Operation: Graystone #8

[GM Mad]

Operation: Graystone #8

April 13th, CR 569

Thanks to Vernar's ability to command the Stone Dwarf, the squads have broken out of the trap/caverns area of this underground lair and have seem to have entered into the dwarven district. This area is built entirely of worked stone. The floors are level and the walls are flat. The ceilings in the hallways are ten foot high at the edge of the walls, but arch to a full twelve feet high in the middle.

Several nearby rooms are looked at, but each has been abandoned for a very long time. Their contents having rotted and collapsed ages ago. Exiting out the door in the far room reveals that the right hand hallway has other openings out of it. The hallway ends at a door, but there are openings to the right and left.

Vernar spends some time looking for secret passages in the two rooms, but doesn't find anything concealed. As the group moves along, Butternut casts Armor on herself. Butternut and Ren move down the hallway, hugging opposite sides of the passage. As the pair get closer to the end of the hallway they can see that this new door is also partially open, haven't become too swollen to fit into its frame. No noise is noted coming from behind the door at this distance.

Butternut looks down the hallway opposite her position and sees that it only goes for twenty more feet and ends at yet another partially opened door. Ren does the same, but his corridor extends beyond his infravision, but there are more doors down this hallway too. There is a single door on the left some thirty feet in, but this one is completely closed, unlike the semi-open doors seen thus far. Near the end of his vision, a pair of double doors are noted on the right. Both corridors are clear of goblins or any other creatures.

Kaylessa glides forward to take a closer look at the door. As she gets closer to the door, the elf can sense two things. One, there is a gentle breeze coming from the right hand corridor. Two, a soft noise can be heard. Not from behind the door, but rather somewhere beyond it.

Since the door is already partially open, its easy to take a quick look inside. Right behind the door is a thirty foot square chamber. There are two large tables with chairs in the room and several benches lining the walls. Coins and dice are noted on the tables. From the looks of it, this room has been used recently. It does not have the signs of rot like the previous rooms had nor is there dust, dirt and mold everywhere. At the far side of the room, there is a ten foot wide hallway that leads to another partially open door. The noise is louder coming from that direction.

[GM Mad]

GM Notes:

Here is the updated map for the new areas explored.

graystone015.jpg (18.46 KiB) Viewed 9820 times

Now what?

[Vardra]

Vardra Marcus, PFC:

Reaching the hallway, the lanky warrior asks the obvious question. "We keep going," Butternut growls. Vernar soon concurs.

"My suggestion be t' move through as fast as we can manage," Vernar replies. "Proceed with caution, but not spend much time unless we find somethin' o' interest."

"Makes sense," Vardra replies to Vernar, giving Butternut an unreadable look. "We've only got so much food and water, and we don't know how long it will hold out. Nor do we know how far we are from a way out." Butternut and Ren quickly glide out of sight, followed shortly thereafter by Kaylessa. It if unsettling how quietly they move...

“I vote for whatever direction fresh air or a breeze is coming from,” Sorvani whispers. “Assuming I have a vote in the matter.”

"Well said!" Vardra exclaims, and slaps the mage on the back. "I would welcome a lessening of this stench, myself." Lucyus seems to agree.

While waiting for the scouts to select a path forward, Vardra moves back to the corner of the hallway behind the group and shines his lantern down the hall past the double doors. Wouldn't be good if anyone snuck up behind them from the other direction.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Updated map: https://i.lensdump.com/i/AFdHiP.jpg

[Kaylessa]

Kaylessa

Kaylessa glides forward to take a closer look at the door. As she gets closer to the door, the elf can sense two things. One, there is a gentle breeze coming from the right hand corridor. Two, a soft noise can be heard. Not from behind the door, but rather somewhere beyond it.
Following a few steps behind Ren and Butternut, Kaylessa foot falls come lightly as she moves forward toward the double doors. She looks to the left for a moment then to the right. He head lingers in that direction as she feels a light breeze upon her skin. “A way out or a draft?” she says softly.
Looking back at Butternut, Ren and the others, she brings her right sword arm up to her face then points down the hallway, “A breeze soft, fleeting and gentle as a summer’s wind.”

A soft noise comes to her elfin ears as returns her attention back to the double doors. Taking a few steps forward the door is slightly ajar, causing the elf to look within the room for a moment.

Since the door is already partially open, its easy to take a quick look inside. Right behind the door is a thirty foot square chamber. There are two large tables with chairs in the room and several benches lining the walls. Coins and dice are noted on the tables. From the looks of it, this room has been used recently. It does not have the signs of rot like the previous rooms had nor is there dust, dirt and mold everywhere. At the far side of the room, there is a ten foot wide hallway that leads to another partially open door. The noise is louder coming from that direction.

A quizzical look comes to the elf as the room appears orderly gold and dice upon the table. She notices the lack of dust and rot, someone takes care here. Flipping her blades in her blades so they point down, She will listen carefully toward the noise. She looks back at the others. She speaks softly to Ren, Butternut and Vernar “Have a care, our hosts maybe near.”
She will gently and slowly open the door upon seeing no traps.

[Vernar]

Vernar -

Erisciana approaches Vernar as he finishes up searching the rooms for anything concealed or hidden. She has a lot to say, about giving up the stone guardian and the potential for a lot of goblins lurking ahead. Vernar chews on this while Butternut and the others begin to move ahead. Finally, he responds.

"While it be a good idea o' yours, I be thinkin' it would not work," the dwarf offers. "First, any traps that may be 'round would be set off by the lumberin' oaf," he says while pointing back to the room he left it in. "Droppin' blocks o' stone from the ceiling, or fire traps, may not hurt it, but it be mighty painful fer all o' us. An' it makes a devilish racket jus' walkin' 'round."

Vernar pauses before responding more. "We know nothin' will follow us up from there, lest they be dwarves, which would be welcome 'bout now. Any goblins still here be likely hungry, and we have a riled up halfling t' loose upon 'em anyway," he says the last with a chuckle while glancing at Butternut moving down the passage. "I think stealth will win us the day, and the big one is jus' not up t' the task."

After talking to Erisciana, and hopefully convincing her, Kaylessa approaches him next.

Before moving forward, Kaylessa asks Vernar. “Considering you are the only dwarf here and probably know most of us regarding dwarven ways. Do you believe there would be many traps ahead? Is there anything may know what to look for?” she asks curiously.

"From what I know, it'll be shiftin' stones an' such," Vernar responds. "Pits, deadfalls, collapsing ceilings, sliding walls, that sorta thing," he offers. "Not sure they would trap their everyday living quarters, but exits an' high value rooms most likely."

With that, the scouts move out once more. Vernar keeps his position to relay information from the lead scouts to the rest of the group. The corridor splits and more doors are seen. One of them seems to catch Kaylessa's attention.

She looks back at the others. She speaks softly to Ren, Butternut and Vernar “Have a care, our hosts maybe near.”
She will gently and slowly open the door upon seeing no traps.

Vernar drifts back to the group, readying his axe and sword. "Found somethin'. Get ready," he whispers, and then returns to back up the other scouts should combat break out.

[Sorvani]

Sorvani:

Erisci's ears perk up at that idea. "That would certainly be a wonderful reward for surviving this deathtrap!" she exclaims.

“That it would,” Sorvani easily agrees. “Just about any magic would be a godsend at this point.”

"That makes sense, Sorvani," the priestess agrees. "In my lands they tend to congregate together, much like a pack of rats," she says with a sneer.

“That is a fitting name,” Sorvani adds. “They seem to live like rats among their own filth.”

“Your opinion is valued, my friend.”he says to the mage. “What you say holds merit and we shall do so at first opportunity.”

“Good to know,” Sorvani says with a nod.

"Well said!" Vardra exclaims, and slaps the mage on the back. "I would welcome a lessening of this stench, myself." Lucyus seems to agree.

Sorvani is momentarily surprised by the slap in the back but quickly recovers. “Yes, some fresh air would do us all a world of good. Not to mention a good bath.”

Erisciana brings up the suggestion of taking the Stone Dwarf with us. Sorvani can see the advantages of such a thing, but Vernar points out the disadvantages.

Sorvani adds his own two coppers to the conversation. “Good points all around. I feel that Erisciana is right that having the Stone Dwarf available would be a good thing. Likewise as the noble dwarf points out it could be problematic to have it with us as it could attract unwanted attention or set off potential traps.”

“I guess the question than becomes what is our goal here? Some seem to be seeking out battle, while I personally just want to find the way out of here. Determine what our goal is here will determine what use the Stone Dwarf has for us.”

“I would also add one point that no one has raised yet,” Sorvani concludes. “We would need the Stone Dwarf again if we should come across another barrier like we did to reach these dwarven halls. I would rather have it close on hand if need than far away. It is better to have it available and not needed than needed and not available.”

Sorvani keeps his distance as the scouts do their thing. He'll only advance with the rest of the group when summoned.

[Butternut]

Butternut:

"I, on the other hand, have never lived outside my city until recently. Very different perspectives apparently."

Butternut snorts with amusement. "Very different indeed. Crossroads was rather overwhelming and I almost abandoned the idea of joining the expedition, though I did enjoy the bath at the inn."

A shiver goes down Kaylessa’s spine as the hinges squeal in protest of being opened further then, the smell becomes more apparent. The smell of decay and mold invade her nose as she brings the back of her sleeve to her face. “That is awful.” She says as she tries not to gag on the new smell.

Butternut glances at Kaylessa with a smirk, but doesn't say anything.

From the corner of the intersection, Butternut can see a short hallway to the left, ending in a door, which appears to be ajar. When they step into the intersection behind Kaylessa, Ren quietly reports that the hall on the other side extends beyond his range of vision and has several doors.

A quizzical look comes to the elf as the room appears orderly gold and dice upon the table. She notices the lack of dust and rot, someone takes care here. Flipping her blades so they point down, She will listen carefully toward the noise. She looks back at the others. She speaks softly to Ren, Butternut and Vernar “Have a care, our hosts may be near.”

Butternut is just about to slip over and take a quick peek at the door on the left when Kaylessa alerts them to the presence of others nearby. Adjusting her grip on her weapons, Butternut grins. "Let's take a closer look..." Moving as quietly as she is able, she will follow the elf into the room. From the coins and dice on the table, it appears that someone has been gambling. However, she is far more interested in what is beyond the other door and starts to glide across the room.

[Kaylessa]

Kaylessa
Butternut is just about to slip over and take a quick peek at the door on the left when Kaylessa alerts them to the presence of others nearby. Adjusting her grip on her weapons, Butternut grins. "Let's take a closer look..." Moving as quietly as she is able, she will follow the elf into the room. From the coins and dice on the table, it appears that someone has been gambling. However, she is far more interested in what is beyond the other door and starts to glide across the room.
Kaylessa looks about the room. The room is fairly clean, a game of dice was played, perhaps it was interrupted.. As she listens she hears the unmistakable sound of cheering and yelling.
Several thoughts run to the forefront of her thinking. The outpost being trapped. The goblins at the dwarven feet and now the cheering and yelling of an unknown numbered group.
Her eyes widen as she realizes what maybe in the room before them, “Humanoids… they may have found another way in..” she says loud enough so that Butternut can hear her. She looks back at Vernar a look of concern upon her face, Vernar, “What if this is a staging area? I am hearing faint yelling and cheering." she says to the dwarf then back to Butternut, "We may be unknowingly walking into very large force. We may just need our Stone Golem..." she cautions.
( Sorry for the late addition post)

[Lucyus]

Lucyus

"Makes sense," Vardra replies to Vernar, giving Butternut an unreadable look. "We've only got so much food and water, and we don't know how long it will hold out. Nor do we know how far we are from a way out." Butternut and Ren quickly glide out of sight, followed shortly thereafter by Kaylessa. It if unsettling how quietly they move...

“There are ways to find water and food. Perhaps even have our clerics seek their patrons blessings for nourishment.”he says confidently, knowing that morale is a fleeting feeling and an army runs on it’s stomach.

Vernar pauses before responding more. "We know nothin' will follow us up from there, lest they be dwarves, which would be welcome 'bout now. Any goblins still here be likely hungry, and we have a riled up halfling t' loose upon 'em anyway," he says the last with a chuckle while glancing at Butternut moving down the passage. "I think stealth will win us the day, and the big one is jus' not up t' the task."

“It is good to have faith, good dwarf. But do not underestimate our opponents. They have had decades to find a way in here judging by the bodies at the doorstep. And I do not believe your people would leave things in such poor order.”

Vernar drifts back to the group, readying his axe and sword. "Found somethin'. Get ready," he whispers, and then returns to back up the other scouts should combat break out.

Hearing the dwarf’s words, Lucyus loosens his grip on his axe, then regrips it. “We will be ready.” Lucyus will move forward to the intersection of the hallway. So he is facing the doors but not in sight of the other corridors.

[GM Mad]

Post Continued:

The door to the room at the end of the hallway is already partially open, as it no longer fits its frame properly. Inside the room are two tables, chairs and several benches. More importantly, it looks like this area has been used and recently! The tables are not rotting or covered in dust and debris. Instead dice and coins are spotted!

As Kaylessa goes into the room, she can hear a distant noise, coming from beyond the door on the other side of the room. It sounds like cheering and yelling by a large group. Kaylessa relays this information to Vernar. While that is going on, Butternut moves towards the far door!

This other door is also partially open and the halfling can clearly hear what Kaylessa could. The beings making the noise are goblins! Butternut dares a quick look. The door leads into a new hallway running to her left and right. To the left goes only ten feet and ends at yet another door.

However, to the right is far more interesting. The hallway goes along for as far as Butternut can see. Close by there is a large opening on the left and there is a second opening further along.

Reaching the corner, Butternut discovers what she's been searching for! Beyond the opening is a large room filled with goblins! The crowd is yelling and cheering reminding Butternut as if they are watching a battle unfolding before them. All of the goblins have their backs to Butternut as whatever it is that they are watching is in the middle are of the large chamber. The chamber is so large that the far side cannot be seen!

While taking all of this in, a different, non-goblin voice is heard over the din. “Get'r mangy paws of a me, ya flea-ridden mongrel!” The voice sounds like a dwarf coming from somewhere deeper in the room!

[GM Mad]

GM Notes:

Here is the updated map for the new area:

graystone016.jpg (36.05 KiB) Viewed 9754 times

The B on the map is the position that Butternut and any other of the scouts can reach without being spotted. The goblins are too absorbed in their 'sport' to pay serious attention. I adjusted the map so that someone with full infravision could see what they could.

The combat room is huge. One support pillar can be spotted. What you cannot clearly see is that the room is terraced. That's what those lines on the floor indicated. So the room slopes down slightly from the first terrace line to the second. Those looking cannot see the dwarf but the goblins are all looking down, suggesting that whatever is happening is going on at a lower level.

Best guess would put over 100 goblins in the room!

Now what?

[Vardra]

Vardra Marcus, PFC:

Sorvani is momentarily surprised by the slap in the back but quickly recovers. “Yes, some fresh air would do us all a world of good. Not to mention a good bath.”

"Yes, a bath would be good." Vardra hadn't really given thought to the fact that he had not bathed in a day or two. He had bathed in the stream after they had first found the stone dwarf, but not since then. No doubt he is nearly as fetid as a goblin himself.

“There are ways to find water and food. Perhaps even have our clerics seek their patrons blessings for nourishment.”he says confidently, knowing that morale is a fleeting feeling and an army runs on it’s stomach.

"You would know better than I what the priest can ask from their patrons," Vardra says. "Having been without any priests these past several days, I have become used to thinking in terms of managing without the help of the divine."

===

Vernar drifts back to the group, readying his axe and sword. "Found somethin'. Get ready," he whispers, and then returns to back up the other scouts should combat break out.

The message from Wyvern Squad's dwarf gets passed back through the group. Hearing that combat is likely, Vardra moves the lantern to his right hand, and readies his shield in his left. When it goes down, it will be easy enough to set down the lantern and draw his sword.

[Butternut]

Butternut:

Her eyes widen as she realizes what maybe in the room before them, “Humanoids… they may have found another way in..” she says loud enough so that Butternut can hear her. She looks back at Vernar a look of concern upon her face, Vernar, “What if this is a staging area? I am hearing faint yelling and cheering." she says to the dwarf then back to Butternut, "We may be unknowingly walking into very large force. We may just need our Stone Golem..." she cautions.

Butternut nods. "I'll take a peek." She edges up to the door, from which she can clearly hear shouting and cheering from a large group. It only takes a few moments to confirm that the language is Goblin.

Returning to Kaylessa and Vernar, Butternut quietly fills them in. "The hallway run off to the right and is clear as far as I can see, though there is a large opening on the other side. That appears to be where the shouting is coming from. I recognize the language - Goblin.

"I think we should try for a better view. I can sneak into the hallway for a look into the opening. If there are as many as it sounds like, Kaylessa may be right about needing the golem."

If there are no objections, Butternut will proceed into the hallway. She notes the door on the left, which appears to be closed. Gesturing to Ren to keep an eye on that door, she turns right and makes her way to the edge of the large opening. From here, she can hear the crowd quite well and can see part of the room. It extends well beyond her range of vision, and is crowded with scores of hooting and hollering goblins.

Just then, a dwarven voice rings out. It sounds like these horrid goblins are getting their jollies by tormenting the dwarf. They must find a way to save the dwarf!

Butternut retreats quietly to converse with the other scouts. "There is a massive room filled with goblins and a second larger entry further down that I think leads into the same room. They are tormenting a dwarf prisoner. We need that golem, and we need to make sure that it only kills goblins in case there are non-dwarven prisoners."

Unless instructed otherwise, the halfling ranger returns to her position by the entry to keep an eye on the goblins and their activities. Hopefully, she'll get a glimpse of the dwarf.
______________________________________________________________________________
Updated Map: https://i.lensdump.com/i/AcYaCi.jpg

[Vernar]

Vernar -

Butternut returns with distressing news. A hundred or more goblins in a large room ahead. Even worse, they have a dwarven prisoner! Vernar can only wonder how long they have been here and how long that dwarf has suffered. With this news, Vernar returns to the main group.

"The gods must'a divined somethin' t' you this day," Vernar says to Erisciana. "We be needin' the stone dwarf after all."

Vernar will quickly relay the information Butternut shared with him to the rest of the group. He will then start making his way back to where they left the stone guardian after recruiting a couple of the fighter types to help him with the doors. Along the way, he will judge the ceilings to see if the stone dwarf can navigate the path to bring it to where the goblins are. Vernar will move tables, chairs, whatever might impede its path.

"I want a clear shot through," he explains. "Even though they be busy tormentin' my kin, I do not want the surprise ruined by too much furniture or doors breakin'."

[Kendell]

Kendell:

Kendell keeps in range of the torch light while the scouts are off scouting. The dwarf returns soon enough, alerting us to danger up ahead! Lots of goblins and another dwarf or something like that.

The next thing Kendell knows is that he is moving the braces that they just put into place to bar the doors back to the caves! After that Kendell will follow along but stay near the light so that he can see properly. If any goblins get close enough, bash them!

[Sorvani]

Sorvani:

So it is to be a rescue mission and the Stone Dwarf is now required. 100 goblins sounds like a whole lot of goblins and the construct is needed to even the odds. Sorvani will stay behind the Stone Dwarf and follow along within range of the torch light. The mage draws his sword and will save his magic for now. If there are that many goblins, then this could be a very long fight and no reason to expend it so quickly.

[Lucyus]

Lucyus
Lucyus looks to the left and right down the hallway as he awaits the word of what is found and where we are moving next.
“We cannot stay here forever.”he says plainly. In time vernar approaches and speaks of a host not far from here. It is assumed that there is a vast number of goblins gathered watching come kind of sport.

"I want a clear shot through," he explains. "Even though they be busy tormentin' my kin, I do not want the surprise ruined by too much furniture or doors breakin'."

“”Our job is to scout and report, If we die here. That force will run rampant across our lands, slaughtering everything in their wake.”
“I will follow you, my friend. But, I do not fully agree with attacking a force that is 10 times our size and knows this area far better than we do. We may want to see about a place once we get your kin to retreat to and have the golem thin their ranks.”
The thought of getting caught here between two forces is not one Lucyus likes to think on but it is there, lingering.
Lucyus will ready his ax and shield. Lucyus will wait until the battle begins and cast light so that he can move freely without his torch. ( Centered on a coin)

[Kaylessa]

Kaylessa
Kaylessa listens as Butternut expands on what she had heard. She is quite stoic when Vernar goes to get the golem.
She takes a deep breath as she realizes that this maybe a huge mistake. To be free of here is what her heart desires, not to battle ten score goblins, and that is all that butternut has seen, what if there is multiple levels…..
Kaylessa realizes that there is safety in numbers and she will follow keeping to the rear. She will keep both her shortswords in hand and hold her magic for the moment.

[Erisciana]

Erisciana -

The priestess expresses her concern about locking up the Stone Dwarf and not using it to assist their exit from these catacombs.

Vernar wants to try and sneak out and not cause a commotion. Erisciana makes a face, crooking her mouth to the side, unable to hide her disappointment. "I understand the idea, but I feel I must point out that attempting to sneak is what put us in this predicament to some extent in the first place."

Seeing that he is set on his decision, she does not push the issue. "We could have at least brought it along behind us in case we need it." Erisciana is not happy about a possible retreat being blocked. There may be more danger ahead than behind. Before departing the room, the priestess will put her foot on the broken beam and strain against it to move it a slight bit. It is quite heavy but she thinks it would move if necessary.

Before long, Vernar returns from the scouts and they have found something. It must be more than a minor challenge because it appears the whole group may be needed. She makes a frown briefly, but steels herself for the possible task ahead.

The group moves forward and apparently they have found a large grouping of the evil humanoids, in a sort of arena.

Butternut returns with distressing news. A hundred or more goblins in a large room ahead. Even worse, they have a dwarven prisoner! Vernar can only wonder how long they have been here and how long that dwarf has suffered. With this news, Vernar returns to the main group.

"The gods must'a divined somethin' t' you this day," Vernar says to Erisciana. "We be needin' the stone dwarf after all."

Erisciana smiles. "I commune with the goddess daily," she says. "This morning especially she blessed me with an increase in spells. As well as a bonus from Isharia. However, I might remind you that I have been trained in war tactics in my devotion to Ishtar. In any case, let us engage the enemy."

It turns out that the goblin horde is engaged in some sort of arena with a dwarf as the main combatant. The group has decided to try and rescue the humanoid. Vernar starts maneuvering it toward their target after they reopen the blocked doors.

"We should make sure that we do not get a flank group coming down a side passage. I expect many of the goblins to flee in terror, but we should not get overconfident."

[Erisciana]

Erisciana -

It seems the paladin has a similar concern about a group of goblins counter-attacking us from a different direction.

“Our job is to scout and report. If we die here, that force will run rampant across our lands, slaughtering everything in their wake.”

“I will follow you, my friend. But, I do not fully agree with attacking a force that is 10 times our size and knows this area far better than we do. We may want to see about a place once we get your kin to retreat to and have the golem thin their ranks.”

"Hopefully we are not facing a horde large enough to threaten the countryside," the priestess comments. "100 or 200 is a terrible threat for a group our size, but surely the local forces can protect the country against goblins?" Her question is more rhetorical than anything.

Erisciana will ready her shield and mace and save her spells for later into the battle. She will look to Vernar to see what directions he gives to their force members.

[GM Mad]

Post Continued:

A horde of goblins have been found! There in what looks to be a large combat arena where they are tormenting a dwarf prisoner with some beast! This information is quickly relayed back to the main body of the group and a plan of action formulated. The braces are quickly removed and the Stone Dwarf is summoned.

In spite of the seriousness of the situation and the dire peril this unknown dwarf is in, the Stone Dwarf moves along at a slow and steady gait. The ceilings in the hallway are more than high enough to accommodate the huge construct. Wall sconces are noted along the hallway every so often. Most do not hold torches, but a few do. None are lit.

The door into the room where the gold and dice were found is wide enough, but not high enough. But this is no obstacle to the Stone Dwarf as it simply walks through the door frame, leaving shattered wood and stone in its wake. The tables in the room need to be moved, but give the slow speed of the Stone Dwarf, this is accomplished long before the construct arrives.

The door out of the dice room meets the same fate as the entry door did. Now out in the next hallway, the Stone Dwarf ambles onward towards all the noise and commotion. Upon seeing the goblins, the Stone Dwarf unexpectedly lets out a hollow roar and starts to move forward at great speed!

The construct swings its limbs before it in wide arcs as it plows into the goblins! The cheers that were coming from the goblins turn into cries of terror once they realize what is now among them! Goblin bodies go flying every which way. Many are dead before landing and those who are not hit with a gruesome bone-crunching crash.

Panic grips the goblins and they start to flee away from the group and towards the far side of the room. Some can be seen fleeing out the far openings and into the hallway that most of the group now is in. However they keep moving away from the group and are soon lost from sight. Some women and children goblins are noted among the horde, not that it makes the slightest bit of difference to the Stone Dwarf. Any goblins in its way are smashed without hesitation!

With the room rapidly clearing out, you can see that the central part of this large area is a 10' deep pit. Secured ropes are noted here and there, but they all currently pulled up. Those who reach the edge and look down will see a crumbled body of a dwarf on the floor of the pit. Standing over him is a worg with blood smeared about its mouth. It growls menacing as it sees the new arrivals.

[GM Mad]

GM Notes:

No goblins are near or threatening the party at this time. There are more torch holders along the walls in places. About half of these have torches in them, but none are lit.

Here is the updated map for this area. The darker brown is the floor of the pit while the lighter brown is the area that slopes down from the regular floor level. More of this large room can be seen, but you still cannot see all of it.

graystone017.jpg (48.17 KiB) Viewed 9680 times

Now what?

[Vardra]

Vardra Marcus, PFC:

Vernar will quickly relay the information Butternut shared with him to the rest of the group. He will then start making his way back to where they left the stone guardian after recruiting a couple of the fighter types to help him with the doors. Along the way, he will judge the ceilings to see if the stone dwarf can navigate the path to bring it to where the goblins are. Vernar will move tables, chairs, whatever might impede its path.

"I want a clear shot through," he explains. "Even though they be busy tormentin' my kin, I do not want the surprise ruined by too much furniture or doors breakin'."

Hearing that they need to stone giant, Vardra sets the lantern down in the corner of the hallway, then pitches in to help with opening the big double doors. As the dwarf collects the statue, he peers carefully back down the stairs to make sure there are no threats waiting back that way. Knowing which way they intend to take the giant, he then moves to stand off to the left side of the doors in the hallway to be well out of the way.

The giant moves past with a slow lumbering gait. Vardra falls in behind, and scoops up his lantern as he turns the corner.

“Our job is to scout and report, If we die here. That force will run rampant across our lands, slaughtering everything in their wake.”
“I will follow you, my friend. But, I do not fully agree with attacking a force that is 10 times our size and knows this area far better than we do. We may want to see about a place once we get your kin to retreat to and have the golem thin their ranks.”

Hearing disagreement between the current chosen leaders, Vardra hesitates. "Uhh... So what are your orders?" he asks, looking back and forth between Vernar and Lucyus.

<Assuming that he receives confirmation that they are going forward with the attack...>

"We should make sure that we do not get a flank group coming down a side passage. I expect many of the goblins to flee in terror, but we should not get overconfident."

"That is a good point, priestess. We should definitely watch the giant's flanks to avoid the foe circling around to come at us."

The stone giant continues forward, crashing through the lintel above the door to the gaming room and then through the lintel on the other side. As it draws closer to the horde of goblins, it picks up speed, and Vardra finds that he has to jog to keep up.

Following it through the second ruined doorway, Vardra finds himself in a hallway that ends abruptly to his left with a closed door. The hall extends out of view to the right, and he can see the giant plowing into a roomful of goblins on the far side of the hall. It looks like there is an exit further down the hall, so Vardra heads that way to prevent the flanking that Erisciana warned of. Setting his lantern down against the wall opposite the gap between the two large entries, he moves to the edge of the second entry while readying his shield. If any goblins attempt to exit that way, he will cut down as many as he can.
_________________________________________________________________________
Mappishness: https://i.lensdump.com/i/AwAOSb.jpg

[Butternut]

Butternut:

After Vernar goes off to fetch the golem, Butternut returns to her position near the entryway. As she passes, she checks in with Ren to make sure that he hasn't detected any threats from the direction of the door at the north end of the hallway. She also fills him in quietly on the situation with the goblins and the golem.

From her spot looking into the large room, she can just make out the drop down to the next lower level of the pit. It seems to make a natural amphitheater. Presumably, there is a bottom level, and the terracing wraps around the room to form a bowl-like shape. The bottom is likely to be where the dwarf is being tormented for the sick amusement of these foul humanoids.

Soon, the golem appears and busts through the doorway from the adjacent room. Realizing that she is between the rocky warrior and the goblins, Butternut scampers to the left and crouches down on the other side of the entryway. The golem emits a strange bellow, then charges into the large room as she readies her crossbow.

Stepping into the hall behind the golem, Butternut begins firing her crossbow as fast as she can aim and reload. There are so many targets, she doesn't bother being selective. Sliding sideways to the left along the upper level of the amphitheater, she continues firing down into the bowl.

When she comes in sight of the warg, Butternut murmurs, "Bad doggy..." and makes the lupine her primary target until it goes down. If the warg or a goblin charges her, Butternut will drop the crossbow and draw her short sword and dagger.
___________________________________________________________________________
I'm trying to account for Butternut's limited infravision, so adapt as needed. Also, note that Butternut has no problem killing goblin women or children. In her eyes, all goblins are the enemy.

[Vernar]

Vernar -

The women are a lot more bloodthirsty than the men, Vernar thinks as he goes to retrieve the stone guardian, mulling over Butternut and Erisciana and their reactions versus Lucyus. Vernar doubts that the stone dwarf will be felled by 100 goblins, but caution is still prudent.

Controlling the stone dwarf is pretty straightforward. As he directs its travel, he makes sure everyone stays clear. "We be sendin' this brute in first," he explains. "Unlikely it will need help, but stay vigilant. Don't want none o' 'em stinkin' goblins thinkin' rushin' past us be the best idea."

The guardian makes short work of the door frames that do block its way. Vernar cringes at the sound of splintering wood, but the goblins are too engaged to notice. "We probably coulda marched an army through 'ere an' they not know," he says to no one in particular.

Soon the battle is engaged, and the stone dwarf takes off against what is clearly a known enemy. Vernar is a little concerned about regaining control, but at least the goblins are shattered. Butternut leaps into the fray with a glee that worries the dwarf a bit, but there is no time. A worg is threatening one of his kin in the bowels of this amphitheater. When Vernar gets a shot, he will hurl his throwing axe at the worg. He will keep his short sword at the ready should any goblins come his way, or if he needs to engage the beast in close combat.

[Kaylessa]

Kaylessa

The door out of the dice room meets the same fate as the entry door did. Now out in the next hallway, the Stone Dwarf ambles onward towards all the noise and commotion. Upon seeing the goblins, the Stone Dwarf unexpectedly lets out a hollow roar and starts to move forward at great speed!

The construct swings its limbs before it in wide arcs as it plows into the goblins! The cheers that were coming from the goblins turn into cries of terror once they realize what is now among them! Goblin bodies go flying every which way. Many are dead before landing and those who are not hit with a gruesome bone-crunching crash.

Panic grips the goblins and they start to flee away from the group and towards the far side of the room. Some can be seen fleeing out the far openings and into the hallway that most of the group now is in. However they keep moving away from the group and are soon lost from sight. Some women and children goblins are noted among the horde, not that it makes the slightest bit of difference to the Stone Dwarf. Any goblins in its way are smashed without hesitation!

Kaylessa moves close to the wall as the Large stone creature lumbers past her. It’s foot falls felt heavily upon the stone floor. The goblins would surely hear it coming she thinks to herself as it reaches the door and unexpectedly calls out in rage and rushes forward!
Kaylessa’s mouth gaps as she looks to the others as the guardian slams into the unexpected goblins, male, female or child it matters not as bodies fall and fly in it’s deadly wake. As the stone dwarf clears the room Kaylessa can’t help but wonder what happened to the captive.
Stepping up to edge she sees a deep 10 ft pit where the crumbled bloodied body of a dwarf is laying next to a blood soaked worg. Her eyes narrow upon seeing the creature. “I doubt it, but he may yet live!”he calls to the others, “Though the wolf shall not!”
Kaylessa will cast a magic missile spell at the worg.

[Lucyus]

Lucyus

The door out of the dice room meets the same fate as the entry door did. Now out in the next hallway, the Stone Dwarf ambles onward towards all the noise and commotion. Upon seeing the goblins, the Stone Dwarf unexpectedly lets out a hollow roar and starts to move forward at great speed!

The construct swings its limbs before it in wide arcs as it plows into the goblins! The cheers that were coming from the goblins turn into cries of terror once they realize what is now among them! Goblin bodies go flying every which way. Many are dead before landing and those who are not hit with a gruesome bone-crunching crash.

Panic grips the goblins and they start to flee away from the group and towards the far side of the room. Some can be seen fleeing out the far openings and into the hallway that most of the group now is in. However they keep moving away from the group and are soon lost from sight. Some women and children goblins are noted among the horde, not that it makes the slightest bit of difference to the Stone Dwarf. Any goblins in its way are smashed without hesitation!
Lucyus watches as the Stone Guardian tears into the unexpecting goblins causing bedlam and mayhem in its wake. He almost feels sorry for the poor creatures, Almost. The goblins begins tripping over each other as bodies fly from the deadly construct! “Glad he is on our side! He calls out as he looks at the goblins fleeing as fast as they can run.
“We just broke a hornets nest.” He says evenly as the others call that there is a dwarf and warg near. Lucyus will move up and give the scouts support with the warg. If it begins to stray he will bang his axe and shield together to get the beasts attention. “We must not linger here. They will return in force shortly. “Let us get the dwarf and be on our way!”

[Erisciana]

Erisciana -

"We should make sure that we do not get a flank group coming down a side passage. I expect many of the goblins to flee in terror, but we should not get overconfident."
"That is a good point, priestess. We should definitely watch the giant's flanks to avoid the foe circling around to come at us."

The priestess is most concerned about the long halls to the right of exiting the Stone Dwarf's room. She is about to suggest a possible tactic to engage the goblins, but the Stone Dwarf rushes in and starts thrashing the goblins. Erisciana winces a few times as the giant's blows scatter the chittering goblins in bloody heaps. It is only a few moments and the carnage is over.

All that remained at the moment was the blooded dwarf and his attacker: a giant warg. The group starts to attack and the priestess is confident that Wimzy should be able to get the wounded dwarf back on his feet, if any breath remains in his body.

“We just broke a hornets' nest.” He says evenly as the others call that there is a dwarf and warg near. Lucyus will move up and give the scouts support with the warg. If it begins to stray he will bang his axe and shield together to get the beasts attention. “We must not linger here. They will return in force shortly. “Let us get the dwarf and be on our way!”

Erisciana agrees with the paladin. "We should take advantage of the chaos that the Stone Dwarf created and make a move towards the exit, likely the taller halls," she adds. "We should be able to make some serious progress before they recollect themselves."

[Flare Nightstorm]

Flare Nightstorm -

Things have been exciting over the last day, week, year...

Flare has given up on trying to determine how much time has passed in the depths of this mountain.

He's been impressed with his companions' resourcefulness and hasn't felt the need to speak up or be a nuisance of any kind...

well.. except for the incident at the Lava Bridge...

We won't repeat the facts of that incident.

We won't repeat the fact that his oft-imbibed indulgence keeps getting him into trouble.

Damn cider.

We won't repeat the fact that, in a drunken stupor, he found it entertaining to forego the rock bridge and attempt swinging across the lava instead.

It wasn't long before he found himself upside-down beneath the largest of the rock bridges, tangled in his own line, out of sight of his companions, and a mere meter from the lava flow.

We shall repeat the fact that he was rescued by Wimzy who, noticing his absence, came back and found him roasted, well-done, but alive.

He couldn't have blamed his companions for wishing he'd have plunged to a fiery death. Perhaps next time, he chuckled. Nonetheless he was very thankful for Wimzy's help.

She prompted him to revisit the freshwater stream, where he soaked for a time. They finally caught up to their companions in the moments before Vernar's amazing command of the Stone Dwarf!

So - save for the Lava Bridge Incident - Flare has been happy to quietly pull companions up to higher levels, march confidently past cornered-Stone Dwarves, and push on massive doors with Kendell.

He shall try to be a better companion.

Outside the Goblin Arena -

Now by Butternut's side, Flare has also eyed the fallen dwarf & the vicious warg.

As the blood-stained warg moves in to kill its dwarven victim, Flare's companions succeed in capturing its attention.

It turns in vicious defense to face the onslaught from the members of Wyvern & Chimera Squads.

Nearly sober now, Flare's hands and eyesight are much more steady.

He takes aim at the evil warg's head and unleashes as many powerful arrows as his skills will allow.

[Kendell]

Kendell:

The Stone Dwarf lumbers down the hallway and in some cases through the doors. The constructs passage reminds Kendell of a great steer back on the farm. Any creature had best get out of his way or get flattened!

Kendell has his weapons at the ready. Unless instructed otherwise, he positions himself between the main group and the goblins and will intercept any of them who try to get past with sword and shield.

“I won't let any of these critters get past me!” Kendell tells the priests and the other spell casters.

[Sorvani]

Sorvani:

Things are about to get very messy. The Stone Dwarf is unleashed on the goblins and it rushes of letting out a roar as if it was some kind of living thing!

"We should make sure that we do not get a flank group coming down a side passage. I expect many of the goblins to flee in terror, but we should not get overconfident."

Noting the unlit torches on the wall every so often, Sorvani says to Erisciana, “Can that magical torch of yours lite other torches? Goblins hate light, so the more light we can produce the better!”

If such a thing does work, Sorvani will take up a torch of his own and keep his sword in his other hand. The mage keeps near the rear of the group and keeps a watchful eye on the doors behind us as we advance towards the pit where the dwarf is in.

[Erisciana]

Erisciana -

Noting the unlit torches on the wall every so often, Sorvani says to Erisciana, “Can that magical torch of yours lite other torches? Goblins hate light, so the more light we can produce the better!”

(Question: Lucyus tossed the torch with the magickal Firelight on it as he was being pulled up the hole. No one said they carried it from there. So who even has it?)

Assuming we have the torch, and if not, how are the rest of us seeing, Erisciana will respond to Sorvani's question. "The Firelight torch is somewhat different from a regular torch. It burns, but without heat, and gives off more light in its place. It will not light anything else, because it is not hot and therefore does not cause any mixture with the oxygen in the surrounding area. Essentially it is as effective at igniting as a regular stick."

[GM Mad]

Post Continued:

The Stone Dwarf has been unleashed on the goblins! The foul creatures flee for those who get too close to the construct are either pummeled by its weapons or crushed under its feet! Those around this side of the combat arena flee away from you and the Stone Dwarf.

A path is cleared to the edge of the battle pit. Looking down you can see a bloodied dwarf being menaced by a worg. Those who look around a little bit more can see more bodies down in the pit. There three more bodies of fallen dwarves. Two are male, one is female. Lastly there is a body that looks like a halfling a bit further away. There is also worg carcass down there. These unfortunate souls did not go down without a fight!

Kaylessa casts her Magic Missile at the worg as Vernar throws his axe. The single Magic Missile rips into the worg, wounding it. The throwing axe is low and to the left of its target.

Flare steps up and nocks an arrow. His first shaft flies true and buries itself in the beasts side. The worg yelps in noticeable pain. Butternut lines up a shot with her crossbow but the bolt sails high. Flare fires another arrow and hits, but this one just nicks the worg. It snarls menacingly at the group, looking for a way to reach these new targets.

Vardra moves a bit to the south and sets down his lantern. As he takes up a defensive position, six goblins rush from the combat arena and into the hallway heading towards him!

As they fight, Vernar, Kaylessa, and Flare will note that there are even more goblins on the other side of the pit! The Stone Dwarf didn't go after them, at least yet, but instead chased down the ones on your side! The construct is further away in this very large room and you can just barely see him in the dim light. From the looks of it there are dozens of goblins over there. Some can see you, but haven't decided to move towards you just yet!

[GM Mad]

GM Notes:

The worg is still alive, but wounded! You definitely have its attention! Everyone else, other than Butternut, Flare, Kaylessa and Vernar can still act in this round.

Here is the updated map. Your initials show your locations as best I could gather them from your posts.

graystone018.jpg (74.3 KiB) Viewed 9537 times

Ka = Kaylessa, Ke = Kendell, Va = Vardra and Ve = Vernar. The G are the small group of goblins moving on Vardra and the Many Goblins are those on the other side of the pit. SD is the location of the Stone Dwarf.

This area looks, and smells, as if its where the bulk of the goblins live, so there is a lot of clutter on the floor. There is also a great many dead goblin bodies now on it too.

Lucyus still has the magically enhanced torch.

Now what?

[Vardra]

Vardra Marcus, PFC:

Controlling the stone dwarf is pretty straightforward. As he directs its travel, he makes sure everyone stays clear. "We be sendin' this brute in first," he explains. "Unlikely it will need help, but stay vigilant. Don't want none o' 'em stinkin' goblins thinkin' rushin' past us be the best idea."

The guardian makes short work of the door frames that do block its way. Vernar cringes at the sound of splintering wood, but the goblins are too engaged to notice. "We probably coulda marched an army through 'ere an' they not know," he says to no one in particular.

Vernar provides instructions regarding their strategy for the looming battle. "Yessir," Vardra responds instinctively due to his training. The dwarf's last comment draws a chuckle from the soldier. "Might even have missed my father's snoring, were he here."

===

From his position next to the second entryway, Vardra watches the chaos unfold as the golem plows through the panicked goblins. He glances back over his shoulder, sees Sorvani well behind him, and notes that the rest of the team have all gone into the room through the first entry, leaving him on his own to cover their flank.

Turning back, he notes that half a dozen of the miserable creatures seem to have recovered their nerve and are coming his way. "Sorvani! I could use some help here," he calls out as he loosens his shoulders and prepares to meet the creatures with sword and shield.
_________________________________________________________________________

Assuming we have the torch, and if not, how are the rest of us seeing

Vardra has been carrying his lantern, as described in his posts, so that may be part of it.

[Erisciana]

Erisciana -

While there is no immediate threat to the group, the chaos of the conflicts continues. With the discovery of the wounded dwarf in the pit, those with missile weapons let loose on the warg. The priestess is not close enough to see the results, but the beast yelps in pain, indicating that at least some of their aims were true.

The lack of light here makes the combat even more unsettling and the Stone Dwarf continues it's mayhem, outside of her view. Erisciana will stay within the light which Lucyus carries as best as she can.

While waiting for instructions from their leaders, Erisciana will offer some comments. " Be sure to stay together. One or two goblins may not be a match for any of us, but if we were to get isolated, even the strongest of us could get overwhelmed."

Hearing commotion outside in the hall as well, Erisciana will steal a peek around the corner. Only Sorvani and Vardra are here and his lantern illuminates a number of goblins coming along the flank, just as she had previously warned. She guesses that the soldier and the mage can handle this initial surge, but it could get quickly out of hand. She catches Sorvani's attention. "If you need help, call out!" she exclaims and tries to stay close to the hallway and still in the light of the Firelight torch.

Her mind races through the possibilities here and the directions that the fight could turn. Hopefully Vernar will not let them get too strung out and unable to properly defend themselves. With luck they can rescue the dwarf before the goblins attempt any attack to their front.

[Butternut]

Butternut:

The golem charges past and Butternut attempts to fire into the terrified masses of goblins. Despite pulling the trigger multiple times, the crossbow fails to fire. Frustrated, she spends several precious seconds trying to repair the firing mechanism, then rises and moves into the large room. So absorbed in trying the rectify the issue, that she advances into the room to the left, rather than to the right as she had originally intended.

Stepping up to edge she sees a deep 10 ft pit where the crumbled bloodied body of a dwarf is laying next to a blood soaked worg. Her eyes narrow upon seeing the creature. “I doubt it, but he may yet live!”he calls to the others, “Though the wolf shall not!”

Moments later, spells and weapons fly past her, eliciting a yelp from a canine of some type - probably the wolf Kaylessa spoke of. Taking a step further in that direction, she spots the warg that had been - up until just recently - chewing on the dwarf at its feet. This time, the firing mechanism functions as expected, launching the quarrel toward its target. Unfortunately, her own frustration fouls the shot, going wide toward the far end of the room.

With no better option, she begins to load another bolt. Though she cannot see that far, Butternut hears sounds from the far left corner of the room that seem to indicate that there may be more goblins that way.

“We just broke a hornets nest.” He says evenly as the others call that there is a dwarf and warg near. Lucyus will move up and give the scouts support with the warg. If it begins to stray he will bang his axe and shield together to get the beasts attention. “We must not linger here. They will return in force shortly. “Let us get the dwarf and be on our way!”

Erisciana agrees with the paladin. "We should take advantage of the chaos that the Stone Dwarf created and make a move towards the exit, likely the taller halls," she adds. "We should be able to make some serious progress before they recollect themselves."

"Doing so would leave us trapped between the goblins in yonder corner and those further down the passage," Butternut responds, not wanting to leave so many goblins alive. "Any goblins that return will still have to deal with the golem. And are we so sure there are no other prisoners needing our help?"

If the others put down the warg before she can get her next shot off, she'll adjust her focus toward the corner and wait to see if they come into view.
________________________________________________________________________
I don't see Ren marked on the map. Is he somewhere about?

[GM Mad]

GM Notes:

I don't see Ren marked on the map. Is he somewhere about?

I forgot all about him. I updated the map a few posts up. It now shows the position of Ren and the worg. The big black dots are pillars that help support this room.

I also wanted to clear up something as it has been asked of me. There are multiple levels to this chamber. The light brown slopes down to the dark brown area. But this slope does not allow walking access to the ground level in the pit. It slopes down and at its edge its a 10' drop to the bottom of the pit. That's why the worg didn't rush to attack as it was trying to figure out how to get up to where the group is. It's also why the Stone Dwarf didn't attack the gobs on the far side of the pit. There was a drop off in between!

I believe that I mentioned in the post before the last that there were ropes every so often to reach the lowest level. Not mentioned yet, but there is a crude walkway at the far end to allows the worgs down into the pit.

Also, I had planned on having Butternut fire off a few bolts, but would be unable to determine what damage they did. Forgot about it while writing the post. Butternut's explanation is good too.

[Kaylessa]

Kaylessa

Kaylessa casts her Magic Missile at the worg as Vernar throws his axe. The single Magic Missile rips into the worg, wounding it. The throwing axe is low and to the left of its target.

Kaylessa sys the words to the spell and a magic missile streaks toward the Warg and tears into it’s side causing it to make a sound in pain. Others add arrows and axes to the mix but the beast still lingers and looks for a way to get to them to no avail.

As they fight, Vernar, Kaylessa, and Flare will note that there are even more goblins on the other side of the pit! The Stone Dwarf didn't go after them, at least yet, but instead chased down the ones on your side! The construct is further away in this very large room and you can just barely see him in the dim light. From the looks of it there are dozens of goblins over there. Some can see you, but haven't decided to move towards you just yet!

A movement catches her eyes and she looks up as she sees many eyes upon them. Dozens of goblins lurk in the dark. Some of their beady eyes look in their direction. “We are not alone.” calling back to the others. “There is at least a score of goblins here!” she says stepping back a step her blades coming up as her eyes narrow.

"Doing so would leave us trapped between the goblins in yonder corner and those further down the passage," Butternut responds, not wanting to leave so many goblins alive. "Any goblins that return will still have to deal with the golem. And are we so sure there are no other prisoners needing our help?"

“Do you really wish to debate this now?” she asks, as she shakes her head still focused on the goblins before them. “There are children present….I have an idea..It may buy us some time. Vernar be ready with the golem.”
Speaking in the brutal language of the goblin tongue, “If you value your lives and that of your children stay where you are, or the Stone dwarf will feast upon you!”
She will relay what she said to the others so they realize she is buying time.

Kaylessa will hold action until the goblins move toward them. When they do she Cast Sleep into their mist for maximum effect.

[Lucyus]

Lucyus

Lucyus hears the screams of the Goblins in the distance as the Stone golem ushers them to the exits. Then the yelps of the warg and the warnings of those who can see in the dark that there are many goblins above that cannot come down towards them besides perhaps by rope or jumping , he thinks to himself. E

Lucyus hears Eri’s call out to Varda seeing if the soldier needs help to say a word. Within moments Varda calls out for aid from Sorvani. Causing the the Paladin to look over his shoulder for a moment then looks back at and realizing that the goblins haven’t moved toward them. To Vernar, Kaylessa and Butternut, “See to this, Our rear is exposed!” he calls out his helmet muffling his voice.
Not liking the idea of turning his back on an enemy but knowing it is faster, Lucyus spins and heads back toward Wimzy, as he passes Wimzy drops torch, adjusting his axe and shield. If he reaches Varda’s he will place himself on Varda’s flank so that they can guard each other’s side.

[Vernar]

Vernar -

His axe is a little off the mark, so Vernar slips a throwing dagger into his hands. It just doesn't feel quite right if he doesn't have two weapons at the ready. The worg is wounded, and is focused on us, but there is no easy way for it to get to us. It is only a matter of time.

“Do you really wish to debate this now?” she asks, as she shakes her head still focused on the goblins before them. “There are children present….I have an idea..It may buy us some time. Vernar be ready with the golem.”

Vernar understands what Kaylessa is getting at, but he is loathe to try to refocus control on the stone dwarf at the moment. "Not under my control at the moment," Vernar says, "an' not really sure I want to be distractin' it from goblin slayin' even if I could."

Lucyus hears Eri’s call out to Varda seeing if the soldier needs help to say a word. Within moments Varda calls out for aid from Sorvani. Causing the the Paladin to look over his shoulder for a moment then looks back at and realizing that the goblins haven’t moved toward them. To Vernar, Kaylessa and Butternut, “See to this, Our rear is exposed!” he calls out his helmet muffling his voice.

"Aye!" the dwarf replies, "we'll be gettin' it done!"

Vernar will look to see how the dwarf responds to our presence. Is he moving? Does the dwarf know we're even there? If he can move on his own, then Vernar can see about lowering a rope to him. If not, he will have to descend himself to help his distant kin up. If the dwarf is aware of our presence, Vernar will yell down. "Pick up my axe an' fight!" indicating where it skittered across the floor. "We be havin' you outta there soon enough!"

When the opportunity strikes, Vernar will either lower a rope to the dwarf or throw a dagger at either the worg or at one of the goblins if they start advancing on us.

[GM Mad]

GM Notes:

Vernar will look to see how the dwarf responds to our presence. Is he moving? Does the dwarf know we're even there? If he can move on his own, then Vernar can see about lowering a rope to him. If not, he will have to descend himself to help his distant kin up. If the dwarf is aware of our presence, Vernar will yell down. "Pick up my axe an' fight!" indicating where it skittered across the floor. "We be havin' you outta there soon enough!"

The dwarf near the worg hasn't stirred yet, but he does look wounded. He's either unconscious or worse...

It also seems that I didn't mention in the post, but Lucyus cast a Light spell on a coin a little while back and then dropped it on the ground. The spell creates an area of light equal to that of a torch that extend 20' in all directions. Assume that the coin was dropped at the location of the L on the earlier map.

[Kendell]

Kendell:

Thanks to the glowing coin, Kendell can see a little bit of what goes on around him. Kendell has to rely on the what the others are saying to keep track of what is going on beyond his sight. There are the sounds of battle from the pit and the beast being wounded. The Grim Soldier calls out for the aid of the Mage. It didn't sound too far away. He spots the paladin moving towards the Grim Soldier.

“I am here as well,” Kendell calls out. “What do you need?”

[Sorvani]

Sorvani:

Assuming we have the torch, and if not, how are the rest of us seeing, Erisciana will respond to Sorvani's question. "The Firelight torch is somewhat different from a regular torch. It burns, but without heat, and gives off more light in its place. It will not light anything else, because it is not hot and therefore does not cause any mixture with the oxygen in the surrounding area. Essentially it is as effective at igniting as a regular stick."

“A simple 'no' would have sufficed,” Sorvani answers with a chuckle.

As Sorvani keeps watch so that no foes approach from the rear, his name is heard over all the other noise.

Turning back, he notes that half a dozen of the miserable creatures seem to have recovered their nerve and are coming his way. "Sorvani! I could use some help here," he calls out as he loosens his shoulders and prepares to meet the creatures with sword and shield.

“Coming,” Sorvani reluctantly answers. He doesn't like leaving the rear unguarded, but doesn't like having another front overrun either.

Hearing commotion outside in the hall as well, Erisciana will steal a peek around the corner. Only Sorvani and Vardra are here and his lantern illuminates a number of goblins coming along the flank, just as she had previously warned. She guesses that the soldier and the mage can handle this initial surge, but it could get quickly out of hand. She catches Sorvani's attention. "If you need help, call out!" she exclaims and tries to stay close to the hallway and still in the light of the Firelight torch.

“Yes, ma'am,” Sorvani calls as he passes.

“I am here,” Sorvani says as he closes in behind Vardra. “Just don't stab me!”

If the goblins attack, Sorvani will use his sword to fight them off. If they flee, he will let them.

[Erisciana]

Erisciana -

The mage Sorvani is not so interested in the details that Erisci provides regarding her Firelight spell. She gives the man an odd glance. Normally mages are devourers of information and knowledge.

“A simple 'no' would have sufficed,” Sorvani answers with a chuckle.

She shrugs, wordlessly. Next time she shall be more succinct.

A movement catches her eyes and she looks up as she sees many eyes upon them. Dozens of goblins lurk in the dark. Some of their beady eyes look in their direction. “We are not alone.” calling back to the others. “There is at least a score of goblins here!” she says stepping back a step her blades coming up as her eyes narrow.

It would have been too much to expect the Stone Dwarf's rampage to fully route the goblins, seeing as this arena area seems huge. "What are they doing?" the priestess asks. "We should be prepared that they could become a threat."

Erisciana agrees with the paladin. "We should take advantage of the chaos that the Stone Dwarf created and make a move towards the exit, likely the taller halls," she adds. "We should be able to make some serious progress before they recollect themselves."

"Doing so would leave us trapped between the goblins in yonder corner and those further down the passage," Butternut responds, not wanting to leave so many goblins alive. "Any goblins that return will still have to deal with the golem. And are we so sure there are no other prisoners needing our help?"

"As it is we are already 'trapped between' those two goblin groups. They have numbers and the golem cannot be everywhere at once. At least in the halls we can make progress to exit this place and limit the advantage of their numbers. We have too many unknowns in our current position." She is not yet aware of the others in the pit besides the dwarf that was mentioned, as she cannot see that far.

“Do you really wish to debate this now?” Kaylessa asks, as she shakes her head still focused on the goblins before them.

"It is not a debate, more offering of suggestions," Erisciana suggests. "We have not worked together long and our very survival rests on being able to know what to expect of each other. Ultimately, at least for now, Vernar and also Lucyus, have been recommended as leaders. That does not preclude another from having a good suggestion."

As the battle with the Warg in the pit and the goblins develops further, the group starts to adjust to the goblin's counters. The priestess checks on those in the hall alongside the arena and Vardra and Sorvani are there. Lucyus moves over to assist Vardra, which will allow Sorvani to remain in his current reserve spot. He also will make sure we are not assaulted from a third direction.

The group seems to be in a good position with fighters to both sides and ranged combatants to their front currently. The front is the more dangerous point currently as the area is so big and goblins could overwhelm them if they can avoid the golem. Victory for their group is far from a sure thing, due to so many unknowns.

[Vardra]

Vardra Marcus, PFC:

Though he can hear talking from those who entered the great hall behind him, Vardra cannot make out most of it. Mostly he just hears a confused jumble of voices echoing in the large space.

“Coming,” Sorvani reluctantly answers. He doesn't like leaving the rear unguarded, but doesn't like having another front overrun either.

Being the closest of his squad-mates, Vardra hears the reply. "Thanks."

“I am here as well,” Kendell calls out. “What do you need?”

Kendell's voice makes it through the din. Vardra suspects that he may not be as far away as some of the others. "Got a handful of gobs approaching. Sorvani and I should be able to handle it."

“I am here,” Sorvani says as he closes in behind Vardra. “Just don't stab me!”

Footsteps approach from behind Vardra, which are Sorvani confirms are his. "I won't. Watch my right flank along the wall, and I'll cover the left side." Vardra adjusts his own position as necessary to make room for Sorvani

Vardra thinks he hears heavy footsteps coming from the direction of the main group, but isn't sure who it is as he couldn't hear Lucyus through the helmet and other noises. His primary focus is on the goblins bearing down on him. He stands steadfast, despite having minimal real combat experience; he will not let his companions down!

[Butternut]

Butternut:

A movement catches her eyes and she looks up as she sees many eyes upon them. Dozens of goblins lurk in the dark. Some of their beady eyes look in their direction. “We are not alone.” calling back to the others. “There is at least a score of goblins here!” she says stepping back a step her blades coming up as her eyes narrow.

Strangely, this news cheers Butternut. 'They just haven't realized that they're dead yet,' she thinks to herself. 'It is only a matter of time...'

"As it is we are already 'trapped between' those two goblin groups. They have numbers and the golem cannot be everywhere at once. At least in the halls we can make progress to exit this place and limit the advantage of their numbers. We have too many unknowns in our current position." She is not yet aware of the others in the pit besides the dwarf that was mentioned, as she cannot see that far.

"Better to deal with them here where we know where they are and they have limited options, than to allow them to operate unhindered behind us." Regardless of what is decided, Butternut has no intention of leaving here while those goblins in the corner are alive.

Vernar understands what Kaylessa is getting at, but he is loathe to try to refocus control on the stone dwarf at the moment. "Not under my control at the moment," Vernar says, "an' not really sure I want to be distractin' it from goblin slayin' even if I could."

Vernar's pronouncement strikes Butternut as quite alarming. "Not under your control?!" she exclaims. "Arvoreen, protect us!" Butternut hunkers down, determined not to flee unless absolutely necessary.

Speaking in the brutal language of the goblin tongue, “If you value your lives and that of your children stay where you are, or the Stone dwarf will feast upon you!”

Hearing Kaylessa call out in Goblin, Butternut is impressed by the elf's knowledge of their guttural tongue. "Of course, doing so won't save them," Butternut murmurs to no one in particular.

To Vernar, Kaylessa and Butternut, “See to this, Our rear is exposed!” he calls out his helmet muffling his voice.

Butternut hears the comment from Lucyus, and spares a glance back over her shoulder. Seeing no immediate threat from that direction, she remains focused on the warg and goblins to the front of the group. Lucyus heads off to support Vardra and Sorvani, as there apparently are goblins coming from that direction that have gotten past the golem.

[GM Mad]

Post Closed