Blackflame #4

[GM Mad]

Blackflame #4


Something has grabbed a hold of Sherwood and pulled him down into a concealed tunnel in the mountainside. All the adventurers know is that Sherwood let out a cry of surprised and then was gone.

The tunnel before them is small, ranging from only 2 feet to 3 feet in width. It winds through the mountain and its twists and turns limits how far they can see down it.

Yusef volunteers to go in first after Sherwood. The Priest of Celestian gets down on his hands and knees and beings to crawl through the tunnel.

The space is cramped and would be far worse for someone in armor. Fighting with weapons would be most difficult under these circumstances. Ranged weapons would be next to impossible.

Yusef crawls forward for about ten feet and then comes to a halt. A second passage splits off from the first going to Yusef's right and then a few more feet along another passage splits off to the left. Both of these secondary passages maintain the 2-3' width of the main one. Neither one looks any more appealing than the other to Yusef.


GM Notes:

Assuming Lilia's order was followed, Yusef went in first with Nariya following. Given the spacing that was suggested only those two have entered the tunnels so far.

Lighting is not a problem to those possessing infravision. However, those who do not, only Rat in this case, will need a source of illumination to be able to see.

There is no response should anyone call out for Sherwood.

Now what?

[Nariya]

Nariya:

Nariya's not looking forward to crawling around in holes, but she packs away her bow and waits for Yusef to get far enough in before she climbs in.

Upon climbing in, she's glad she's small, although her quiver and some of her gear keep getting in the way. When Yusef pauses up ahead, she secures her gear better and waits to see what the delay is.

[fanchergw]

From where Yusef is now, is there any sign of any of the three ways opening out into a larger area? Or is it still crawling only as far as he can see in any direction?

[GM Mad]

From where Yusef is now, is there any sign of any of the three ways opening out into a larger area? Or is it still crawling only as far as he can see in any direction?

No sign of opening up as of yet. The openings are somewhat similar in size and shape, as if dug by the same force that created the tunnels in the first place.

[Yusef]

Yusef:

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

"No doubt you are right, friend Rat," Yusef says. "What - or whom - and where did they take him, are the real questions here."

"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!"

"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."

"Very good," Yusef says with a wink at Rat. "Let us proceed." Dropping to his hands and knees, he starts through the tunnels. As the largest of the group, if he can make it through, the others should have no problem. Also, due to the tight space, weapons are not a practical choice, should it come to combat. Fortunately, Yusef is not reliant on weapons at all - another fact which makes him a good choice to be in the lead.

Yusef hasn't gone far when the tunnel splits, then splits again. He stops, not liking this situation one bit. "The tunnel divides in several directions up here," he calls back softly over his shoulder to the others. "Do we split up or just pick a route at random?"

[Kylie]

Kylie:

"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."

"Ahh, I wasn't aware of the weight limit, and just assumed you could take us all in one trip. Since that spell is well beyond me at this point, I'm not really familiar with its workings at all." Kylie realizes once again that there is still much for her to learn.

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

Kylie nods and smiles weakly. Still, she climbs on and does her best to hang on for the trip across the gorge - wishing the whole time that she had just used her own Fly spell...

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

"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."

Kylie is heartened to hear that the others are committed to rescuing Sherwood. Yusef even volunteers to go first! She pauses to look at him appraisingly, but says nothing on the matter.

Kylie waits at the entrance to the tunnel for her turn to enter. The prospect is a little scary, and she suspects that she'll feel quite vulnerable while crawling around, but she sees no other recourse.

He stops, not liking this situation one bit. "The tunnel divides in several directions up here," he calls back softly over his shoulder to the others. "Do we split up or just pick a route at random?"

Her turn to enter has not even come yet, and already they are already stopped. Yusef's query starts her wondering, as she hadn't really considered this possibility, when a thought occurs to her. "I just realized that I have a spell that should make scouting the tunnels fairly quick and easy: Wraithform. Not only would I not be hampered by the narrow tunnels, but it should protect me from most dangers. Lilia, since you're the only other mage with us, do you see any problems with giving it a try? Since I'm pretty good at being quiet, and the spell would make me somewhat harder to see, I should be fairly safe."

If no one voices any problems with her plan, Kylie will cast the spell and then glide through the tunnels, scouting out the branches as quickly as she can.

[Lilia]

Lilia:

The Elf Maiden watches as Yusef and then Nariya enter the small tunnel. As they do, Lilia casts Alter Self and shrinks down to halfling size. Her former five feet in height is now shrunk down to two and a half feet. She's now smaller than the halfling! At this height, Lilia can walk through most of the tunnel and will have to bend over in some spots.

Yusef hasn't gone far when the tunnel splits, then splits again. He stops, not liking this situation one bit. "The tunnel divides in several directions up here," he calls back softly over his shoulder to the others. "Do we split up or just pick a route at random?"

After working her magic, Lilia's sharp elfin ears picks up Yusef speaking in the tunnel.

"Pick one and continue on", Lilia will advise after a moment's thought. After another thought, she'll add, "Nariya, would you be able to track which tunnel Sherwood was dragged down? Perhaps you can find which path is the correct one when the tunnel diverges."

Her turn to enter has not even come yet, and already they are already stopped. Yusef's query starts her wondering, as she hadn't really considered this possibility, when a thought occurs to her. "I just realized that I have a spell that should make scouting the tunnels fairly quick and easy: Wraithform. Not only would I not be hampered by the narrow tunnels, but it should protect me from most dangers. Lilia, since you're the only other mage with us, do you see any problems with giving it a try? Since I'm pretty good at being quiet, and the spell would make me somewhat harder to see, I should be fairly safe."

"An excellent suggestion, Kylie. Do it and see what you can find. Then return to us and report."

Having said that, Lilia the Halfling will step into the tunnel and see if Nariya can find the right tunnel to follow.

[Nariya]

Nariya:

Yusef hasn't gone far when the tunnel splits, then splits again. He stops, not liking this situation one bit. "The tunnel divides in several directions up here," he calls back softly over his shoulder to the others. "Do we split up or just pick a route at random?"

"We definitely don't want to split up," Nariya replies. "Until we know what we're facing, we don't want to be easy prey to whatever is down here."

"Pick one and continue on", Lilia will advise after a moment's thought. After another thought, she'll add, "Nariya, would you be able to track which tunnel Sherwood was dragged down? Perhaps you can find which path is the correct one when the tunnel diverges."

"It should be pretty easy to determine where a full-grown human male was dragged through these tunnels," Nariya admits. "I might have to move into the front position though, because our passage may disturb the signs of his passing." That being said, Nariya will move up next to Yusef and see if she can pick up tell-tale signs of recent activity. If she needs to move around Yusef, she will drop her gear and climb over and around him to do so.

Her turn to enter has not even come yet, and already they are already stopped. Yusef's query starts her wondering, as she hadn't really considered this possibility, when a thought occurs to her. "I just realized that I have a spell that should make scouting the tunnels fairly quick and easy: Wraithform. Not only would I not be hampered by the narrow tunnels, but it should protect me from most dangers. Lilia, since you're the only other mage with us, do you see any problems with giving it a try? Since I'm pretty good at being quiet, and the spell would make me somewhat harder to see, I should be fairly safe."

"An excellent suggestion, Kylie. Do it and see what you can find. Then return to us and report."

"Sounds fine to me," Nariya calls out as she moves up towards Yusef. "Let me see if I can at least send you in the right direction Kylie."

[Rat]

Rat:

"No doubt you are right, friend Rat," Yusef says. "What - or whom - and where did they take him, are the real questions here."

"Aye, that it is! No doubt who or whatever it was will find him not to their liking. I mean he's probably got all sorts of dark magical protections and traps on him! That critter doesn't know what it's got itself into!"

The Elf Maiden watches as Yusef and then Nariya enter the small tunnel. As they do, Lilia casts Alter Self and shrinks down to halfling size. Her former five feet in height is now shrunk down to two and a half feet. She's now smaller than the halfling! At this height, Lilia can walk through most of the tunnel and will have to bend over in some spots.

Rat watches in amazement as the elf shrinks down and changes into a halfling! And a pretty halfling to boot!

"Allow me to say, Miss Lilia, you make a mighty fine halfling lass!" Rat flashes a toothy grin.

Right after that Kylie makes use the dark arts and changes into something lacking substance. She then passes into the tunnel out and is quickly out of sight.

"Maybe I should remain here on the surface to watch your backs", Rat will say. "I can't see in the dark like you elves can."

[Lilia]

Lilia:

"It should be pretty easy to determine where a full-grown human male was dragged through these tunnels," Nariya admits. "I might have to move into the front position though, because our passage may disturb the signs of his passing." That being said, Nariya will move up next to Yusef and see if she can pick up tell-tale signs of recent activity. If she needs to move around Yusef, she will drop her gear and climb over and around him to do so.

"That's what I surmised", Lilia comments. "That's why I suggested that Yusef picks one of the three passages so that Nariya could look for Sherwood's path at the intersection. If no path is found, then Yusef took the correct one. Kylie could also explore the other paths faster than any of us and double check them just to be sure."

"Allow me to say, Miss Lilia, you make a mighty fine halfling lass!" Rat flashes a toothy grin.

Lilia does not respond to Rat's comments, but will arch one of her eyebrows and give him a disbelieving look.

"Maybe I should remain here on the surface to watch your backs", Rat will say. "I can't see in the dark like you elves can."

"Perhaps that would be a wise course of action."


Having said that, Lilia will step into the tunnel and rush to catch up with the others in their search for Sherwood.

[Yusef]

Yusef:

Kylie comes up with an idea for magically scouting the tunnels, and Lilia and Nariya agree that it should be a good idea. Not really familiar with wizardly magic, Yusef leaves it to them to make the decision.

The young woman does so, and soon attains a mist-like insubstantiality. It is a strange feeling as she wafts by, knowing that this substance is a person!

"Pick one and continue on", Lilia will advise after a moment's thought. After another thought, she'll add, "Nariya, would you be able to track which tunnel Sherwood was dragged down? Perhaps you can find which path is the correct one when the tunnel diverges."

"It should be pretty easy to determine where a full-grown human male was dragged through these tunnels," Nariya admits. "I might have to move into the front position though, because our passage may disturb the signs of his passing." That being said, Nariya will move up next to Yusef and see if she can pick up tell-tale signs of recent activity. If she needs to move around Yusef, she will drop her gear and climb over and around him to do so.

"That's what I surmised", Lilia comments. "That's why I suggested that Yusef picks one of the three passages so that Nariya could look for Sherwood's path at the intersection. If no path is found, then Yusef took the correct one. Kylie could also explore the other paths faster than any of us and double check them just to be sure."

"Okay," Yusef says, though his response is a little different than Lilia suggests. Lying flat on the floor of the tunnel, he lets Nariya climb over and past him. He then crawls back out of the way so that the elven forester can examine all three passages unimpeded. Once she selects the proper direction, or they hear back from Kylie, he will be ready to move on ahead up the tunnels.

[Kylie]

Kylie:

From the back it is hard to hear, but there is a discussion of Nariya using her tracking abilities to discover which path Sherwood and his captor may have taken. It seems a good idea to her; too bad they didn't think of it before having Yusef take the lead position.

"Yes, I think that's an excellent idea," Kylie says. "Yusef, if there's any way you can let her by, it would help a lot."

"An excellent suggestion, Kylie. Do it and see what you can find. Then return to us and report."

"Sounds fine to me," Nariya calls out as she moves up towards Yusef. "Let me see if I can at least send you in the right direction Kylie."

As there appear to be no objections to her plan, Kylie casts her spell, transforming into an approximation of a Wraith. Having not used the spell much before, Kylie finds the strange shift in her perceptions disturbing, but presses onwards anyway.

Floating forward through the tunnel, she turns and heads down the first branching tunnel. Should the correct path be further on, she doesn't want to leave any potentially hostile creatures behind them and unknown.

She'll explore that route as quickly as she can, then the next branch, working her way up the main passage branch by branch in that manner. No need to leave unknown dangers at their back, particularly in these cramped quarters...

[GM Mad]

Post Continued:

The search for Sherwood continues. Lilia casts Alter Self and takes on the appearance of a halfling, cutting her height in half. Now transformed, Lilia moves into the tunnel.

Kylie casts Wraithform on herself and turns into an insubstantial cloud that can easily move through the tunnels. She catches up to Nariya and Yusef quickly and continues on. At the three way intersection, Kylie takes the right hand passage.

Right before the intersection, Yusef settles into a wider portion of the tunnel and allows Nariya to climb over him and past him. Going is slow and the two are in close personal contact for over a minute.

Kylie returns from the right hand passage having determined that it dead ends after another fifteen feet.

Nariya searches for signs of recent passage in the tunnel and finds them. There are signs and groves in places in the dirt and rock that indicate something moved through here recent. The middle of the three passages is the way to proceed.

Nariya moves forward with Yusef right behind her. Lilia follows Yusef at a short distance.

Kylie goes to examine the left hand passage and discovers that it also dead ends twenty five feet in.

Continuing forward, the tunnel goes another ten feet and a second tunnel opens up on the left. The trial indicates that the right hand tunnel was recently used in this case.

Just a few feet further along, another passage is found on the right hand side. But even more importantly, Nariya can see that the passage ahead appears to open up into a cave! The trail leads to this cave.

Nariya reaches the entrance to the cave. The tunnel opening is three feet above the floor of the cave. The cave itself is only six feet wide, but the ceiling is quite high, nearly twelve feet tall. Examining the cave, Nariya does not see Sherwood or what took him. She does notice that there is another way out of this cave on the far side. There's an opening about the same size as the tunnels you've traveling down and the trail leads that way.

Looking up, Nariya realizes that there is something on the ceiling of the cave! She only caught a glance of it, but it seemed reptilian in nature and was vaguely the size of a man! It's on the ceiling over the tunnel opening as if waiting for something to pounce on…


Now what?

[Yusef]

Yusef:

"Yes, I think that's an excellent idea," Kylie says. "Yusef, if there's any way you can let her by, it would help a lot."

"I think this should <oof!> work. Shoud be <unh!> done in a mo-<arg!>-ment." Yusef's attempt at a reply is hampered by the discomfort of someone climbing over him. Still, a part of his mind is filled with vulgar, lewd thoughts about the supple young female pressing against him. Fortunately, his will is strong and he is able to resist the urge to reach out and touch her in ways that would please the dark heritage seething inside him.

Soon, Nariya locates what she believes to be the correct passage and continues on. Yusef follows behind, not wanting the elf to get too far ahead.

Not far along, they encounter yet more branching of the tunnel. Nariya pauses to consider the trail and Yusef takes the opportunity to rest a bit. He says a quick prayer to Celestian for showing them the path as Nariya makes her choice and moves forward.

Looking past the elf, Yusef can see that they have come to a cave. It will be nice to stand up again. Unfortunately, Nariya has paused on the edge of the opening. "What is it?" he whispers to her.

[Kylie]

Kylie:

"I think this should <oof!> work. Shoud be <unh!> done in a mo-<arg!>-ment." Yusef's attempt at a reply is hampered by the discomfort of someone climbing over him.

Kylie winces at Yusef's obvious discomfort as Nariya crawls over the priest. Still, there seems something comical about the scene, causing her to grin.

Both side passages prove to be dead-ends. At least they don't have to worry about those tunnels.

By time she catches up, Nariya has moved on. The elven woodswoman encountered a couple more side tunnels and continued to follow the trail. Kylie continues to waft up and down all of the passages that Nariya passes by in an effort to ferret any unknown dangers.

[Nariya]

Nariya:

If Nariya is uncomfortable by being in such close physical contact with Yusef, it doesn't show on her face. She handles the whole event as merely a task to be accomplished. She does smile in the darkness at hearing Yusef attempt to talk while she climbs over and around him.

With Kylie fluttering as if a ghost down the side passages, Nariya doesn't pay them as much heed as she might normally, trusting in her companion to warn of any encountered danger. Nariya easily finds Sherwood's "trail" and presses on. Coming to a large opening she stops and looks around cautiously.

Nariya reaches the entrance to the cave. The tunnel opening is three feet above the floor of the cave. The cave itself is only six feet wide, but the ceiling is quite high, nearly twelve feet tall. Examining the cave, Nariya does not see Sherwood or what took him. She does notice that there is another way out of this cave on the far side. There's an opening about the same size as the tunnels you've traveling down and the trail leads that way.

Looking up, Nariya realizes that there is something on the ceiling of the cave! She only caught a glance of it, but it seemed reptilian in nature and was vaguely the size of a man! It's on the ceiling over the tunnel opening as if waiting for something to pounce on…

Looking past the elf, Yusef can see that they have come to a cave. It will be nice to stand up again. Unfortunately, Nariya has paused on the edge of the opening. "What is it?" he whispers to her.

"It's a cave, not very big," Nariya whispers, "and it looks like Sherwood was dragged through here and into another tunnel opening on the other side." She inches back a bit and continues, "That's not the problem though. There's a lizard of some sort, easily the size of a man just above the tunnel entrance. I can probably hit it with my bow from here, but if it's not a killing shot, these tunnels are too cramped to fight in. We need to get a couple of us into the cave."

Nariya waits for Kylie to get closer and whispers, "Can you do any damage while in that form? If so, maybe you and I can take out that lizard quickly, otherwise we're going to have to risk diving into the cave and having time to attack before it pounces."

[Lilia]

Lilia:

The world seems quiet different to Lilia at her new stature. Everyone is so much bigger now! At least that also applies to this tunnel. For the most part, Lilia can walk upright, but still has to bend over in places.

The procession comes to a halt near the entrance to a cave. Lilia's sharp elven hearing allows her to understand what is said. It seems that there's a lizard of some type up ahead.

Seeing Kylie float pass down one of the other tunnels, Lilia will call her back.

"Sherwood's trail goes this way and there's some sort of reptile up ahead. Perhaps you can check it out before your spell expires?"

To Yusef and Nariya, Lilia will say, "Kylie's spell prevents her from acting upon the real world, but likewise she cannot be harmed either. The spell is of short duration as it is and if she reverts back it is over. From the sounds of it we're going to have to battle this reptile. My advice would be to see if Kylie can draw the lizard down while Nariya and Yusef rush into the cave. Once you two are in, I'll be able to use my magic against the creature. Does that sound agreeable to you?"

[Yusef]

Yusef:

"It's a cave, not very big," Nariya whispers, "and it looks like Sherwood was dragged through here and into another tunnel opening on the other side." She inches back a bit and continues, "That's not the problem though. There's a lizard of some sort, easily the size of a man just above the tunnel entrance. I can probably hit it with my bow from here, but if it's not a killing shot, these tunnels are too cramped to fight in. We need to get a couple of us into the cave."

"A lizard big as a man, huh? Sounds like trouble. You're right that it would be hard to fight in these tunnels," he whispers in reply. "I'm pretty agile, and don't need a weapon to defend myself. I could probably roll out and be ready to fight by time he sees me and drops down."

Nariya waits for Kylie to get closer and whispers, "Can you do any damage while in that form? If so, maybe you and I can take out that lizard quickly, otherwise we're going to have to risk diving into the cave and having time to attack before it pounces."

To Yusef and Nariya, Lilia will say, "Kylie's spell prevents her from acting upon the real world, but likewise she cannot be harmed either. The spell is of short duration as it is and if she reverts back it is over. From the sounds of it we're going to have to battle this reptile. My advice would be to see if Kylie can draw the lizard down while Nariya and Yusef rush into the cave. Once you two are in, I'll be able to use my magic against the creature. Does that sound agreeable to you?"

Yusef looks back and forth between the two women. "That sounds like an excellent idea." His head turns to catch Kylie's reaction.

[Kylie]

Kylie:

"Sherwood's trail goes this way and there's some sort of reptile up ahead. Perhaps you can check it out before your spell expires?"

"Sure," Kylie replies. "That should be easy."

Nariya waits for Kylie to get closer and whispers, "Can you do any damage while in that form? If so, maybe you and I can take out that lizard quickly, otherwise we're going to have to risk diving into the cave and having time to attack before it pounces."

To Yusef and Nariya, Lilia will say, "Kylie's spell prevents her from acting upon the real world, but likewise she cannot be harmed either. The spell is of short duration as it is and if she reverts back it is over. From the sounds of it we're going to have to battle this reptile. My advice would be to see if Kylie can draw the lizard down while Nariya and Yusef rush into the cave. Once you two are in, I'll be able to use my magic against the creature. Does that sound agreeable to you?"

"Like Lilia said, I cannot hurt the creature, but I may be able to draw it down. If I can get it to attack me or at least focus on me, that should make it easier for you.

"By the way, the passages I've checked so far have been dead-ends, but I haven't gotten to them all yet. We should probably have someone guard the rear just in case."

Once the discussion is complete, Kylie will drift past the others and out into the cave. Once she's halfway across, she'll turn and look up at the creature, if it hasn't already tried to attack her.

[GM Mad]

Post Continued:

The explorers have trailed Sherwood's passage through the small tunnels to a cavern. Inside the cavern a reptile of some type clings to the ceiling as if waiting to ambush anyone entering the cavern. Kylie billows into the cave and attempts to get the reptiles attention.

The ploy succeeds and the reptile drops from the ceiling! It passes harmlessly through Kylie and is now on the floor of the cavern.

It can now be seen clearly by everyone. As Nariya noted, it is reptilian in nature with four legs and a long tail. What is unusual is its lumpy, warty hide and given its coloration, it makes the lizard's skin look like rock. Its wide mouth opens and it bares its teeth as it attempts to bite Kylie!

(Think of an alligator-like critter with the additions noted above and you'll have a good idea what this think looks like. Including its tail, the creature is about 12' long, but only 2' wide at most.)

The rock reptile is facing away from Nariya, Yusef, and Lilia.

Now what?

[Kylie]

Kylie:

As she enters the cave, the reptilian creature drops from the roof and plummets to the floor - passing right through her! Kylie shrieks, partly in surprise even though she was expecting it, and partly due to the strange tingle caused by the monster passing through her insubstantial body.

Spinning around, she confronts the rocky reptile. Wow! Is it ugly! Yick! The creature opens its mouth and tries to bite her. Kylie just stands there and taunts the beast. "Nya, Nya. Can't get me!" Waving her arms and wiggling around, Kylie tries to keep it distracted so the others can enter behind it and attack.

[Yusef]

Yusef:

"By the way, the passages I've checked so far have been dead-ends, but I haven't gotten to them all yet. We should probably have someone guard the rear just in case."

"I agree," Yusef answers. He shifts his gaze between Nariya and Lilia. "Since Rat stayed outside the cave, that leaves us three. Do either of you want to watch our backs, or should I?" With Lilia in the back, she might be a good choice, though her small size also lends itself to exiting the tunnel easily. Nariya is nearest the opening into the cave, so the others would have to squeeze by her if she were to stay behind.

Whatever decision the women come to, Yusef will accept.

Looking into the cave, Yusef sees the monster drop from the ceiling and hears Kylie's shriek. She seems okay, though, turning and acting as a distraction for the reptilian beast. The creature itself reminds Yusef of an alligator or crocodile, though the color is wrong and the hide is lumpier than he recalls.

[Nariya]

Nariya:

Spinning around, she confronts the rocky reptile. Wow! Is it ugly! Yick! The creature opens its mouth and tries to bite her. Kylie just stands there and taunts the beast. "Nya, Nya. Can't get me!" Waving her arms and wiggling around, Kylie tries to keep it distracted so the others can enter behind it and attack.

"I agree," Yusef answers. He shifts his gaze between Nariya and Lilia. "Since Rat stayed outside the cave, that leaves us three. Do either of you want to watch our backs, or should I?" With Lilia in the back, she might be a good choice, though her small size also lends itself to exiting the tunnel easily. Nariya is nearest the opening into the cave, so the others would have to squeeze by her if she were to stay behind.

"Not too excited about going hand to hand with the big reptile, huh Yusef?" Nariya whispers jokingly before sliding out into the cave. She quietly slides free her swords. The cave isn't very wide, but she should still be able to swing her swords, but if not she can stab with them. She will move up quietly and attack.

[Lilia]

Lilia:

"I agree," Yusef answers. He shifts his gaze between Nariya and Lilia. "Since Rat stayed outside the cave, that leaves us three. Do either of you want to watch our backs, or should I?"

"We don't have to time to shuffle around again", Lilia answers. "You two into the cave and I'll keep an eye and a ear on the passage back."

With the Nariya and Yusef in the way, it's hard for Lilia to see what is happening in the cave. She hears the monster's growl and Kylie goading it on. Once the Nariya and Yusef have entered the cave, Lilia will move closer to the edge of the tunnel and cast Magic Missile on the monster. After that she'll concentrate on the passage back, hoping that Nariya and Yusef can deal with the reptile.

[Yusef]

Yusef:

"Not too excited about going hand to hand with the big reptile, huh Yusef?" Nariya whispers jokingly before sliding out into the cave. She quietly slides free her swords.

"On the contrary, I would very much like to engage it in combat. However, being attacked from behind while we're all focussed on that creature would put us at a distinct disadvantage. Part of my training involves awareness of all potential threats."

"We don't have to time to shuffle around again", Lilia answers. "You two into the cave and I'll keep an eye and a ear on the passage back."

"Good enough for me," Yusef says. That settled, he follows Nariya into the small cavern and maneuvers to get sufficient distance from the elf that they won't hinder one another. Drawing his nunchaku, he assaults the reptiile, alternating unarmed and weapon attacks.

[Kylie]

Kylie:

After what seems to Kylie like a bit too much discussion, Nariya and Yusef finally enter the cave and prepare to attack. At least her attempts at distraction seem to be working, so Kylie draws her insubstantial shortsword and swings it at the creature as though attempting to attack. She only needs to keep it's attention for a couple more seconds...

[GM Mad]

Post Continued:

The explorers have discovered a cave in the network of tunnels. Inside the cave was a Rock Reptile awaiting to ambush the unwary. The adventurers have turned the tables and ambushed the reptile! Kylie entered the cave in Wraithform and got it to drop from the ceiling. She draws her shortsword and makes like she's going to attack further drawing the creatures attention.

Nariya and Yusef burst into the cave from the rear. Nariya slashes at the Rock Reptile with her longsword. Her blade penetrates the lizards hard skin and reaches bone! Blood spurts out from the wound. Nariya's shortsword bounces off the Rock Reptiles skin.

Yusef strikes the creatures back with his nunchaku's causing more damage. Lilia, still in the entry tunnel, casts Magic Missiles and three enchanted bolts slam into the reptile.

Though heavily wounded, the reptile fights back! It turns on Nariya and attempts to bite the elf, but misses.

Yusef switches to his bare hands and smashes his fists into the rock reptile. After another longsword strike from Nariya, the Rock Reptile ceases to move and is dead.


GM Notes:

As noted earlier, another cramped tunnel leads out of this cave deeper into the mountain. Sherwood's trail leads in this direction. Kylie will estimate that she has about five more minutes left on her Wraithform spell.

Now what?

[Kylie]

Kylie:

The plan works as well as could be expected. Kylie keeps the lizard busy while Nariya and Yusef slip in behind it. The attacks commence, including a brace of Magic Missiles from Lilia. In but a few moments, the creature is dead, with no injuries to their party.

"Well, so much for that," Kylie says, looking down at the rock reptile. "Good riddance. Since my spell should last a little longer, do you guys think I should check the remaining tunnels behind us that we passed, or just scout ahead?"

[Yusef]

Yusef:

Yusef slips out of the narrow passage behind Nariya. Moving quickly and quietly, he shifts into position behind the stony creature and settles into and attack stance. It seems that the fight ends almost before it begins; Nariya and himself take turns striking the reptilian. Streaks of magical energy slam into the monster as well, surprising Yusef somewhat, though he must assume this is the magic Lilia mentioned. The rock reptile collapses in death at their feet.

Yusef looks up with a pleased but grim smile. "Hopefully, there aren't too many more of those around."

"Well, so much for that," Kylie says, looking down at the rock reptile. "Good riddance. Since my spell should last a little longer, do you guys think I should check the remaining tunnels behind us that we passed, or just scout ahead?"

"If it won't take up too much of the rest of your spell, I would recommend securing the tunnels behind us. We could wait here for you to return; a few moments to stretch before we start crawling again would be welcome."

[Nariya]

Nariya:

Between herself and Yusef, and some magic aid from Lilia the reptile goes down. Nariya diligently cleans her blades while the others talk.

"Whatever took Sherwood didn't seem to disturb this creature," Nariya adds in, leveling a sword blade at the dead reptile. "I think it would be wise to check every passageway."

Standing up, she slips her swords away and makes an examination of the small cave. If they are still waiting on Kylie's return, Nariya will then move to the next passage entrance and see what lies within.

[Kylie]

Kylie:

The decision seems to be made. "I think it should go quickly," Kylie says. "I'll see you back here as soon as possible."

With that, the ghostly half-breed whisks off back down the tunnels they left behind. Since time is of the essence and she's not really concerned about getting attacked, Kylie moves as quickly through the tunnels as she can.

[GM Mad]

Post Continued:

The rock reptile has been defeated and the adventurers plot their next move. Kylie rushes back to explore the passages bypassed to reach this cave while Nariya examines the cavern.

Other than a few old, gnawed on bones, the cavern is empty. Sherwood's trail leads to the cave exit, yet another tunnel that seemed to have been created by these rock reptiles. (The tunnels are just a bit larger than the creature, so it can move through them unhindered.)

Nariya bends down to examine the exit cave. It's much like the ones you just passed through. Too cramped for humans to use comfortably. It almost immediately curves to the right, so you can't see very far into the tunnel.

Kylie returns about two minutes later from her explorations. The first tunnel the group bypassed was rather long and had two dead ends off of it. At the far end was what once might have been a den to these creatures. Numerous bones were found there, including a few rock reptile remains. Nothing was living there and there was no offensive smell to the bones. There was mundane trash there-- ripped clothing, pieces of armor, etc-- but Kylie could not search through them in her current state.

The second passage, the one near the cave, was much smaller and traveled only a handful of feet before it ended. Forward seems to be the only way left to go.


GM Notes:

Kylie has about 3 minutes left on her spell. Let me know if Nariya, Yusef, or Lilia didn't wait for Kylie to enter the next stretch of tunnels.

Now what?

[Lilia]

Lilia:

The Elf Maiden is pleased that the reptile is defeated so quickly.

"Judging by this creatures shape and size and the sharp talons on its limbs, I'd wager that this is what created these tunnels. We seem to have stumbled across a nest of this monsters. Sherwood must have been grabbed by another of these creatures and dragged deeper into their lair. We must make haste if we are to safe him!"

However, the others want to make sure that the way behind them is clear. Tactically it does make sense, but time is not on our side. Kylie's spell has a very short duration, as does the one Lilia is using to make herself small. Plus Sherwood's protections will only keep him safe for only so long.

"Perhaps you two should continue on while I wait for Kylie to return? The longer we delay, the more injury might be done to Sherwood Elf Friend."

If they agree to this, Lilia will take a position near the tunnel entrance and wait for Kylie to return. If not, she'll stand impatiently waiting for Kylie to return with the others.

[Yusef]

Yusef:

"Whatever took Sherwood didn't seem to disturb this creature," Nariya adds in, leveling a sword blade at the dead reptile. "I think it would be wise to check every passageway."

Yusef nods in agreement, though he hadn't considered the aspect of the creature's reaction to the passage of Sherwood and his kidnapper.

Kylie departs quickly, wafting down the tunnels behind them. Yusef looks about the cave, finding nothing of interest, then joins Nariya near the exit tunnel.

"Perhaps you two should continue on while I wait for Kylie to return? The longer we delay, the more injury might be done to Sherwood Elf Friend."

"I have no problem with continuing on," Yusef replies. "What about you?," Yusef asks Nariya. "If we do go, we should probably leave some kind of trail for them to follow."

[Nariya]

Nariya:

"Judging by this creatures shape and size and the sharp talons on its limbs, I'd wager that this is what created these tunnels. We seem to have stumbled across a nest of this monsters. Sherwood must have been grabbed by another of these creatures and dragged deeper into their lair. We must make haste if we are to safe him!"

"Perhaps you two should continue on while I wait for Kylie to return? The longer we delay, the more injury might be done to Sherwood Elf Friend."

"I agree on the urgency, but I doubt Sherwood is in tremendous peril, unless he's forgotten all he has learned about being a ranger when he began to seek out answers to unlock the mysteries of magic," Nariya replies. "I would not be surprised if Sherwood did not somehow plan this whole event, and is simply waiting in the final chamber timing us to see how long his rescue takes."

"I have no problem with continuing on," Yusef replies. "What about you?," Yusef asks Nariya. "If we do go, we should probably leave some kind of trail for them to follow."

"Yes let us go, since we are throwing caution to the wind," Nariya replies flatly. "We can make marks in the walls or floor if we need to let the others know which way we went."

Nariya will move to the next entrance and crouch down once more. She will make sure she can spot the signs of Sherwood's passing before moving in and will proceed cautiously despite her comment.

[GM Mad]

Post Continued:

Nariya and Yusef enter the next stretch of this tunnel system. Once more Sherwood's trail is easy to follow. But now Nariya can make out signs of what is pulling him: it is another rock reptile! The creature grasped Sherwood around the ankle and has been dragging him through the tunnels while going backwards! Sherwood's passage has eliminated most traces of the rock reptile, but enough remains for the trained tracker to find.

The tunnel gently curves away to the right. No more than ten feet along, yet another side tunnel comes up. The trail leads past this spur and deeper into the mountain.

Nariya looks both ways and up ahead in the passage where Sherwood was taken she can see that just five more feet up ahead the passage there is a four way intersection.

Even more ominously, a low growl can be heard off in the distance. Several more growls are heard. While it is impossible to tell exactly which of the three tunnels up ahead they are coming from, Nariya can tell that they are coming from the direction of the four way intersection.

Now what?

[Kylie]

Kylie:

Gliding up and down the tunnels, Kylie investigates them as quickly as possible. One goes quite a ways back, with two short dead ends off of it. It ends it what appears to be a lair for these creatures - or may have been at one time. Finding some bits of debris that look like it might have come from previous adventurers, Kylie reaches down to check through it for anything with acquiring. Unfortunately, she is quickly reminded of her current intangible state as her hand passes right through it.

Rat would be so disappointed.

With nothing else to do here, she checks the remaining passage. This one quickly proves to be another dead end.

Returning to the cave where they fought the lizard creature, Kylie is surprised to find that only Lilia is there. "Where are the others?" Kylie asks, though she expects that she knows the answer. Hopefully, they haven't gotten themselves in too much trouble.

[Lilia]

Lilia:

"I agree on the urgency, but I doubt Sherwood is in tremendous peril, unless he's forgotten all he has learned about being a ranger when he began to seek out answers to unlock the mysteries of magic," Nariya replies. "I would not be surprised if Sherwood did not somehow plan this whole event, and is simply waiting in the final chamber timing us to see how long his rescue takes."

Nariya's comments catch Lilia off guard. This whole thing nothing but a test?

"I do not know Sherwood as well as you do, Nariya, so I cannot know if he would do such a thing. Whether this is a test or just a random even, we must press forward either way."

Returning to the cave where they fought the lizard creature, Kylie is surprised to find that only Lilia is there. "Where are the others?" Kylie asks, though she expects that she knows the answer. Hopefully, they haven't gotten themselves in too much trouble.

"They've continued forward, but shouldn't be too far along as of yet."

Peering into the passage, Lilia can just make out Yusef's feet, so they haven't traveled very far as of yet.

Then the Elf Maiden's sharp hearing picks up the growls from the tunnels. Concerned, Lilia will call out in a low voice. "Are there more of these reptiles in there?"

[Yusef]

Yusef:

"Yes let us go, since we are throwing caution to the wind," Nariya replies flatly. "We can make marks in the walls or floor if we need to let the others know which way we went."

Yusef merely nods in response to Nariya's comment. When she enters the tunnel, he follows close behind, enjoying the view as they crawl through the cramped passage.

They pass one side tunnel, then approach an intersection. Nariya stops, apparently listening.

"What is it, Nariya?" he whispers to the woman ahead of him. "Do you hear something ahead?"

[Nariya]

Nariya:

Even more ominously, a low growl can be heard off in the distance. Several more growls are heard. While it is impossible to tell exactly which of the three tunnels up ahead they are coming from, Nariya can tell that they are coming from the direction of the four way intersection.

"What is it, Nariya?" he whispers to the woman ahead of him. "Do you hear something ahead?"

"Several somethings actually," Nariya whispers in reply.

She will move up to the intersection and look down each, looking to see which way Sherwood was dragged. She will also try to better tell which of the tunnels the growling is coming from, moving a little into each of them if neccessary. Unless she is met with a snarling, growling face of something when she gets up there of course.

If she does encounter something, she will try to punch it on its nose and back out of the tunnels quickly, pushing against Yusef if he moves too slowly.

[Kylie]

Kylie:

"They've continued forward, but shouldn't be too far along as of yet."

"Oh!" Kylie says with obvious surprise. She hadn't really expected them to continue on without her.

Knowing she only has about 3 minutes left on her spell, Kylie wafts quickly up the tunnel in search of Nariya and Yusef. It doesn't take long to find them, as they appear to have stopped at an intersection.

"Several somethings actually," Nariya whispers in reply.

"Perhaps I can draw them out of hiding again. Which way are they?" Kylie asks as she floats past the two warriors into the middle of the intersection.

[Yusef]

Yusef:

"Several somethings actually," Nariya whispers in reply.

"More of those reptilian creatures?" Yusef asks. "They have a distinct advantage in here." He will continue to follow behind the elf into the intersection - without crowding her. If she decides to back away from some threat, Yusef will press against the wall and let her pass as he figures he may be better able to defend himself in these crowded conditions.

"Perhaps I can draw them out of hiding again. Which way are they?" Kylie asks as she floats past the two warriors into the middle of the intersection.

"Be careful, Kylie," Yusef says, caution in his voice.

[GM Mad]

Post Closed