[IC] The Trouble at Durbenford

[michael_noah]

"You are most welcome," the deva responds to Padraig's thanks. "It has actually been somewhat heartening to have someone to whom I can give aid after so long being here alone."

The party returns to the antechamber, and there lies the deteriorating form of the clay golem, the magic that held it together now dissipated. Those with darkvision can see that the rough excavated caves continue in multiple directions from the south-east corner of the room. The passages beyond seem to contain many intervening columns of bare rock that are a stark contrast to the fine construction in the entry chamber behind you.


Squares are 10 feet.

[sblock=ooc]Let me know if there are any questions on the map. It would also be a good time for the humans to let me know what light sources they're bringing, and to make any changes to the marching order if you'd like.

The 8 is just the name of this room...[/sblock]

 

[Vigwyn the Unruly]

Padraig casts a wary glance toward the pile of clay as the party passes by. It is still difficult for him to grasp that a simple statue could have given them such a fight. He was hoping to save his earth elemental for a bigger challenge, and he feels very vulnerable now without it. Clearly, he thinks to himself, we will have to be far more careful from here on in. When we get back to town, it might be worthwhile to seek the aid of a stealthy ally--some sort of thief, perhaps--for when it would be better for us to sneak around.

"Let's stay to the east--it looks like there is more room that way, and if we are to face another deadly enemy, I'd rather do it as a group." As the party makes its way into the darkened caves, Padraig pulls his glowing greatsword from its sheath, and his gleaming armor is bathed in its icy blue light.

[sblock=OOC]Padraig's sword provides light equivalent to the light spell.
Padraig will take point if no one objects.
Padraig will designate any foe that attacks him for purposes of his Dodge feat (+1 to AC).[/sblock]

 

[Bloodcookie]

Ruathen nods to Padraig, moving into line behind him, "Wise decision. The crowded quarters were what almost cost Gil his life back there."

 

[Dichotomy]

"Yes, well, now that we know that danger is likely around each corner, we know to use more caution," Konstantine remarks. "As I noted before, if the makers of this place went through the trouble needed to place live, or somewhat-live, guardians here, you can be certain they also placed less expensive traps and warding spells as well. Be alert for them."
[sblock=OOC]Konstantine has an everburning torch in hand. He'll stay near the middle to middle-rear of the group.[/sblock]

 

[TiCaudata]

Jasper looks at the rough walls around him. "This can't be a part of the original structure. I wonder if the angel's rigid discipline has left this place open to sappers.

"Better to be safe than sorry here." The cleric's armor begins to shine and he pauses for another spell.[sblock=oc]Jasper will cast greater magic weapon on his mace and light on his armor. He will then follow the group.[/sblock]

 

[Lazlow]

Gil walks next to Padraig. "You'll need my eyes to help spot any booby-traps or snares, or better yet, secret passageways! Wouldn't want to miss anything like that."

With that Gil goes into thief mode, searching the area thoroughly as they go.

 

[michael_noah]

Zagnak recalls the usefulness in the last battle, and again bolsters Padraig's defenses.

In the light of Padraig's sword, and without the distraction of battle, a white powder amidst dark red stains visibly mar the southeast corner of the room. Scattered in the rough tunnel are also some scraps of what appear to be leather and cloth. The roof of the cave appears to be even less stable as it delves deeper.

The area does indeed open up a bit to the east, but a stench rises, aided in permeating the air by the humidity. It reeks of smoke and dung. Gil's eyes spot what appears to be a campsite, but before he has a chance to puzzle out what might camp here, he is struck by the first of 4 arrows that fly from the darkness. Another clangs harmlessly off of Padraig's armor, one grazes Ruathen, and another sails by.

The now obvious attackers are a group of Bugbears, outfitted with worn studded leather armor.


[sblock=ooc]Spot checks all failed :-(
1 arrow each hit Gil and Ruathen, 16 and 6 damage.


Init and Status:
Gil: 29 - 16hp,
Jasper: 17 - , Magic Weapon (+1), light
Bugbears: 17 - ,
Ruathen: 16 - 6hp,
Konstantine: 15 - ,
Zagnak: 8 - , Endure Elements
Padraig: 4 - , Barskin(+3)[1h]

#4 is a little hard to see, he's at the mouth of the tunnel running to the SE.

[/sblock]

 

[TiCaudata]

"Don't let them notify others!" Jasper quickly moves to neutralize the first bugbear.[sblock=oc]I think I can reach #1, so I will do so and attack him.[/sblock]

 

[Lazlow]

"Get back here you good-for-nothin'..." Gil mutters, teeth gritting through the pain of the arrow sticking in his side. He draws his bow and unleashes a trio of arrows at the running bugbear, hoping to fell it before it warns any others.

[sblock=OOC]Quick Draw bow, Rapid Fire three shots at bugbear #4, +14/+14/+9, dmg 1d8+3.

BTW, was the arrow that hit Gil a crit? 16 is a lot of damage for an arrow.[/sblock]

 

[michael_noah]

Jasper moves to the front lines to confront the mongrels, but cannot maneuver well enough to strike the bugbear. Gil fires his trusty bow and pierces the armor of one enemy. Padraig barely notices another arrow falling at his feet, as his armor continues to protect him. The bugbears attack in force then, surrounding Jasper, one of them striking him in the back with a morningstar. Another beast steps up to Gil, and, exchanging its bow for a greataxe, provides the rogue with a new war-wound.

Konstantine deciphers the guttural growl of the last brute, "Now, fools!"



[sblock=ooc]Lazlow, thanks for mentioning that. I messed up, it was only 9 damage. fixed the total below.

Jasper attacks: 11. Miss.
Gil attacks: 30, 16, 15. One hits. 6 damage.
#3 tumbles to flank J. #1 and #3 drop bows, draw weapons, attack. 4+ and 13+. second hits. 13 damage.
#2 misses Padraig.
#4 attacks Gil: 8+ hits. 13 damage.

Init and Status:
Ruathen: 16 - 6hp,
Konstantine: 15 - ,
Zagnak: 8 - , Endure Elements
Padraig: 4 - , Barskin(+3)[1h]
Gil: 29 - 22hp,
Jasper: 17 - 13hp, Magic Weapon (+1), light
Bugbear: 17 - 4(6), 1(0), 2(0), 3(0)

For planning purposes - Zagnak is probably going to run in and buff someone, and/or shape some stone to wall off an enemy.
[/sblock]