Blackflame #3

[GM Mad]

Blackflame #3


After the riding the Phantom Steeds up a valley towards the Black Peak Mountains, the valley has seemingly come to a dead end. The valley ends at a cliff where a waterfall cascades down forming a small river. According to the old books Sherwood has read, his ancestors found a way to continue on up into the mountains on horseback, but no such way can be seen. There has been signs of an ancient road that runs along the west side of the small river.

The group dismounts and begins to search. Lilia and Nariya cross the river and follow the shoreline in search of this ancient track. Rat and Yusef begin to examine the east side of the river in search of a hidden way or concealed passage.

Kylie tries a different tract and examines the waterfall after a brief discussion with Sherwood. Assuming she follows the older mage's advice, she searches for a way to get around the waterfall and see what lies behind it. Unfortunately, the shore does not extend behind the waterfall, so there is no above ground way to reach it The mist rising up from the falling water does obscure what is going on over there.


On the west side of the river, Nariya is able to figure out where the road is. The majority of the road has long since been overgrown by grass and weeds, but enough remains for those who know what to look for. Slowly, Nariya walks up the river bank until, before reaching the waterfall area, the buried road turns towards the cliff face and stops.

Puzzled, Nariya reaches out to examine the stone only to have her hand pass through it! The cliff face before her is illusionary!

Looking behind it, the elves can see that the road continues on into the mountain. The opening is over fifteen feet high and nearly twenty feet wide! Large enough to ride through. There is dried mud among the stones that form the road, but no tracks can be seen in them. It's clear that no one has passed this way in a long time. The passage continues on into the mountain beyond the range of sight.


GM Notes:

Kylie still going to search under the waterfall?

Or just continue on down the hidden roadway?

[Kylie]

Kylie:

Sherwood listens to Kylie's suggestion as the others fan out to search. "Actually, there is no need to go into a full sea elf form. Just use the magic to give yourself gills and you should be able to breath underwater just fine. Although that may not be necessary. Make sure that there is not a way around the waterfall on the surface before going underwater. No reason to waste the spell if you don't need to."

"Oh, yeah, that makes sense," Kylie replies. "I'm not really that familiar with the spell yet, and wasn't certain if I could make just limited changes like that. Guess I know now!"

It quickly becomes apparent that she won't be able to get behind the waterfall without going for a swim. Unaware of Nariya's discovery, Kylie strips down to minimal clothing and equipment, making sure she has her best dagger and her Girdle with all of her spell components. Then, casting her Alter Self spell, she dives into the water.

Kylie looks not only for a way to get behind the waterfall, but for any underwater tunnels that might open into a dry area a little further on.

[Nariya]

Nariya:

On the west side of the river, Nariya is able to figure out where the road is. The majority of the road has long since been overgrown by grass and weeds, but enough remains for those who know what to look for. Slowly, Nariya walks up the river bank until, before reaching the waterfall area, the buried road turns towards the cliff face and stops.

Puzzled, Nariya reaches out to examine the stone only to have her hand pass through it! The cliff face before her is illusionary!

Looking behind it, the elves can see that the road continues on into the mountain. The opening is over fifteen feet high and nearly twenty feet wide! Large enough to ride through. There is dried mud among the stones that form the road, but no tracks can be seen in them. It's clear that no one has passed this way in a long time. The passage continues on into the mountain beyond the range of sight.

"What is this?" Nariya says outloud, nearly gasping when her hand passes through the cliff face. Revealing it to have all been an illusion, Nariya takes in the enormity of the opening. "Someone sure didn't want this to be casually found," Nariya will say, turning to her companions. "Sherwood, I've found us a way through!"

[Lilia]

Lilia:

"That is fine," Nariya replies. "I usually don't get the chance to be so close to Sherwood, so I should jump at this opportunity, no?" To that, Nariya will laugh lightly.

Nariya's comments catch Lilia momentarily off guard. She's never really thought about Sherwood, or any human for that matter, in the way her fellow elf is suggesting. Nonetheless she is pleased with the arrangement so Lilia makes no comment.

Lilia then joins Kylie on the back of the Phantom Steed for the upcoming ride. Conversation is kept to a minimum as the ride turns out to far more than we expected.


Once at the end of the valley, Lilia follows Nariya as she scouts the area for a way to continue the journey. Her fellow elf seems able to tell where the buried road lies even though it cannot be seen! Amazed by this, Lilia will just follow along. The trail eventually brings us up to the rock face.

"What is this?" Nariya says outloud, nearly gasping when her hand passes through the cliff face. Revealing it to have all been an illusion, Nariya takes in the enormity of the opening. "Someone sure didn't want this to be casually found," Nariya will say, turning to her companions. "Sherwood, I've found us a way through!"

"An illusion…", Lilia will say considering the possibilities. "Obviously a ruse to keep outsiders away."

She'll look down the tunnel as it runs off into darkness. Going underground seems to be the only way to continue this journey. At least the opening is wide and she can't help but wonder what awaits them in the darkness.

[Yusef]

Yusef:

"I really don't know if our path will bring us back to Threshold or not. However, I can bring you back here if need be with my magic. If you have a strong attachment to your horse, than store him. If not, then sell him and that'll solve the problem."

"Well, he's been a good horse during the short time that I've had him, but I can't say that I have developed any particular emotional attachment to this horse. Selling him and his riding gear seems the easiest approach." Yusef will proceed to do just that.

Teaming up with his riding partner, Rat, Yusef and the halfling scour the cliff surface for any hidden openings or easy climbing routes. However, their search appears to be in vain as they find nothing helpful.

Suddenly, there is a call from Nariya claiming that she has found a way onward. Yusef looks down at his small partner. "Shall we go see what the young lady has found?"

Assuming Rat agrees, they cross the river to investigate Nariya's finding.
________________________________________________________
Mad, Please let me know how much Yusef makes on the sale of the horse and riding gear so I can update his sheet. Thanks!

[Rat]

Rat

Rat's antics will bring a smile to Sherwood's face. Things are not dull with the Master Finder around. "As I stated previously, they do not eat, so you're not on the menu. They also do not attack, so you'll be perfectly safe as long as you have a tight grip."

"Well, as long as you say its safe", Rat will finally agree. Sherwood may be a master of the dark arts, but he is not a liar. At least in Rat's experience. A major character flaw to the human!

After vaulting nimbly into the saddle, Yusef reaches a hand down to the halfling. "It would be my pleasure, Rat. And don't worry, I'll protect you from this hell-steed's teeth," he concludes with a chuckle.

"Ye best watch out for yerself too," Rat will say as he's helped up. Yusef finds Rat to be quite light. Under ninety pounds included gear! "This thing may not be particular in wherein it finds its meal!"

When they arrive at the end of the valley, Kylie is a bit disappointed that the ride is already over. Rat's hysterics cause her to chuckle, but she goes over to make sure he is alright. "Are you okay, friend Rat? Quite a ride, wasn't it? Took my breath away."

"All right?", Rat will say still in shock. "I doubt I'll be alright again, lass! It was horrible! My innards are all jumbled! I couldn't breath either!"

Once at the waterfalls, Rat will look for ways to climb up the cliff. He'll go up a few feet and then have to go back down as likely free climbing paths seem few here.

Suddenly, there is a call from Nariya claiming that she has found a way onward. Yusef looks down at his small partner. "Shall we go see what the young lady has found?"

"What's that? The elves found something? Let's see! It might be valuable!"

Driven solely by greed, Rat scurries along, although he'll need help to cross the river, to find out what the elves found! Alas it is only a concealed tunnel in the mountainside.

"Looks like the lasses found yer horse path, Sherwood. I suppose this means that we're going up on those horses from Hades? Can't talk you out of it? Slower this time! Slower!"

Looking around Rat will suddenly realize that Kylie is nowhere to be seen.

"Now where has that lass gotten off to? Anyone seen Kylie? I swear that girl gets into almost as much trouble as I do!

[Sherwood]

Sherwood:

"Well, he's been a good horse during the short time that I've had him, but I can't say that I have developed any particular emotional attachment to this horse. Selling him and his riding gear seems the easiest approach." Yusef will proceed to do just that.

"As you wish, Yusef. Meet us at the gates when you are finished."


At the water falls…

"Oh, yeah, that makes sense," Kylie replies. "I'm not really that familiar with the spell yet, and wasn't certain if I could make just limited changes like that. Guess I know now!"

"The key to any open-ended spell used to change forms is that you have to visualize in your mind what that form will be. Knowledge of what you want to become is the most important thing. I can describe to you what a sea elf looks like, but would it be enough to allow you to get a clear mental picture? Maybe. But now imagine yourself with the addition of gills. It's much easer to do that instead of changing to a completely different form you're unfamiliar with."

"What is this?" Nariya says out loud, nearly gasping when her hand passes through the cliff face. Revealing it to have all been an illusion, Nariya takes in the enormity of the opening. "Someone sure didn't want this to be casually found," Nariya will say, turning to her companions. "Sherwood, I've found us a way through!"

Upon hearing his name, Sherwood will look up from his book. Realizing that Nariya has found something, Sherwood will rush to her side.

"Well done, Nariya. An illusion you say?"

Sherwood waves his hand through the illusionary stone and then will look inside.

"This does seem to be the way to go. Looks like this passage hasn't been used recently. Not sure if that's a good thing or not. At any rate, we've found our passage. Let's mount up."

"Looks like the lasses found yer horse path, Sherwood. I suppose this means that we're going up on those horses from Hades? Can't talk you out of it? Slower this time! Slower!"

"Yes, might as well use the Phantom Steeds for as long as we can. The ride will be much slower this time. Nariya and I will lead the way and we'll be looking for any traps along the way. If they went to the trouble of erecting a permanent illusion, then there might be other defenses too."

Looking around Rat will suddenly realize that Kylie is nowhere to be seen.

"Now where has that lass gotten off to? Anyone seen Kylie? I swear that girl gets into almost as much trouble as I do!

"She's looking for a hidden way in the river," Sherwood will explain. "She should be along any minute now."

[Nariya]

Nariya:

Upon hearing his name, Sherwood will look up from his book. Realizing that Nariya has found something, Sherwood will rush to her side.

"Well done, Nariya. An illusion you say?"

"Seemingly so," Nariya replies. "What could it mean? Certainly gnolls aren't capable of doing something like this..." her voice trails off.

Sherwood waves his hand through the illusionary stone and then will look inside.

"This does seem to be the way to go. Looks like this passage hasn't been used recently. Not sure if that's a good thing or not. At any rate, we've found our passage. Let's mount up."

Nariya will make her way back to the magical steed, more eager now to ride upon it once more. Almost as eager as she is to get on a trail that has not been used in so long. The anticipation of further discovery is almost too much to contain.

[Yusef]

Yusef:

"As you wish, Yusef. Meet us at the gates when you are finished."

"That I shall," Yusef replies. He wanders off, returning a little while later sans a horse and riding gear, but with his purse a little heavier.

"Ye best watch out for yerself too," Rat will say as he's helped up. Yusef finds Rat to be quite light. Under ninety pounds included gear! "This thing may not be particular in wherein it finds its meal!"

"I don't think they'd find me very tasty..." Yusef replies cryptically.

"What's that? The elves found something? Let's see! It might be valuable!"

Yusef suspects that his small friend has the wrong idea, but says nothing. Indeed, it seems that Nariya has found them a passage into - and perhaps through - the mountain. Yusef steps through the illusion and glances around. His curiosity peaked, a small smile crosses his face. This is certainly a place he has never been before!

Yusef returns to his appointed mount and saddles up, helping Rat up if the halfling is ready...

[GM Mad]

Post Continued:

Kylie uses Alter Self to give herself gills like a fish. She then slips into the cold river water and goes exploring. Getting near the area where the water impacts is problematic. The current is very strong pushing her away from it and visibility is low. As near as Kylie can tell, there is nothing out of the ordinary down there.

Once exiting the water, Kylie learns that another way has been found and the group is off once more.


Sherwood and Nariya lead the way into the hidden roadway on top of the Phantom Steed. They proceed at a much more leisurely pace as they ride along. Sherwood pulls out a rock with Continual Light cast on it from his Bag of Holding to serve as illumination. The sound of the waterfall crashing begins to lessen as you ride along until it can no longer be heard.

The passage maintains the same rough dimensions, twenty feet wide, fifteen feet high, throughout its length. The passage heads into the mountain and then slowly begins to turn to the right. It also begins to rise, but at a gentle rate.

The ride passes slowly as the Nariya and Sherwood check for any traps along the way. None are found and the group rides along in ominous silence. Since the Phantom Steeds make no noise, there's not even the sounds of horse footfalls.

About forty-five minutes into the ride sounds can once again be heard. Those with the sharpest hearing pick them up first. The sounds of the wind blowing past and water flowing are heard.

Light is seen up ahead and the hidden road emerges from the mountain. A gorge lies ahead but a wide stone bridge supports the road across it. Halfway across the eighty foot span is an ancient looking tower. It is squat and crumbling. The upper sections of the tower have long since collapsed, leaving only the ground floor. A large bronze door leads into the tower. The tower completely blocks passage across the bridge.

On the other side of the gorge, you can see that a road cut into the side of the mountain continues along to your left, leading deeper into the mountains and out of sight.

Down in the gorge, the river flows some fifty feet below. A large portion of the tower can be seen sticking above the water's surface where it fell in some time in the past. About a hundred yards along to your right the river comes to the cliff's edge and falls over down to the valley where you journey up the mountain started.

Now what?

[Kylie]

Kylie:

"All right?", Rat will say still in shock. "I doubt I'll be alright again, lass! It was horrible! My innards are all jumbled! I couldn't breath either!"

Kylie suppresses a giggle, giving Rat a sympathetic look instead. "You poor dear. I'm sorry it was so unpleasant for you. I'll cook you a good dinner tonight; perhaps that will help you feel better?"

"The key to any open-ended spell used to change forms is that you have to visualize in your mind what that form will be. Knowledge of what you want to become is the most important thing. I can describe to you what a sea elf looks like, but would it be enough to allow you to get a clear mental picture? Maybe. But now imagine yourself with the addition of gills. It's much easer to do that instead of changing to a completely different form you're unfamiliar with."

Kylie nods as she digests the information from Sherwood. "I think I understand," she says when Sherwood finishes. "Let me make some notes in my spell book so that I don't forget." Kylie jots a quick note, then tries out the spell in the manner Sherwood suggested and finds that it works great.

The water proves to be colder than Kylie expected; she shivers involuntarily. Fortunately, the activity necessary for swimming helps keep her warm.

She tries to explore the area of the waterfall, but finds that the current is stronger than she is. She cannot see anything interesting from the areas she can reach, so she gives up after a few minutes and emerges dripping from the water. Drying off and getting dressed, she learns that Nariya has indeed found a way into the mountain. Apparently, an illusion disguises an wide road leading straight through the stone!

Joining the others, Kylie finds the illusion fascinating, and pauses to examine it carefully. You never know what you might learn from something like this.

Kylie is among the last to mount up. They start into the mountain tunnel, and the darkness and sense of weight quickly close around them. It is quickly apparent to Kylie that she would never make a very good dwarf. Seeing Sherwood's Light-stone, Kylie remembers her own. She takes up the back position of the group with her horse and pulls her own light-stone from her Girdle. Offering it to Lilia, she says, "Could you hold this for me? That way I can keep both hands on the reins of our horse."

If Lilia accepts the stone to use for additional lumination, fine. Otherwise, Kylie will hold it in one hand and guide the horse with the other.

The ride goes pleasantly, as they are going much slower than before. Since they are in the back, Kylie turns her horse around periodically just to be certain that no dangers have crept up behind them.

Less than an hour later, they emerge from the mountain. A gorge cuts a gouge through the valley before them. There is a bridge over the gorge, but a crumbled structure of some sort blocks the path in mid-span. The ruined structure doesn't appear particularly dangerous, and their is a gate that looks large enough for them to pass. Between herself and Rat, locks aren't likely to delay them much, either.

The view is actually quite attractive up here, other than the worn-down building. Kylie pauses to look around, admiring the mountains and the valley stretched below.

"Well Sherwood? Should we check out that door?"

[Nariya]

Nariya:

Nariya marvels at the tunnel they travel through, wondering if it could possibly be natural or was carved out by some race. Not knowing much about the races most adept at such tasks, she'll ask Sherwood, "Do you think this was carved out? And by who?"

Nariya takes in the incredible view once we emerge from the tunnel. Of course someone had to go and put an ugly building in the way, and worse off it's falling apart! Still the situation allows Nariya to enjoy the view while a decision is made on who should check out the crumbling tower. Nariya will also scan the other side to see if she can pick out anything or anyone or signs of recent activity, although she highly doubts it.

[Yusef]

Yusef:

Within moments, they start forward to begin their journey through the mountain. The carved road leads through the solid rock, turning and bending through its own logic. Soon, Rat and Yusef find themselves upon the middle horse of the trio as Kylie moves to take the rear. As they are the only ones without a light source, it makes sense.

Yusef examines their surroundings as they go. His travels have never lead him underground before, and he finds himself fascinated. He wishes there were a dwarf travelling with them to share their expertise and answer their questions, but - alas - that is not the case.

"Do you think this was carved out? And by who?"

Overhearing the elf maiden's question, Yusef chimes in. "Could this passage have been carved by dwarves? I have heard much regarding the wondrous halls and tunnels they delve beneath the surface of the land."

Eventually, they emerge out into the open air. A valley and gorge spread out before them as though welcoming them into this beautiful spot. Yusef whispers a quiet prayer of thanks to Celestian for bringin them safely through the underlands. He then pauses to drink in the beauty of their surroundings for a moment.

The gorge is spanned by an old stone bridge, which would seem to provide the way across. However, the bridge is blocked by a crumbling ruin of a tower that sits astride the bridge's middle. Though the tower's large door is closed, it seems little enough barrier, and unlikely to stop them for long.

"Well Sherwood? Should we check out that door?"

"Seems like the best course. I doubt that door will prove much of a hindrance; getting by should be no harder than simply vaulting over that crumbling wall..."

[Rat]

Rat:

"She's looking for a hidden way in the river," Sherwood will explain. "She should be along any minute now."

"In the river?", Rat will repeat in surprise. "What's she doin' in there? She's not a fish!"

Rat will scurry back to the river and try to find Kylie. To his surprise Kylie remains beneath water for what seems far longer than she could hold her breath! Finally, the lass surfaces.

"Have you gone daft, lass?", Rat will question. "You think you're a fish now?"

To the halflings immense surprise, he spots fish-like gills on the girl!

"Well, bless me house, you are a fish!" No doubt from the dark arts the lass learned from Sherwood and his ilk!

Kylie suppresses a giggle, giving Rat a sympathetic look instead. "You poor dear. I'm sorry it was so unpleasant for you. I'll cook you a good dinner tonight; perhaps that will help you feel better?"

"Aye!", Rat responds, noticeably perking up. "That it would!"


Rat doesn't hang on to Yusef so tight this time as they leisurely make their way through the passage. Eventually it comes out much higher up in the mountains. A bridge leads across the gorge to the remains of a collapsed tower.

"Well, now this be interestin'! I wonder what's in there?"

Rat will slip off the demon steed and scurry ahead to see what lurks (treasure?) inside the ruined tower.

[Lilia]

Lilia:

Lilia rides along with Kylie once more on the Phantom Steed. This time they head into the underground passage. Lilia quickly becomes uncomfortable as the stone envelops her. At least the passage is wide so that space is not too confined.

Kylie is among the last to mount up. They start into the mountain tunnel, and the darkness and sense of weight quickly close around them. It is quickly apparent to Kylie that she would never make a very good dwarf. Seeing Sherwood's Light-stone, Kylie remembers her own. She takes up the back position of the group with her horse and pulls her own light-stone from her Girdle. Offering it to Lilia, she says, "Could you hold this for me? That way I can keep both hands on the reins of our horse."

"Of course."

Lilia takes the stone and will hold it aloft.


Unlike the others, the Elf Maiden is unimpressed with the landscape. Too bleak for her tastes. No wonder dwarves prefer the mountains!

As talk comes around for what to do next, Lilia will add her own thoughts.

"We should check for magic. If they used an illusion to conceal this passage, there might be other enchantments placed up here."

If permitted, Lilia will step forward slowly across the bridge, trying to use her knack for sensing magic to detect any enchantments ahead.

[Sherwood]

Sherwood:

"Seemingly so," Nariya replies. "What could it mean? Certainly gnolls aren't capable of doing something like this..." her voice trails off.

"No, they are not", Sherwood will say. "The talent to carry off this magical feat is even beyond me. What it means is clear. Whoever erected this illusion put it here to keep people out. We'll find out why they did this at the end of this trail."

Nariya marvels at the tunnel they travel through, wondering if it could possibly be natural or was carved out by some race. Not knowing much about the races most adept at such tasks, she'll ask Sherwood, "Do you think this was carved out? And by who?"

Overhearing the elf maiden's question, Yusef chimes in. "Could this passage have been carved by dwarves? I have heard much regarding the wondrous halls and tunnels they delve beneath the surface of the land."

"I can't say for sure", Sherwood will answer. "Regardless if done by hand, or by spell, this is a grand achievement. Dwarves certainly could have done this, but it doesn't seem to fit what I know of them. This passage is too big to have been made by dwarves. They traditionally don't ride horses, so the ceiling is too high for them. One can ride on horseback in here, even bring a wagon into this tunnel. Dwarves don't usually consider such a thing."


Once out of the mountain, it seems the road continues onward. The construction of a bridge is as impressive as the tunnel leading to it. Given the state of the tower, this seems to have been built a long, long time ago.

"Well Sherwood? Should we check out that door?"

"Seems like the best course. I doubt that door will prove much of a hindrance; getting by should be no harder than simply vaulting over that crumbling wall..."

"We should check for magic. If they used an illusion to conceal this passage, there might be other enchantments placed up here."

"Lilia has a good notion. We should be wary of magical traps. The tower up ahead seems a likely spot for one. Go ahead and see if you can find anything, Lilia."

Seeing Rat already heading that way, Sherwood figures the finder will be looking for more mundane hindrances as he goes.

[Kylie]

Kylie:

"Have you gone daft, lass?", Rat will question. "You think you're a fish now?"

To the halflings immense surprise, he spots fish-like gills on the girl!

"Well, bless me house, you are a fish!" No doubt from the dark arts the lass learned from Sherwood and his ilk!

Rat's alarmed questions draw a chuckle from Kylie, though she appreciates the concern that generated his reaction. "Only temporarily, friend Rat. It's just a little spell I learned to make such things go more easily.

"Thank you for caring, though," Kylie says, leaning over and giving Rat a kiss on the top of his head.

"Aye!", Rat responds, noticeably perking up. "That it would!"

"Then you shall have it." Kylie smiles. It will be good to cook for her mentor once again.

"Thank you," Kylie replies as Lilia accepts responsibility for holding her Continual Light rock.

As they pass through the mountain, there is some discussion regarding the origin of the passageway. Personally, Kylie doesn't really care where it came from, only that it provides a path toward their goal.

"Seems like the best course. I doubt that door will prove much of a hindrance; getting by should be no harder than simply vaulting over that crumbling wall..."

Yusef's comment receives an odd look from Kylie. "'Simply vaulting over the wall?'" she asks, disbelief staining her voice.

"Well, now this be interestin'! I wonder what's in there?"

"We should check for magic. If they used an illusion to conceal this passage, there might be other enchantments placed up here."

If permitted, Lilia will step forward slowly across the bridge, trying to use her knack for sensing magic to detect any enchantments ahead.

Kylie can only shake her head as Rat goes scampering off into what could well be a dangerous situation. At least Lilia has the good sense to be careful of the possible dangers.

[Yusef]

Yusef:

"I can't say for sure", Sherwood will answer. "Regardless if done by hand, or by spell, this is a grand achievement. Dwarves certainly could have done this, but it doesn't seem to fit what I know of them. This passage is too big to have been made by dwarves. They traditionally don't ride horses, so the ceiling is too high for them. One can ride on horseback in here, even bring a wagon into this tunnel. Dwarves don't usually consider such a thing."

"Ahh... I had heard tales of huge underground halls created by the dwarves, and had visualized their passageways as being equally grand. I shall have to visit a dwarven kingdom someday to see their work for myself."

Yusef's comment receives an odd look from Kylie. "'Simply vaulting over the wall?'" she asks, disbelief staining her voice.

"Why certainly," Yusef replies, not understanding why that should seem so incredible. "It cannot be more than 10 or 12 feet high in some of those spots where the second floor has crumbled away."

"Lilia has a good notion. We should be wary of magical traps. The tower up ahead seems a likely spot for one. Go ahead and see if you can find anything, Lilia."

Seeing that Rat and Lilia have already started off toward the tower, Yusef follows along behind, leading the magical horse by the reins. He is careful to not disturb whatever it is that Lilia is doing, choosing to remain behind the elven woman instead.

[GM Mad]

Post Continued:

After passing through the concealed roadway, the riders have reached a bridge that spans a gorge. In the middle of the bridge lie the remains of a fallen tower.

Rat rushes forward, eager to explore. The Finder reaches the tower remains without incident. He opens the bronze door to the tower with ease and steps inside.

Lilia follows behind attempting to locate anything magical. So far nothing magical has been detected.

Everyone moves forward to the tower without incident. The bronze door is 7' high and 3' wide. Verdigris covers its surface.

The inside the tower is nothing special either. There is a single windowless chamber and a second bronze door that allows passage to the other side of the bridge. There is no ceiling, so the enter chamber is open to the sky. Nothing of any value is found within the tower and magic is not detected.


Holding the doors open, the explorers are able lead the Phantom Steeds past. On the far side of the bridge, the road continues along the side of the mountain following the river at the bottom of the gorge. The road averages 10' in width, but is smaller in places where the road has collapsed and fallen away.

The road climbs higher into the mountains as you press on. The gorge becomes deeper and the river flowing through it farther and farther away.

Occasional obstacles are encountered. Portions of the road having fallen away or have been overgrown by vegetations. Still other parts are partially blocked from ancient rockslides.

After two hours of riding, the explorers come to their next obstacle. A second gorge appears, spurring off from the main one. Long ago a bridge used to carry riders across this second gorge, but it collapsed long ago. All that remains of the bridge is the first few feet and nothing. The missing span is nearly two hundred feet long and the bottom of the gorge is some five hundred feet below!

Now what?

[Nariya]

Nariya:

The crumbling tower is as it appears, merely an eyesore. It doesn't take long before everyone is back on the magical steeds and on the road.

The next couple hours it becomes obvious that the road has long been in decay. Nariya helps navigate around the rockslides and through the overgrowth found in places on the road. Eventually though, she encounters an obstacle not easily disarmed by her skills.

After two hours of riding, the explorers come to their next obstacle. A second gorge appears, spurring off from the main one. Long ago a bridge used to carry riders across this second gorge, but it collapsed long ago. All that remains of the bridge is the first few feet and nothing. The missing span is nearly two hundred feet long and the bottom of the gorge is some five hundred feet below!

"So how far can these steeds of yours jump, Sherwood?" Nariya asks toyingly.

She will dismount and first test carefully to see if this is yet another illusion, or if it in fact is an actual collapsed bridge. If what she is observing is truth, she will scan the countryside and see if another way across is made plain to her eyes.

[GM Mad]

GM Notes:

The bridge has really collapsed. No illusion here. No other way across can be seen in the immediate area.

[Rat]

Rat:

Rat's alarmed questions draw a chuckle from Kylie, though she appreciates the concern that generated his reaction. "Only temporarily, friend Rat. It's just a little spell I learned to make such things go more easily.

"Thank you for caring, though," Kylie says, leaning over and giving Rat a kiss on the top of his head.

"Ye shouldn't go off finding on yer own like that, lass…", Rat will start to lecture and then she turns around and kisses him on the top of his head! How can he hope to maintain the respect of everyone with that kind of thing going on?"

"Well, yes… er, don't let it happen again!"


Rat will be disappointed to not have found anything inside the tower and will call out to the others.

"This place be bone dry! Not even a crumb to be found! Picked clean by vultures!"


And so it's riding onward once more. The trip along the cliff-side road passes quickly, but nothing is found until we reach the next bridge. Seeing the massive expanse that lies before them, Rat will slide down from the demon steed to check it out with his own beady eyes.

"Well now, it looks like you were wise to bring me along, Sherwood! We'll just climb down one side and back up the other."

Rat will eye the cliff side looking for the best path to take down.

[Lilia]

Lilia:

While pleased to not have uncovered any magical protections, the fact that none are there are confusing to the Elf Maiden.

"This is peculiar. I was willing to bet that we'd encounter more magic to prevent our passage. But there is none."

Lilia will pause to examine the bronze doors for any clues they may provide. Any writings or carvings on them?


The ride past the tower is pleasant enough considering how high up we are. Although, Lilia really wishes that she had a Feather Fall in memory just in case.

The ride ends at the fallen bridge and there appears to be no normal way across. The halfling suggests simply climbing down the gorge and then back up the other side. Too time consuming and too much work.

"Sherwood, I can cast Alter Self to by myself wings. I can then fly across and secure a line to the other side of the bridge so that you and the others can climb across."

[Sherwood]

Sherwood:

"Ahh... I had heard tales of huge underground halls created by the dwarves, and had visualized their passageways as being equally grand. I shall have to visit a dwarven kingdom someday to see their work for myself."

"Based on my visit to Illefarn, be ready to duck frequently", Sherwood says with a grin.

"This is peculiar. I was willing to bet that we'd encounter more magic to prevent our passage. But there is none."

Sherwood will join Lilia near the bronze doors. The doors are interesting and have a green sheen to them from exposure to the elements. Bronze used in this manner hasn't occurred in centuries.

"There are either two possibilities. One is that the magic you suspected to find has already been triggered in the past. Maybe that's what brought this tower rather than the passing of time."

"Another is that whomever put that illusion in place was seeking passive means to keep people out and not aggressive one. They didn't want to hurt anyone, just keep outsiders away. We'll only know the answers to those questions once we reach whatever this road leads too."


A few hours later the ride ends at the fallen bridge and the wide gorge.

"So how far can these steeds of yours jump, Sherwood?" Nariya asks toyingly.

"Were I a bit more experienced in my magic, they could cross this chasm", Sherwood admits, "but right now such a thing is not possible. As I suspected, the time has come to part company with our steeds. Once the spell expires, they'll fade back into the nothingness that spawned them. This is why I suggested not bringing real horses along. Now we won't have to worry about them."

"Well now, it looks like you were wise to bring me along, Sherwood! We'll just climb down one side and back up the other."

"Sherwood, I can cast Alter Self to by myself wings. I can then fly across and secure a line to the other side of the bridge so that you and the others can climb across."

"Those are both fine suggestions and ones that we may need to employ down the road, but for now I can get us across this one. Stand back."

Sherwood will cast PolySelf and then take the form of a griffon.

"I'll just carry you across in turns", Sherwood-griffon will explain. "You’re first Yusef, then Kylie and Rat. Nariya and Lilia will be last. Once across we'll continue on foot."

Sherwood-griffon will bend down to allow Yusef to get on his back. Then he'll take flight and land on the other side of the chasm.

[Kylie]

Kylie:

"Ye shouldn't go off finding on yer own like that, lass…", Rat will start to lecture and then she turns around and kisses him on the top of his head! How can he hope to maintain the respect of everyone with that kind of thing going on?"

"Well, yes… er, don't let it happen again!"

Kylie smiles. "Certainly not. I couldn't bear to upset you so." Later, watching Rat dash off to investigate the tower, Kylie has reason to remember this lecture and chuckle to herself. Do as I say, not as I do...

"Why certainly," Yusef replies, not understanding why that should seem so incredible. "It cannot be more than 10 or 12 feet high in some of those spots where the second floor has crumbled away."

Kylie isn't quite sure how to respond to this, so she doesn't, just shaking her head like she isn't quite certain she heard that correctly and walking off.

The tower midspan of the bridge proves to be no barrier at all. They walk through the single room, leading the Steeds as they go and exiting through the matching door on the far side. Remounting, they continue along the road for a couple of hours. The deteriorating condition of the road gives them some nervous moments, but there are no accidents - partly due to the efforts of their rangers, Nariya and Sherwood.

Eventually, they come to a gorge that branches off from the original and cuts across their path. Unfortunately, the bridge that once spanned this crevasse has crumbled into ruin. Kitty is disappointed that they don't just keep on riding. She knows that it is possible for the Phantom Steeds spell to be cast in such a way that they can run on the very air itself. Since they don't, it is apparent that Sherwood is not sufficiently skilled for that. This comes as a bit of a surprise to Kylie as she has long considered him a master magician.

"Were I a bit more experienced in my magic, they could cross this chasm", Sherwood admits, "but right now such a thing is not possible. As I suspected, the time has come to part company with our steeds. Once the spell expires, they'll fade back into the nothingness that spawned them. This is why I suggested not bringing real horses along. Now we won't have to worry about them."

Sherwood's words serve only to confirm Kylie's hypothesis.

Lilia and Rat both suggest ways of getting to the other side. Rat's is practical, but would take a long time. Lilia suggestion - not surprisingly - involves magic. Considering her own resources, Kylie adds her own suggestion. "I believe I can get three of us across. I have a Fly spell that would work for one, and I have an enchanted item that would transport myself and one other.

"Of course, if you have any of those handy Teleport spells, Sherwood, that would be the fastest way."

"Those are both fine suggestions and ones that we may need to employ down the road, but for now I can get us across this one. Stand back."

Sherwood will cast PolySelf and then take the form of a griffon.

"I'll just carry you across in turns", Sherwood-griffon will explain. "You’re first Yusef, then Kylie and Rat. Nariya and Lilia will be last. Once across we'll continue on foot."

Once again, Sherwood provides his own solution. The advantage is that it only requires one spell, though the multiple trips back and forth will take a little longer than if they all go at once.

Kylie was always leary of riding Jallarzi's griffons. A bit of trepidation assails her, but she reminds herself that she'll really be riding Sherwood and not a real griffon. Besides, she has her magic ring in case she should fall off...

Watching Sherwood transform is fascinating, even though she has seen him use this spell for other forms before. When it comes her turn, she climbs onto the Sherwood-griffon, though she clings tightly while they are in the air.

[Yusef]

Yusef:

"Based on my visit to Illefarn, be ready to duck frequently", Sherwood says with a grin.

Yusef chuckles. "That should prove to be good exercise, if nothing else."

Kylie isn't quite sure how to respond to this, so she doesn't, just shaking her head like she isn't quite certain she heard that correctly and walking off.

Yusef just smiles as he watches the young woman with the mixed ancestry depart.

They troop through the ground floor of the abandoned tower with their mounts, as the tower and its doors provide neither barrier nor danger. Continuing on beyond, they ride Sherwood's magical Steeds for a couple of hours, slowing as they pass narrow spots in the road.

It is not long before they reach another impasse. The bridge over this part of the gorge has fallen into ruin, leaving a huge gap to cross. Nariya jests with Sherwood over the horses' jumping abilities, but the mage admits that this is far beyond what they can manage. Rat pipes up and recommends that they scale the cliffs on either side. This would be Yusef's choice too, were he alone, but he suspects that the mages in the group can come up with something better.

Indeed, several do, but it is Sherwood himself that provides the final answer. The elder mage casts a spell that transforms him into a griffon! Yusef's eyes grow wide at the sight of the transformation; he has never seen such a thing and is astonished almost to speechlessness. "Amazing!" is all he can utter in response to this magical wonder. Is there no limit to the man's abilities?

Yusef mounts up on the transformed wizard and rides across the chasm on his back. Looking way down at the ground so far below is quite a thrill, and the view from up here is nothing short of spectacular!

[GM Mad]

Post Continued:

Tower on the Bridge:

Lilia and Sherwood examine the bronze tower doors. They were worn from enduring centuries of weather and have turned greenish from the exposure. However, vague details of ancient carvings can be faintly made out. There were engravings here, but have been mostly worn smooth over the passing centuries. It is not elfin or dwarvish in origin and does not match any human dialect Sherwood is familiar with.


Missing Bridge:

To cross the gap over the chasm, Sherwood changes himself into a Griffon. The human mage's form grows and changes, becoming what resembles a lion-like body coupled with an eagle-like head. The griffon is five feet high and nine feet long.

Yusef is the first to be carried across. He slips up on Sherwood's back and the mage takes flight with a leap into the air. The griffon's wings are full twenty-five feet in width and make loud whooshing noises as they generate thrust.

Sherwood does not go straight across, but rather gains altitude and flies upwards to get a better view of the road below him. The mountain side road continues to wind its way along following the gorge carved out by the river. No further obstacles are noted along the way and the road winds its way beyond the scope of his vision.

After taking his little scouting flight, Sherwood lands on the other side of the gorge. The return flights bearing the rest of the explorers are more straight forward trips across the span. Once everyone is across, Sherwood changes form to that of an elf.

Having crossed the fallen bridge, the explorers continue forward on foot. Nariya and Rat lead the way, followed by Yusef, Lilia, and Kylie. Sherwood brings up the rear.

The condition of the road is much like what you've already encountered. Overgrown by brush in some spots, with other areas seeing more widespread collapsing. No serious obstacles are encountered along the way.

A large pile of boulders and rock that had fallen across the road come into sight. Nariya and Rat cross them easily and pronounce them solid enough. Yusef, Kylie, and Lilia cross over the barrier without hindrance followed by Sherwood.

Having passed the barrier, the group heads out once more. Unexpectedly, there is a shriek of surprise from Sherwood! Looking back, you can just make out the sight of the mage disappearing down a small tunnel in the pile of rock and boulders!

The whole thing happened so fast that no one was able to react. One moment Sherwood was there, the next he was being dragged down a concealed tunnel by some unknown force. The tunnel is mostly level, so the mage didn’t fall into something. The opening ranges from 2' to 3' wide and twists and turns into the mountain itself. Nothing can be seen within the small tunnel as it stretches into darkness…

Now what?

[Nariya]

Nariya:

Riding across the gorge on the Sherwood-griffon is exhilirating. "I have to get one of these!" she will exclaim.

the ride is too short and again she's up at the front following the ancient road. Several more obstacles appear, but she easily manuevers around them. Suddenly there a commotion behind them and she spins, reaching reflexively for an arrow to put in her already drawn bow.

A quick headcount shows Sherwood missing. "What happened, where's Sherwood?" she'll ask a bit frantically and move back to where he disappeared.

[Kylie]

Kylie:

The forward surges of Sherwood's muscular griffon body as the wings whoosh down is a strange sensation for Kylie. The sense of strength and power is amazing, and Kylie finds herself wondering if she'll be able to do this someday...

It is not long before all are across and the group starts forward once again, with Nariya leading the way. Kylie falls in near the rear with the other mages, chatting with Lilia and Sherwood as they walk. All this walking could soon become tiring, she thinks, and Kylie starts to miss having a horse along to carry her.

At one point, the group is forced to climb over a pile of large rocks that block the trail. Fortunately, they prove stable and everyone climbs over without incident. Starting away from the boulders, Kylie's sharp ears note the sound of movement behind them and she begins to turn just as Sherwood disappears into a hole amongst the rocks. In the moment or two that it takes her to recover from her shock and takes the few steps to the hole, Sherwood is almost gone from sight. All they can see is his upper body and head vanishing into the gloom of what appears to be a small tunnel.

"Sherwood!" she shouts, confused and frightened. Turning to the others with alarm in her eyes, Kylie exclaims, "Something pulled him into that hole! We have to rescue him!"

Turning back, Kylie peers into the narrow tunnel, trying to determine how well they'll fit if they try to walk down the tunnel.
___________________________________________________________
Is the tunnel tall enough for them to walk standing up?

[Yusef]

Yusef:

The flight across the chasm is over much too soon, and Yusef is almost reluctant to climb down from the transformed mage's back. Still, they need to continue on, and the others need to be brought across. Yusef sets himself to guard the landing area as Sherwood retrieves the others. As always, his senses are alert for any danger, though none materializes as he waits.

Soon they are ready to continue down the trail. Walking along in single file, Yusef finds himself near the middle of the group. It is hard to maintain full vigilance against threats from this position, but Sherwood may be right assigning Nariya and Rat to the front. Still, Yusef does the best he can.

Unfortunately, it isn't good enough.

After passing yet another blockage of the trail, Yusef gets a tingle of danger just as Sherwood shrieks in surprise. Spinning, he sees a tiny glimpse of the elder mage pop backwards into an unnoticed hole among the huge rocks. From the look of it, Yusef strongly suspects that Sherwood was pulled by someone or something.

"What happened, where's Sherwood?" she'll ask a bit frantically and move back to where he disappeared.

"He was yanked into that hole in the rocks," Yusef replies, pointing.

Turning to the others with alarm in her eyes, Kylie exclaims, "Something pulled him into that hole! We have to rescue him!"

"I would have to agree, Kylie. We owe it to Sherwood to retrieve him from the clutches of whatever grabbed him."

Yusef moves over behind Kylie and looks over her head down the tunnel. His questing eyes search for any sign of the mage and whatever or whomever snatched him. Seeing nothing, he moves around the young woman and starts forward, taking his nunchaku into his left hand. "If no one has any objection, I'll lead the way..." he says grimly.

[GM Mad]

GM Notes:

Is the tunnel tall enough for them to walk standing up?

No. The opening ranges only 2' to 3' wide for as far back into the hole as you can see. The passage twists and turns, blocking sight for more than twenty feet into the hole. You'll have to crawl along through the passage.

[Rat]

Rat:

"Well, if you want to do things magically…", Rat will say when Sherwood decides to forego the climb. "Better than doin' all that work anyway."

"I'll just carry you across in turns", Sherwood-griffon will explain. "You're first Yusef, then Kylie and Rat. Nariya and Lilia will be last. Once across we'll continue on foot."

Rat's eyes will bug out at the transformation that Sherwood undergoes! Growing gills is one thing, but completely changing you form is another! The Master Finder is more than a bit uneasy in approaching the transformed mage, but feels better knowing that Kylie will be crossing with him. Rat knows that Sherwood, in spite of dabbling the dark arts, wouldn't let anything happen to the young finder.

Once on the other side the expedition continues along on foot. Rat is glad for this and will skip along. At last no more demon horses to be terrorized by!

As they walk along, Rat will take the time to chat to the elf Nariya. As they march continues he'll come to understand why Sherwood put her in the lead. Her eye to catch any dangers along the road is impressive.

A commotion in the rear of the group brings things to a halt. Rat makes his way to the back to find out what is going in.

A quick headcount shows Sherwood missing. "What happened, where's Sherwood?" she'll ask a bit frantically and move back to where he disappeared.

"Sherwood!" she shouts, confused and frightened. Turning to the others with alarm in her eyes, Kylie exclaims, "Something pulled him into that hole! We have to rescue him!"

"He was yanked into that hole in the rocks," Yusef replies, pointing.

"Glory be!", Rat will say. "Some sort of creature must have been hidin' in the rocks waitin' to snatch any unsuspecting traveler!

Yusef moves over behind Kylie and looks over her head down the tunnel. His questing eyes search for any sign of the mage and whatever or whomever snatched him. Seeing nothing, he moves around the young woman and starts forward, taking his nunchaku into his left hand. "If no one has any objection, I'll lead the way..." he says grimly.

"Nope!", Rat will stammer out as he eyes the small tunnel. "No objection at all! Lead the way friend Yusef. I'll keep the rear guard!"

[Lilia]

Lilia:

Lilia and Sherwood examine the bronze tower doors. They were worn from enduring centuries of weather and have turned greenish from the exposure. However, vague details of ancient carvings can be faintly made out. There were engravings here, but have been mostly worn smooth over the passing centuries. It is not elfin or dwarvish in origin and does not match any human dialect Sherwood is familiar with.

"I do not recognize this script", Lilia states as she examines the bronze door. "It is not elvish in origin. There's not enough left here to be of any help."

"There are either two possibilities. One is that the magic you suspected to find has already been triggered in the past. Maybe that's what brought this tower rather than the passing of time."

"Another is that whomever put that illusion in place was seeking passive means to keep people out and not aggressive one. They didn't want to hurt anyone, just keep outsiders away. We'll only know the answers to those questions once we reach whatever this road leads too."

The Elf Maiden listens as Sherwood explains his theories. "Logical conclusions", Lilia agrees. "Indeed the answers to these questions will not be found here."

Sherwood will cast PolySelf and then take the form of a griffon.

"I'll just carry you across in turns", Sherwood-griffon will explain. "You're first Yusef, then Kylie and Rat. Nariya and Lilia will be last. Once across we'll continue on foot."

Sherwood's solution is a logical one and involves less danger than the other suggestions. Lilia is content to wait her turn to cross the chasm on the griffon.

After taking his little scouting flight, Sherwood lands on the other side of the gorge. The return flights bearing the rest of the explorers are more straight forward trips across the span. Once everyone is across, Sherwood changes form to that of an elf.

Lilia notes that Sherwood assumes the form of an elf, something that she has seen him do several times before. It prevents the PolySelf spell from ending early and keeps the option of changing forms open to him.

"This is much one can learn from him", Lilia thinks to herself.

A quick headcount shows Sherwood missing. "What happened, where's Sherwood?" she'll ask a bit frantically and move back to where he disappeared.

"Sherwood!" she shouts, confused and frightened. Turning to the others with alarm in her eyes, Kylie exclaims, "Something pulled him into that hole! We have to rescue him!"

"He was yanked into that hole in the rocks," Yusef replies, pointing.

Upon hearing Sherwood's cry, Lilia spins her bow at the ready. But there is no one there, just a small tunnel leading into the mountain.

Yusef moves over behind Kylie and looks over her head down the tunnel. His questing eyes search for any sign of the mage and whatever or whomever snatched him. Seeing nothing, he moves around the young woman and starts forward, taking his nunchaku into his left hand. "If no one has any objection, I'll lead the way..." he says grimly.

"Yes, we must go after him. Nariya, follow Yusef. I'll go next followed by Kylie and Rat. Don't get bunched up in this small tunnel. Leave space between yourself and those in front of you. Sherwood does have protection magic in place, but I don't know how long it will protect him from whatever claimed him."

Before entering the tunnel, Lilia will cast Alter Self and use the magic to take the shape of a female halfling and will make herself as short as possible to make passing through the small tunnel easier.

[Sherwood]

Sherwood:

Lilia and Sherwood examine the bronze tower doors. They were worn from enduring centuries of weather and have turned greenish from the exposure. However, vague details of ancient carvings can be faintly made out. There were engravings here, but have been mostly worn smooth over the passing centuries. It is not elfin or dwarvish in origin and does not match any human dialect Sherwood is familiar with.

"I do not recognize this script", Lilia states as she examines the bronze door. "It is not elvish in origin. There's not enough left here to be of any help."

"Nor is it dwarvish or any human language that I know of. Perhaps it dates back before humans even settled these lands?"

Lilia and Rat both suggest ways of getting to the other side. Rat's is practical, but would take a long time. Lilia suggestion - not surprisingly - involves magic. Considering her own resources, Kylie adds her own suggestion. "I believe I can get three of us across. I have a Fly spell that would work for one, and I have an enchanted item that would transport myself and one other.

"Of course, if you have any of those handy Teleport spells, Sherwood, that would be the fastest way."

"Teleport would be faster, but it would still require multiple trips as there are weight limitations to the spell. PolySelf is the best way to go as I can maintain the effect for several hours."

Sherwood does not go straight across, but rather gains altitude and flies upwards to get a better view of the road below him. The mountain side road continues to wind its way along following the gorge carved out by the river. No further obstacles are noted along the way and the road winds its way beyond the scope of his vision.

Carrying only one rider, Sherwood will take the opportunity to scout ahead. From what he can see there are no more obstacles such as this missing bridge in the immediate future.

Riding across the gorge on the Sherwood-griffon is exhilarating. "I have to get one of these!" she will exclaim.

"My cousin Jallarzi has a griffon", Sherwood will say. "They can be trained to serve as steeds if captured at a young age. The one main problem with griffon's is that they are very fond of horse flesh."

Kylie was always leery of riding Jallarzi's griffons. A bit of trepidation assails her, but she reminds herself that she'll really be riding Sherwood and not a real griffon. Besides, she has her magic ring in case she should fall off...

Turning back to face Kylie, Sherwood will add, "Don't worry. Unlike Jallarzi's griffon, I don't bite."


After taking his little scouting flight, Sherwood lands on the other side of the gorge. The return flights bearing the rest of the explorers are more straight forward trips across the span. Once everyone is across, Sherwood changes form to that of an elf.

Sherwood is momentarily startled and will cry out in surprise when he feels something lock on to his ankle. The next thing the ranger knows he's being dragged along down some cramped tunnel and into darkness…

[GM Mad]

Post Closed