The Goodman Gang in The Mysterious Tower

As I recall there's quite a few bait-and-switch ploys in this adventure, the last one rather random. Your established setting of the mean streets of Grimbo fits the background of this one quite well.

Atmospheric stuff, the last installment but one even managed to give me nightmares! :heh:
 

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Dr Simon said:
As I recall there's quite a few bait-and-switch ploys in this adventure, the last one rather random. Your established setting of the mean streets of Grimbo fits the background of this one quite well.

Atmospheric stuff, the last installment but one even managed to give me nightmares! :heh:

Blimey, my players usually give me nightmares, not this lot but the Lost Boys- I dreamt I was being chased through the Sunless Citadel by them once, terrifying. They we're dressed in character, I didn't sleep a wink for the rest of the night.

Thanks Dr. S.

And so-

Dungeon Crawl Classic #24
Legend of the Ripper
Level 1-3 (Scaled to level 4)​

Turn 61: The Ripper.

The Gang head through into a short corridor, a closed door on the left, an archway leading into a chamber twenty or so feet ahead.

“I can feel it, we’re near the end.” Cas states.

Anya nods, mutters arcane words, starting her protection spells. Ala shuffles behind the front line, casting healing spells, ensuring everyone is in peek condition.

“The door first.” Cas states.

Newt does his stuff and then signals for the Paladin to take over.

The door opens to reveal a rectangular chamber with a recessed antechamber to the side. Etched into the stone floor is a crude pentagram surrounded by various sinister looking arcane symbols. Tall candelabras line the outer portion of the room, but their tallow candles are cold and unlit.

The antechamber was obviously a laboratory and study at one time. On a bench lie various jars, rolled parchments, a human skull, a ritualistic dagger, and bottles filled with discoloured liquids. Lying slumped in a chair behind the bench, arms thrown over its face in terror and body twisted in obvious agony, is a skeletal figure. It’s clear it died in a horrible fashion, probably many decades ago.

Cas steps back out of the chamber, barring the way in to the others, “leave it, this is not the place, there is only evil and despair here, it’s the other way, onwards.” Cas points to the archway ahead, which seems to be filled with a ruby mist.
“Can’t we just take a look?” Newt ducks under Cas’ arm.
“Newt. Don’t go in the pentagram, the symbol on the floor, and don’t touch the skeleton.” Anya calls out.

The Gnome creeps in, across the chamber, grabs what he can from the desk and scurries back to the doorway, carefully avoiding the pentagram.

Ala mutters arcane words; her Detect Magic signals which items within the hoard are magical. Theses are quickly put away, the rest of the junk discarded.

Which only leaves…

A dark crimson mist fills the room through the archway ahead; the mist seems to glow, to swallow up the light that the adventurers bring. The stomach-churning stench of blood hangs heavy in the damp air.

Instinctively the Goodman Gang crouch and shuffle, as quietly as they can, into the chamber.

“It’s…”
“Shhh.”

Cas, in places, can barely see his hand before his face, he looks down at his armour, it’s bloodstained, the mist is indeed blood.

He bumps his toe on something.

“Here.” Cas whispers.
Newt scurries forward, the others congregate, it’s the stone lip of a fountain, the fountain itself takes the shape of a leering skeletal dragon. The liquid in the pool surrounding is blood too, chunks of flesh and viscera float lazily by.

“Feck.” Newt whispers and swallows hard as a human hand surfaces and bobs in the bloody pool.

There’s writing around the base of the fountain, Ala peers through the mist.

“Elven”, she whispers, “it says, ‘The mist that surrounds you shrouds your vision. Prove now that your perception is true, and all will become clear. As the sun rises and falls so too must the dragon’s horn be turned, a number of times equal to the characters in the alphabet.’”

“Eleven.” Anya states.
“How…” Newt asks.
“Eleven, the number of letters in ‘Alphabetico’, the Elven word for alphabet- try it.” Anya’s sure.
“You sure?” Cas asks.
“Probably.” Anya shrugs, “try it Newt.”

Cautiously the Gnome leaps the pool to the base of the skeletal dragon statue, climbs the thing so he can reach up to the horn, goes to turn it.

“Other way.” Anya states.
“What?”
“The sun rises in the east, sets in the west, anti-clockwise.”
“Oh. Yeah.” Newt grins, turns the dragon’s horn through eleven circuits, something clicks, the Gnome scrambles down and leaps back into Bec’s waiting arms.

“Now back out, the mist should clear.” Anya shuffles back the way she came, the others follow.

Back into the corridor.

They wait.

“Get ready.” Jim whispers.

The red mist seems to be clearing.

It takes a while.

And then it’s gone.

It’s a large chamber, it must be fifty feet west to east, beyond the fountain is another circular area, ten feet in diameter, a stone lip surrounds it, an unfamiliar script weaves its way around the inner and outer edge of this circle.

The Goodman Gang pass on, towards the dark archway at the far end of the chamber, except for Ala who suddenly comes to a halt.

“Find me, free me…” A woman’s voice, whispered, soft and gentle, certainly not the voice of Mari Kell.

“Cas…” Ala starts.
“Shhh.” The Paladin cuts the Priestess off.

Ala looks around there’s no one to be seen.

“There’s something ahead”, Cas points to the archway, darkness beyond, “something very Evi…”

His speech is cut off; a figure leaps from the shadow and lands before Cas, the two stare at each for a second, time expands. It’s like staring into the very face of terror. With its ashen pallor and leathery, weathered skin the being looming before Cas has the appearance of a very old, emaciated man. Atop its head rests a redcap, coloured by blood rather than dye, and on its feet a pair of oversized hobnailed iron boots. Its fiery red eyes bore menacingly at the Paladin, conveying such contempt, it’s as if it views pond scum instead of threats to its very existence. The creature moves, as fast as lightning- long, skinny arms, clutched in its claw like hands a pair of glistening sickles, razor sharp.

The Redcap buries both sickles into Cas’ chest, piercing his armour as if it were made of paper rather than hardened steel.

And its stare.

The Paladin flounders, falls back, gasping; his life force leaching away.

Its stare, Cas cannot wrench his eyes free.

The Ripper is unleashed

The Paladin slumps to the floor, mewling like a child, and yet still unable to tear his gaze away.

Newt scuttles backwards, he’s not getting anywhere near this guy, and fires, the bolt flies well wide, maybe something to do with how much his hand is shaking.

“BUFFET.”

Bec steps up to the plate, swings his longsword with all his might, the creature lightning fast snakes out an arm, the blade connects, and bounces away, arm unmarked- not a scratch.

The Redcap grins and beckons the Barbarian forward.

Anya and Jim dive back, flat-footed by this latest turn of events.

Ala rushes to Cas, pumps healing into the stricken Paladin.

“Magic weapons.” The Paladin gasps, and then again, louder this time, “MAGIC WEAPONS.”

A palpable wave of terror crashes through the chamber.

More than half of the adventurers turn away, ready to flee the place.

“Fight it.” Cas shouts and staggers to his feet, “don’t give in.”

The Goodman Gang stand fast.

Bec launches another attack; the Redcap catches his sword in the crook of one of his sickles, diverts the blow aside, then steps in and opens an eight inch wound in the Barbarian’s side.

“Magic weapons Bec.” Jim dives in, past the Barbarian, crashes his axe into the Redcap’s side, the blade cuts deep, and yet the Redcap just grins.

Then screams.

An ululating noise that echoes around the chamber and yet seems to be focussed on Jim, the sound fills the Ranger’s head, he turns away, clutches at his temple, straining desperately to block the noise out his whole being wracked with pain- then, as suddenly, the sound is gone.

Jim turns back to face the creature, hefts his axe back around, smiling thinly at the terror.

Ala reaches forward, around Bec, clutches her hand to the pommel of Bec’s longsword, which momentarily glows.

“Now, kill it.” She whispers.

The Barbarian does as he’s told, parries the Redcaps next attack and then stabs the creature in the gut, it bleeds profusely, and yet continues to smile.

“I bring yew pain.” The Redcap gasps, and smiles some more.

Cas, still fighting to stand, swigs down a healing vial, throws the vessel away once its drained.

Anya dodges hard right, gets a clear sight of the creature, she mutters arcane words, a sudden flash of light explodes before the Redcap, it barely registers the spell, swings again at Bec and Jim, who both manage, just, to block its blows.

At the rear Newt fumbles out a Potion of Spider Climbing, glugs it down, then leaps onto the wall, scurries up and onto the ceiling, well out of harms way.

Bec alas cannot parry the Redcap’s next blow, the creature scores a groove into the hulking Barbarian’s chest, he staggers back, and yet cannot stop himself from staring into the soulless creature’s fiery eyes. Bec feels a rumbling darkness wash over him, he blinks it away, just, and comes up ready again for action.

Bec’s blood boils, a red tide, of his own making washes over him, the Barbarian Rages, swings again and takes a chunk of flesh out of the Redcaps left shoulder, leaving a gaping flapping wound.

The Redcap grimaces.

“Fecking Buffet.” The Barbarian gasps through blood-flecked lips.

Jim follows up the Barbarian’s attack but is brushed aside with ease.

“Fall back; get him out of the doorway.” Cas shouts and pulls Jim back. Bec too is grabbed by Ala, pouring healing into him, he’s dragged backwards so that they can get at the Redcap from all sides.

The Redcap is not frightened in the least; it rushes forward, straight at Bec again, dodges another of the Barbarian’s sword thrusts, but fails to score a hit.

“Feck this- time to die.” Anya seems to have reached her limit, she dodges into the fracas, flanking the creature, and thumps her staff into its unprotected side, it seems to have little if any effect, except perhaps to make the Redcap even angrier.

The creature whirls around with lightning speed, raking both sickles across the Wizard’s chest, she staggers backwards, gasping, blood coursing down her, realises she’s on the very edge of consciousness.

“I…” Anya staggers into a wall and stays there breathing hard, her clothes are matted in her blood, “I…”, she half-collapses.

Newt scurries across the ceiling, above and behind the Redcap.

Fwung.

He misses; the bolt buries itself into the stone floor just to the creature’s rear.

“Damnation.” The Rogue whispers.

This causes the Redcap to smile up at the Gnome, as if he had heard his name, he grins, and giggles and then gets back to the job at hand.

Next Turn: A fight to the death.
 
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Dungeon Crawl Classic #24
Legend of the Ripper
Level 1-3 (Scaled to level 4)​

Turn 62: A fight to the death.

Bec is locked in battle with the Redcap, he cannot tear his eyes away from the creature, yet another dark wave engulfs him, and yet again he shakes it off, comes up swinging. The distraction is enough though, the Redcap buries its sickle into the Barbarian’s arm, Bec fights back, his longsword bites deep into the Redcap’s other shoulder, and yet it fights on, ducks and dodges a low blow from Jim.

Cas sees his opportunity, leaps in and delivers a terrible blow, opening up a three inch deep gash on the Redcap’s forehead, blood fills the creature’s eyes.

The creature slashes back with all its might, over-extends itself, misses as the Paladin dodges back in the nick of time.

Ala quickly moves to Cas’ side, darts in with her magic dagger, anything to mark the creature, it’s too quick however, it twists and turns and dodges aside.

Anya props herself against the wall, swigs a Potion of Healing, it makes little difference, her wounds still pour with blood.

Newt, still on the ceiling, tries again with his crossbow- but with the same effect, the creature seems able to dodge the missiles, even when they’re coming from above and behind him.

The Redcap steps forward again, straight at Bec, ducks the Barbarian’s longsword, then leaps pirouettes and slices opening up a pair of foot long gashes in the Barbarian’s neck and upper chest.

The Barbarian stumbles once, then folds like a deck of cards.

Jim mouths words between gasps, the Redcap turns to stare at the Ranger, holds his gaze, and smiles- a dark wave washes over the Ranger, Jim feels himself melting inside, fading away.

Then for some reason he thinks about his father.

“Bastaaaaaard.”

And the black wave is gone.

Jim crashes his axe into the Redcap’s side.

Cas and Ala dodge forward, double team the creature, it blocks both their blows easily, and yet staggers from the Ranger’s blow. Cas and Ala dodge back away again before the creature can recover.

The Redcap hobbles.

Anya however does not- she leaps up.

“DIIIIIIeeeeeee.”

Rushes at the fiend, and lances her staff into the creature’s knee, it hardly seems to mind, returns the compliment and slashes at the air before her, forcing Anya to hot foot it, stumbling and flailing, back out of the fight.

“Enough.” Newt whispers.

He leaps down from the ceiling and buries all twelve inches of his short sword in the Redcap’s back, a blue lightning engulfs the creature, as the Shocking Grasp stored in the sword takes effect.

The Redcap stiffens.

Sways.

And then stumbles forward, causing Cas and Ala to adopt defensive poses.

It collapses.

Dead.

The Ripper is dead.

Not content Newt stands over the creature’s body, plunges his short sword a dozen more times into the Redcap’s back, till the Gnome’s exhausted.

Done, Newt drops the blade and wanders off.

Ala is quickly to Bec, her healing jolts him awake, it makes her gasp; she feels how close Bec was to death, on the very precipice.

DMs Interlude, after Bec’s rage wore off he dropped to -9 hit points- close.

Bec blinks his eyes, smiles up at Ala.

“He dead?”
Ala nods. The giant man grins and levers himself up.

“Good, I mean ‘buffet.’” The Barbarian grins and carries on the rest of the conversation with Ala with his eyes, clearly grateful- full of life, he twinkles.

They wait a moment, no one saying anything.

Eventually Newt sparks another sunrod and heads into the darkened alcove from which the Redcap came, Cas follows after.

The little chamber chills the heart, there’s an overwhelming sense of pure evil coming from it, hatred so deep, like a bottomless well.

The walls are decorated with crude fetishes crafted from bits of flesh, hair, bone and organs. Stinking viscera is smeared across almost every surface. Simple furnishings fill the room- a chest, a ramshackle table, and a pile of humanoid and animal pelts that seems to act as a bed. In a disorganised array across the tabletop and floor are jars containing preserved organs and a gruesome collection of body parts wrapped in bloody rags. Mixed in with the remains are instruments of terror, all the items one would expect in a well-stocked torture chamber.

“Search everything.” Cas commands.
“Happy to oblige, Captain.”

Although he’s not, Newt gulps, tries to swallow, his lips are dry, his throat too. He gets to work.

Ala moves back to where she heard the whisper, the second circular area.

“Find me, free me…”

It comes again, and this time Anya hears it too.

The Wizard, still clutching at her wounds, moves to the area, she studies the spot- reads the runes, in Draconic, that circle the area.

“To enter or exit the realm of the Undine, speak ‘Descend’ or ‘Ascend’ in the tongue of the builders.”
“What?” Jim asks.
“I fear our adventure is not over yet.”
“What?” Jim tries again.
“It seems we have found an entrance, ‘to the realm of the Undine’, here.” Anya points.
“An Un-what?” Cas wanders over.
“Undine, an Aquatic Elf.”
“What in the hell are you talking about?” Newt joins the circle, back from filling his pockets.

“There’s more to this place than meets the eye, first we need to go back and tell them we’ve got the Ripper. Let’s get out of here, I’m not keen on going any further right now, we need to get those men back to the Church of Pelor, and arrange burials for the body in the attic, and for Mari, I only hope somehow this will let her spirit rest.”

The Paladin takes a last look at the bloodied chamber and then leads the rest of the Goodman Gang quickly back the way they came.

Next Turn: A secret meeting.
 

Great stuff, Goonalan.

I don't know whether it's the intensity of the module or just that you'r really hitting your stride, but the recent updates have been as good as just about anything on these boards.

My one tiny suggestion for improvement is that you put the "DM's interlude" comments in square brackets or a different font, or do them as footnotes, just to separate them from the narrative a bit more.

Looking forward to the next instalment. :)
 

HalfOrc HalfBiscuit said:
Great stuff, Goonalan.

I don't know whether it's the intensity of the module or just that you'r really hitting your stride, but the recent updates have been as good as just about anything on these boards.

My one tiny suggestion for improvement is that you put the "DM's interlude" comments in square brackets or a different font, or do them as footnotes, just to separate them from the narrative a bit more.

Looking forward to the next instalment. :)

Why thanks for that, finished work early for the festive season- nothing to do till Jan, so time aplenty for a few more posts.

You are of course right about the DM's Interludes- it shall be done, excellent suggestion.

Merry Christmas

And on we go...

Dungeon Crawl Classic #24
Legend of the Ripper
Level 1-3 (Scaled to level 4)​

Turn 63: A secret meeting.

Bec picks up the Grimbo Graph, the local paper, spreads it out on the table, takes another bite of his monstrous sandwich and reads the headlines, and then the story beneath.

“The Ripper is Dead.”

“Last night saw the end to the reign of destruction that has rocked The Nunny community these last few weeks, with the death of the terrible beast The Ripper at the hands of The Goodman Gang, employed to hunt down the murderer by the famous Grimbo City Watch.

Some time in the small hours the brave party members ventured deep into The Nunny, and to the Ten Bells Inn, the haunt of the first Ripper, there the dedicated warriors and wizards battled through traps and fiends to finally destroy the ghoulish beast.

A high ranking member of the Watch informed this reporter that the reign of terror had finally come to an end this morning. He went on to say that the inhabitants of The Nunny were now able to go about their law-abiding business under the guaranteed safety of the City Watch, once again peace reigns in The Nunny.

No members of the Goodman Gang were available for comment, although this reporter managed to secure a few details:-

Lord Casimir La Frond, a Paladin of the Church of Pelor, much loved by both the rich and poor of Grimbo for his good deeds, he may be romantically involved with the Belle of every Ball, Lady Arabella Ross.

Priestess Ala of the Church of Correllon, an emissary of the strange and seductive Elven people.

Jim Bowen a local Woodsman from Lowth, quite a catch, the young man seems to have a way with women and wild animals, his boyish good looks and simple charm able to tame the mightiest of beasts.

Anya’Drea, the beautiful Wizardess, little is known about this enchanting beauty, a hit at Grimbo College, Professor Toomes has high hopes for her.

Beck, a mighty warrior of extremely limited intellect, originally from Grimbo, his past is shrouded in mystery.

And last, but by no-means least, Tadpole, a brave Gnome… ahem Lockpicker.”

Bec reads on, “Tadpole”, the big man whispers and grins, takes another bite of his sandwich. Farmer Giles mooches into the kitchen, looking for something to do.

“Sandwich?” Bec offers, holding up his monstrous construct.

Farmer Giles shakes his head and wanders off again.

Meanwhile Cas and Ala sit opposite Arabella Ross, her father’s huge desk separating them.

“I’m sooooo, sooooo grateful; once again you have come to my rescue Cassy Wassy.” Arabella gushes.
“That’s…” Cas starts.
“And the rest of you of course.” Arabella offers a peremptory nod in Ala’s direction.
Ala nods back, “Thanks.”

Arabella moves around the desk, hitches up her skirt and plonks herself down before the pair, intimidating one, and arousing the other.

A vast expense of leg and thigh fills Cas’ vision.

“That’s… er… fine. Is there anything else we can do?” Cas finds himself saying, much to Ala’s chagrin, she stares at her companion, hard.

“That is…” Cas starts up again.
“It’s funny you should say that… I’d like you to attend a ball I’m holding here this evening, there’s somebody I want you to meet, or rather they would like to meet you, Cassy Wassy.”
“That’d be…” Ala edges into the conversation.
“Alone, of course. Shall we say eight- I’ll send my carriage to the Inn.”
“What…” Ala goes for it again.
“It’s the Wheatsheaf Inn isn’t it, room twelve, the curtains there are awfully thin, otherwise it’s… adequate.”

And that’s it, the interview is over.

Newt makes his way to The Nunny, he’s got some training to undertake. In fact every member of the Goodman Gang, except for the good Paladin, spends some time advancing their skills.

At some point in the week, they decide not to head back to the Ten Bells and the Undine straight away, a member of the Grimbo City watch catches up with the Gang and delivers a small chest packed full of gold coins, one thousand coins in total.

Anya even has time to make good use of Newt’s chemistry set, she spends time and money, prepares a few Potions.

Time passes, particularly slowly for Cas who has nothing to do, except attend a ball with lady Arabella Ross.

And thus it goes.

In his best bib and tucker Cas arrives at the Ross residence, for eight. It’s a swanky affair, the great and the good of Grimbo, mostly those with money to burn.

Arabella looks…

Arabella looks…

She looks…

There isn’t a word, or phrase for that matter, to adequately do justice to how she looks.

And yet for the entire of the evening she sees fit to leave the Paladin alone, he has no friends here, or so he thinks.

And so it comes as quite a surprise when at around midnight the party comes to an end.

Arabella’s not even about to wish him goodbye.

A coach comes to take him home; he’s about a quarter of the way back to the Wheatsheaf Inn when the vehicle suddenly stops, the door opens and Major Khan gets in.

“Hello, Lord La Frond, hope you had a pleasant time this evening?”
“Very nice, now what do you want?” Cas replies.
“First of all I’d like to say thank you for helping us out with the Ripper, much appreciated, we couldn’t have done it with out you.”
“You couldn’t have done it?”
“That said it seems our business has not been concluded, I have a story to tell, and I think you’ll want to hear it.” Major Khan leans back into the shadows of the carriage.
Cas waits a while, “ok, let’s hear it.”
“Beneath the Ten Bells Inn is a prison, a prison for a creature of pure Evil, an Undine, an Aquatic Elf that was captured several centuries ago and entombed alive there. The creature came to Grimbo to destroy the city, although it was nothing more than a very large village then- it, or rather ‘she’, failed- as you can see.” Khan gestures out of the window, and grins.
“That’s interesting, what’s it got to do with me, us?”
“Well, we believe that you are in an ideal position to help us, you have of course found the entrance to the prison…”
“How do you…”
“I sent some Watchmen to the Ten Bells, a small matter, you’d have to stupid to miss it, and your not stupid are you, it would be stupid of me to think so. It of course helps that the Undine seems to be able to alert those close by to her situation, she’s calling for help you see. It’s very probable she has escaped her prison- I would therefore like to hire you and your compatriots to investigate this matter, and more importantly to put an end to the Undine’s threat, believe me it is the people of Grimbo who will suffer should she escape her prison. The people will suffer badly, actually they’ll die in their droves, should she escape.”
Cas thinks about it.
“I’m not stupid Lord La Frond, I know you’re a man of the people, I read the paper.”
“You…”
“Desperate measures Lord La Frond; of course we’ll pay you, 1000 gold coins for the death of the Undine.”

Cas stops to think about it again, takes his time, mulls it over.

“What can you tell me about the Prison?”
“Nothing.”
“What?”
“Nothing, other than it will probably be packed full of traps, and other terrible obstacles… Nothing you can’t handle of course. I read it in the paper so it must be true.”

“Anything else?” Cas asks, disgusted, again.
“One more thing, we’re sending some guards in with you, they’ll protect your back. Make sure nothing dangerous gets out of the Prison… alive.”
Cas stirs in his seat, sits up.
“Probably safest, you’d agree, to seal the Prison behind you.”

The carriage stops.

“Well, enjoy the rest of your evening.”

Cas grabs hold of Major Khan, it could get ugly.

“Do you know what you are?”

Cas pulls the Major in so they’re face to face.

“You’re a spineless, cowardly…”
“There a problem here Major?”

A squad or two of the Grimbo City Watch melt out of the dark and shadow, easily two dozen well armed, and armoured, men.

“No, no problem.” Khan states prising Cas’ hands off of him, he brushes himself down, then heads off into the night.

“G’night Casimir. Sleep well, don’t have nightmares.” And he’s gone.

Time passes.

Next Turn: Catch Up
 

Dungeon Crawl Classic #24
Legend of the Ripper
Level 1-3 (Scaled to level 4)​

Five of the Goodman Gang are up a level, herein their revised stats.

“Jim” Bowen​

Human Male Ranger Level 3
NG HP 35 AC 19 Init +2
Str 14 Dex 15 Con 14 Int 12 Wis 12 Ch 10
Saves Fort +6 Ref +5 Will +3
+1 Battleaxe (family heirloom) +6 d8+3
Longbow (Masterwork Mighty (+2)) +7 d8+2 or Rapid Fire +5/+5
Dagger, Silver +5 or +5 d4+2
Armour: Griffin insignia Masterwork Breastplate and Large Masterwork Wooden Shield.

Feats: Skill Focus (Trapmaking), Point Blank Shot, Track, Favoured Enemy- Dire Animals, Ranger Two-Weapon Fighting & Ambidexterity, Rapid Shot, Weapon Focus Longbow.

Skills of note: Animal Empathy +4 Climb +5 Craft (Trapmaking) +6 Handle Animal +4 Hide +7 Jump +6 Knowldege (Nature) +3 Listen +5 Move Silently +6 Search +3 Spot +3 Wilderness Lore +6

Items of note: Potion Cure Lt x4; Potion Darkvision; Cloak of Resistance +1, 20 Silver Arrows, Vial of Antitoxin, Potion Spider Climb, Potion of Love, 10 Sunrods.

Light Warhorse “Sarge” & associated kit and caboodle.

Bec​

Human Male Barbarian Level 3
CG HP 46 AC 17 Init +1
Str 18 Dex 12 Con 18 Int 11 Wis 8 Ch 9
Saves Fort +7 Ref +2 Will 0
Mighty (+4) Masterwork Composite Longbow +5 d8+4
+1 Dagger of Wounding +8 or +5 d4+5
Greatclub +7 d10+6
Longsword Masterwork +8 d8+4 (usually with Buckler +1)
Greatsword Masterwork Cold Iron +8 2d6+6
Armour: Studded Leather Masterwork, Buckler +1, Bracers of Armour +1.

Feats: Toughness, Power Attack, Rage, Cleave, Uncanny Dodge & Greater Cleave.

Skills of note: Climb +10 Concentration +4 Jump +9 Listen +3 Ride +3 Spot +3 Swim +9 Use Rope +4 Wilderness Lore +3

Items of note: Climbers Kit, Wax Balls of Cure Lt x3, Potion Blur, Potion of Cure Moderate, Bracers of Armour +1.

Heavy Warhorse “Kaul” & associated kit and caboodle, including Studded Leather Barding.

Lord Casimir​

Human Male Paladin of Pelor Level 2
LG HP 23 AC 19 Init +1
Str 15 Dex 13 Con 14 Int 14 Wis 11 Ch 14
Saves Fort +7 Ref +3 Will +4
+1 Longsword Cold Iron +5 d8+3
Longbow +3 d8
Light Mace +4 d6+2
Armour: Shiny Breastplate +1 & Sparkling Large Masterwork Steel Shield

Feats: Negotiator, Dodge, Mobility, Detect Evil, Lay on Hands, Divine Health, Smite Evil, Aura of Courage.

Skills of note: Concentration +3 Diplomacy +9 Handle Animal +6 Knowledge (History) +5 Knowledge (Local) +7 Knowledge (Religion) +6 Ride +5 Sense Motive +6 Spot +4

Items of note: 3 Flasks of Holy Water, 5 Silver Arrows, Potion of Cure Light Wounds x4, Potion of Vision, Potion of Haste, Healing Kit.

Light Warhorse “Reggie” & associated kit and caboodle.

Anya’Drea​

Human Female Wizard Level 3
CG HP 18 AC 15 Init +5
Str 10 Dex 13 Con 12 Int 16 Wis 11 Ch 17
Saves Fort +2 Ref +2 Will +3
+1 Quarterstaff +2 d6+1
Light Crossbow Masterwork +3 d8
Dagger Coral Masterwork Keen +2 or +3 d4
Armour: Leather Armour, Ring of Protection +1, Bracers of Armour +1

Feats: Skill Focus (Use Magic Device), Armour Proficiency (Light), Improved Initiative, Scribe Scroll, Toughness, Brew Potion.

Skills of note: Alchemy +6 Appraise +3 Bluff +3 Concentrate +7 Craft (Model) +3 Decipher Script +7 Diplomacy +3 Disguise +3 Forgery +3 Gather Info +3 Hide +5 Intimidate +3 Knowledge (Arcane) +9 Knowledge (Architecture & Engineering) +4 Knowledge (Geography) +4 Knowledge (History) +4 Knowledge (Nature) +4 Knowledge (Nobility & Royalty) +4 Knowledge (The Planes) +4 Knowledge (Religion) +4 Listen +4 Move Silently +3 Perform (Vogue) +3 Scry +5 Search +3 Spellcraft +9 Use Magic Device +10

Familiar, actually Follower (of sorts) Swish, Animated Broom.

Spells: Lvl 0 (4) All;
Lvl 1 (4) Shield, Mage Armour, Mount, Dummon Monster I, Unseen Servant, Detect Secret Doors, Detect Undead, Identify, Magic Missile, Colour Spray, Cause Fear, Expeditious Retreat, Shocking Grasp, Spider Climb, Charm Person, Sleep.
Lvl 2 (2) Fog Cloud, Scare, Spectral Hand, Darkvision, Endurance, Knock, Rope Trick.

Items of note: Scrolls- not so many of them as before, Wand of Burning Hands (Level 3- 13 Charges); Potion Cure Lt. x5, Potion of Intelligence, Pearl of Power (lvl 1), Necklace of Fireballs Type I, 2 Bags of Caltrops; 6 Tindertwigs, 10 Sunrods.

“Swish” Animated Broom companion AC15 Mv30 Init+2 +1 Slam d4 Hardness 5 Fort +0 Ref +2 Will -5

Light Warhorse “Mr. Fizz” & associated kit and caboodle, including Studded Leather Barding.

Newt​

Gnome Male Rogue Level 3
NG HP 22 AC 19 Init +3
Str 11 Dex 16 Con 14 Int 16 Wis 11 Ch 10
Saves Fort +3 Ref +6 Will +3
Heavy Mace Masterwork +4 d6
Light Crossbow Masterwork +7 d6
+1 Dagger (wielded as Shortsword) of Spell Storing (Shocking Grasp D8+2) +4 D4+1
Adamantine Ceremonial Dagger (wielded as Shortsword) +3 D4
Dagger Masterwork Silver +4 or +7 d3
Armour: +1 Chain Shirt

Feats: Nimble Fingers, Low Light Vision, +1 To Hit vs. Goblinoids and Kobolds, +4 Dodge vs. Giants, Point Blank Shot, Evasion, Rapid Shot.

Skills of note: Alchemy +10 Appraise +5 Balance +8 Climb +5 Craft (Locksmith) +6 Decipher Script +5 Disable Device +10 Escape Artist +4 Forgery +3 Gather Info +3 Hide +11 Intimidate +3 Jump +5 (+35 with Ring of Jumping) Listen +8 Move Silently +9 Open Lock +11 Pick Pocket +4 Read Lips +5 Ride (Pony) +3 Scry +3 Search +9 Spot +6 Tumble +5 Use Rope +3

Spells: Ghost Sound, Dancing Lights, Prestidigitation & Speak with Burrowing Animals.

Items of note: Silk Climbing Rope, 10 Tindertwigs, 3 Thunderstones, 2 Tanglefoot bags, 10 Sunrods, 2 Smoke Sticks, 5 Alchemist’s Fire, Thieves Tools Masterwork, 10 Silver tipped Bolts, 20 Masterwork Bolts, 3 Flasks of Acid, Potion Cure Lt x4, Potion Spider Climb x2, Potion Invisibility, Ring of Jumping, Ring of Minor Sonic Resistance.

War Pony “Dobbin” & associated kit and caboodle, including Studded Leather Barding.

Ala​

Elf Female Cleric Level 3
NG HP 26 AC 21 Init +3
Str 14 Dex 17 Con 12 Int 10 Wis 17 Ch 13
Saves Fort +4 Ref +4 Will +6
Longsword Masterwork +6 d8+2
Composite Longbow Masterwork Mighty (+2) +6 d8+2
Dagger Silver +4 or +5 d4+2
+1 Dagger +5 or +6 d4+3
Masterwork Heavy Mace +5 d8+2
Armour: Chain Shirt Masterwork, Large Masterwork Steel Shield & Ring of Protection +2

Feats: Point Blank Shot, Weapon Focus (Longsword), Turn Undead (4/day), Extra Turning.

Skills of note: Balance +3 Concentration +4 Diplomacy +3 Escape Artist +3 Heal +8 Hide +3 Listen +5 Move Silently +3 Ride (Horse) +3 Sense Motive +3 Spot +5 Use Rope +3 Wilderness Lore +3

Spells: Lvl 0 (4) Lvl 1 (4) Lvl 2 (3)
Domains: War & Good.

Items of note: 2 Healer’s Kits, Scroll Protection from Elements, Potion Cure Light Wounds x4, Potion Cure Moderate Wounds, Scroll Hold Person & Deeper Darkness and a few others, Vial of Silversheen.

Light Riding Horse “Slim” & associated kit and caboodle.

Next Turn: The Key.
 

Dungeon Crawl Classic #24
Legend of the Ripper
Level 1-3 (Scaled to level 4)​

Turn 65: The Key.

And so the night before the Goodman Gang are set to return to the Ten Bells Inn, and into the Undine’s Prison below, Cas makes his own special pilgrimage back to the site. He finds his way in and heads upstairs, back to Mari’s room- the place is still dirty, dilapidated and deserted, it has however lost its sense of dread.

And yet there she is, hovering over the bed exactly where Cas expected her to be.

“It was 125 years ago…” Cas explains, he looks forlorn.

Mari looks away; even in ghost form Cas can see the tears in her eyes.

“I don’t know where to begin, you have to help me, you have to…”

Mari’s spirit shivers, she shakes her head.

“I want to find your killer it was just so long ago, I don’t know where to start, I’m not… I’m not very good at this- you see we’ve only just started, the others, my friends, they’re much better at this than me… I mean, I pretend… I…”

Mari straightens, her spirit form drifts over towards Cas, the Paladin bows his head.

“I will try… I’ll do my best, I just… I just.”

Mari lays her hand on Cas’ head, strokes his hair, tender.

“I’ve waited 125 years… I’ll wait a little while longer.” She whispers.

Cas looks up, into her eyes.

“I have… I have hope, you gave me that, that’ll do… for now.”

Mari Kell releases Cas from her embrace, she begins to fade, Cas reaches out to her.

But she’s gone.

The Paladin cries a little and then heads home to Ala’s warm, and forgiving, embrace.

The next day the Goodman Gang are assembled back in the chamber with the red mist, it’s been cleaned, a little, at least the corpse of the Redcap has gone, it’s lair torched, purged by fire.

“Find me, free me…”

They all hear the voice this time, a coarse whisper, it sounds like waves lapping on a far off shore.

They have a contingent of guards with them, for their own safety of course, twelve guardsmen, and all veterans by the look of them, led by a grouchy old Sergeant by the name of Casper.

“Time fur yew folk to head on down, I reckon.” Casper spits and nods towards the spot, a couple of guardsmen shuffle their weapons to make the point.

“In the tongue of the builders- Dwarves build, how about you try saying it in Dwarf?” Newt states.

And sure enough, thirty seconds later the Gang are descending, the entire raised dais is some sort of mechanical elevator.

It gets dark very quickly.

Sunrods flare.

They’re adventuring again.

The Gang emerge in a hallway; it stretches some twenty or so feet ahead, it’s about three feet deep in water, filthy water, which for Newt is a problem.

“Hey… Hey…” The Gnome doggie paddles trying to stay afloat, Bec scoops Newt up and settles him on his shoulders.
“Now that’s better… Gee up horsey.” Newt points the way, then readies his Potion of Spider Climb- just in case.
Bec stares up at the Gnome, grunts.

Cas leads them off.

There’s a door at the far end, a sealed stone door with runes etched across its surface. The centre of the seal is a 4-inch wide circular depression about an inch deep. On the southern wall, near the sealed portal, is another, more mundane looking doorway.

“The key must be in there.” Anya states and points to the mundane door.
“You hope.” Jim replies.
“Newt can you…” Cas starts, but the Gnome has already scoped the lock.
“Not a chance- we need the key.” The Gnome is carried over to take look at the mundane door, “no traps- over to you.”

“Ok, ready?” Cas asks.
The others nod

And they’re in.

All along the perimeter of this rectangular room stand elaborately engraved pillars, a total of ten in all, casting bars of shadow across the far walls. In the centre of the room and protruding a foot or so above the brackish water is a dais upon which rests a rune-encrusted golden amulet, its centre accentuated by a large red gem.

“The key.” Newt whispers.

Looming over the dais and its treasure is a 10-foot tall metal statue. Crafted in the shape of a lion-headed humanoid, its body streaked red and brown with rust.

“That better not be…” Newt trails off.
“You can say that again.” Anya finishes.

“What?” Ala, Cas and Jim in chorus.

“An Iron Golem.” Anya and Newt answer back.

“What?” Ala, Cas and Jim back, still in chorus.

“This is getting stupid.” Anya breaks the chain. “I was saying that that thing better not be an Iron Golem.”
“Why- is that bad?” Jim asks.
“Yes, one of those things could easily kill us all, and our friends upstairs should it get out, and probably much of The Nunny, if it felt like it.” Anya glares at Jim, hands on her hips- lecturing him almost.
“Sorry for asking…”
“It can’t be though… can it?” Ala asks.

“We’re about to find out”, Cas swishes off through the water, towards the thing.

The others watch on.
“It’s probably just a statue.” Jim adds.

He’s nearly there, Newt remembers.

“Wait.” He kicks his heels into Bec’s chest, the Barbarian tramps forward. “Let me check it first- can’t do any harm.”
“Yes, stupid of me, sorry Newt.” Cas backs away a little.

The Rogue being manoeuvred, under instruction, by Bec, makes a tour of the dais, it takes a while.

“The entire thing is a trap.”
“Are you sure?” Cas counts his blessings.
“Certain of it.”
“What does it do… this trap?”
“Now that’s the mystery- I’ve no idea, nor do I know how to disarm it.”

Newt looks long and hard at the thing.

“But I do have a solution, of sorts… I’ll explain, Bec’s going to put me down here, I’ll dash up the dais, grab the amulet, dive into the water- submerge, then swim underwater to the door- easy.”
“Where are we going to be?” Anya asks.
“Well if I were you I’d be either out the room altogether or behind the pillars, you see I’ve no idea what’s going to happen.”
“You don’t have to do this Newt.” Cas offers.
“Oh I do, because if that thing starts moving”, Newt points at the Lion-headed Statue, “you’re not going to see me for dust, and I’d rather have the key in my hand.”

Cas thinks about it.

“Alright but let’s get ready, we may as well presume the worst, say that thing is an Iron Golem…”

A minute or so later and a number of spells have been cast, Anya’s Mage Armour shimmers and reflects the turgid water, likewise she feels a little healthier thanks to her Endurance spell. Ala meanwhile has acquired bulk in the form of muscle, courtesy of a Bull’s Strength spell. Newt has quaffed his Potion of Spider Climb and is set to go, floating in the water before the dais. Everyone except the Rogue has a magic weapon drawn, likewise everyone, except Newt, is hidden from sight- peeking out to spy on the brave, or maybe just foolhardy, Rogue.

“Ready?” Newt calls over.
“May Pelor…”
“And Correllon…”
“Bless you.” Cas and Ala finish.
“Fingers bloody crossed”, for good measure Anya sticks her fingers in her ears.
“Ready.” Jim finishes.

Bec nods, but by then it’s too late.

Next Turn: The Guardian.
 

Dungeon Crawl Classic #24
Legend of the Ripper
Level 1-3 (Scaled to level 4)​

Turn 66: The Guardian.

A lot of things happen very quickly, here goes-

Newt leaps up the dais, actually lands on the top step right next to the amulet, he’s very good at jumping remember.

CLICK.

The Rogue hasn’t got time to look around to see where the sound is coming from, if he had to guess, he’d say from below him.

Newt scoops up the amulet.

GRIND.

Once again there’s no time to look around… but if he had to guess, he’d say the noise came from above him.

Newt leaps for the water.

Ting.

Like the sound of a small stone hitting something.

SPLASH

The Gnome is engulfed by the water.

FWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM

Less than a second later the centre of the chamber is engulfed in a Fireball.

The flame is over in an instant.

Newt surfaces.

Smiling.

The door opens.

Cas fills the doorway smiling at the Gnome who’s holding aloft the amulet.

Then he looks behind Newt.

“NEEEEEEEEEWWWWWT.”

The Rogue doesn’t bother to look over his shoulder, the room shudders, a miniature tidal wave races in every direction, submerging him for a second.

“Aaaaaaarrrrggghhhh.”

The Gnome races out of the chamber, scrambling through the defenders and runs straight up onto the ceiling, clutching the amulet to his chest.

The Iron Golem lurches towards them, it’s very slow, rust flakes off of it as it comes.

“For Pelor.” Cas charges in.
“What?” Leaving Ala and the others standing in the door way.
“BUFFET.” Bec follows the Paladin in.
“Oh Correllon, this is madness- chaaaaaarge.” Ala heads on in.

Jim and Anya briefly reach out to each other, touch for a second, then the Ranger races in to face the metal monster.

Anya stays put, “Smidgin.” Two magic Missile arc out and thump into the Golem, both missiles clang into the creature, leave not a mark.

The adventurers fan out to meet the creature’s awkward charge; its weakness is definitely that it’s agonisingly slow.

Cas dodges in, strikes hard, not a scratch. Jim thumps his battleaxe into the Golem’s leg, nothing. Bec repeats the feat except on its other leg, three for three, the thing is unharmed.

“Oh sodding Pelor.” Cas remarks, looks at the useless magical longsword in his hands.

CLANG—TEEEEAAAAAAR.

Ala sees her opening, she’s made her way to the back of the creature, a perfect hit, her blade tears a gaping hole in the small of the Golem’s back.

“It can be damaged. It can…” Ala’s face is full of joy.

The thing turns to face her.

It lashes out, a sweeping blow, Ala ducks beneath the water then comes up gasping for air but unharmed.

“SMASH IT.”

Cas screams, and hits again- nothing. Ala dodges inside the Iron Golem’s reach, tries her luck again, not a mark.

Jim… the same.

Bec… the same.

“What?” Cas screams runs at the creature and smashes the pommel of his sword into its leg, which doesn’t unsettle the thing in the least, it does however get the things attention.

The Iron Golem turns again, and the Paladin’s in much too close, Cas tries to back up but the water’s too deep, he can’t get out of the way.

CRUNCH

A metal fist smashes into his side, scoops him up, as if he weighed nothing, and flings him a good ten feet away. The Paladin lands with a splash and sinks beneath the waves.

Anya spins out of the room, hides behind the door.

“No, no, no, no this can’t be real.”

Newt meanwhile clambers along the ceiling back into the chamber; the amulet safely tucked away, his Adamantine dagger clutched in his hand.

Cas struggles to his feet, ribs broken, chest crushed, it hurts to breathe, he gasps for air.

“RUN. KEEP OUT OF ITS REACH.”

He takes charge, at the same time using his Divine Power to send a pulse of Healing energy through his body, which eases some of his pain.

“NEWT, GIVE THE KEY TO ANYA. ANYA OPEN THE DOOR.”

Newt does as he’s told, heads back and drops the amulet into Anya’s waiting hands; the Wizard scurries off to the door.

Ala, Jim and Bec are now in perpetual motion, circling, dodging in and out, trying to keep out of the Golem’s reach.

Jim unbalances for a second, almost sinks beneath the waves, he’s caught by a glancing blow, the Golem is wielding a huge scimitar, as well as punching with its off hand, the blow is more a clip than an actual hit, its enough to remind Jim to be more careful in future.

Mid-stride Bec feels something wet on his cheek, puts his hand up to discover it’s his blood, a cut on his temple- he doesn’t remember taking a hit.

“It’s opening.”

And sure enough, so it is- Anya rushes back to the chamber.

“IT’S OPEN. THE DOOR’S OPEN.”

Cas glugs down a Potion of Healing and rushes back towards the Golem.

Bec breaks off heads back to the door, out of the chamber, swapping from his magical dagger to his greatsword, mid flight.

“COME ON.” Anya screams.

Newt doesn’t have to be told twice, he dodges through the newly opened doorway and into a hallway, yet again waist-deep in foul water. Part of the left wall and ceiling has collapsed, creating a sloping pile of rubble below a four-foot diameter hole. A trickle of water and sludge flows from out of the gap.

The way ahead is clear however.

Ala and Jim continue to circle the Golem, Ala has to take evasive action and is sent sprawling for a second, she quickly finds her feet.

“COME ON.”

Cas reaches the doorway screaming at Ala and Jim still in the chamber.

The pair back cautiously towards the doorway, then break and run, as best they can waist deep in water.

The Golem follows after them; it seems to go faster in a straight line, smashes the iron scimitar it wields in one hand down, just missing Jim’s head, the force of the blow splits the stone in one of the huge columns, wedging the sword in tight.

“Shouldn’t we go back?” Jim gabbles staring at the elevator.”
“No. ON.” Cas is definite, he points to the door.

Bec fills the doorway back into the chamber; the Golem is trying to wrench its weapon free, with little success.

SMASH

Bec’s greatsword lances out and rips a hole in the Golem’s torso, the Barbarian grins at the mess he’s wrought.

FWUNG

The Iron Golem’s scimitar is ripped free.

The new hallway ends at a wooden door adorned simply with a blue painted skull. At one time the door might have been solid, but exposure to water and dampness has rotted the wood. From behind the door Newt can hear a cacophony of whispers- or is it just the wind whistling?

“Fecking. Feck.”

The door is definitely trapped; the Gnome gets to work, conscious of the sounds of struggle coming from behind him.

“BEC.” Cas screams, the Barbarian hasn’t got time to turn around. “Hold it- if you can.”

The Barbarian grunts, then leaps forward into the chamber, aims an almighty blow at the Golem, he misses by a mile. The metal monster sees its opportunity and lumbers forward, miscalculates its own dimensions and slams into one of the pillars that dot the room; it crumples staggers and flounders. The Barbarian sees his opportunity lances his greatsword into the creature again, but leaves not a mark.

“FALL BACK.” Cas calls to Jim and Ala, who are still not out the room, they’re standing behind Bec, mimicking the Barbarians cuts and thrusts, fighting the fight for him.

“GET OUT OF THERE.” Cas commands, the pair scatter, rush after Anya who’s already caught up with Newt.

“Trap’s disarmed.” The Gnome grins, gets up and opens… oh hang on, “Bugger it’s locked.” The Gnome sets to work again.
“Come on Newt… Come on.” Anya worries.

Bec dives in again as the Golem tries to stand, this time gets it right, smashes his greatsword into the giant metal man’s knee joint, the monster stumbles again.

“Come on Newt.” Now it’s Jim’s turn.
“Just shut up.”
“Neeeewt?” Ala tries.
“That’s it.”

The Gnome grins and grabs the handle- no its not, the door’s still locked.

“Feck. Feck. Feck.” The Gnome’s new mantra, he sets to work again.

Jim rushes back to the doorway, so he can see Cas, gets there and shrugs at the Paladin, “LOCKED.” He screams.

“Oh Pelor.” Cas levers himself off the wall he’s been leaning on and thrashes the water to foam, charging back into the chamber, and the Iron Golem.

“BUFFET.” Cas screams. Bec echoes his sentiment. “BUFFET.”

Cas and Bec attack simultaneously, Cas’ longsword merely skims the surface, but Bec’s greatsword bites deep into the metal machine’s inner workings, a rusty chunk of iron falls from the creature’s shoulder and splashes into the water.

Once again the Golem staggers, but this time manages to haul itself upright in seconds.

“Got it.” Newt plasters on his smile again and yanks the door open.

It goes quiet for a moment.

:):):):).” Ala stares.
“That’s just what I was going to say.” Newt confirms.

Anya stands there, mouth open.

:):):):).” Ala says it again.

Newt shuts the door.

Next Turn: “There’s nothing else for it…”
 

Dungeon Crawl Classic #24
Legend of the Ripper
Level 1-3 (Scaled to level 4)​

Turn 67: “There’s nothing else for it…”

Jim rushes back into the flooded chamber, he’s not going to miss out on the fight, Ala too comes running back from the door.

“CAS.” She screams, but the Paladin seems to be otherwise engaged. “There’s nothing else for it…” She mutters and joins the melee, and miraculously lands a half-decent blow on the Iron Golem, slicing through the metal skin of the creature’s right fore-arm.

Alas it’s Bec who suffers for it; he’s caught by the creature’s flailing scimitar, a lucky blow, but enough to send the Barbarian crashing backwards.

However in the chaos he stabs back, it’s only a scratch but again the Golem staggers, it seems unable to turn now, to face those that are smashing at its rear.

Ala takes advantage of the situation, crashes her longsword into the creature, another cut in its metal skin, this time high up on the back of its right shoulder.

“BUFFET”

The Barbarian strides in again, and is swatted away in an instant, lands hard ten feet away, clearly no longer in charge of his limbs, he struggles to drag himself up and out of the water. When he does rise he’s woozy, bloodied and battered.

“Come on… We can do this.” Cas shouts, although his, and Jim’s, blows are having no discernable affect on the thing.

Meanwhile back at the door…

Anya opens the door and steps through the portal, to be sure, she picks up a handful of something, and then steps back into the dungeon corridor, she motions, Newt holds out his hand, she fills it- with sand.

Open-mouthed, still, Newt turns and marches back towards the sound of melee, Anya shuts the door, then follows on behind.

Bec’s not done through, he scrabbles in the water and grasps his greatsword, wades back in again, the creature it seems is waiting for his attack, ignoring the others.

Bec strikes, as does the Golem, the Barbarian’s sword hits first- opening up the Golem’s chest cavity, oil and gunk spill out, it makes a grinding sound it’s own attack stutters, falls well wide.


The Goodman Gang circle the creature, it must be close to destruction, and yet few, if any, of their blows have any impact on the staggering Golem, its own attack is useless, barely able to lift its scimitar.

Anya and Newt arrive in the doorway, actually Newt above Anya, he’s taken to the ceiling again.

“Right, that’s it- I’ve had enough of this.” The Rogue skitters along the ceiling of the chamber till his directly over the Golem, then launches himself down, grabs onto the things lion-head and holds on for dear life, perched on one shoulder.

The Golem flails wildly, but the Rogue grips on tight.

The rest of the gang take evasive action, which involves Cas running into Ala, flattening her, the pair sink beneath the waves- then come up spluttering.

Meanwhile Newt gets settled then stabs his Adamantine dagger down into the Golem’s head.

SCCCCCRRRREEEE.

The Iron Golem stiffens.

And in a deep but slurred voice adds, “Does Not Compuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuute.”

Then ceases working altogether.

DMs Interlude- of course it wasn’t an Iron Golem, but who am I to spoil their fun. It was actually a Rusty Iron Construct HD 4d10+30 HP 52 and a DR of 10/Adamantine, with the Spell Resistances of an Iron Golem.

“Help me.” Bec staggers, he’s bleeding badly, Ala’s quickly on the spot. The Gang head out of the chamber, back to the lift to rest and recuperate.

“You’re not going to believe this…” Anya states.
“What?” Jim asks.
Anya and Newt shake their heads, to confirm that the other are not going to believe this.
“What’s down the passage? Why did you come back?” Cas asks.
“It’s best you come and take a look for yourselves.” Anya replies.
“What is it?” The Paladin whines.
“Come and see; it’s easier.” Newt finishes.

Minutes later they’re all stood before the door, Anya opens it.

Beyond is a desert.

You heard me.

A desert.

Miles and miles of sand dunes baking under a fiery sun, it goes on for…

Ever?

“It’s an illusion.” Cas starts.
“Nope.”

Newt wanders through the door, which is suspended, about six inches above the sand, there’s nothing behind it, apart from miles and miles of more desert. The Gnome grabs up a handful of sand, steps back through the portal and shows his companions.

Bec even tastes it.

It’s sand.

The shocked tableau remains in place for nearly a minute, Cas breaks the silence.

“Well, let’s have a look then.” The Paladin steps in, the others follow.

An hour later.

“It’s a desert alright.” Cas trudges back through the doorway.
“I want to go home.” Jim offers.
“Not a bad idea.” Cas concurs. “Right then back to see Major Khan I think.” Cas stomps back through the door and all the way out of the dungeon, the others close behind.

The Grimbo City Watch aren’t pleased to see them, but the feeling’s mutual, they decide not to press the point.

Cas reports to Sergeant Casper, doesn’t leave anything out- the Fireball, the Iron Golem and especially not the miles and miles of endless desert.

“Right, I’m off for a bath.” The Paladin states.

And with much harrumphing the Goodman Gang head back to the Inn, and clean sheets.

Next Turn: Khan again.
 

Dungeon Crawl Classic #24
Legend of the Ripper
Level 1-3 (Scaled to level 4)​

Turn 68: Khan again.

“So what’s going on?” Jim asks, he’s wearing a loose fitting robe, smoking a pipe and wearing slippers, in fact all of the Gang are dressed for bed. Only Major Khan stands out in his dress uniform, complete with medals and decorations.
“It seems that the door you opened leads into an extra-dimensional plane of existence.”
Jim regrets asking the question, “A what?”
“Somewhere else.” Anya simplifies.
“Oh. Why didn’t he say that?” Jim points his pipe at Khan.
“Anyway we have ascertained that this desert is not endless, the exit is directly north of the entrance.” Khan continues.
“How far?” Cas asks.
“Ahh. Unknown, I’m afraid.”
“What’s on the other side?” Cas asks again.
“Now that we do know. First of all, the Undine, which you are of course tasked to destroy. Secondly an object of great Power, which I’m afraid is also cursed- needless to say you should leave it alone, in fact it is quite possible that the artefact, in the wrong hands, could prove to be as deadly as the Undine, you must leave it where it is. I guarantee upon your exit that more traps will be put in place so that no-one will ever go there again, we’ll seal the place for good, so that nothing gets out.” Khan finishes his speech, looks pleased with himself.
“Can’t you just do that now- save us having to destroy the Undine?” Anya asks.
“No, or at least not without getting the water out of the Dungeon, you see the Undine’s bindings were probably broken when the water got into the place, so while the place is flooded she may be able to escape- we have to be certain.”
“So you built the thing next to a sewer, smart.” Anya states.
“Yes, well… We don’t actually know how long this prison has been there, it’s a case of which came first, the sewer, or the prison. Regardless, we are prepared to double our offer- 2,000 gold coins; we will of course equip you as best we can for the desert, whatever you wish- within reason.”

The Goodman Gang consider their options.

“What do you say?” Major Khan leans in, his hands are shaking Ala notices, and yet he seems to be telling the truth.

“We’ll give you your answer in the morning.” Cas states.
“Oh now…”
“In the morning.”
“Very well.”

Major Khan bows low and then makes for the door, turns back, “I’d just like to say, on a personal level, how grateful I am, it’s clear to me that the City of Grimbo is a much safer place with you guys about- thank you.”

Then exits.

“Dick.” Jim hisses after Khan’s gone.

The Gang get on with their discussion.

Major Khan meanwhile heads out of the Inn and back into the shadows he came from.

Two days later.

In the desert.

The wind’s getting up, and the sand is getting everywhere.

“I’ve got sand in places I didn’t even know I had places.” Cas grins.
“Shut up.” Anya grumbles.
“I’m boiling.” Jim shouts in amazement- everyone ignores him.

At the back of the group Jim leads Shadrack, an ex-pit pony, lately put into service as a beast of burden, the creature’s mainly carrying water and food, but also all of the warrior’s heavy armour.

“How long have we been going now?” Newt shouts at Cas, he has to repeat himself because of the noise of the wind.
The Paladin shrugs, “about two hours.”
“Damn.”

The Gnome looks back; he can still see the door, just.

Anya shoves another marker in the sand, its flag flutters madly.

“How long more do you think?” Newt screams.
Cas shrugs again, “A couple of hours… We’ll see.”

The wind roars.

Ten hours later…

“I hate this… Bloody sand everywhere, it’s in my ears, my bloody ears. Look at this.” Newt flops off a boot, tips it out, it’s full of sand. “I hate the sand, I bloody hate it, it’s soo… Oh I just bloody hate it. And you… You said a couple of hours.” Newt stares at Cas.

The wind has dropped, not a breeze.

The Gang have stopped for the night, according to Cas, and his compass, they’re right on course. The Paladin looks back, he can see the last marker Anya placed, just- they’ve used two thirds of their total already; there can’t be much more of this he thinks.

Ala sidles over to him, whispers.

“Cas, I’ve only got three Endure Elements spells for tomorrow, who gets them?” She stares hard at her love.

Cas spits, his hands are cracked and dry, what he’d give for a dollop of the moisturising balm in the tub by his bed- his regime’s gone to pot.

“You, Anya and Newt.” The Paladin suddenly makes up his mind, then scrambles to his feet, “Right then, let’s put up the tents.”

The Goodman Gang wander over to Shadrack, Jim in charge of supplies suddenly has a thought, “What tents?” He squints at Cas framed by the sinking sun.

Newt turns away quickly; he doesn’t want them to see him cry.

It gets dark very quickly.

And cold.

A fairly uncomfortable eight hours later, the Gang are up and raring to go.

“That wasn’t too bad.” Jim leaps up and does a bunch of star jumps, gets the blood flowing. “Come on…” He cajoles- no takers.

After a rushed breakfast they’re on their way again, the first Endure Elements spells have ended, except for Newt, Anya and Ala who get new applications for the day, for Jim, Bec and Cas it’s all for real now.

Three hours later…

It’s above 90C, there’s still no shade, no sign of a door ahead, or behind for that matter, and no sign of their last marker.

Cas is a slick of sweat, staggering at times. Bec the same, the giant man cannot seem to keep the stinging sweat out of his eyes, he blinks furiously rubs the spot till its red raw.

“What shape are we going to be in when we get there?” Anya asks Cas when they break from their trek for a moments rest.

Cas just stares at her, hands on his hips, breathing hard, between mouthfuls of warm and bitter tasting water, finally he just shakes his head.

Three hours later…

They stop again for a brief but fortifying meal, Jim insists on warm food, and plenty of it. Bec and Cas who are clearly feeling the heat are fortified, briefly- they trudge on.

Jim whistles as he walks, tickling Shadrack’s ear.

One hour later…

Cas stumbles, sprawls onto the baking sand, it’s nice here- rest now.

Jim is first to him, picks him up with Ala’s help- pushes a full canteen into the Paladin’s mouth, upends it for a while then uses the rest to cool the Paladin’s burning face. “Soak your clothes, keep them wet- there’s plenty of water, we’re not going to run out.”
Ala nods, “I have spells to conjure water- use as much as you need, come on Cas, not much further.”

“I’ll tell you what though.” Jim calls from the back, when they’re on the move again, “its baking isn’t it.” The Ranger wipes his brow, pats Shadrack’s flank, and hums a pleasant tune.

Two hours later…

Cas is staggering again, an official rest break is called for.

“Ok, that’s enough, we’ll have something more to eat, then we can make up our minds if we want to go on or not- maybe just for a couple of hours. Let’s get a fire started. Get some warm food in you; it’s going to get cold tonight…” Jim starts.
“Especially with no tents.” Ala adds.
“Ok. Ok, my bad- let’s get Cas settled for a bit.”

Bec sinks to his knees, wobbles, even though the temperature is dropping, the sun is heading down below the horizon, he can see two of things- two Jim’s, two Anya’s, in fact two of everything. He keeps quiet, drinks two whole canteens of water, then upends a third over him, soaks himself thoroughly- feels a little better for it.

An hour later…

“Are you sure you’re ok to carry on?” Ala stares at Cas.
“Yes.” The Paladin manages and then clambers to his feet.

It’s a lot cooler now, the sun is setting fast, there’s still enough light to see the compass and the miles and miles of desert ahead of them.

“How long more do you think?” Cas whispers when Jim comes close.
“Dunno, lovely sunset though.” The Ranger stops to stare, the Paladin plods on.

Two hours later…

“Pelor’s fishcake, trilobites nibbling on my trousers. I am the Walrus, THE WALRUS… ALA. ALA. ALA I CAN’T SEE YOU. Mew. Rue. Dooooooo…” Cas gasps for breath.
“Hold him down.” Ala instructs.
“Sun stroke.” Jim confirms.
“We’re not going any further.” Ala states.
“Get a fire lit, all the water you can, and blankets.” Jim shouts at Anya and Newt, they comply.

“Crab apple sun stroke, moke, broke, toke… joke… poke.” Cas rambles.

Bec crumples, there’s… a lot of everybody… and things… everythings… a lot of it… joining up all the time… blurry. Bec slips into unconsciousness; it seems infinitely more pleasant than his present surroundings, “Sand… wich.” His last word, or words.

Next Turn: Oh Sandy.
 

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