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Hammerfall #11

Farian leads a group of dwarves in the pursuit of the drow. However, the drow have run afoul of the duergar. A whole horde of the gray dwarves is coming down the long stairs! The drow were about halfway up when they engaged the duergar. Talk about what to do next comes up.

Daraden wrote:"I say we let them rot in whatever hell spawned the lot of 'em," Daraden mumbles. He isn't eager to go to the drow's aid, but if Farian and the others think they need to do a rescue, he will join in. The stairs though don't seem to offer much in the way of easy assistance and the duergar have the high ground.

“Aye, I’ll not be saving the likes of them!” Senoia vows, as she gestures wildly with her warhammers. “Let our enemies destroy each other, then we smash whatever is left!”

Farian wrote:“They will rot in time, underneath our hammers and axes.” He says in reply as he hefts his war hammer and shield. “There only be one way of getting out of here, and that be through that.” He says nodding his head towards the fighting mass. “Kill the Duergar, if the Drow get in the way, show them what dwarven steel can do. It makes no difference to me if they die by their hands or ours.” He says simply as he moves forward. "Anyone who can attack at range Fire into the duergar second rank." He will do his best to get a foothold for the dwarves to link up on. If a drow takes a swipe at him he will return the favor, though he will keep his focus on the Duergar, for now.

Mayor Arlos reaches out and grabs Farian by the shoulder. “Hold a moment, friend,” Arlos says. “While I admire your courage for wishing to engage the enemy, to take the battle to them on the stairs would be foolish. They have the tactical advantage of the higher ground and numbers. We could be overrun and swarmed by their superior numbers. Tactically speaking, we need to bottleneck them, reduce the number that can attack us at one time.”

As if to punctuate Mayor Arlos’ words, a drow warrior was shoved off the stairs. You hear his screams as he falls to his death at the bottom of the shaft.

“We can either hold them off here in the hallway, or even better, we withdraw back to the other side of that pit trap on the bridge over the lava. Activate the trap and they’ll be forced to move in single file to engage us. We hold the far side of the bridge, let them come to us, and then send those that do come into the fire. I do enjoy the irony of using their own defenses against them.”

Back in the Iron Warrior chamber, Grondar and Oran go to work on destroying the construct.

Grondar wrote:"An excellent idea, brother Dougan," Grondar says. "Please do as you suggest, and if you can return him to his senses, so much the better. If you succeed, you can leave him in the care of Mayor Arlos before rejoining the others."

“It shall be done, Lord Grondar.” Dougan moves off to tend to Brother Clavis. The former priest is easily controlled and Dougan will begin to speak to him.

Grondar wrote:"Exactly what I was thinking, Oran. I suspect that Mayor Arlos won't return for a while yet, so perhaps we should to try to meet him on the way back. I doubt anyone will be able to make any serious mischief with this junk," he says, gesturing at the pieces of the golem, "while we're away. Once we catch up with them, I would like you to take on the responsibility for the safety of him and his crew. With so many duergar crawling around, I believe he will be in need of a warrior of your stature."

“Agreed,” Oran simply states. “We’ll all sleep better once this monstrosity is destroyed. I’ll rejoin you as soon as a I can.”

Grondar then rushes off to see how the others are fairing…

GM Notes:

What Grondar finds will depend on what the others do in this post. The cast of character’s thread has been updated with the latest happenings.

Current Hit Points:

Arlos: 63 of 71
Daraden: 51 of 59
Dougan: 44 of 62
Farian: 56 of 75
Grondar: 52 of 70
Lotha: 31 of 37
Oran: 98 of 102
Senoia: 51 of 61

Now what?

Grondar:

Dougan wrote:“It shall be done, Lord Grondar.” Dougan moves off to tend to Brother Clavis. The former priest is easily controlled and Dougan will begin to speak to him.

"Thank you, Brother Dougan." Grondar smiles as he sees the priest begin his work with Brother Clavis. Pausing for a moment, he offers a prayer to the Revered Mother for Clavis' well-being.

Oran wrote:“Agreed,” Oran simply states. “We’ll all sleep better once this monstrosity is destroyed. I’ll rejoin you as soon as a I can.”

"The sooner, the better, my friend." With that, Grondar races off in an attempt to catch up with the others.

Farian

Mayor Arlos reaches out and grabs Farian by the shoulder. “Hold a moment, friend,” Arlos says. “While I admire your courage for wishing to engage the enemy, to take the battle to them on the stairs would be foolish. They have the tactical advantage of the higher ground and numbers. We could be overrun and swarmed by their superior numbers. Tactically speaking, we need to bottleneck them, reduce the number that can attack us at one time.”

“We can either hold them off here in the hallway, or even better, we withdraw back to the other side of that pit trap on the bridge over the lava. Activate the trap and they’ll be forced to move in single file to engage us. We hold the far side of the bridge, let them come to us, and then send those that do come into the fire. I do enjoy the irony of using their own defenses against them.”


“To the bridge then, I will need some cover to activate the trap.”

Virae

Hearing the dwarves discuss their options as a drow goes flying from the stairwell, Virae waits and sees, as the dwarves fall back to the bridge she will do so as well, giving Farian cover with her bow till his work is done

Senoia:

With her warhammers in hand, Senoia is eager to engage the enemy!

Arlos wrote:Mayor Arlos reaches out and grabs Farian by the shoulder. “Hold a moment, friend,” Arlos says. “While I admire your courage for wishing to engage the enemy, to take the battle to them on the stairs would be foolish. They have the tactical advantage of the higher ground and numbers. We could be overrun and swarmed by their superior numbers. Tactically speaking, we need to bottleneck them, reduce the number that can attack us at one time.”

As if to punctuate Mayor Arlos’ words, a drow warrior was shoved off the stairs. You hear his screams as he falls to his death at the bottom of the shaft.

“The Lady of the Fray will see us through,” Senoia starts to object right as the drow takes his long dive. “Well, one less of those vermin to deal with!”

Arlos wrote:“We can either hold them off here in the hallway, or even better, we withdraw back to the other side of that pit trap on the bridge over the lava. Activate the trap and they’ll be forced to move in single file to engage us. We hold the far side of the bridge, let them come to us, and then send those that do come into the fire. I do enjoy the irony of using their own defenses against them.”

Farian wrote:“To the bridge then, I will need some cover to activate the trap.”

“It’s against my principles to engage in any tactics!” Senoia complains, but will follow the others back. Once there she’ll take up a position where she can best do damage to on coming horde.

Oran:

The Iron Warrior lies in ruins. Once more the Firehammer has done its work. Grondar rushes off to catch up to the others.

Grondar wrote:"The sooner, the better, my friend." With that, Grondar races off in an attempt to catch up with the others.

“I’ll stay here to stand guard,” Oran states. “And keep an eye on the priests.”

Oran motions towards Dougan and Clavis.

“Who knows what unpleasant thing might pop back in?”

Dougan:

Grondar wrote:"Thank you, Brother Dougan." Grondar smiles as he sees the priest begin his work with Brother Clavis. Pausing for a moment, he offers a prayer to the Revered Mother for Clavis' well being.

Dougan nods towards Grondar and then turns back to Brother Clavis. The dwarf appears to have suffered greatly under the thrall of the Iron Orb. Dougan can’t help but wonder the words of that vile drow that Clavis was somehow able to resist the will of the Iron Orb, something that Lady Aria seems incapable of. Was it his years of experience that saved him? Or the strength of his devotion to his god?

“Even broken metal can be reforged,” Dougan mumbles as he approaches.

“Easy Brother Clavis. You are safe and free now. Let me help you. The danger has not completely passed and we will need your wisdom and guidance in the days to come. Let us depart these foul surroundings and return to the town.”

Post Continued:

Following the advice of Mayor Arlos, Farian orders those with him back to the other side of the bridge trap. Higher up on the stairs the fighting between the duergar and the drow continues furiously. It’s clear the drow are severely outnumbered. Their survival is in doubt.

The dwarves retrace their steps without incident. The duergar are still too far away to affect them. Once everyone is past the pit trap, Farian reactivates it. Then the group waits for the enemy to arrive. Daraden, Mayor Arlos, Senoia, and Lotha take the front line, while Farian and Virae stand behind them with ranged weapons.

The sound of battle on the stairs has long since ceased. You can hear the footsteps of the enemy running closer, but even they start to fade. The enemy is close, but most be concealed by invisibility.

The lava below works to the dwarves favor. The heat and smoke generated will occasionally outline an invisible duergar as they draw closer. Growing giant sized isn’t an advantage here, as it will just limit the number that can attack.

Finally, the pit trap is activated! An unseen duergar plunges through the opening and into the lava below! The screams are horrific, but mercifully brief.

Intense combat follows. Those in the front line work to force back any duergar who tries to edge his way past the pit trap. There is only a narrow space on either side of the pit that allows passage. With such a tactical disadvantage, those daring to cross are quickly turned back or sent falling into the lava below! Farian and Virae add their bolts and arrows to the assault, wounding many duergar and forcing them to turn visible once more.

After many minutes of fierce fighting, the duergar wise up and withdraw back a safe distance. They’ve learned the hard way that they cannot rush your front line. The enemy considers its options for a few moments and then strikes again!

This time, they are giant-sized and they begin to hurtle the crates and barrels that strewn the bottom of the stairwell like makeshift missiles! The crates and barrels are empty, but are a nuisance.

Grondar sees this as he arrives on the scene behind Farian and Virae.



Back in the chamber of the Iron Warrior, Oran stands guard while Dougan speaks to Brother Clavis.

Dougan wrote:“Easy Brother Clavis. You are safe and free now. Let me help you. The danger has not completely passed and we will need your wisdom and guidance in the days to come. Let us depart these foul surroundings and return to the town.”

“The voice,” Brother Clavis mutters. “Can’t get the voice out of my head! Talking all the time, making me do evil. What have I done?”

GM Notes:

There are a couple of dozen duergar in the attack force. Those throwing the missiles are just inside the doorway to the stairs, a minimum of 70’ away.

Current Hit Points:

Arlos: 63 of 71
Daraden: 51 of 59
Dougan: 44 of 62
Farian: 56 of 75
Grondar: 52 of 70
Lotha: 31 of 37
Oran: 98 of 102
Senoia: 51 of 61

Now what?

Daraden:

Deciding to let the duergar come to them, Daraden takes his place at the edge of the trap that Farian is rigging back up. He makes sure that Darkfang is on the other side of him so as not to risk losing his most trusted companion.When the accursed duergar do advance, they use their invisibility, forcing Daraden to swing wildly. Then the trap is sprung and at least one duergar goes screaming to his death, to which Daraden lets out a triumphant roar.

After many minutes of fierce fighting, the duergar wise up and withdraw back a safe distance. They’ve learned the hard way that they cannot rush your front line. The enemy considers its options for a few moments and then strikes again!

This time, they are giant-sized and they begin to hurtle the crates and barrels that strewn the bottom of the stairwell like makeshift missiles! The crates and barrels are empty, but are a nuisance.

"Now they be throwing their trash at us!" Daraden grumbles, avoiding a tumbling crate. Knowing they will evenutally run out of ammunition, and not really in too much danger, Daraden will wait out the barrage.

Grondar:

Oran's decision to stay with Dougan and Clavis meets with Grondar's approval. It is encouraging to know that the priests will be well-protected by this powerful warrior.

Moving rapidly through the subterranean castle, Grondar comes upon his companions and Mayor Arlos's team. They are beset by a large number of duergar and are using the trap door in the middle of the bridge to protect their front line. From the bodies strewn about, Grondar can tell that this tactic was successful. However, the duergar have grown to giant size and are now hurling crates and barrels at the dwarves.

Moving up near Farian, Grondar begins to unlimber his crossbow. "What's the situation here, Farian?" he asks.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________--
Senoia's comment is one of the funniest I have read in a long time!

Farian

Moving up near Farian, Grondar begins to unlimber his crossbow. "What's the situation here, Farian?" he asks.

“It be raining carts and crates is all.” He says chancing a look toward the priest. “Oh and they be giants now…” taking up is crossbow and firing towards the overgrown scum suckers.

Senoia:

Senoia stands ready a few steps before the pit trap. Her warhammers are in her hands and she twirls them about her with reckless abandon.

“Don’t get too close if’n you don’t want to be accidentally struck!” She’ll warn. “When the joy of battle is upon me they can’t tell between friend or foe!”

Unsure just what this tactic is going to accomplish; Senoia waits impatiently for the enemy to arrive. Sure enough, they skulk forward cloaked by invisibility! The first one falls into the trap and is cooked by the lava below.

“You got to admire an enemy that does the work for you!”

Sensing and occasionally seeing the enemy as they approach, Senoia swings her warhammers forward! The first swing only moves air, but the second hits something solid. The enemy is forced back and he too falls into the lava! More enemies approach and more are sent to the fire!

“What a great game you’ve invented, Mayor! I could do this all day!”

All too soon, the enemy retreats, as they are incapable of breaking the line. Not long after that they begin to throw barrel and crates while giant sized!

Daraden wrote:"Now they be throwing their trash at us!" Daraden grumbles, avoiding a tumbling crate. Knowing they will eventually run out of ammunition, and not really in too much danger, Daraden will wait out the barrage.

“Let’s take the battle to them!” Senoia shouts as she smashes a barrel that was heading her way. “If this is the worse they can do, then they are already defeated!”

--

Senoia's comment is one of the funniest I have read in a long time!

Thank you thank you. I’ll be here all week!

Dougan:

“The voice,” Brother Clavis mutters. “Can’t get the voice out of my head! Talking all the time, making me do evil. What have I done?”

Intrigued, Dougan moves closer. “Whose voice, Brother Clavis? What was it saying? Is it still talking to you now?”

Daraden:

“Let’s take the battle to them!” Senoia shouts as she smashes a barrel that was heading her way. “If this is the worse they can do, then they are already defeated!”

"Aye, that sounds like a grand idea!" Daraden says, smiling at Senoia's impatience and battlelust. Still, it's ultimately not his call, so he defers to Farian, and now Grondar, since they are directing things at this point.

Farian

"Aye, that sounds like a grand idea!" Daraden says, smiling at Senoia's impatience and battlelust. Still, it's ultimately not his call, so he defers to Farian, and now Grondar, since they are directing things at this point.

Looking at Grondar and tired of waiting of the duegar to come to them, Farian over hears the others. “I don’t know about you but I am growing tired of these carts. What ya say we put an end to this. We can take them on even ground.” Moving his black shield on his right arm and his warhammer in the other he moves to the right walkway and begins moving towards the duegar.

Grondar:

Farian wrote:“It be raining carts and crates is all.” He says chancing a look toward the priest. “Oh and they be giants now…” taking up is crossbow and firing towards the overgrown scum suckers.

"What say we cut them down to size, then?" Grondar replies as he begins to put his enchanted crossbow to good use.

Senoia wrote:“Let’s take the battle to them!” Senoia shouts as she smashes a barrel that was heading her way. “If this is the worse they can do, then they are already defeated!”

Daraden wrote:"Aye, that sounds like a grand idea!" Daraden says, smiling at Senoia's impatience and battlelust. Still, it's ultimately not his call, so he defers to Farian, and now Grondar, since they are directing things at this point.

Farian wrote:Looking at Grondar and tired of waiting of the duegar to come to them, Farian over hears the others. “I don’t know about you but I am growing tired of these carts. What ya say we put an end to this. We can take them on even ground.” Moving his black shield on his right arm and his warhammer in the other he moves to the right walkway and begins moving towards the duegar.

Grondar can't help but marvel at the impatience of his companions. They currently hold the only defensible position in sight and are beseiged by a much larger force. Nevertheless, the dwarves under his command seem able to think of nothing but charging into the masses of enemies before them. Still, they have too few ranged weapons to be really effective; Grondar finds himself having second thoughts about having left Oran and his wondrous hammer behind. The best he can do is provide the protection of the gods to his companions.

Having loosed several shots, Grondar calls out, "Hold until I give the order!" Immediately, he starts praying to Berronar for divine protection via the miracle known as Recitation. The second it is cast, he shouts, "Now! Charge!"

As quickly as he can, Grondar switches weapons and zips in to join his companions in battle.

Post Continued:

While retracing their steps out of the duergar fortress, the dwarves find the way blocked by dozens of the enemy. At Mayor Arlos’ suggestion, they withdraw back to the pit trap over the lava and use it as a defensive barrier. The tactic works as only a few duergar can physically attack them at one time and those who dare are sent into the fiery magma.

Soon the duergar wise up and withdraw from the pit. They then begin to chuck empty crates and barrels at the group from the bottom of the stairs! Many of the dwarves are eager to rush the duergar to continue the fighting.

Grondar wrote:Having loosed several shots, Grondar calls out, "Hold until I give the order!" Immediately, he starts praying to Berronar for divine protection via the miracle known as Recitation. The second it is cast, he shouts, "Now! Charge!"

The magic is invoked and the command to charge given! The dwarves rush forward, passing by the open pit to the lava, and towards the enemy. More debris is thrown, but this is turned aside with weapons.

The first ranks of the duergar are reached and dwarven weapons lash out. Another battle line is formed and the group pushes forward into the duergar forces. Blows are exchanged on both sides, but it is the duergar who are dropping from the fighting. Then the tide of battle changes dramatically!

It’s almost unnoticed at first, like a whisper off in the distance. A low roar is then heard and it gathers in strength and intensity! The ground itself begins to shake in response and everyone here realizes that it’s an earthquake!

The fighting stops as everyone tries to find shelter while keeping a nervous eye on the ceiling overhead. Back behind you, the bridge over the lava is violently twisted from the earth tremors. It shatters over the chasm making normal movement back toward the Iron Warrior chamber impossible!

Looking forward, there is an ear shattering crash in the stair chamber, as a portion of the stairs broke away and plummeted to the bottom of the shaft! The falling debris crushes any unfortunates in there. A wall of thick dust rushes towards the dwarves from the impact and engulfs them.

Back in the chamber of the Iron Warrior, Dougan continues to speak to Brother Clavis.

Intrigued, Dougan moves closer. “Whose voice, Brother Clavis? What was it saying? Is it still talking to you now?”

“The voice of the orb,” Clavis mutters almost incoherently. “It still speaks! Commanding me to do evil!”

Clavis suddenly has a frantic look to him. He turns, his eyes wide in panic.

“The orb is possessed by the spirit of an eye tyrant! Its sole purpose is to destroy true dwarves and I helped it!”

Before Brother Clavis can say more, the ground begins to shake and buckle. Chunks of the ceiling begin to fall to the floor and a giant crevice begins to form! Lava from the nearby pool begins to fill the crevice and more ominously, the lava begins to rise! The ground around the Iron Warrior begins to buckle. The lava draws closer to it and hunks of the great statue begin to fall into the rapidly growing crevice.

Oran begins to run towards the exit while he can still reach it, Dougan following behind him. Looking back, the pair can see that Brother Clavis has run away from them.

“Must silence the voice!” the deranged dwarf cries out. He reaches the crevice and leaps inside! “Dumathoin take me!” is all that is heard before Brother Clavis vanishes into the molten rock.

The rising lava forces the dwarves from the chamber and they see what remains of the Iron Warrior begin to slip into the magma.

Back at the main force of dwarves the dust storm begins to subside, as do the tremors. The roar fades back into the nothingness that spawned it. Sounds of those choking on the thick dust are heard. In time, the dust settles and it is possible to see once more.

“Is everyone all right?” Mayor Arlos calls out. “There hasn’t been an earthquake like this in at least fifty years! Not since the days before the great evacuation.”

The tunnel between the bridge over the lava and the shaft with the stairs held. The bridge over the lava is broken, leaving a twenty-five foot gap over the chasm. On the other side of the bridge you can see Oran and Dougan making their way along. Neither man seems to be hurt.

There is significant debris from the shaft with the stairs, but this can be climbed over. Most of the duergar were killed during the collapse, but a few survived and are injured.

Looking up, you can see that portions of the stairs have collapsed and broken away. As they fell, more sections were taken out and the rubble now fills the bottom of the shaft. Portions of the stairs do remain, but they are now separate platforms along the side of the shaft, small islands leading the way out of the duergar fortress.

The lower sections of stairs are accessible and you can climb up some sixty feet before facing a gulf between where you are and the next section of stairs, a distance of some twenty feet across and fifteen feet up.

Making your way back to Mountain Lake is going to be a challenge. To make matters worse, the lava in the chasm is beginning to rise! It may very well reach where you are standing!

GM Notes:

The lava is rising slowly, so you have time to vacate the area long before it reaches.

A few duergar survived the earthquake and some are injured. What are you going to do with them, if anything?

Some minor damage was taken from the earthquake, but nothing severe.

Current Hit Points:

Arlos: 60 of 71
Daraden: 48 of 59
Dougan: 41 of 62
Farian: 53 of 75
Grondar: 49 of 70
Lotha: 28 of 37
Oran: 95 of 102
Senoia: 48 of 61

Now what?

Daraden:

Back at the main force of dwarves the dust storm begins to subside, as do the tremors. The roar fades back into the nothingness that spawned it. Sounds of those choking on the thick dust are heard. In time, the dust settles and it is possible to see once more.

“Is everyone all right?” Mayor Arlos calls out. “There hasn’t been an earthquake like this in at least fifty years! Not since the days before the great evacuation.”

"Aye," Daraden answers checking on Darkfang who seems perfectly fine, "well that was downright unpleasant!"

The tunnel between the bridge over the lava and the shaft with the stairs held. The bridge over the lava is broken, leaving a twenty-five foot gap over the chasm. On the other side of the bridge you can see Oran and Dougan making their way along. Neither man seems to be hurt.

"Well we not be going back that way," Daraden mumbles, noting that Oran and Dougan seem alright, "at least not anytime soon."

There is significant debris from the shaft with the stairs, but this can be climbed over. Most of the duergar were killed during the collapse, but a few survived and are injured.

Daraden ignores them, unless the duergar are foolish enough to try to renew the attack. He'll have Darkfang keep an eye on them. Should any be that foolish, he's certain his companion will deal with them swiftly.

The lower sections of stairs are accessible and you can climb up some sixty feet before facing a gulf between where you are and the next section of stairs, a distance of some twenty feet across and fifteen feet up.

Making your way back to Mountain Lake is going to be a challenge. To make matters worse, the lava in the chasm is beginning to rise! It may very well reach where you are standing!

"Well, we best not be sitting 'round here all day lads!" Daraden suggests, "we need to be getting some rope and a move on, unless yah have some fancy spell or somethin' tah get us all outta here Grondar."

Grondar:

The Revered Mother honors Grondar's supplication and her love and support flow into the group. Immediately, they charge forward into the mass of duergar. The battle is fierce, but the dwarves seem to be winning...

Then comes the earthquake! It starts as a low rumble in the distance, which Grondar doesn't notice as he's fighting for his life. But then the ground begins to buckle and leap, and it can no longer be ignored. Stepping back from his opponents, Grondar calls out a warning to his companions even as he looks about for some kind of shelter.

With a groan and rumble of solid rock being pulverized, the bridge behind them gives way and crumbles into the lava below. Almost immediately, the stairs ahead collapse as well, leaving them trapped in this chamber.

Arlos wrote:“Is everyone all right?” Mayor Arlos calls out. “There hasn’t been an earthquake like this in at least fifty years! Not since the days before the great evacuation.”

Daraden wrote:"Aye," Daraden answers checking on Darkfang who seems perfectly fine, "well that was downright unpleasant!"

"You can say that again, my friend," Grondar says to Daraden. He then turns and addresses the group. "If anyone needs healing, let me know right away. Let's make sure everyone is still here."

Daraden wrote:"Well we not be going back that way," Daraden mumbles, noting that Oran and Dougan seem alright, "at least not anytime soon."

Daraden's words draw Grondar's attention to the far side of the bridge, where he spies their two companions who have emerged from below. The fact that Brother Clavis is not with them concerns him gravely. They also need to find a way to reunite with Oran and Dougan.

"Well, we best not be sitting 'round here all day lads!" Daraden suggests, "we need to be getting some rope and a move on, unless yah have some fancy spell or somethin' tah get us all outta here Grondar."

"No spell, my friend, but maybe my crossbow can be of help with that rope you mentioned. Please talk to the others and gather up whatever rope we have available." Not wanting to leave the duergar - wounded or not - at their backs, Grondar turns to Arlos. "Mayor, you're the ruler of this town and mine system, so I believe that makes these prisoners yours. Can you and Lotha keep and eye on them while we try to figure a way out of this trap?" In truth, he'd rather not turn the prisoners over to Senoia's tender mercies.

"Farian? Can you take a look around and see if you can find any alternate ways out of here? Senoia, please accompany him, just in case there are unknown threats here."

Grondar pulls out one of his few enchanted bolts and fits into his crossbow. "Please tie some of the rope you gathered onto this bolt, Daraden, and I'll see if I can't sink it into the stone over there near Oran and Dougan. If we pull it tight, hopefully they can climb across to us. When I fire the bolt, help me make sure the rope doesn't sag into the lava, okay?" Once the bolt and rope are ready, Grondar will move out to the end of the bridge and fire it into whatever solid target seems most appropriate.

Virae

“I don’t think that will be nessacary.” She states evenly to Grondar as he readies his crossbow. To further her point she let he wings become visible in the way of feathered wings. If she can get enough height and carry the rope to the others she will quickly tie it off.
To the two stranded dwarves she will ask, “How much do you weight?” Wondering if she can lift them and fly them out though she probably know it is doubtful.
Sorry for the short post computer been iffy.

Farian

"Farian? Can you take a look around and see if you can find any alternate ways out of here? Senoia, please accompany him, just in case there are unknown threats here."
“Aye, Though this be looking like a crap shoot.” He says gerimly as he begins looking for another way out err Up!? Lol

Senoia:

Daraden wrote:"Aye, that sounds like a grand idea!" Daraden says, smiling at Senoia's impatience and battlelust. Still, it's ultimately not his call, so he defers to Farian, and now Grondar, since they are directing things at this point.

“The Lady of the Fray would approve!” Senoia calls out in agreement. She’s brandishing her warhammers and is ready to unleash them at a moment’s notice.

Grondar wrote:Having loosed several shots, Grondar calls out, "Hold until I give the order!" Immediately, he starts praying to Berronar for divine protection via the miracle known as Recitation. The second it is cast, he shouts, "Now! Charge!"

“Come on, come on!” Senoia mutters as she waits for the command to charge to be given. Once it is, she rushes forwards warhammers in hand! They are slammed hard into the first enemy she comes across. The joy of battle comes across Senoia once more and she’s lost in the rapture. After one particularly hard strike, she notes that the ground is moving!

“Ha! I hit’m so hard the ground shook!”

After a few more moments, Senoia realizes that the ground really is shaking! It’s an earthquake! She holds her hammers crossed over her head for protection and hopes that the ceiling doesn’t come down on them. She closes her eyes and tries to hold her breath when the dust kicks up.

Just as quickly as it came, the ‘quake is over with. Senoia looks around.

“Well, that seems to have taken care of those Underdark runts.”

Arlos wrote:“Is everyone all right?” Mayor Arlos calls out. “There hasn’t been an earthquake like this in at least fifty years! Not since the days before the great evacuation.”

Grondar wrote:"You can say that again, my friend," Grondar says to Daraden. He then turns and addresses the group. "If anyone needs healing, let me know right away. Let's make sure everyone is still here."

“I’ll live,” Senoia calls out. “Throats a bit parched. I could sure go for an ale right about now!”

Daraden wrote:"Well, we best not be sitting 'round here all day lads!" Daraden suggests, "we need to be getting some rope and a move on, unless yah have some fancy spell or somethin' tah get us all outta here Grondar."

“I hate climbing,” Senoia mutters mostly to herself. Dangling on the end of a rope isn’t her idea of fun.

Grondar wrote:"Farian? Can you take a look around and see if you can find any alternate ways out of here? Senoia, please accompany him, just in case there are unknown threats here."

“What other ways out?” Senoia wonders. “I think we need to go up!”

Farian wrote:“Aye, Though this be looking like a crap shoot.” He says grimly as he begins looking for another way out err Up!? Lol

“Lead on, Farian. I guess this be yer sorta thing.”

Oran:

Oran keeps on eye on Dougan and the other on the way into the chamber. The sounds of battle can be heard off in the distance and Oran is very tempted to go aid his companions. The ravings of Clavis attract Oran’s gaze. It’s clear that he’s gone off the deep end.

The next thing Oran knows, the ground is shaking and the floor is splitting! Lava begins to pour in!

“Come on, Dougan! We need to get out of here!”

Oran begins to run towards the exit while he can still reach it, Dougan following behind him. Looking back, the pair can see that Brother Clavis has run away from them.

“Must silence the voice!” the deranged dwarf cries out. He reaches the crevice and leaps inside! “Dumathoin take me!” is all that is heard before Brother Clavis vanishes into the molten rock.

“He’s gone daft!” Oran cries out but it’s too late. Clavis is gone.

Making sure that Dougan is close by, Oran makes his way out of the chamber and back the way they came. The bridge over the lava has broken and it’s twenty-five foot leap across.

“Should be easy enough,” Oran notes as he walks away from the edge.

Grondar and the winged female call out about helping us making it across.

“Don’t worry about us,” Oran calls out. “We’ll be right there.”

Once back beside Dougan, Oran suddenly picks the priest up with ridiculous ease.

“Hang on preacher,” Oran says as he begins to run towards the edge of the bridge. “This is gonna be fun!”

Dougan:

“The voice of the orb,” Clavis mutters almost incoherently. “It still speaks! Commanding me to do evil!”

“Do you know where the orb is now?”

Clavis suddenly has a frantic look to him. He turns, his eyes wide in panic.

“The orb is possessed by the spirit of an eye tyrant! Its sole purpose is to destroy true dwarves and I helped it!”

“An eye tyrant?” Dougan repeats. It is another name for the fell creatures known as Beholders. Perhaps that explains how it can float and the powers that it unleashed.

Before Brother Clavis can say more, the ground begins to shake and buckle. Chunks of the ceiling begin to fall to the floor and a giant crevice begins to form! Lava from the nearby pool begins to fill the crevice and more ominously, the lava begins to rise! The ground around the Iron Warrior begins to buckle. The lava draws closer to it and hunks of the great statue begin to fall into the rapidly growing crevice.

“Come on, Dougan! We need to get out of here!”

Oran begins to run towards the exit while he can still reach it, Dougan following behind him. Looking back, the pair can see that Brother Clavis has run away from them.

“Must silence the voice!” the deranged dwarf cries out. He reaches the crevice and leaps inside! “Dumathoin take me!” is all that is heard before Brother Clavis vanishes into the molten rock.

“Brother Clavis!” Dougan calls out. “No! This is not the way!”

“He’s gone daft!” Oran cries out but it’s too late. Clavis is gone.

“No, my friend,” Dougan answers in a low voice. “He couldn’t bare the weight of his deeds. Maybe he’ll find the peace he needs. Let us see if the others need our assistance.”

Making sure that Dougan is close by, Oran makes his way out of the chamber and back the way they came. The bridge over the lava has broken and it’s twenty-five foot leap across.

“Should be easy enough,” Oran notes as he walks away from the edge.

Grondar and the winged female call out about helping us making it across.

“Don’t worry about us,” Oran calls out. “We’ll be right there.”

Once back beside Dougan, Oran suddenly picks the priest up with ridiculous ease.

Obvious confusion on his face, Dougan is surprised to be picked up by Oran as if he was a small child.

“Hang on preacher,” Oran says as he begins to run towards the edge of the bridge. “This is gonna be fun!”

“Oran? What are you doing? Oran! ORAN!”

Post Continued:

The battle against the Duergar suddenly ends as an earthquake shakes the area! The bridge over the lava that led to the chamber of the Iron Warrior breaks and large gap now separates the passage. Some of the stairs that lead to the surface have collapsed, filling the bottom of the shaft with rubble and debris. Only islands of the stairs remain and this way seems the only way out of the fortress.

Oran and Dougan appear on the far side of the collapsed bridge. They had both been back in the chamber holding the Iron Warrior and Brother Clavis. The former possessor of the Iron Orb is not present.

Grondar prepares to fire a crossbow bolt with a rope attached to it across the chasm. Virae wonders if she could carry the dwarves across using her wings.

Oran waves off such attempts. He picks up a surprised Dougan with ridiculous ease, tucking the Priest of Moradin under his arm. Oran than begins to run forward towards the broken bridge! Reaching the edge, Oran leaps!

And what a leap it is! Oran soars over the lava flow in a high arc, leaping higher and farther than should be possible! The dwarven warrior and his unwilling passenger land on the other side of the bridge, several feet past the edge.

Oran releases a fluster Dougan and causally turns back to the others. “Ring o’ Jumping,” he casually remarks. “Handy in situations like this.”


With the group reunited, efforts turn to making your way up the shaft.

Grondar wrote:Not wanting to leave the duergar - wounded or not - at their backs, Grondar turns to Arlos. "Mayor, you're the ruler of this town and mine system, so I believe that makes these prisoners yours. Can you and Lotha keep and eye on them while we try to figure a way out of this trap?" In truth, he'd rather not turn the prisoners over to Senoia's tender mercies.

“Aye, we can for a time. I’d just assume leave them here then take them with us. We don’t have the facilities to hold this many prisoners and I doubt the people of Mountain Lake want to be burdened by them.”


Looking up the shaft, it does seem possible that ropes can be used to climb from one island of stairs to the next. The ropes could either be tossed, fired from a crossbow bolt, or Virae could just fly them up and secure them.

While deciding your course of action, Mayor Arlos will offer a suggestion.

“Lord Grondar, this shaft was used to raise and lower supplies and ore. If the ore bucket is still intact and workable, then we can use it to go back up this shaft. If the woman with wings can reach the controls, she could lower it down and take us back up. It might be faster and easier then trying to climb our way out.”


Now what?

Grondar:

Senoia wrote:“I’ll live,” Senoia calls out. “Throats a bit parched. I could sure go for an ale right about now!”

Grondar laughs. "'Fraid I can't help you with that, miss, but I'm sure the Mayor will be glad to assist you with that once we return to town."

Farian wrote:“Aye, Though this be looking like a crap shoot.” He says gerimly as he begins looking for another way out err Up!?

Senoia wrote:“What other ways out?” Senoia wonders. “I think we need to go up!”

"Humor me, please, my friends," Grondar says. "With an earthquake like that, you never know when it will open up a hole in a wall or something."

Arlos wrote:“Aye, we can for a time. I’d just as soon leave them here as take them with us. We don’t have the facilities to hold this many prisoners and I doubt the people of Mountain Lake want to be burdened by them.”

Grondar nods. "The choice is yours, Mayor."

Virae wrote:“I don’t think that will be nessacary.” She states evenly to Grondar as he readies his crossbow. To further her point she let he wings become visible in the way of feathered wings. If she can get enough height and carry the rope to the others she will quickly tie it off.

Seeing wings unfurl from the new gal's back, Grondar grins. "You must have one of those magic cloaks like my friend Yusef wears. Very handy, that."

Oran wrote:“Don’t worry about us,” Oran calls out. “We’ll be right there.”

Grondar had paused his preparations when Virae spoke up, but now he's curious as to what Oran has in mind. Virae is barely out over the edge of the chasm when Oran scoops up Dougan and begins to run for the edge. Dougan calls out his apprehension as they approach the edge, and Grondar shares his concern, wondering if Oran is in his right mind at the moment.

At the last moment, Oran leaps, and sails clear across the open span! Though the feat is amazing, Grondar quickly realizes that Oran must be using some sort of magic item. The warrior soon confirms the notion. "Yes, I can see that it is," Grondar replies. "Good to have you back with us again."

Arlos wrote:“Lord Grondar, this shaft was used to raise and lower supplies and ore. If the ore bucket is still intact and workable, then we can use it to go back up this shaft. If the woman with wings can reach the controls, she could lower it down and take us back up. It might be faster and easier then trying to climb our way out.”

"I didn't know that, Mayor. An excellent idea," Grondar replies, nodding. He then turns to Virae. "Would you be willing to scout the shaft for us, Virae, and let us know if there is a working lift up there?"

Farian


"Humor me, please, my friends," Grondar says. "With an earthquake like that, you never know when it will open up a hole in a wall or something."

“Or seal us in, making it a grand tomb.” He adds dryly. As he moves off to continue looking for a way out besides the rope climb idea.

“Lead on, Farian. I guess this be yer sorta thing

“I guess so. It aint getting any cooler here.” He says as he puts his warhammer over his shoulder and begins looking about for a way up.

Virae

Seeing wings unfurl from the new gal's back, Grondar grins. "You must have one of those magic cloaks like my friend Yusef wears. Very handy, that."

“I doubt it. There is nothing magical about them.” She says easily as she gets ready to take to the air, but most strangely Oran brushes them off. So be it. Within moments Virae watches her eyes wide as they clear the lava flow.

Arlos wrote:“Lord Grondar, this shaft was used to raise and lower supplies and ore. If the ore bucket is still intact and workable, then we can use it to go back up this shaft. If the woman with wings can reach the controls, she could lower it down and take us back up. It might be faster and easier then trying to climb our way out.”

"I didn't know that, Mayor. An excellent idea," Grondar replies, nodding. He then turns to Virae. "Would you be willing to scout the shaft for us, Virae, and let us know if there is a working lift up there?"

“I have a name dwarf, or perhaps I should return the favor a merely call you dwarf.” She says flatly. “Aye, though give me a rope as well. I can be tying it off just in case.” She says walking over to a dead Duegar, gazing at him for a moment, studying his features and wills her form to look like the Duegar, minus any wounds though retaining her wings. “Don’t be confusing me with any of the Duegar, or you will be sorely mistaken.” She says evenly as she beats her wings and takes flight to where the Iron Bucket is located. Once she lands she will make her wings disappear, and look for a place to tie the rope off, and drop it, afterward she will begin to look at the bucket and see if it is still functional.

Senoia:

Grondar wrote:Grondar laughs. "'Fraid I can't help you with that, miss, but I'm sure the Mayor will be glad to assist you with that once we return to town."

“Just point me to the tavern once we get back topside.”

Grondar wrote:"Humor me, please, my friends," Grondar says. "With an earthquake like that, you never know when it will open up a hole in a wall or something."

Farian wrote:“Or seal us in, making it a grand tomb.” He adds dryly. As he moves off to continue looking for a way out besides the rope climb idea.

“I’ll dig my way out first!” Senoia vows.

Farian wrote:“I guess so. It ain’t getting any cooler here.” He says as he puts his warhammer over his shoulder and begins looking about for a way up.

“We’re dwarves,” Senoia answers. “A little heat and sweat is good for us. At least that’s what my pappy always said. It just works up a thirst that only ale can quench."

Virae wrote:“I have a name dwarf, or perhaps I should return the favor a merely call you dwarf.” She says flatly. “Aye, though give me a rope as well. I can be tying it off just in case.” She says walking over to a dead Duergar, gazing at him for a moment, studying his features and wills her form to look like the Duergar, minus any wounds though retaining her wings. “Don’t be confusing me with any of the Duergar, or you will be sorely mistaken.” She says evenly as she beats her wings and takes flight to where the Iron Bucket is located. Once she lands she will make her wings disappear, and look for a place to tie the rope off, and drop it, afterward she will begin to look at the bucket and see if it is still functional.

Senoia watches as the strange woman does her magic and then flies off.

“She has a sharp tongue, that one does,” Senoia notes. “I don’t trust her or anyone who uses magic like that. Who is she and where did she come from?”

Oran:

Dougan wrote:“Oran? What are you doing? Oran! ORAN!”

Oran ignores the preacher’s objections. Reaching the edge, Oran leaps using the magic of his Ring of Jumping.

And what a leap it is! Oran soars over the lava flow in a high arc, leaping higher and farther than should be possible! The dwarven warrior and his unwilling passenger land on the other side of the bridge, several feet past the edge.

Oran releases a fluster Dougan and turns back to the others. “Ring o’ Jumping,” he casually remarks. “Handy in situations like this.”

Grondar wrote:At the last moment, Oran leaps, and sails clear across the open span! Though the feat is amazing, Grondar quickly realizes that Oran must be using some sort of magic item. The warrior soon confirms the notion. "Yes, I can see that it is," Grondar replies. "Good to have you back with us again."

“The lava claimed the Iron Warrior,” Oran reports. “It’ll trouble us no more.”

The group turns to the next problem of climbing up the shaft.

“We can tie a rope to my hammer,” Oran offers. “I can then throw it over the next island of stairs. The hammer will then fall and fly back to me leaving us with a rope around the stairs.”

Another suggestion is offered involving the girl who showed up out of nowhere. Oran isn’t even sure of her race!

Oran keeps his eyes open, just in case any more trouble comes or way.

Dougan:

Dougan closes his eyes as Oran, ignoring his pleas to the contrary, reaches the edge and jumps! A prayer to Moradin is said as Dougan expects to feel the fire of the magma. But instead, Dougan opens his eyes to find that they are still moving through the air! The pair lands on the other side of the bridge, no worse for wear.

“Warn me next time!” Dougan shouts as he tries to regain his shattered nerves.

Dougan utters a few more silent prays to Moradin while the others work on getting us up the shaft. After calming down, Dougan will catch up and see what plans are in place.

Post Closed