

[GM Mad]

Post Closed