edsan
Level 5 Thaumaturgist
MUTANT LORD
Posts: 309
|
Post by edsan on Mar 10, 2009 19:35:42 GMT -6
Ok, Issa and Ouippuo haven't posted yet but I'll take it from here...
Several things happen at the same time. Do'olnar scans around and spots the many fragments of wood lying about. He wonders if they would make a nice improvised missile but then notes them to be in such a state of rot they would do little besides perhaps distracting the beetle.
Trinesh and Hredarru, weapons in hand, observe their companions melee with the insect stuck on the side of the crate ready to act if they see an opening. Ouippuo remains back, the slaveboys clinging near for protection even as they obey Hredarru's order to ensure illumination is provided.
Meanwhile young, lithe Issa finds an improvised ledge formed from the uneven stacking of two crates and climbs easily, wanting to get a better advantage point from where to use her sling.
The battle comes to a sudden end however...
Teregash and Hrahyosh press their attacks on the beast, and while the former recoils in pain, his chest streaked with red where the mandibles pierced scale and skin the latter delivers a terrible blow with his morning-star that hits square in the softer part where the monster's head joins the body.
The beetle falls without cry or whimper, as suddenly as it first jumped upon Do'olnar when he was investigating the hole. The body hit the floor on its back and the six legs give a few pitiful twitches before becoming still. The floor slowly becomes stained with the gunk that passes for its blood, oozing from the wreck that Hrahyosh wrought with his weapon.
We are out of Combat. Nicely done and congratulations. What do the brave adventurers do now?
MECHANICS Initiative: Creature 5, Party 4 Creature @ Teregash (19 on d20) Hits - Dmg 5 Hrahyosh @ Creature (18 on d20) Hits - Dmg 8 Teregash @ Creature (6 on d20) misses
|
|
|
Post by trineshhissanmarin on Mar 10, 2009 20:38:00 GMT -6
Trinesh moves to aid Teregash deal with his wound. He calls one of the lantern boys over to give more light, pours some water from his waterskin over Teregash's wound to clean the area, and then inspects the wound. How badly wounded does Teregash appear to be? Is blood flowing freely or slowly and is it bright red or a darker red?
|
|
edsan
Level 5 Thaumaturgist
MUTANT LORD
Posts: 309
|
Post by edsan on Mar 10, 2009 21:31:37 GMT -6
The slave hears and obeys. Although painful the wounds on the chest of the Kishanyali male are more wide than deep and no lifeblood freeflows on a worrying manner. The blood of Teregash is of a normal dark red tone, giving no indication of poisoning.
Trinesh's efforts in patching his companion are soon rewarded.
(Teregash recovers 2 Hit Points from binding wounds)
|
|
|
Post by makofan on Mar 10, 2009 22:01:33 GMT -6
Ouippuo is content to bide his time. His help will surely be needed before this affair is through
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 10, 2009 22:31:42 GMT -6
Issa collects her spear, frowning as she inspects the tip for any damage. She snaps at the other slave to hold his lantern higher so they can all see. Her hands tremble with unspent adrenaline.
|
|
edsan
Level 5 Thaumaturgist
MUTANT LORD
Posts: 309
|
Post by edsan on Mar 10, 2009 22:45:15 GMT -6
Issa's spear is undamaged and as serviceable as the day she obtained it. The slave boy hastens to obey her order. She can't help noticing this his calves are wet and he seems to be leaving a trail of humid footprints. Hmmm...
|
|
suushih
Level 3 Conjurer
Do?olnar Pretast?ta
Posts: 51
|
Post by suushih on Mar 10, 2009 23:01:11 GMT -6
As he is no physician and matters seem well in hand, Do'olmar climbs atop the boxes where the bug was laying in wait. He is looking for the gnawed carcass of the dead slave. Regardless, what's up here? He retains hold of the lantern peeking quickly first before raising his head.
"My companions, I have a matter that I would discuss now that I know what's here. I have studied tsuru'um, though not this one. Many entrances are too well known offering little opportunity. This one though offers more promise. While we can seek our fortunes in the light, there are places below that could bring us significant wealth and status ... a place in this Tsolyani culture in a respectable clan. We need simply to make arrangements for private access, perhaps offering our Salarvyani benefactor the opportunity to sell what we return with for a negotiated profit after the sale."
"Of course, there's every possibility that one or more of us may die in this effort. No risk, no glory. What say you all?"
|
|
edsan
Level 5 Thaumaturgist
MUTANT LORD
Posts: 309
|
Post by edsan on Mar 10, 2009 23:58:56 GMT -6
Do'olnar easily climbs to where the beetle lay in wait as there are many crocks and holds in these old crates. (quite successful DEX roll)Atop the last crate there is nothing of note however. He then turns to his companions and delivers a little speech. OCC: Never had anyone do a "soapbox" maneuver in any game I've ran before.
|
|
|
Post by trineshhissanmarin on Mar 11, 2009 0:39:15 GMT -6
"Certainly an idea to consider once we know more of what is below us here. There is no sense in a private access, if it is an access to the sewers and nothing else. Let us see what we find below and then discuss this amongst ourselves before we leave the warehouse."
I turn to the 2 lantern boys: "You have both been very brave so far. If you stay with us thru this, when we get our reward from your master, I will give each of you 10 silver hlash for your help."
Was there anything in the crate that the beetle destroyed? Also, I wish to examine the beetle in detail for future purposes. Has anyone looked at the hole in the floor yet now that the dlaqo is dead?
|
|
|
Post by spudcld on Mar 11, 2009 4:31:26 GMT -6
While Teregash was being treated, and the rest are about their business, Hrahyosh would keep an eye on the hole in the floor, and in their general area, making sure they don't get surprised.
|
|
edsan
Level 5 Thaumaturgist
MUTANT LORD
Posts: 309
|
Post by edsan on Mar 11, 2009 7:22:52 GMT -6
The boys' faces light up at the generosity of Trinesh. With a full Kaitar between the two of them, should they survive this mission, on the following days they will be eating something better than slave's fare gruel. Meanwhile Hrahyosh keeps guard, being specially weary of the hole.
OCC: is anyone actually going to look into the hole?
|
|
|
Post by spudcld on Mar 11, 2009 7:49:49 GMT -6
OOC: I'm sorry, I meant that post to include looking into the hole. We've made enough noise so that anyone down there knows we're here.
IC: Once Hrahyosh is sure that nothing will jump out at them from the boxes, he'll watch the hole, and edge up towards it for a look to see what he can in the ambient light.
|
|
|
Post by makofan on Mar 11, 2009 8:02:29 GMT -6
Ouippuo says "I've boarded ships and slaughtered their crew for the hope of gain. A hole does not scare me."
|
|
|
Post by trineshhissanmarin on Mar 11, 2009 8:08:16 GMT -6
"Hrayosh, what do you see in the hole?" Trinesh helps Teregash to his feet and flips the dead beetle over to look at the other side of it.
|
|
sham
Level 6 Magician
Posts: 385
|
Post by sham on Mar 11, 2009 8:28:18 GMT -6
Hredarru wonders if smashing a few other crates open might be in order, to see what booty is hidden within. After all, such destruction could be blamed on the bug. No, let this be an honorable endeavor, he reminds himself.
The fighter eyes Ouippuo at the mention of boarding ships for private gain, an admission that hits close to home for Hredarru.
Hredarru wishes to consider if one of the bug's mandibles or leg segments might be recoverable and potentially used later as a pry-bar or other sturdy tool. If so he wishes to use his scimitar to remove a good-sized piece and place it in his pack.
Short of that Hredarru is prepared to see what lies below. It wouldn't be his first time crawling through a tunnel.
|
|
|
Post by noisms on Mar 11, 2009 8:35:55 GMT -6
Teregash nods curt thanks. Before his wounds are bound and washed he insists on smearing some of his blood across his cheeks and mouth. "For Chiteng," he says, by way of explanation.
At Ouippo's words he grins, showing red teeth. "Well said."
|
|
suushih
Level 3 Conjurer
Do?olnar Pretast?ta
Posts: 51
|
Post by suushih on Mar 11, 2009 9:38:37 GMT -6
Handing over the lantern.
"I had been looking below when the dlaqo attacked. There is blood around the rim of the hole and no stairs. Perhaps there is more to see. The wood that I could see suggests this entrance is quite old and fragile. Unless it's of stone, I wouldn't trust it below. And stone, I'm cautious of."
"We truly are not properly equiped to enter the tsuru'um now. There is gear that we may now be able to afford that will keep us alive."
|
|
edsan
Level 5 Thaumaturgist
MUTANT LORD
Posts: 309
|
Post by edsan on Mar 11, 2009 9:45:43 GMT -6
The HoleHrahyosh gazes into the roundish pit an at first cannot discern much, but one of the slaves, probably still thinking of shinny hlash coins scurries forward and casts the light from his lantern into the descending darkness. Hrahyosh can now see the floor of the pit, it stands less than 30 feet down. The walls, if they can be called that are made of packed earth which has obviously been excavated. On the floor of the pit stands what at first looks like a large, cracked section of the floor similar in shape to the opening above. But looking more closely Hrahyosh can tell it is in truth wood painted to make it look so. That must be what is left of what you assume was a concealed trapdoor. The bottom of the pit is larger than the hole and the whole party might fit down there simultaneously, albeit quite cramped. There also appears to be a passage in one of its sides but from this angle and distance Hrahyosh can see no more. The Bug Trinesh inspects the large insect lying on its back and at once notices something odd. The underbelly of the creature looks nothing like those of the normal sized coleoptera he has seen before. it is spongy, coarse and most of the space is taken by two oval-shaped nodules... (succesful Difficult Knowledge roll)...they are obviously lungs, something no insect should possess. Flipping the thing over its appearance becomes more mundane (if one ignores the abnormal size). Hrahyosh is taken aback by the ease of this action. The thing is much lighter than its size would indicate. All in all, it is quite similar to certain types of dung beetle native to the warmer parts of Tekumel, if one increases the size a hundred-fold and adds scimitar-sized mandibles to it. In Hredarru's opinion the creature's legs are not properly shaped to the be used as a crowbar. The mandibles however, show promise.
|
|
|
Post by trineshhissanmarin on Mar 11, 2009 15:13:58 GMT -6
Trinesh wants to see if it is possible to get around the trap door and check for footprints on the other side of it. He wants to make sure as possible that the Dlaqo is what killed the 1 slave and caused the other to flee and did not just follow something else out of the sewers.
|
|
edsan
Level 5 Thaumaturgist
MUTANT LORD
Posts: 309
|
Post by edsan on Mar 11, 2009 16:48:06 GMT -6
It is easy enough to get to the other side by climbing the crates. He can see there are no footprints of the other side of the pit.
|
|
|
Post by spudcld on Mar 11, 2009 17:12:51 GMT -6
Hrahyosh tries to get everyone's attention. When he has most everyone's he'll say, "While a full blown expedition down into the Tsuru'um is not something we should take on, I do think we should at least have a look to know exactly what is going on downstairs, if anything. Maybe if we tie a rope into a crude harness we can lower someone down, let them scout around, and pull them back out, or yank them back out quickly if there was some kind of problem. What do you think? I think we've fulfilled our duty to the Merchant. But bringing some of the shards that were in place above this entrance and dragging the Dlaqo out with us should be enough. Having scouted the tunnel below out a bit in whatever directions, might be worth a bonus? But I wouldn't count on being able to go in and out of this opening, he'll probably have it plugged as fast as you can say Dlaqo."
|
|
|
Post by trineshhissanmarin on Mar 11, 2009 18:13:26 GMT -6
"Instead of lowering a party member all the way down, I suggest we throw the rest of this crate down the hole after we douse it with a flask of oil, tie some oil soaked rags around 1 piece of it, light it and drop that on the crate. That way we can get light down there, and if there is an opening hopefully see it. Plus, if something else is hiding in the tunnel and attacks the fire, we will see it as well"
I ask Do'olnar "Will your clairvoyance reach if we lower you halfway down?"
"Also, we should save part of this trap door to show our Noble merchant employer, so that he well know how this Dlaqo and whatever else got in."
Are there beams across the ceiling that we can throw a rope over to use as a support to lower someone?
|
|
suushih
Level 3 Conjurer
Do?olnar Pretast?ta
Posts: 51
|
Post by suushih on Mar 11, 2009 18:32:15 GMT -6
"Does anyone else have spells? I cannot cast that spell again without resting."
"Lacking rope, we could use material to lower crates to the bottom. Lowering someone though? It would have to be someone well-armed."
"Trinesh, it sparks fly up, a fire could still start in here. At best, smoke would fill this warehouse. I don't think we would be able to see much if we start a large fire down the hole. "
|
|
|
Post by noisms on Mar 11, 2009 18:44:39 GMT -6
"If anybody is waiting down there they know we are here," says Teregash. "We've made enough noise."
|
|
|
Post by trineshhissanmarin on Mar 11, 2009 21:13:23 GMT -6
"I do not think sparks are a problem. It is 30 feet more or less and we don't have that much flammable material to work with."
|
|
|
Post by spudcld on Mar 11, 2009 21:17:02 GMT -6
Hrahyosh says, "I have a lamp we can lower, and I'd be willing to go down for a quick peek. I also have a light spell as well."
|
|
|
Post by trineshhissanmarin on Mar 11, 2009 21:22:48 GMT -6
"The lamp is better than using fire. Do we have enough rope to lower the lamp and lower Do'olnar so that he can use his Clairvoyance"
|
|
|
Post by spudcld on Mar 11, 2009 21:29:26 GMT -6
He no longer has a clairvoyance spell available.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 11, 2009 23:10:21 GMT -6
Issa shakes her head in reply to Do'olnar. "I know a little of spellcraft, but I'm not as accomplished as you.
"As for the hole, I am willing to risk much for rich gain." She shrugs. "Poverty and starvation seem a worse fate than death."
|
|
edsan
Level 5 Thaumaturgist
MUTANT LORD
Posts: 309
|
Post by edsan on Mar 11, 2009 23:51:00 GMT -6
OCC: so much character interaction gladdens my GM hearth. Seems like we have a difference of opinion in the party so far. When you guys reach a consensus on what to do I'll reply.
|
|