Action Thread #3 - The Second Valley

[Stonjuz]

I know nothing about UK5 module, just trying to add flavor with some Greyhawk history knowledge. None of the following should actually effect any course of events. Making a 'know' roll to see how much Stonjuz knows about the dwarf kingdom in the Crystalmists.
know Grayhawk history/geography [1d100] = 40 (LOL, spelled it wrong)
I failed the roll, so I'm deleting all references to the Crystalmists from the following sentences.
"I really must insist on panning somewhere from these parts. We could be sitting right on top of the motherlode for all I know. And if the waters get drastically warmer, the fishing will suffer. Extra careful now, we cannot afford to cross a point of no turnin' back."

[zebediah]

Spoken aloud enough for those next to him, but meant for no ear in particular, "Even a halfling would know that we are going ever so slightly up, not down."

"I'm actually all for going back and checking the other side. But if you all are going to go running out into the unknown I guess I'll have to stick with ya." Malone double checks his shield strap.

"Hmm, well I think we should be in agreement on the way we should go. If you fellas prefer continuing on the other side of the water please speak up. I also favour the other path as that seems to provide a straighter walk to the next cliff down but as everyone crossed the bridge I assumed the majority was interested in checking what lies ahead on this side. What do you guys want to do?"

[zebediah]

"I really must insist on panning somewhere from these parts. We could be sitting right on top of the motherlode for all I know. And if the waters get drastically warmer, the fishing will suffer. Extra careful now, we cannot afford to cross a point of no turnin' back."

"Master Stonjuz, maybe we did not explain in sufficient detail how we seem to have ended up here. Birds bigger than a house dropped us into a similarly sized nest on top of this mountain. Birds do not take friends or guests to their nests, they take food. Now, if you want to sit here in the middle of the open valley and pan for gold or other riches, good luck, but I cannot advise on spending any more time here than what is strictly necessary."

[Stonjuz]

"Master Stonjuz, maybe we did not explain in sufficient detail how we seem to have ended up here. Birds bigger than a house dropped us into a similarly sized nest on top of this mountain. Birds do not take friends or guests to their nests, they take food. Now, if you want to sit here in the middle of the open valley and pan for gold or other riches, good luck, but I cannot advise on spending any more time here than what is strictly necessary."

"Yea, I'm walkin' as fast as I can. And I dont mean right here, but somewhere on this confounded hunk of rock. As far as direction we are going....well....dont look at me, I was all in favor of pullin' ol' Oz here back with the rope. "

[Sheldomar]

"We have come this far and evening is close upon us and you will need rest. Let's learn what we can and if it is safe, the mist would provide a good cover to us until morning when we could move back to the other side."

[Stonjuz]

"Using the mist for cover?...What an idea....Ok, lets try to find a low place to rest somewhere soon along the foggy bottom, boys."

ooc : foggy bottom boys, sometimes i crack myself up

[Vargr1105]

Day 2 - Afternoon - The Second Valley/Misty Defile



Musical Theme: Mists


If I understood the majority's intentions correctly, the decision was made to follow the river up its course. So here it is.


With Ogirdor, as always, scouting ahead the party travels northwestward along the margin of the river, delving into the region where the mists seem to be born. treading little over half a mile of open terrain takes them to the curving cliff face that form the left portion of the defile from which the river is flowing. What had been low-lingering mist becomes floating clouds of vapor that grow thicker the more steps forward are taken. The temperature grows warmer, becoming almost comfortable. The air's humidity increases tenfold; droplets of water form and cling to leather and metal.

As the six advance and the mists become more opaque the range of vision diminishes. While five can still see each other, even if only as shapes in the mist sometimes, the scout Ogirdor is mostly lost from sight and looses sight of the party oftentimes. A few times the vapor gets so thick it turns the air into a seeming sheet of white, giving to the party impression of walking under the surface of a sea of milk. Fortunately the enclosure of the region allows sound to be carried easily at a distance, so by exchanging calls once in a while the companions are able to ensure no one is lost in the journey.

Half-an-hour, perhaps, into the defile, from somewhere up ahead and distant there is a faint sound, like rushing water at a great depth, drowning even the noise of the river's current. At first the companions can hardly hear it, but it steadily rises until bursting into an explosive "WHOOOOSH!!". Soon a light, warm breeze is blowing against their faces, carrying a wave of thicker misty steam down the defile. If visibility had been poor, it now becomes next to nil. The noise and steam continue for a full minute and then stop abruptly. It does not take long for the bliding whiteness to begin dispersal and soon there is enough field of vision to continue the journey.

Some 10 minutes latter the process repeats itself. The noise, the wind, the steam. Another ten minutes and the cycle happens anew. Judging from the increase in volume all 6 companions figure that whatever is causing this phenomena is now sufficiently near to be arrived at before the next sequence happens.

The river, from what can be seen with all the white miasma floating about, does not seem to be narrowing noticeably. The other margin remains stubbornly invisible all along the trek in the defile.


This next text entry is for the forward scout Ogirdor only. Other characters should refrain themselves of reacting to it until so indicated.


As the Suel scout continues to advance the echoes and feel of the air tell him that the end of the defile should be near. Soon the rock face should be turning on itself on a sharp angle and continue on an ever-widening path on the other side of the river until it opens back to the valley. The birth locus of the river must be near!

Rocky gully. Here the there is a lot of steam to go around and the air is positively warm, heated by a bubbling pool of water barely 20 years away with a curious rocky outcropping on its middle. Half-submerged in the pool, enveloped by the steam rising from it, a grey winged figure is glaring at the ranger with a venomous look that carries unspoken threats.





What does Ogirdor do?

[Ra the monk]

Oz continues to walk ahead, enjoying the mist and the interesting feeling it gives. He whistles most of the time, in part to stay in touch and in part because he is happy. For some reason being lost in the fog brings a great joy to the rogues heart and he soon finds him self as lost in his memories as he is in the mist.

[Stonjuz]

"The fish will already be boiled if we fish from here."

[zebediah]

Pointing an arrow at the creature Ogirdor says in the Common tongue*, with a firm voice "Move out of the water, slowly and make no sudden moves."

If the beast makes any aggressive move or tries to hide under the water Ogirdor will let his arrows fly:

Bow, short, flight arrow - specialist - To hit: [1d20+4] = 20+4 = 24, Damage (s/m): [1d6+2] = 5+2 = 7, Damage (L): [1d6+2] = 5+2 = 7

Bow, short, flight arrow - specialist - To hit: [1d20+4] = 8+4 = 12, Damage (s/m): [1d6+2] = 1+2 = 3, Damage (L): [1d6+2] = 2+2 = 4

Bow, short, flight arrow - specialist - To hit: [1d20+4] = 1+4 = 5, Damage (s/m): [1d6+2] = 3+2 = 5, Damage (L): [1d6+2] = 1+2 = 3

If the creature does as the ranger instructed he will then ask "Now stay where you are, and keep your hands where I can see. Tell me your name, if you have one."

Finally, if the imp (or whatever it is) does not move from his current position Ogirdor will ask again "Come out as I said or I will shoot."

*OOC: just realised that apparently I did not pick my languages...

[Vargr1105]

Day 2 - Afternoon - The Second Valley/Bubbling Pool



Musical Theme: Arrow and Billious Cloud


Round 1

Party Initiative: [1d6] = 2, NPC/Monster Initiative: [1d6] = 2

Hey, the first Initiative tie of the game. Let me see what OSRIC has to say about it...got it


No sooner has Ogirdor begun to open his mouth to voice at the odd creature, its 5' tall, winged, grey body leaps from the pool and begins flapping to where the ranger stands. Ogirdor barely has time to nock an arrow and loose it at the incoming...thing. His shot flies straight and true, the arrow diving deeply into the pot belly of the flier.

Its flight path hampered by the wound, the creature lets out a shrill "Skreeee!" in rage and pain. Then, from its still open mouth rushes forth a streaming cloud of sickly-green mist that rushes towards Ogirdor, enveloping him.

Breath Weapon Damage: [1d4+1] = 3+1 = 4

Blindness Effect: [1d4] = 2

Ogirdor needs to make a Saving Throw vs. Poison or he will suffer 4 damage and be blinded(!) for 2 rounds. If he makes the save there are no ill effects


Meanwhile...


The rest of the party cannot see their scout at the moment due to the mists lingering in the area. Suddenly, they hear the twanging sound of a bow being used followed by an inhuman cry. There is fighting up ahead!


Ogirdor and the thing will begin Round 2 in melee range, preventing the use of missile attacks. The rest of the party can get to the pool in this round but, of course, has no idea what they will find there. Any declared actions will be for Round 2.


GM's Mysterious Roll: [1d10+1] = 3+1 = 4

[zebediah]

Its flight path hampered by the wound, the creature lets out a shrill[/b] "Skreeee!" in rage and pain. Then, from its still open mouth rushes forth a streaming cloud of sickly-green mist that rushes towards Ogirdor, enveloping him.

Breath Weapon Damage: [1d4+1] = 3+1 = 4

Blindness Effect: [1d4] = 2

Ogirdor needs to make a Saving Throw vs. Poison or he will suffer 4 damage and be blinded(!) for 2 rounds. If he makes the save there are no ill effects

Save vs poison (7 or more on d20) [1d20] = 17

As soon as his arrows are flying Ogirdor tries to jump away from the mist exhaled by the monster, dropping the bow and reaching for his spear & hand axe as the mellee seems to be inevitable.

Ogirdor and the thing will begin Round 2 in melee range, preventing the use of missile attacks. The rest of the party can get to the pool in this round but, of course, has no idea what they will find there. Any declared actions will be for Round 2.

The ranger will mind the surroundings as he manouvers for a favorable position to fight the creature, steering away from the pool. If Ogirdor notices any geyser-like formation nearby he will also try to stay away from it.

Spear, 2 weapon fighting - To hit: [1d20-1] = 15-1 = 14, Damage (s/m): [1d6+1] = 4+1 = 5, Damage (L): [1d8+1] = 4+1 = 5
Hand Axe, 2 weapon fighting - To hit: [1d20-2] = 5-2 = 3, Damage (s/m): [1d6+1] = 4+1 = 5, Damage (L): [1d4+1] = 1+1 = 2

[Stonjuz]

"What was that noise? Ogirdor's in trouble?" Stonjuz begins to double-time into the area, but before he gets within any view of the creature and his companion, the dwarf says to the others, "Probably scalded his'elf trying to fish, ha... and he screams like a girl." Staff in both arms, Stonjuz appears out of the mist. Seeing his new-found friend in danger, Stonjuz will attempt to 'stab' the creature with the staff one-handed...
to hit w/Staff (1 handed):thaco 20 [1d20] = 11 dmg s,m [1d6+1] = 6+1 = 7 dmg L [1d6+1] = 3+1 = 4....and position himself to steady the ranger in balance with the other hand but fails to land a hand.
Hand grab :thaco 20 [1d20] = 5
"You ok laddie?" Looking the human over momentarily.


OOC : I know we arent using it, but ...now would normally be time for an inter-party inititiative, except for Ogirdor of course, just to see who could assist first.
Not sure how you will determine the reaction order. It isnt by 'first post, first served', I hope.
Highest dex? No idea, and of course you dont have to tell me.

[Sheldomar]

Hearing the cry, Thurinor plunges ahead, drawing his sword and preparing for the worst. As he takes in the scene, he moves forward quickly to assist the ranger, raising his sword against the winged devil.

To hit short sword: [1d20+2] = 2+2 = 4 Damage s/m [1d6+1] = 5+1 = 6 Damage L [1d8+1] = 4+1 = 5

[Ra the monk]

The twang of the bowstring draws Oz back from his thoughts and the howl of the creature resonates with the ring of his steel. Swords drawn Oz moves forward warily, eyes keen for danger.

To hit w/ Short Sword, main hand: [1d20+2] = 6+2 = 8, damage (s/m): [1d6+3] = 4+3 = 7, damage (L): [1d8+3] = 8+3 = 11

To hit w/ Short Sword, off hand: [1d20+1] = 1+1 = 2, damage (s/m): [1d6+3] = 1+3 = 4, damage (L): [1d8+3] = 2+3 = 5

OOC: Oz is not charging, so it will probably take him a round to get there and then he will make a full attack. Which it appears that he will bumble...

Edit: I forgot that I get a full attack action because it is an odd round and I am a specialist. Here are my other two attacks, although I figure the second offhand will be lost as he will most likely suffer some complication from his previous critical miss.

To hit w/ Short Sword, main hand: [1d20+2] = 15+2 = 17, damage (s/m): [1d6+3] = 1+3 = 4, damage (L): [1d8+3] = 7+3 = 10

To hit w/ Short Sword, off hand: [1d20+1] = 2+1 = 3, damage (s/m): [1d6+3] = 6+3 = 9, damage (L): [1d8+3] = 1+3 = 4

[Buzz]

Malone pulls the halberd from his back ad advances, sticking with Oz, not wanting to be isolated by the mist.

To Hit with Halberd: [1d20] = 17, Dam(s/m): [1d10+6] = 1+6 = 7, Dam(l): [2d6+6] = 4+6 = 10

To Hit with Halberd: [1d20] = 8, Dam(s/m): [1d10+6] = 2+6 = 8, Dam(l): [2d6+6] = 8+6 = 14

ooc: attacks for next round..

[Sir Clarence]

As always, Andrin tries to keep himself out of combat and leaves it to those more professional in it than himself. He has grasped his staff firmly in both hands though as he follows his companions, and constantly scans the surrounding mists for more creatures, so he won't be caught unawares by a surprise attack.

[Stonjuz]

"This thing looks like the basta'd child of human and a giant bat." Stonjuz spits out in the middle of the chaos. "We killed your sorry excuse for a daddy, batman...mmm, boy. Now setttle down before you meet the same balance."

[Vargr1105]

Day 2 - Afternoon - The Second Valley/Bubbling Pool



Round 2

Party Initiative: [1d6] = 4, NPC/Monster Initiative: [1d6] = 3


Party wins the initiative. Sequence of action will happen in order of proximity to the target, Movement Rates and randomly for ties.


Upon hearing the din of battle the bulk of the party (except for Andrin) runs forward to provide assistance to their scout. Crossing the mist-veiled yards that separate them from the bubbling pool they come upon the scene of Ogirdor in melee with the flying, pot-bellied grey creature, his bow lying discarded on the ground a few feet away.

The ranger has successfully trespassed the being with the spear he holds on his right hand. The thing shrieks anew and its demeanor changes. As far as can be gleaned from the inhuman expression on its demonic face, it seems to say "I'm getting the heck out of here!".

Oz Greynight being the swiftest of stride hath emerged from the mist to the scene. He moves to join the fight, short sword on each hand, and loosens a flurry of steel upon the creature but only manages to wound it once.

Sequence of Action: [1d3] = 2

On the heels of the rogue comes Malone, holding forth his halberd with the balance and precision instilled onto him by repetitious drilling during his time at Onnwal's Military Academy. By flanking the grey flyer perfectly while Oz is harassing it, he manages to strike through its defenses. With one strike, Malone makes the pointy pike of his polearm embed itself straight into the creature's gut like a needle on a sponge. The being eye's widen, immensely so, but no cry escapes it's mouth. The creatures collapses silently on the halberd's point and remains there, immobile; like some grim, demonic-looking hunting trophy.

Into the pool area now arrive the dwarf Stonjuz and the elf Thurinor, coming a-ready to bust heads with pounding blows from staff and stick entrails by sword. A glance at the situation immediately tells them they arrived but a moment too late. As they approach the band gathered around the creature impaled on Malone's halberd the dwarf addresses Ogirdor.

"You ok laddie?"

Now Andrin trots in much more calmly and goes to re-join the rest of the companions.


Combat Ends


Before Ogirdor can answer Stonjuz, an astounding metamorphosis takes hold of the creature's body held up by the point pf Malone's halberd. Its grey body turns paler and paler with remarkable speed and then it begins to melt like a chunk of butter left on a burning stove. Dollops of white, spongy flesh-like gore detach from the evermore formless corpse and fall to splash on the rocky ground. Even the bones loose their hardness and turn into soft coils of something akin to wet plasticine, also breaking and crashing to the soil. Soon there is nothing remaining of the being except a small puddle of pale mush around which the companions congregate.


Well, darn it. The GM didn't even get to roll to see if the critter could "gate" in a couple of his buddies.

[Stonjuz]

"Well if I hadn't seen with me own eyes,....." Stonjuz leaves the sentence to fall off. "Anybody get bit by that blasted thang?" Scanning the area, he confides, "No sign of clothing or belongings?. The whole thing just...." The sentence falls away again. "I'm speechless....and that IS rare."