Western Forest

[CountFalchiezVander]

The morning mists dance in the sunlight at the gates to Dennish, the wind playing the part as partner to the wisps and their traditional movements. There is quiet throughout the village, as the adventurer’s make ready, sheathing weapons, checking their mounts and saying good bye to friends. Not even the sounds of the smiths can be heard.
The people have gathered, and each has a look of hope and peace on their faces.
Suddenly, their heads all bow in unison as a voice softly floats into the air, and from the center of the gathering walks a dwarf, her garb that of a druid. She raises her hands as she sings, and instruments slowly join her from seemingly nowhere. The people hum softly, giving her words an almost physical form. The clouds above even still for her voice. If one were to look to the farthest reaches of the crowd, one could see several women, dancing together in very specific, yet fluid movements, like in a trance. Scimitars are wielded by each, and their display depicts story, so old that few can remember it, and you are not even sure what the story is about. But it captivates you a moment, making you feel at ease and in peace.
As the song finishes, she nods to the leaving heroes and clasps her hands together in prayer.

“Althalous takes care of those who take care of her. Remember that, and you will be forever remembered by the trees and wind...”

With that you embark.

The road is winding, and the sun shining down gives ample light to see quite a distance. This road leading to the Forest is not as weathered as the more trafficked roads, but there are signs of recent use. The birds sing softly and the air is crisp. It will take three days to reach the edge of the Forest, and a few hours to walk to the Outpost within it.

[eric]

...It will take three days to reach the edge of the Forest, and a few hours to walk to the Outpost within it.[/b]
Challrain, who does not own a mount, will walk along the path, near the edge, chatting
with each the Kobold, Orc and Elf in turn, asking each questions about the city, coins
and the tribe.

Hes not to sure whats going on but hes happy to be heading a way away the way he
came from.

Are there Inns along the way? Challrain who did not spend the night in the city
on the night before, since Soolee would not let him spend the night in her bed,
and it was to noisy and smelly. He and Challrain spent the night a ways out
fron the city.

If we make it to the 2nd night, "Should we not hunt for meat and other things?"

Challrain

[shawnrc]

Coming down from my cave with all my supplies, I head to the gathering happening in the middle of the town. While standing there with the others, a female dwarf emerges from the crowd singing. She looks to be dressed as I am, so I gather she is a druid. Why have I not seen her before.... After the prayer we four begin to head off to the West.



Walking along the path with Sax and the others I begin to ask questions about eachothers skills, both strengths and weaknesses. I want to know what kind of fighting capabilities they have and magic of any sort they may have. I want to see how I can use their talents for the best results.

Answering Challrain I say, "It would be a great idea if we were to forage for ourselves along the way. No knowing what we will find once we get to where we are going. Remember this is an information gathering mission" and said with a sneer, "and a head hunting mission."

I answer all his other questions about the city, coins and the 'tribe'. Trying to get myself with him at a distance I can not be heard to well I try and lead him in a different minded direction about the 'not so kind' tribe. "Challrain, you know why they are having us do all the work here right? It is cause they are cowards and unable to fend for themselves. They find others to do their work for them, knowing that it is a mission that is fruitless. They see us as threats and want to be rid of us, they are an evil lot. They guise themselves in cheer and prayers. But we, (I point to Loktar) know the truth of it all. I have yet to talk to Lucian about any of this as of yet, but I will I promise you this." We continue to talk throughout the morning heading toward the West.....

[Regnier_Leinhart]

Lucian leaves the Sun's Down Inn just before dawn and greets the sun as is his moring ritual. He goes to the temple of his creator to pray and leaves behind a gold piece. He goes to market and buys Two days worth of trail rations and some hempen rope. He meets at his group at the gathering and watches the ceremony. "Farwell and good with your journey to the south.", he says to the other group. "Alright I think we be heading out now." Three days until we reach the outpost and then we will see what is going on there.

[eric]

"Challrain, you know why they are having us do all the work here right? It is cause they are cowards and unable to fend for themselves. They find others to do their work for them, knowing that it is a mission that is fruitless. They see us as threats and want to be rid of us, they are an evil lot. They guise themselves in cheer and prayers. But we, (I point to Loktar) know the truth of it all. I have yet to talk to Lucian about any of this as of yet, but I will I promise you this." We continue to talk throughout the morning heading toward the West.....[/b]
"So these 'coins' are in exchange for favors or items, they do not share of have jobs to
support the tribe, eerr... city. Like my Torc, it is worth someone to hunt meat for me.
They give us metal to do work for them, and other people will take this metal for
things, like a bigger torc. My Tribe is full of all races, we take in new people, and
you must work there or you do not survive. We will hunt together and feed the big
one and let talk big thoughts. OK Xen?" Challrain

[colonialbob]

Loktar walks steadily, looking along the path as if thinking about what is to come. He answers Challrain's questions, mentioning that he is not from Dennish, but the orcish lands to the south. Sometime during the day, as Challrain and Xen are talking, he moves closer to Lucian. "I understand you kill orcs... I can assure you I have no special love for elves, either. We've been placed together, though, perhaps through someone's misguided sense of humor. I trust we have nothing to worry about from the other?"

[Regnier_Leinhart]

"I assure you you Loktar you have nothing to worry from me. For I would only turn my blades on you only if you were to comit an act of treachary that would harm this group or any of those that will come under our protection. For now we are on a course that has partnered us together and as such I will fight with you as bravely and valiant as I would if you were one of my elven bretheran, that is my promise to you. Now let us focus on the journey ahead." Lucian says in response to Loktars question.

[colonialbob]

Loktar nods, satisfied, and resumes his position on the other side of Challrain and Xen. Perhaps not my first choice, but I'll take a capable fighter any day. Now to get to the bottom of the events at the outpost.

[shawnrc]

"Have a good conversation Loktar?" I say. "I have been having a intriguing conversation with Challrain here. He is more like minded than I thought... perhaps we should get some food for dinner I am getting famished. Want to find something with me?" I ask Loktar. I say to Challrain and Lucian, "Perhaps you and Challrain here can find a bite also. What say you Lucian?"

[CountFalchiezVander]

As you all decide upon hunting about for food, you notice the sun begins to set, and the wind picks up a chill of night within it. To the left of the road is a small clearing, big enough for your and your horses to make camp this evening. Do you make camp, or continue on?

[shawnrc]

OOC: I say we make camp.

[eric]

OOC: I say we make camp.[/b]
Agreed, Challrain will gather firewood and start some tea.

"Later I will look for herbs and mushrooms and roots to make a soup from
the Goat broth I have. I'll have a nap then hunt in the early morning."

Challrain

[Regnier_Leinhart]

"Agreed Xen, I'll venture into the woods and try and get us some food." Lucian drops his pack and pulls out his bow and heads into the woods to hunt for some food.

[shawnrc]

"Sounds good Lucian, Loktar and I will set up a perimeter for camp."



I go into the wooded area to find some materials to construct traps around the area...



:ooc: craft traps (1d20+6=23) (http://invisiblecastle.com/find.py?id=1420094)

As I am constructing the traps, I begin talking to Loktar...."Why exactly are you out on this mission?? I will give you a little information about me if you would like" Using some of my rope I attempt to construct a trap while waiting for a response.

[colonialbob]

Loktar crouches, scanning the forest as Xen makes his trap. "The usual adventure business; gold, boredom, that sort of thing. Meeting interesting characters, that's a bonus." It sounds like a joke, but he doesn't crack a smile or even stop looking around the forest. "Well, also I needed to get away from things for a while. This seemed a nice change of pace. You?" He seems more articulate than most orcs as well; perhaps this was part of the getting away he speaks of?

[shawnrc]

"Me," I say with a shrug, concentrating on the last pieces to my third trap. "I am not sure why I am out here, I was just going into town cause I heard something strange coming from the gates and I wanted to check it out. I have been watching the city for some time now."

Should I tell him the reasons for watching the city? I am not sure if I can trust this one as of yet I better not... "So have you met any interesting characters?" I think to myself Challrain is interesting enough... "What kinds of things are you getting away from? If you don't mind me asking... I am away from things too I should say. I killed the leader of our clan and thought it wise not to stick around." feeding him some information but enough to draw his own conclusions if he wanted too.

[colonialbob]

Loktar shrugs in turn. "Nothing like that, just tired of my surroundings. The orcs of my home are divided, always squabbling. They care too much about getting their portion of the loot that they waste so much effort stealing from each other." For the first time, he looks at his new traveling companion. "You killed your chieftan? I can't say I'm surprised... I am an orc after all. But I do wonder why?"

[Regnier_Leinhart]

"Ok Xen I'll see what I can find." Lucian says and goes off into the woods. Walking as quietly as possible Lucian hunts for tonights meal. He scans the forest for any signs of quarry.

Spot & Listen:
1d20+7=20, 1d20+7=13 (http://invisiblecastle.com/find.py?id=1421041)

Move Silently:
1d20+8=14 (http://invisiblecastle.com/find.py?id=1421056)

Tracking (in case needed):
1d20+5=16 (http://invisiblecastle.com/find.py?id=1421048)

[CountFalchiezVander]

Lucian:

You see at first, nothing in small wooded area. Then you hear a small snap of twigs and a few rabbits run towards you. You take them down with ease, getting enough meat to make a suitable stew. Other than that, you see nothing else of note.

Loktar and Xen:

you finish traps and double check them for security flaws, finding none, you make your way back to base camp.

As you all sit down to a hot meal, you hear an alarming whooping noise and several goblins fly out from the forest, setting off the traps that were set by the druid. From their formation, it was if they expected you, but did not think to disarm the traps, which do nothing more then hinder them enough for you to draw your weapons.

OOC: Battle will occur in the battle thread now.

[CountFalchiezVander]

The bodies lie around the camp site, bloodied and mangled. There are starting to smell, worse than before...

[Regnier_Leinhart]

Lucian wipes the blade of his scimitar on grass to clean the blood off. "Well that was a nice and warm welcome.", he says sarcastically. "Let's keep a sharp eye out there are might be more around here. There is definitely more ahead." Lucian looks and listens for more.

Spot & Listen:

1d20+7=15, 1d20+7=25 (http://invisiblecastle.com/find.py?id=1427211)

[colonialbob]

Loktar glares around for a moment, panting slightly, then seeing no more threats he closes his eyes and exhales. He remains motionless for a second, then opens his eyes and cleans and replaces his axe. "I'll get these out of the way," he says, nodding towards the bodies. He walks over to the goblins and checks them for anything of value before lifting their bodies and moving them a ways into the forest.

Don't know if I need to roll anything...[/b]

[shawnrc]

Well done Loktar.... We will need that brawn in the future. Looking impressed at the slaughter of the goblins I say, "Great job everyone, we should do some lookout and see if there are any more around. Then we can get back to eating and possibly get some sleep for the night." I watch Loktar close as he subtly checks the bodies of the goblins as he moves them off into the forest a ways. When he gets back I tell him with a wink, "I hope that sated some of your 'boredom' my friend." As I offer him a bowl of stew.

[eric]

Challrain will continue looking around for where the Goblins
came from, and if there is a scout or other Goblins anywhere.

After 15 minutes he will come back, with his information.

At minimum where the goblins came from so Lucian can
track them from there.

<GM Anything?>
Challrain

[CountFalchiezVander]

Lucien:

You're highly tuned senses tell you nothing more is near by, which is confirmed by Challrain when he returns.

Loktar:

You carefully remove the bodies, and while you examine them you discover that the leading one carried a small pouch which contained 10 pieces of gold and a strange green vial.

Challrain:

You search out for the 15 minutes, and notice that the goblins were sort of stationed several meters away from the campsite. There are some ragged blankets and some hard rations, the evidence of a small fire pit as well. There is no sign that they traveled from anywhere, but it is almost as if they have been dropped here for a specific purpose.

[Regnier_Leinhart]

"Well there does not seem to be any more around here. Still I'll keep a vigil through the night and make sure we are not disturbed." Lucian draws his bow and prepares to sit through the night and guard his commrades.

[eric]

but it is almost as if they have been dropped here for a specific purpose.[/b]
Is there evicence that they did something or someone left before they attacked us?
He is worried they were here to raise the alarm.

When he returns to the camp he will cast a cure light wounds on Loktar

cure light wounds (1d8+1=2) (http://invisiblecastle.com/find.py?id=1429576)

After dinner he will sleep, aske to be woken a a hour and a half before
sunrise and go hunting. Challrain

[shawnrc]

Knowing that some of my traps have been tripped, I go out and replace them. I also look around for some food for Sax. After I come back I mention to Lucian, "Lucian, would it be wise for us to track these goblins once the sun rises? Perhaps these were just a foward post? Did we inspect the place they were sl;eeping to see if there were more thn just 3 of them and perhaps 1 or more left to sound an alarm?"

[CountFalchiezVander]

The morning sun rises up after an uneventful, chilly night. OOC: Those with injuries heal 1 hit point

The camp looks as it should, and the road ahead looks less traveled and more overgrown, as one could tell simply by looking about thirty feet ahead. It seems as if the construction was suddenly stopped and only a basic wagon trail was placed in lou of cobblestones.

[shawnrc]

As the morning sun rises I squint and rub my eyes getting them used to the brightness. Extending my wings out with a huge stretch I smell something cooking over the campfire. I look over to see Challrain cooking what looks to be some sort of rodent. I look over to Sax and get a little frown on my face. After eating a decent meal and feeding Sax I gather my things and look out to the west along the trail we have been riding. It seems to be overgrown quite a bit and there is no longer any cobblestone to ride along. "Perhaps we should travel more tactically now everyone! Might I suggest Lucian out front and the Loktar followed by me and then Challrain." I say with a confident toothy grin.

[eric]

The morning sun rises up after an uneventful, chilly night. OOC: Those with injuries heal 1 hit point[/b]
Did Challrain have any luck hunting? Also if I counted right, Loktar should hav
full hp's for the clw and overnight. Just checking

[colonialbob]

Loktar awakes and stretches, feeling the new skin already covering his injuries. After eating a light breakfast, he shoulders his axe and looks down the road. "That order's fine with me. Everybody pay more attention to the trail, this looks like a great location for an ambush."

[Regnier_Leinhart]

"Well Xen if there was one that went to sound the alarm then we will know about tonight or they'll try and ambush somewhere along the road tomorrow, either way there be know way to stop it. The move is theirs now so let's see what they will do. So you should get a good nights sleep." With that Lucian contnues his vigil. Through out the night Lucian watches over the camp and is ready to sound the alarm if the need arises. However no such need arose. In the moring before the sunrises Lucian wakes Challrain as he requested. Then Lucian greets the sun as he always does every morning whenever he can. "Well let's hope that we will not have anymore trouble until we reach the Western Forest." As they walk down the road Lucian keeps his eyes and hears peeled for any dangers that may jump out and attack.

Spot & Listen:
1d20+7=26, 1d20+7=20 (http://invisiblecastle.com/find.py?id=1430616)

[CountFalchiezVander]

Challrain's expedition hunting proved rather fruitful, harvesting two rabbits for some quick meat, and some fowl for later in the day. The trail is a little more difficult than the worn road, yet you all manage to keep at a steady pace. The day passes without incident, and another rest spot is found. This one looks like it may have had use recently, or within the last week.

Lucian:

About the time the sun reaches its zenith, you notice that there are no animals around, no birds, small rabbits, even larger animal evidence is non existent. You hear silence, with the wind occasionally rustling a few leaves.

[shawnrc]

Riding along, I notice as it becomes near dusk that there seems to be an absence of animals. I find it peculier that there is not even any signs of them being around either. I look back to Challrain and notice that he seems a little uneasy also. I mention, "have you seen any signs of wildlife?" I get down off my horse and begin walking with Sax at the ready.

:ooc: spot and listen (1d20+4=20, 1d20+4=24) (http://invisiblecastle.com/find.py?id=1431407)

Looking out to the sides for anything that is out of the usual.

[eric]

I mention, "have you seen any signs of wildlife?" I get down off my horse and begin walking with Sax at the ready.[/b]
"I'll go this way towards the water and look there. Come on Empanada, time for a bath."
Challrain

[Regnier_Leinhart]

There is no sound, no sound what so ever. That is not good.Lucian draws his bow and notches an arrow. "I wouldn't do that Challrain. I suggest we stay together and not separate."

[shawnrc]

"I agree with Lucian Challrain, just stay together till we can figure this thing out. Loktar I would suggest being ready to cleave something in two like you did before."



:ooc: How wooded is the area if I may ask?

[colonialbob]

Loktar nods and reaches his hand back for his axe, drawing it and resting it on his shoulder. "I don't like this. It feels unnatural." He glances around the path, agitated. Better to be in combat and know your enemy than constantly watching your back like this...

[eric]

"I know there is something wrong, the water is just over there,
OK I will move that way and stay within distance."

Challrain has Empanada stop by his feet and takes out his
sling and he is 30 feet from the closest party member
looking around, up mostly.

Challrain.

[CountFalchiezVander]

Xen:

Your vision and ears seem to play a trick on you, as you notice nothing unusual other than the fact the wild life is gone. The water, you notice from a distance, is clear and flowing at a fairly rapid rate, the sound soothing. The woods also seem to thicken a little more, providing a little more overhead shelter, but obscures your hearing as the wind rushes through it in small bursts from time to time.

It seems that there is a small clearing, naturally formed, just a minute or two off the road side. It would make a decent place to camp, and affords cover from the road and the east.

[eric]

The water, you notice from a distance, is clear and flowing at a fairly rapid rate, the sound soothing. [/b]
What is the evidence of the last time animals were are the water?
Is there fish in this stream?
What are the attitudes of Sax and Empanada?

Kn: Nature (1d20+5=20) (http://invisiblecastle.com/find.py?id=1433433)
spot (1d20+6=25) (http://invisiblecastle.com/find.py?id=1433435)

Challrain

[CountFalchiezVander]

:ooc: how close is Challrain getting to the stream to look for fish?

Challrain:

You think to yourself a moment, and notice that this area of land has been cleared of animals for some time, as if they all ran away. The undergrowth shows signs of youth, and you can calculate that either something rather large once roamed through this area, or a lot of medium sized things, either which trampled the older under brush.

[eric]

:ooc: how close is Challrain getting to the stream to look for fish?[/b]

About 3', given his massive height he has to get close to look in.

If Empanada is nervous that would change his idea. She
does not like predators, large or otherwise. :)

OOC: I like to play close with my animals, not liek the magically appear
and disappear for a dice roll, btw Xen, you do good with Sax :)

[CountFalchiezVander]

The water seems clear, and Empanada goes to drink from it without any hesitation. There are no fish to see, but the water is full of small plants. There is nothing of interest from what you can see.

[eric]

"Its clear at the stream, and Empanada thinks the water's OK, Anyone see any tracks predator or Goblin?" Challrain

[shawnrc]

" Everything seems pretty clear to me around here. Looks like I see a clearing up ahead that looks like a good spot to camp possibly. It gives us cover from the road and the east. I may be wise for us to get camp up and perhaps send out two people to scout out and see what is around so we are not caught unaware. Any volunteers? I think Sax and I are going to stay here so as i can set up some alarm traps for us and maybe even some pit falls." Looking to Sax at my feet I rub my scaly hand down his oily fur.

[eric]

I think Sax and I are going to stay here so as i can set up some alarm traps for us and maybe even some pit falls."[/b]
"OK I am going to travel down the stream for a bit past the clearing looking at things,
then I will come back and get Empanada a bath. Challrain

[colonialbob]

Loktar nods. "Lucien is the tracker, I am not good at those things. I will stay and guard Xen while he makes his traps."

[Regnier_Leinhart]

"I'll scout the area and make sure there is nothing around this time." Lucian goes 30' into and walks around the parameter of the camp site. Lucian so as to not be seen by anything that may be there looking for those that would approach the Western Forest.

Spot and Listen:

1d20+7=13, 1d20+7=27 (http://invisiblecastle.com/find.py?id=1436901)

Hide and Move Silently:

1d20+8=18, 1d20+8=18 (http://invisiblecastle.com/find.py?id=1436912)

[CountFalchiezVander]

Lucian:
You become one with the shadows, and as you scout around, you see no real threats to anyone in the group. In fact, you find very few signs of life at all...

The following morning the sun hides behind clouds, but the wind is from the south, carrying a slightly warmer breeze. You know you only have a day's travel left, but it will be bumpy as the road seems to more or less become pure trail just up ahead of the resting spot.

[eric]

"Well we are out of Goat broth. We should find something we
can make broth out of if there are tracks we run into."

Challrain wants to keep his eyes open for animals coming back into the
are's we walk into.

Challrain

[colonialbob]

Loktar awakes and is ready to depart earlier than he was the day before. "Let's get moving... this place creeps me out."

[Regnier_Leinhart]

"We only have a day left of travel until we reach the Western Woods so let's move out." Lucian says and begins going down the road.

[CountFalchiezVander]

The walk in long, but quiet as you continue on your way. From time to time you look around, and still no signs of life are anywhere, as if you are walking into a woodland cemetery.

About mid day, while the sun is at its highest peak, you all sense something uneasy about the small bit of trail you are on. In fact, as you look about and listen, you realize you are not alone.....

DM note: Go to Battle thread for more details....

[shawnrc]

I wake and begin praying for a good day to travel, I then gather my things as the others begin to restle and wake. "I agree Lucian we should be on our way."

Walking along the trail I keep looking around and then down to Sax to see his reactions to the surrounding areas. I get a sense around high sun that something is not right as Sax begins to be more restless. I ready a spell (aspect of the wolf) and prepare to 'spring' into battle.

[shawnrc]

Loktar nods at the scene. "Good work." He glances down at the bound goblin at his feet and gives it a light kick with his foot. "What's this for?"[/b]



"I'd say so, to bad you were not able to get that other one all tied up also. We may have been able to get some information from that one. This one here does not speak a language that we know. I am thinking we can use him as a shield and if he makes it back with us someone is bound to be able to speak goblin. It is just past mid day we should be on our way, what you all think?" Without waiting for a word from the others I pull up the remaining goblin and begin getting ready to move on.

[eric]

"I think we should get off the road, and travel thru the
woods, we are close enough that we won't get lost and hopefully
stay away from other ambushes. You know how to get
to the station that way right?" Looking at the Ranger. Challrain

[Regnier_Leinhart]

"Yes, I can guide us through the forest Challrain and we should not be that far from where we should have to be." Lucian looks around his surrounding to determine where they are at in there journey and to use it to determine which is the best way to go.

1d20+6=17 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1449983/)

[CountFalchiezVander]

Lucian:

You take a moment and note the sun's direction overhead, and the wind rustling the trees, their slant due to the sloping ground, and reason that heading slightly southwest will put you ahead on the trail towards the outpost.


After about 2 hours (given the goblin needs assistance with the busted leg) you arrive at the front of the outpost. There is no sound from inside, and the front palisade has been ripped down, the interior iron door hanging from its hinges.

[colonialbob]

"This doesn't look good. We should go slowly." Loktar peers into the open doorway, trying to see any movement inside.

[shawnrc]

"This doesn't look good. We should go slowly." Loktar peers into the open doorway, trying to see any movement inside. [/b]

I say to the group as a reminder of what our mission is here.....

You four will be heading to the Western Forest, to find out what happened to the ranger's outpost, and to discover what is behind the goblin incursions. Your reward when you return with the information will be 2700 gold pieces apiece, and there will be a hefty bonus should you bring me the root of the incursions. And by root, I mean head....[/b]



"I think you are right Loktar, perhaps before you poke your head in anywhere, Lucian can scout out the perimeter for any sign of what has happened here. What say you Lucian?" I look around and down at Sax to see what his thought of the situation is.

:ooc: Does he appear to be aware of anything in the area perhaps?

"I think finding out what happened to the outpost will be easy, we just need to find out why and what is behind it all. Maybe we can capture something that will give us information or just get lucky."

[CountFalchiezVander]

Loktar:

You peek inside, and see a large waiting room. There is a large table in the center, with a small, shattered statue, of what you are unsure. There is fungus everywhere in the room, and a pool has formed in a recess in the floor by a door to the west. One of the chairs has been smashed and a cleaver is embedded in its rotting, once royal blue cushion. There is also a smell, a smell none of you are familiar with.

Xen:

Your companion seems a little uneasy about this place, like something violent and brutal has happened here. The smell also makes him leery. Still he stands by your side, readying himself.

[shawnrc]

Watching Loktar peer into the building, I see Sax looking a little uneasy. "Loktar, what do you see in there?" I whisper loud enough for him to hear.

[eric]

Watching Loktar peer into the building, I see Sax looking a little uneasy. "Loktar, what do you see in there?" I whisper loud enough for him to hear.[/b]
"smells around here."

Challrain and Empanada will head around the outpost to the left
staying in the forest and far enough so he can still
see the group. How large is the exterior wall?

[CountFalchiezVander]

Challrain:

You note that 15 feet to the left the wall ends, but it extends over 140 feet to the right. The complex certainly has width to it.

[colonialbob]

Loktar turns back to the group. "This doesn't look very recent... things have been this way for a while. Everything looks torn up... I'm pretty sure there was a battle." He pauses, then looks at the door and wall. "Course, that's not exactly news."

[eric]

GM: How deep is the complex?

"This wall is huge, how did the rocks get moved
Is this a religious site? I am goning to go along this side
of the wall."

Head down staying close to the wall looking fir
interesting things along the way.

Challrain

[Regnier_Leinhart]

"By the gods, what has happened here?" Lucian says as looks upon the outpost. Lucian looks to the inside and sees the mold and fungus growing and is even more perplexed by this. "How can this be? Something more then goblins must have came through here. And what is that awful smell?" Lucian looks around and draws his bow. He proceeds into the complex quietly and tries to remain hidden in case whatever did this is still around looks and listens to see if anything is still around.

Hide and Move Silently:
1d20+8=18, 1d20+8=16 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1451074/)

Spot and Listen:
1d20+7=23, 1d20+7=11 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1451071/)

[CountFalchiezVander]

Challrain:

You have no idea how deep the complex is, unless you walk the length of it. No, it is a simple square like design from what you can gather.

:ooc: which way are you going Challrain? Left or right?


Lucian:

You blend into the shadows, and see everything Loktar sees, including the single wooden door.

[eric]

:ooc: which way are you going Challrain? Left or right?[/b]
The side I am on, Left

[CountFalchiezVander]

Challrain:

You scurry along the side of the outpost, veering at the turn, and head down the length of the complex. It's length is, you guess about 160 feet. The forest surrounding it is cleared from the building about 15 feet, then becomes dense woodlands again. It is silent. Do you go around the entire perimeter?

[eric]

Do you go around the entire perimeter?[/b]
No, unless I see anything interesting or out of place, I will look down the 'back' wall and head back.
Challrain

[shawnrc]

Watching the other look around, I see Challrain take off along the left side of the wall. hmmm wonder what he is doing? What in the world is that smell?

Seeing Lucian draw his bow back, reminds me to be awares of what is around us. So I ready my spear and prepare for action. At the same time I do this I lead Sax into the area watching him closely to see his response.

I move up near Loktar and say, "what ya think, shall we go take a look?

[colonialbob]

Loktar nods. "I bet you whatever did this is already gone... that smell, though. I'd feel better if I know what it was." He holds his axe ready to bring into action. "Still, we can defend ourselves."

[CountFalchiezVander]

Lucian:

As you walk around trying to understand the carnage, you get a strange feeling from the south east wall, as if there is something there that wasn't there before, or has been hidden there a long time.

Loktar:

Do you open the door?

[shawnrc]

Watching Loktar I say "lets open the door and see what is inside. I will open it you be ready!" I approach the door and move the handle is it locked or open. If it is open I will open it.

I am watching Sax to see his reaction to the door before I do open it.

[eric]

If there is nothing along the 'back' wall Empanada and I will head back.

[CountFalchiezVander]

Xen:

You note that the door is locked from the other side, as if whatever was in here did not want anything getting out... Sax seems quite calm.

Challrain:

You find nothing of interest, and you head back in with the others.

[eric]

"Should I check around the other wall? Challrain

[shawnrc]

"Challrain, if you would want to check the other side that would be great, at least then we will have a picture of what we are dealing with." I fidget with the door knob to find that it is locked. "Loktar, this door here seems to be locked, I wonder why? Perhaps you might give it a little shouldering and bust it open." Looking over to Lucian I say, "what do you make of this? It is locked looking like something wanted to keep something from getting out not in..."

[eric]

"Challrain, if you would want to check the other side that would be great, at least then we will have a picture of what we are dealing with."[/b]
"Yes then, Ill head around this .. ah site ... and come around that way."

Point the way I just came from.

Head around to the right staying near the the edge of the forest and looking
for again interesting or out of place things. Challrain

[Regnier_Leinhart]

Lucian looks to the south east wall and starts to move over to it. He walks over to it and searches around the area. "There something odd about this area. Something that isn't suppose to be here." Lucian hears Xen's words but is too transfixed on his feelings to listen.

[CountFalchiezVander]

Lucian:

You study the wall intently a moment, then realize that the wooden paneling is shifty from a gust of wind. A false wall you realize. There must be a passage of some sorts behind it.

Challrain:

You see the exact same things, but for one noticeable difference, there seems to be a small trail worn leading deeper into the forest. Several cracked buckets are at its foot.

[colonialbob]

Loktar relaxes slightly and waits for the other two to return. "No clues so far... this could be tougher than I thought." He turns around and watches the forest, checking for anyone who may be watching the fort.

[shawnrc]

"There something odd about this area. Something that isn't suppose to be here."[/b]

Turning suddenly over to Lucian again I say "What looks so odd about the area over there?" I head over to where Lucian is to check it out more closely.

[eric]

You see the exact same things, but for one noticeable difference, there seems to be a small trail worn leading deeper into the forest. Several cracked buckets are at its foot.[/b]
The foot of what? What residual is in the buckets if any? Any tracks
or other things as I search around?
Spot (1d20 6=19) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1453532/) Challrain

[CountFalchiezVander]

DM Note Challrain:the foot of the path is what I meant.

Challrain:

You search around and note that the buckets once held nothing more than water. You notice some tracks dried in mud, probably a few days old. Bipedal and made by a creature of about medium size.

[Regnier_Leinhart]

So that is what happened to them, they retreated. "Xen, Loktar over here!" Lucian moves the false wall and reveals the path. "I think the Elves stationed here used this as an escape route. I think we should finish exmaning the area and then follow after them. The goblins had help in doing and I want to see if we can figure out who or what it was before we go running after it."

[shawnrc]

So that is what happened to them, they retreated. "Xen, Loktar over here!" Lucian moves the false wall and reveals the false path. "I think the Elves stationed here used this as an escape route. I think we should finish exmaning the area and then follow after them. The goblins had help in doing and I want to see if we can figure out who or what it was before we go running after it." [/b]



"I see, looks like a false wall. You think that the Elves were over run and they decided to run? I guess that is a tactic that can be used. I suppose it would have to be quite a force for them to do a full out retreat. Let's find out where they went too. You can track them right Lucian?"



I usher the goblin close to the portal, and move the 'wall' that is covering the escape.



"We will be on our way once Challrain gets back. Where did he get off to anyways?"

[colonialbob]

Loktar follows Xen over to Lucian's discovery. "Hmm, interesting. I wonder what made them retreat? Either it was a huge force of goblins, or they had help..."

[CountFalchiezVander]

:ooc: Does the party go through the revealed door, or attempt to "open" the locked door?

[Regnier_Leinhart]

"Before we go I want to check on something." Lucian goes over to the locked door. He examines the door. He puts his ear against the door to see if he can hear anything on other side of it.

1d20+7=17 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1454754/)

[shawnrc]

Watching Lucian listen with an ear to the door I say, "I think it a better idea if we were to check everything here before we go anywhere so that we do not leave something behind."

[colonialbob]

Loktar stands with his axe ready, letting the more knowledgeable party members search the deserted area while he waits to help out in any sort of ambush.

[Regnier_Leinhart]

:ooc: You know shawnrc I had moved the wall and suggest that exact same thing :ooc:

[shawnrc]

:ooc: we are on the same sheet of paper then :) :ooc:

[CountFalchiezVander]

Lucian:

You hear nothing from the other side of the door.

You find nothing of value, nor any nasty surprises in the room.

[eric]

search around and note that the buckets once held nothing more than water. You notice some tracks dried in mud, probably a few days old. Bipedal and made by a creature of about medium size.[/b]

Stay out of the tracks and head along the side of the trail about 15' looking at it trying
to get a idea if its new or old and if there was a camp or anything else along it.

Also what are the buckets made of and are they nicely made or what? Challrain

[CountFalchiezVander]

Challrain:

You notice that the prints are at least a week old, and the buckets may have once been useful, but no longer are they viable for anything. You travel the fifteen feet and find no signs of encampment, nor any signs of animal life.

[eric]

You notice that the prints are at least a week old, and the buckets may have once been useful, but no longer are they viable for anything. [/b]I hate to have grabbed on to this, but are they
very old, and why are they not useful, purposly holed, burnt etc.

OOC: If I am wasting my time let me know.

Travel another 15 feet, turn around grab the best bucket and head back to the door.

"Empanada stop rooting around those old buckets." Challrain

[CountFalchiezVander]

You notice that the prints are at least a week old, and the buckets may have once been useful, but no longer are they viable for anything. [/b]I hate to have grabbed on to this, but are they
very old, and why are they not useful, purposly holed, burnt etc.

OOC: If I am wasting my time let me know.

Travel another 15 feet, turn around grab the best bucket and head back to the door.

"Empanada stop rooting around those old buckets." Challrain
[/b]


DM Note: The path was the important part, the rest is simply flavor.. It is a waste of time with the buckets.

[Regnier_Leinhart]

Lucian listens at the door and hears nothing. "Loktar could you remove this door for us?"

[shawnrc]

:ooc: edited post :ooc:

[Regnier_Leinhart]

:ooc: post edited :ooc:

[CountFalchiezVander]

DM Note: the door wasn't busted down, nor was the hallway you discovered followed. You looked into only one room of the outpost, not much of an investigation in my opinion. But you can follow the tracks if you desire, it makes no difference to me. The guy who hired you on the other hand, might be a little ticked...

[eric]

OOC: To even make it more confusing I did not tell Lucian about the trail :)

"Hey Lucian, there are what looks like Goblin tracks, they
been there before I met you.

Whats with this city here?" Challrain

[colonialbob]

Lucian listens at the door and hears nothing. "Loktar could you remove this door for us?"
[/b]

"Sure thing." Loktar makes sure the others are standing clear and then takes his axe to the door.

OOC: Guessing I don't have to roll, since we've got plenty of time?

[shawnrc]

I stand back as Loktar uses his axe on the door. Keeping on the guard incase something happens.

[CountFalchiezVander]

Loktar:

You make short work of the door, the crashing blows resounding throughout the room and even down through the once concealed passage. Once the door is no longer an obstacle, you peer into a hallway that leads straight ahead thirty feet, then goes left and right. There is broken furniture strewn about.

[shawnrc]

:ooc: Is there any source of light or can Loktar and myself use our darkvision?

[CountFalchiezVander]

OOC: There is little illumination from the afternoon sun coming through cracks in the wooden walls. Other than that you would have to light a torch or use low light/darkvision.

[shawnrc]

Glancing up to Loktar I say, "Shall we check it out? What do you think Lucian?"

[eric]

Challrain is standing at the edge of the door looking in with a torn
leather bucket in his hand, waiting for Lucians response.

It looks like he does not want to come in.
Challrain

[shawnrc]

Looking back to the doorway i see challrain standing in the door with a not so eager look on his face. "What did you find out there Challrain?" Looking down to the bucket, I see that it is worn, "what do you have there? And why don't you come in, Loktar just broke open this door and we are heading this way. Oh Lucian found a secret passage too over there." I point over to the other wall. "We could split up and check both for a little while and come back here or we all just head down this way first before going in the secret passage."

[eric]

"I found a trail with goblin prints that are older than when we first met,
a pile of these are nearby it. Is this a city or a tunnel? Makes me nervous."
Challrain

[Regnier_Leinhart]

"I think we should head down this hallway first then we'll check out the secret passage. There may be someone or something left in here that will tell us what happened." Lucian then starts walking down the end of the passage way.

[shawnrc]

Xen follows with Sax in tow, I look at him now and again to see how he is. Weapon is out and at the ready.

[eric]

"Ahh Ah Ah ah.... This is not a place where we get
ale, and its not very nice in there. Smells. It's
like a tunnel, only different. Weird." Challrain

[shawnrc]

"Challrain, this is a hallway. Are you telling me that you have never seen one before? You really lived a sheltered life I must say. Just be weary as you never know what may be around a corner..." Looking away I snicker just softly enough for myself to hear.

[colonialbob]

Loktar follows closely behind Lucian. "Watch out, if we happen to meet anything while we're down here that we have to fight, I'll need some room to swing." He sniffs a couple of times, glancing at the walls and floor for any kind of clue about what happened.

[eric]

"This is nothing I am familier with, its very close and
not anything I have seen, so yes I ahve not seen a ..hallway
like this before." Challrain will follow behind the party, making a mark
in the wall with his spear every so often. Challrain

[CountFalchiezVander]

You all get to the end of the hallway, and find yourselves at a "T" intersection, where you can go left, to an iron door which is closed, or right farther down the hallway. you find no evidence of any beings coming through here is some time.

[shawnrc]

Looking at the options for travel now I say, "well, which way shall we go? I think we should check out the door first...."

[colonialbob]

Loktar nods. "Fine with me, but we'd better hope it's unlocked... no way I'm breaking through that one." He glances down the other hallway, then back to the iron door.

[shawnrc]

"Here let me take a look at that a second," and Xen moves up to take a look at the door to see if it is locked and also to listen and see if i can hear anything.



:ooc: http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1461409/ :ooc:

[eric]

"Here let me take a look at that a second," and Xen moves up to take a look at the door to see if it is locked and also to listen and see if i can hear anything.[/b]
Challrain will basically ignore the goingons at that door and
head back out and scoot Empanada into the trees for now.
Head back in and ask "What did you guys do with the hurt Goblin?" Challrain

[shawnrc]

OOC: the goblin is still with us, I have not said that I would leave him anywheres.

[Regnier_Leinhart]

"Yes I think the iron door is most appropriate choice right now." As they approach the iron door Lucian tries to spot in conspicuous with the door.

Spot:
1d20 7=25 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1461738/)

[CountFalchiezVander]

Xen and Lucian:

You study the door intensely for a few moments, then realize that the door is indeed locked.

The goblin simply follows you silently, still dazed and injured.

[eric]

The goblin simply follows you silently, still dazed and injured.
[/b] OOC: Did he not have a broken leg?
Coming back after dropping off Empanada. "Howza, should
I take the goblin out and tie him up, Empanada will watch him." Challrain

[CountFalchiezVander]

OOC: He does, but since you tied him up, he has little choice but to walk since no stated they were carrying him. You only said you were bringing him along. Still, he is a tough ol' goblin, and is silent.

[shawnrc]

OOC: GM not sure if I am correct but I think we can knock the door down.



"This darn door is locked, Loktar, do you think you can bust this down with a little bit of help?"

[Regnier_Leinhart]

"I don't think we can knock this door." Lucian says to Xen.

[CountFalchiezVander]

:ooc: You can break it open, but the DC is 28, which means two people will have to assist Loktar, and then he'd have to roll a 19 or 20. But, if you want, I can assume you decide to take ten minutes, and all of you try together and you can knock it down.

[eric]

While the strong ones are talking about that I will say"Taking the Goblin."
Take him out front and tie him up. stuff fabric in his mouth and gag him.
Challrain

[shawnrc]

"Loktar, let's all get together on this door and I think we can knock it down. Lucian, give me a hand over hear." I assist Loktar on knocking it down, hoping he takes 10.

[colonialbob]

Loktar shrugs. "I'm not sure that door's coming down... besides, shouldn't we check this place out quickly and move on? We're supposed to catch their leader, remember?" He looks around and shrugs again. "The place is abandoned, that's easy enough to see."

Loktar shrugs. "I'm not sure that door's coming down... besides, shouldn't we check this place out quickly and move on? We're supposed to catch their leader, remember?" He looks around and shrugs again. "The place is abandoned, that's easy enough to see."

[shawnrc]

"I suppose we can check the rest but, I want that other goblin in here with us first." I yell outside to Challrain, "Challrain bring in that goblin, we are checking out other areas."

[Regnier_Leinhart]

"I think we should search the place since this door is locked, we may find the key to the door.", Lucian says.

[eric]

Head out, grab the Goblin, pet Empanada
so the tail is towards the Goblin and bring him inside. Challrain

[CountFalchiezVander]

So, is the party searching for a key, breaking the door, or continuing on?

[shawnrc]

OOC: I think we are going to continue on but searching for a key as we go. I know it is confusing sorry about that.



Xen begins to head the other direction away from the door. Moving down the right corridor, searching along the way to see if there is anything out of sorts.

:ooc: http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1464371/ :ooc:

[CountFalchiezVander]

Xen:

You go up twenty feet from the door and note that you must take a left. When you turn in that direction, you see something grotesque. There appears to be an elf crucified to the wall, his body stripped bare and his throat cut. You notice bloody foot prints, dried with time, walking farther down the corridor another thirty feet, then turning left. There is also another corridor just twenty feet ahead that has not tracks leading down it from what you can see.

[shawnrc]

Looking at the Elf I think, these goblins sure do know how to make a statement. Looking back to Lucian I say, "What do you think about this? I see footprints, any idea what made them and how long ago?" I have my weapon out and ready for anything....

[Regnier_Leinhart]

"By the gods!" Lucian says at the site of the body. "The beast that did this will pay." Lucian looks at the bloodied footprints and studies them.

Track :ooc: I think I can use it for this. :ooc:
1d20 5=20 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1464878/)

[CountFalchiezVander]

Lucian:

You can tell from the prints that they have been made within the week, and that whatever did it, is still in here, as you know of only one entrance to the outpost.

[eric]

Looking at the bloody prints pulling the goblin along.

"Oh thats not good, very nasty."

[colonialbob]

Loktar checks his axe and peers down the hall after the bloody footprints. "Not good at all." He seems more perturbed by the fact that the creature is still inside than the grotesque scene.

[shawnrc]

"Not good. So what we going to do about it?" I begin moving down the hall following the footprints. Looking down to Sax now and again to see what he is doing and how he is acting. I am also trying to see if there is anything else along the hall of interest.

:ooc: (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1465281/)http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1465281/

[CountFalchiezVander]

Xen:

You follow the footprints, stopping to look down the hallway they don't enter. About twenty five feet down you see a wooden door on the left side, half hanging on the hinges, splintered and frayed. Do you wish to investigate or follow the footprints to their conclusion?

[shawnrc]

I look back and point down the hall where the broken door is, I then continue following the footprints.

[Regnier_Leinhart]

Lucian angered by the site of one of his elven brethren draws his blades and heads down the hallway to the room where bloodied footprints head. He kicks down the door in his anger. "ON YOUR GUARD FOE!"

Str. check:
1d20 7=24 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1466403/)

[CountFalchiezVander]

OOC: make a strength check to kick down the door, add +4 for the charge factor.

[shawnrc]

ooc; he edited his post so there is a str check :)

[CountFalchiezVander]

Lucian:

You burst the door down with a resounding kicking, bellowing your rage at whatever is in this room. What you see is something that would make your brow furrow. An ogre, wearing nothing more than a smith's smock and hammer is bent over a table, stuffing a dead creature. While you can't see its face, it has the length of one of your brethren. It spins as you knock the door down, holding the hammer in a threatening position.

"You come Grawl's new home, Grawl make you decoration for bedroom..."

It stands and waits.

Battle Thread...

[shawnrc]

Hearing the battle rage inside, I keep an eye in the hall to ensure that no one comes in behind us. Peeking around the corner finally I am able to see a gruesome seen, just as Loktar chops down on what looks to be an ogres big head. I quickly look back to the hall watching for movement keeping guard.

[eric]

Collect my sling bullet and stand on top of the Ogre.
"To bad he looks like my brother, but a little taller."

[colonialbob]

Loktar grunts, wipes off his axe, relaxes. He looks at Lucian and waits, knowing how it is to unleash your rage, and that it doesn't always die with the death of your foe.

[shawnrc]

"I think that you guys should check around the room quickly and then we should head to the hallway" Waiting in the hall for them to come back out I move down to the other hallway.

[Regnier_Leinhart]

Upon seeing his foe fall Lucian closes his eyes and takes a deep breath. He then opens them and cleaves the Ogres head with his scimitar. He then wraps the head up and places it in a bag and places the bag in his backpack. "Now I will attend to my elven brothers real quick. They should be given the respect that they deserve." Lucian proceeds back down the hall to where the hanging is and lets him down. He lays his body on the floor and says "Be patient brother I will return after we are done looking and perform funeral rights." He comes back into the and attends to the one on the table. Placing him in a more respectable manner then what the Ogre had left him in. "I wish to make camp tonight and have funeral fires for my brethren, are there any objections to this?"

[eric]

"I wish to make camp tonight and have funeral fires for my brethren, are there any objections to this?"[/b]
"Not at all, I would prefer to get out of here." Challrain picks up the Orge's hammer two handed and looks at the head. "We are burning smelly here to, but not in any way that will allow his spirit to the next world right? Challrain
OOC: What other exits are in this room?

[CountFalchiezVander]

Challrain:

You realize the hammer he was using is actually designed for someone your size, so he must have been very proficient with it, an expert you might say. Also as you pull the hammer from his grip, you notice he is very a pair of black leather gloves, metal studs embedded in them.

As you look about the room, you see that the workbench is blocking a wooden door.

[eric]

Also as you pull the hammer from his grip, you notice he is very a pair of black leather gloves, metal studs embedded in them.

As you look about the room, you see that the workbench is blocking a wooden door.
[/b]
Challrain pulls off the gloves and takes that and the hammer and place them in a corner on
a door and say: "Gonna look for spirit bindings on these."

Cast Detect Magic focusing first on the gauntlets, and if I get a hit will stay there for 5 rounds,
which should cover all the info I can get, then move to the hammer and do the same.

spellcraft (1d20+1=11) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1471461/)

Challrain

[CountFalchiezVander]

Challrain:

You cast detect magic, and sense a faint aura on the gloves, but nothing from the hammer.

:ooc: Make a spellcraft check to determine how much you glean from the aura

[CountFalchiezVander]

You gain no new insight from the aura, only that it is faint, and could possibly be of the transmutation school.

[eric]

Fold the gloves up and put them in my backpack.
"Lets leave this bench here like this, and head out,
I will help carry what I can. Xen, get the other
leg of biggie here." <smile>
Challrain is happy to be leaving and trying to make it happen sooner.
He will carry the hammer.

[shawnrc]

OOC: I am down the hall looking down the other hall where the broken door is.

[CountFalchiezVander]

Xen:

You look down the hallway towards the broken door, and you spot something, just a flas, out of the corner of your eye from inside wherever the door leads.

[colonialbob]

Loktar nods at Lucian's request. "Of course, one must honor the dead." He Moves out of the room, and watches Lucian attend to the fallen elves. "So what's next?" he asks when Lucian seems finished.

[shawnrc]

I try and get Loktar's attention by pointing down the hall toward the broken door and motioning like I see something. I then wave my hand to have him come over. Assuming he sees me wave and he comes over, I say, "Loktar, I believe I saw movement down in that room where the door is broken. Let's check it out while they clean up that mess."

[colonialbob]

Loktar walks over to Xen as he waves. "Alright, let's go." He turns to the other two and says, "We're going to check out this room, Xen thinks he saw something move."

[shawnrc]

"Loktar, you stay back alittle, I am going to see if I can see what is in there before we go charging in okay.." I move down the hallway as stealthy as possible hide (1d20+8=22) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1472531/) and try to see what I can see in the doorway. Sax is behind me but along with me.

[eric]

Challrain will get off the Ogre and stand so the ogre is between him and the door they are going to. Challrain

[CountFalchiezVander]

Xen:

You silently move along the wall, hiding in the low illumination as you reach the busted door. You can tell that it has many claw marks and some weapon damage. It looks as if a single touch could fell it. What do you wish to do?

[shawnrc]

I am going to look for a crack in the door and spy what is inside. Spear ready for anything that may bust out so as it is set for a charge if you know what I mean.

[CountFalchiezVander]

Xen:

you take a look inside and see the following: Against the wall are several iron bars, and next to it a bale of hay that looks to have been ripped apart. In the center of the room is a transparent glass dome.

You feel a quick breeze as a rather large stinger flies in your direction from above, catching you off guard, but missing you and smashing into the door, creating a clatter as a piece if it shatters and hits the floor.

~Cue encounter music from FF7~

[shawnrc]

Feeling a breeze brush against my face, I back up just in time to see a ?stinger? hit the door and shatters pieces landing on the ground. I move back quickly and look up above seeing a scorpion attached to the ceiling. Prepared for battle I attack.

[shawnrc]

Thrusting my spear thrtough the already spilling guts on the scorpion I score a mortal wound and it loosens its grip on the ceiling and falls to the ground. I do a quick scan of the area to see if there is anything else in the room besides what I already spotted search room (1d20+4=8) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1473535/). I then move over to the dome that is in the middle of the floor checking it out.

[Regnier_Leinhart]

Lucian hearing thee crash of the door rushes in to see what was going on only to see that Xen had already taken down the scorpion. "I think we should finish sweeping through this place before we do anything else. There is no telling what is in here and anything we find will give us clues as to what we will meet on down the road. After that we can honor my brethren with the funeral they deserver and get a good nights rest. Because if this is any inkling of what is in store for us ahead then I would like all of us to be well rested for the battles ahead."

[shawnrc]

"Lucian, what do you make of this?" I point to the dome in the center of the floor.

[CountFalchiezVander]

You all note that the room is not in any particular disarray, but it has been lived in. There are the iron bars and busted bale of straw, across from the door. The dome, and when one looks through it, there is a wooden wheel in the center, spinning in a counterclockwise fashion, you hear faint sounds of rushing water from inside the dome as well. The only other thing in the room is a mug lying on the floor across from a door to the left of you, and looks like the one you came across earlier that day. You can also spy two other doors, one directly across from you made also of iron, and another in the lower right hand corner of the roo, made of sturdy looking wood.

[shawnrc]

Looking to the others I say, "looks like this is where big ugly was staying. Lucian have you ever been to this outpost before?"

[eric]

Looking to the others I say, "looks like this is where big ugly was staying. Lucian have you ever been to this outpost before?"[/b]
Walking past the conversation, Challrain kicks thru the straw, looking down.
"I have only a bit of blessed from the goddess, I would like some time to
work on some wounds from the ogre, I need to sleep comfortably, preferably
in the forest to replenish."
OOC: What time is it?
Challrain

[Regnier_Leinhart]

"Xen it has been a while since I have been this way and scorpions like these where not here when I was last here. The odd thing that scorpions like these are not native to this region. They live in the desert. It must have gotten separated from the army that attacked this place." Lucian kneels down beside and looks it over. "Well you did see some combat before we got to you.", he says to himself under his breath.

Knowledge Geography to know the Scorpion is from the desert (in case you want a roll):
1d20 6=21 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1474667/)
Knowledge Geography to know that location of the nearest desert:
1d20 6=17 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1474670/)

[CountFalchiezVander]

Challrain:

You note it is about a hour or so before supper.

Lucian:

According to your studies of Althalous, you know that there is a desert on the continent of Tordusk, and there is a small one on the continent of Havardia. This creature was an import for some specific reason.

[eric]

"Its time to get ready for the evening meal. I am hungry."

[shawnrc]

"Let's go ahead and get things organized here and then we can eat and continue on. Lets make sure we have all the rooms cleared that we have gone through before continueing on." "Lucian, what is this wheel inside the dome, I hear water rushing inside it too..?"

[eric]

"Lucian, what is this wheel inside the dome, I hear water rushing inside it too..?"[/b]
"Oh thats a waterwheel, we use it to crush grain for bread and ale back home."

[shawnrc]

Looking to Challrain I say, "if that is so, why did the scorpion scream like it was in pain when the dome cracked?"

[eric]

Looking to Challrain I say, "if that is so, why did the scorpion scream like it was in pain when the dome cracked?"[/b]
"I dunno, whats in the dome? or on the other side, something to protect huh?" Look up at the dome. Challrain

[colonialbob]

Loktar shrugs. "I think you're reading too much into it, but search it if you like. I'm hungry." Loktar checks the hallway again before leaning his axe against the wall and rummaging in his pack for something to eat.

[shawnrc]

"I say lets go back to the room with the ogre and rest there, we can then check the wooden door that is there." I move out waiting for the others out in the hall.

[eric]

Looking at Loktar.

"Grumpy Goblin disease, needs a mug of ale I think."

Challrain brushs the straw off his feet and follows Xen

[colonialbob]

"Mm, ale... I'd like that." Loktar follows the other two, giving a last glance at the scorpion's corpse as he goes.

[eric]

"Mm, ale... I'd like that." Loktar follows the other two, giving a last glance at the scorpion's corpse as he goes.[/b]
"We find some grain I can have some ale in a couple days." Heading out towards Xen.

[Regnier_Leinhart]

While the others go about getting thing ready to stay the night Lucian looks at the dome. Lucian begins to inspect it to see why hitting the dome would cause the creature to cry out.

[CountFalchiezVander]

Lucian:

You peer through the dome thoroughly, and just out of the corner of your eye, can spot a small bit of straw coming from the spinning wheel. By your knowledge of various animals, you realize that that once was a nest, which, thanks to the reverberations inside the dome from it cracking, has fallen through the wheel and was whipped apart.

[Regnier_Leinhart]

"Well that was a well placed shot Challrain. Because of your shot we didn't have to worry about cleaning this things nest out." Lucian says to Challrain. Well everyone prepares for the night stay Lucian begins building the funeral piers to set his brethren on. He takes his time with the structure and make sure it is done right.

[CountFalchiezVander]

The funeral pyres burn brightly outside (( I assume you will burn the remains, as dictated by tradition)), the warmth slowly taking away the chill of the events that have unfolded here thus far. there is, for a moment, no wind at all as the trees almost bow in mournful respect of their fallen protectors. By sun rise the next morning, the ashes remain smoldering, and their souls are lain to rest.

[eric]

"Well that was a well placed shot Challrain. Because of your shot we didn't have to worry about cleaning this things nest out." [/b]
"What? I dont know what your talking about, I missed that big crawly, I dont know how, but anyway
It appears that guidance ran thru me to that shot. I dont like it here."
Challrain will help take the dead bodies out along with the Ogre and the Scorpion, who Challrain will take time that evening and look at and examine since hes never seen one like this before. He will also make sure the Goblin is somewhat comfortable and have some food.

"Loktar, you are hurt yes? Tomorrow I can assist you." Challrain

[colonialbob]

Loktar shrugs. "I'll be fine, though I appreciate your offer. Save your aid for when it's truly necessary... I have learned that lesson the hard way." Even though he is an orc, he stands silent and solemn as the pyres burn.

[CountFalchiezVander]

What do you plan to do next?

[eric]

What do you plan to do next?[/b]
OOC: I suspect spend the night in the forest and look again in to the tunnels in the morning.

[shawnrc]

OOC: I had stated that it may be a good idea to go back into the room where the ogre was and make camp for the night. But I guess we can also go outside, either way we are going to be resting.

[CountFalchiezVander]

DM Note: in the morning, those missing hit points gain back 1, unless there was some healing checks, then they gain back 2, plus any healing magics used either that night or in the morning.

When the party wanders back to the room where the ogre was killed, they can move the table easily, and see the wooden door.

[eric]

DM Note: in the morning, those missing hit points gain back 1, unless there was some healing checks, then they gain back 2, plus any healing magics used either that night or in the morning.[/b]Yes please, no magic left, so I will heal Loktar
heal (1d20+7=22) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1482749/)
I assume thats enough?
When the party wanders back to the room where the ogre was killed, they can move the table easily, and see the wooden door.[/b]"Loktar, Yondalla has granted me one heal spell today, which I will use on you if I don't need it to save a life, with all these Ogres and bugs in here."
Challrain

[Regnier_Leinhart]

As the pyres burn Lucian sings an Elvish funreal song to honor the dead warriors. As he sings a tear escapes his eye and rolls down his cheek. His voice carries over he roar of the fire and up to the trees. As fires begin to fade so does his voice. Lucian stays near the fires all night.

Perform (Sing):
1d20 1=17 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1483050/)

[CountFalchiezVander]

Challrain:

You have a knack for bandaging wounds, and are able to assist in comforting Loktar. He will gain back 2

Lucian:

Your song makes the wind weep in its haunting melodious form, your solemn voice echoing throughout the forest. Even the trees seem to feel the remorse of your loss.

It is now morning.

[shawnrc]

After a restful night I get up and make sure that Sax is okay. I grab some rations and feed him and myself, itching to get back inside to see what we can find. 'We have yet really scratched the surface of what went on here, we need information.' I think to myself. If everyone isn't up I wake them and urge them to hurry.

[eric]

If everyone isn't up I wake them and urge them to hurry.[/b]
"What, I'm up, relax, you worried about missing becoming Lord High Kobold?" <smile>

[shawnrc]

"Why I think that is very astute of you Challrain, I just may be Lord High some day." I gather my things and get ready to move back inside the outpost.

[colonialbob]

Loktar awakes and stretches. "I agree, why the rush? It's not going anywhere... we can at least have a good breakfast." He rummages through his sack for something good, then leans against his pack to eat. After he's done, he grabs his stuff and follows Xen back into the outpost.

[CountFalchiezVander]

OOC: Please let me know if you decide to go to the room, or the secret hallway you discovered.

[eric]

"Loktar, let me see you wounds, check your bandages, try not to get them cut today."

Also check out and feed the goblin.

"Empanada, dont steal the goblins food now."

Challrain

[shawnrc]

I am heading to the room where the ogre was.

[colonialbob]

Loktar pauses and sits back down to allow Challrain to inspect his bandages. He calls out to Xen, "Hey, wait a sec... gotta get myself checked out first, then we'll go." He laughs at Challrain's comment. "I'll try my best... it'd be a shame to ruin such good work."

[shawnrc]

I hold Sax up just inside the outpost so that the rest of the group can see me, but I am looking inside to see if anything changed.

[eric]

Finish with Loktar, collect things and head with Loktar to the entrance.
"I still don't like these above ground tunnels. Stay Empanada."

[CountFalchiezVander]

Xen:

You see that nothing has changed from the previous evening.

[Regnier_Leinhart]

Lucian awakes at the dawning of the new day and looks over to the smoldering pile of ash where the pyres use to be. May you find peace in the arms of lord Corellon he says as a silent prayer. He quickly gathers and watches as Xen goes around waking everyone. Finding it particularly funny to see the little kobold wake Challrain. Lucian smiles his first smile since seeing the horrors that had befallen the outpost and his brethren within. "Come on you two we need to hurry up and finish searching this place. We have alot of ground to cover once we get done here."

[shawnrc]

"Lucian I would agree with you" I say from the entrance "perhaps we can get moving, there has got to be some clue as to what has happened here." Seeing the others come close I begin moving back to the room with the ogre.

[CountFalchiezVander]

Xen:

you head back to the room, and find it in the same state you left it, the table blocking the other door. Now with the elf removed from it, you can tell you can push it out of the way easily enough.

[eric]

Challrain will be in the back of the room, waiting for everyone to decide.

[shawnrc]

"Loktar can you give me a hand here, lets move this table out of the way so that we can see what is behind this door."

[colonialbob]

Loktar nods and moves over to the table, crouching a bit and preparing to push it out of the way.

[CountFalchiezVander]

Loktar:

You manage to push the table out of the way with little effort. The door stands free before you.

[Regnier_Leinhart]

"Alright there is no telling what is on the other side of this door. Be prepared." as Lucian says this he has one his hands resting on his sword. He slowly grips the door handle and slowly pulls the open so that they may continue there sweep of the outpost.

[CountFalchiezVander]

Lucian:

The door opens easily enough, and before you are the signs of a violent inhabitance. Blood along the walls, rotting food and carcasses strewn about. This continues for about 100 feet, with a branch to the right about twenty feet down, and at the bottom, you find a "T" intersection. You hear nothing, but smell rotting death.

[shawnrc]

As Lucian opens the door the site before me is grotesque. Whatever did all this killing sure looks like they had a fun time of it. "Wow, I wondering how many got out alive before all this happened? Can anyone see what actually killed them?"

[eric]

"Oh nasty." He walks to the the ranger, puts his hand on his side.

"I am sorry Lucian." Challrain

[colonialbob]

Loktar grimaces with a mixture of surprise and disgust. "I've seen death, but nothing like this."

[Regnier_Leinhart]

Lucian looks upon the grotesque site before in utter shock of the death that lays before. "By the gods is death these creatures has caused even measurable? I can't that my brethren that station are all dead. The thing that bothers me the most is that upon are approach we should have seen dead carcases of the fallen enemy. We have yet to find nary any dead enemy and yet come across my dead brethren at every turn. I fear that continuing on with this quest will only serve to tare heart from chest and leave me a broken shell. However I know heart that I must continue to avenge these fallen and to take the head of the one responsible for this destruction." Lucian stands is silence a moment to gather thoughts for the task and to strengthen his resolve so that he may push himself forward and continue on with the journey. When he is done Lucian kneels down and places his hand on the floor. He begins to speak in Elvish, "Forgive me brothers for not honoring with the funeral you so rightly deserve, but I most continue on with this quest. I swear by the blood and honor of my family that will catch the one responsible for this brutality and have him with his life for the blood he has spilled here. Blood for blood this I swear." Lucian gets up and stands before his friends with a new sense resolve about him. "I am ready to go. Let us find the beast that did this and give him the death that he has earned."

[shawnrc]

Following along the path we come to the T intersection, "Shall we head to the left?"

ooc: is there any breeze at all in here?

[CountFalchiezVander]

DM Note: You get a faint breeze, as the place id built of wood, and there are cracks for air to get through, though it does nothing to remove the smell of death.

[shawnrc]

I begin moving down the left corridor. Sax and I ready for action.

[eric]

I begin moving down the left corridor. Sax and I ready for action.[/b]
Following in last, I will look down the other way before following the 'Lord High Kobold' Challrain

[colonialbob]

Loktar moves with the group, keeping towards the middle but on alert.

[Regnier_Leinhart]

Lucian moves the passage then looks down both ends to see what is to the left and what is to the right. Seeing as the group is heading left he follows them.

[CountFalchiezVander]

As you all walk towards the "T" intersection, if you were to happen to look at your right, you see a passage that leads to a wooden door about twenty feet on. When you get to the intersection itself, you look to the right and see about twenty more feet of hallway, then it turns to the left. When you turn left, you see a wooden door ahead of you about thirty feet, it is open, but still intact.

[shawnrc]

As you all walk towards the "T" intersection, if you were to happen to look at your right, you see a passage that leads to a wooden door about twenty feet on. When you get to the intersection itself, you look to the right and see about twenty more feet of hallway, then it turns to the left. When you turn left, you see a wooden door ahead of you about thirty feet, it is open, but still intact. [/b]

OOC: I am actually confused by what you said.... before we got to the T there was a way to goto the right? Or it was an illusion that made it look as though there was a way to the right?

[CountFalchiezVander]

DM Note: As I worded it, you can walk twenty feet down the hall, then either go straight ahead or turn right. If you continue down the hall, you get to the T intersection, if you turn right, you come to a door. My apologies for any confusion.

[shawnrc]

Well in that case I stop and head right at the first turn.

[CountFalchiezVander]

OOC: Do you all want to alter direction and take the first right, that is no problem.

[Regnier_Leinhart]

:ooc: Yeah I think that will be the best idea seeing as the first leads straight to a door. :ooc:

[shawnrc]

OOC agreed

[colonialbob]

OOC: Sounds good

IC: As they approach the door, Loktar softly taps Xen on the shoulder. "Careful, we don't know what else this place holds..."

[CountFalchiezVander]

You walk to the door, which appears to be in rather good condition, much better than most of the other doors and walls you have encountered. As you near the door, Lucian, Xen and Challrain can all hear whispered voices speaking in a crude common tongue.

[eric]

..... Challrain can all hear whispered voices speaking in a crude common tongue.[/b]
Any particular accent?
accent (1d20 7=9) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1495206/)
OOC: Oh well...

Challrain will be vbery quiet and let the fighters decide.

Challrain

[shawnrc]

Moving close to the door I wave the others back a bit to have to stop. I listen closely trying to hear what is being said inside. Listen (1d20+7=27) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1495221/)