Moving back through the tunnel, Samir is particularly careful with his footing. He points out the unexpected ridge that had tripped him up the first time, just barely stopping Marion from tripping over it herself. Bringing up the rear, Joren flickers from place to place to reduce the sound of his armour.
Suddenly there is a burst of sound as the bats take to the air once more, but the sound fades into the distance as they apparently head the opposite direction having finished their meal.
Ashley and Samir both reach the conclusion that whatever type of bat they may be, they seemed to have been drawn in by the noise of battle, and the scent of blood. Ashley looks worriedly to Joren's greatsword, but remembers it was his echo who had struck flesh. Joren's sword is clean
Either way, it seems evident to the group now that this natural cave system is not entirely uninhabited, and there may be risk both of encountering other denizens of the dark, and running into the traps and countermeasures that the followers of Razmus may have set up to keep the main path safe.
"Well that was certainly a wake up call, wasn't it?" Samir carefully makes his way back to the main passage with the others, keeping his words quiet so as to not attract attention. "I find myself wondering where the trap came from. Was it placed by the cultists to fend off the wildlife here in the tunnels, perhaps?"
"Yes, in fact, trying I was to use non-lethal force on the mole bear so we could inspect the trap. And by 'we', I am meaning 'you' of course Samir. We could still go back and see if the trap is remaining on its corpse after the bats were finishing with it, but taking a risk it might be."
"We need to keep our eyes peeled for more traps, forgoing any stealth options going forward, personally I need light to see where I'm going" he nods a thanks to Samir as they progress.
Continuing down the main tunnel, the adventurers reach another fork. They quickly spot the engraving marking out the correct path forward, but something catches Samir's eye from down the other passage. He spies another mechanical trap, like the one on the mole-bear's leg, but this one appears unsprung.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Samir pauses, his eyes catching the glint of metal reflected in the light of his magic. "Oh? Oh! Hold on a second, I just want to look at this, it could be useful to see how these are set." Moving carefully, he moves over closer to the metal trap, studying it as best he can without touching it, trying to understand just how it works and is set and activated in hopes of better being able to avoid or disable them in the future if need be.
"Oh! What is that? Yeah, would be good in case one of us gets caught in one!" As Samir checks the trap out, Ashley looks around on the cavern walls, seeing if this area was any different than the others.
Taking as close a look as he dares, Samir is able to confirm three things. First, it looks to be pressure activated. Second, it seems designed for large creatures, like the mole-bear. Third, though he can't tell how to go about setting or disarming it, it is clear that it would have to be done manually.
So these traps that appear to have been placed to keep the path relatively clear and safe of the local wildlife would need to be regularly replaced. Because once all the traps in a hallway get triggered, there would be nothing left keeping predators away. So there is no guarantee that the main path will be clear
Malachi points on the script surrounding the side tunnel leading toward the Mole Bear’s cavern. “It appears they marked the areas of danger. I agree, we should keep to the main tunnel toward Tensmith, otherwise we could wander down here forever.”
As they reach the fork in the tunnel they pause as Samir investigates the second trap. Malachi is hesitant of Vilus’ suggestion “I don’t know if we could move the traps, and don’t you think we should keep the path behind us open? Just in case we have to race back toward the inn.”
As Samir completes his work, Malachi looks for any of the script marking the side tunnel and also peers down the main tunnel, looking and listening for any sign of what lies ahead. "If they set traps, they must check them from time to time. We may run into patrols of some type."
As Malachi mentions patrols, it startles Ashley, "Oh, I didn't even think of that. Man, the sooner we get to Tensmith the better." She doesn't like this feeling of being underground for so long. It unnerved her and made her lose a sense of herself. "Do you think... when should we make camp for the night? I do not want to get into another state of exhaustion. Would it make sense to camp where there is no side tunnels, so we only have two directions to watch?"
Vilus has a thousand yard stare having walked for long periods of time in relative dim light, he doesn't fully draw his attention back to the situation at hand as he speaks, "When we make camp I'll take watch all night, don't worry... As for where, there's a theory I was taught about subterranean warfare, essentially the benefit of cover and relief in a junction setup outweighs the drawback of having to watch several means of ingress... It will be disorientating too, so marking where we came from will be important." At that he snaps to some attention apparently becoming suddenly aware that he was saying all of this out loud. "Erm, that is if you guys agree..."
Joren nods. "We can also be taking turns at watch along with Silas," (he still thinks the name is Silas) "so that there are 2 staying awake at any time, helping to watch multiple directions. Of course the enemies may be having rat swarms or other things that can burrow like last time and passageways won't be mattering."
"As for the traps, I am thinking we should be taking careful note of them, but leaving them undisturbed. We may still be having the element of překvapení, ah... surprise that is. They may not be knowing we are coming and if so, we should be keeping that advantage and not leaving a trace behind if we can be avoiding it."
"Agreed. I think moving them is too chancy. Not entirely certain how to go about disarming them, and honestly unsure how much pressure it would take to set them off. They are designed for larger animals than us."
Dusting his hands off, Samir returns to the others, ready to set back off.
Malachi spots something on the ground just a bit further down the side passage. Getting closer, he sees several bats lying on the ground, presumably dead, and grouped quite close to one another. Cautiously, Malachi looks around and sees more runes ringing the tunnel where the bat corpses lie. Whatever they do, they seem to keep the bats out.
Carrying on down the passage, another ten minutes go by (Mage armour is still up) before the group comes to another split. But they quickly notice that the main path, as marked by another little etching in the wall, has fallen away. Before them, the ground ends in a rocky drop-off. It would appear that the ground below has collapsed. A very narrow ledge extends along the left hand wall to the other side, which seems to be about 60 feet away. By the looks of the etching, the side path also reconnects up ahead on the other side of the small chasm, but who knows what lies down that way.
Looking at the side tunnel, it seems clear that it is the way that Landee, Daniel, and Marcus had come. Several small rats are strewn about on the path, each missing an ear. Those ears can be seen lying to the side of the opening, likely discarded once the rats they were linked to were no longer of use.
Staring down the gaping hole in the main path, Ashley has flashbacks of them almost falling down the side of the mountain during their Shield Pass adventure. That was NOT something she wanted to do again, especially if there was another option. Seeing the rats disguarded by the entrance to the side tunnel made her skin crawl, but still...
"So, do we want to take the side tunnel? I would hate to fall and be, gulp, trapped down here forever. We've gotten this far, and this marking states that it will connect back to the main tunnel. That has my vote." She looks to the others to see what they want to do.
"I believe my echo can be reaching just far enough for switching places with it on the other side. If I am pushing out 30' and then 30' more just before switching. I am having 1 piton left from my lost backpack to tie off a rope for holding when you cross on the ledge. But I am tending to agree with Ashley - it may be better to take the side passage."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Vilus smirks slightly at Joren's mistake but lets him continue calling him 'silas' for now. Seeing both options of pathway in front of them Vilus nods along with Ashley's suggestion and takes the more travelled path without the ledge.
As he sees the ears on the ground he puts a finger to his lips and stops the party, not wanting to take any risks whatsoever he gathers up the ears he can see and takes them through to the main path, dropping them into the pit where the ledge falls in.
Vilus makes practically no sound as he gathers the ears up and dumps them over the side. Joren comes up beside him to look down into the pit and see the ears tumbling out of view. As he does so, a bit of earth crumbles away before his foot.
Moving back through the tunnel, Samir is particularly careful with his footing. He points out the unexpected ridge that had tripped him up the first time, just barely stopping Marion from tripping over it herself. Bringing up the rear, Joren flickers from place to place to reduce the sound of his armour.
Suddenly there is a burst of sound as the bats take to the air once more, but the sound fades into the distance as they apparently head the opposite direction having finished their meal.
Ashley and Samir both reach the conclusion that whatever type of bat they may be, they seemed to have been drawn in by the noise of battle, and the scent of blood. Ashley looks worriedly to Joren's greatsword, but remembers it was his echo who had struck flesh. Joren's sword is clean
Either way, it seems evident to the group now that this natural cave system is not entirely uninhabited, and there may be risk both of encountering other denizens of the dark, and running into the traps and countermeasures that the followers of Razmus may have set up to keep the main path safe.
"Well that was certainly a wake up call, wasn't it?" Samir carefully makes his way back to the main passage with the others, keeping his words quiet so as to not attract attention. "I find myself wondering where the trap came from. Was it placed by the cultists to fend off the wildlife here in the tunnels, perhaps?"
Joren nods at Samir's mention of the trap.
"Yes, in fact, trying I was to use non-lethal force on the mole bear so we could inspect the trap. And by 'we', I am meaning 'you' of course Samir. We could still go back and see if the trap is remaining on its corpse after the bats were finishing with it, but taking a risk it might be."
Tanis(Ranger1): Shiverquill's Tempest City | Barn(Paladin1): Damian_May's Ereworn Under the Shadow | Lyra(Warlock2/Bard4): VitusW's Silverwood Forest
Dyson/Eleo(Cleric4): Vos' Beyond the Veil | Soren(Druid5): Bartjeebus' Ravenloft | Ophelia(Sorcerer4): Ashen_Age's Risen from the Sands
Joren(Fighter6): NotDrizzt's Simple Request | Sabetha(Monk3): Bedlymn's Murder Court | Seri(Cleric3/Sorcerer1): Bartjeebus' Greyhawk
"We need to keep our eyes peeled for more traps, forgoing any stealth options going forward, personally I need light to see where I'm going" he nods a thanks to Samir as they progress.
Continuing down the main tunnel, the adventurers reach another fork. They quickly spot the engraving marking out the correct path forward, but something catches Samir's eye from down the other passage. He spies another mechanical trap, like the one on the mole-bear's leg, but this one appears unsprung.
Samir pauses, his eyes catching the glint of metal reflected in the light of his magic. "Oh? Oh! Hold on a second, I just want to look at this, it could be useful to see how these are set." Moving carefully, he moves over closer to the metal trap, studying it as best he can without touching it, trying to understand just how it works and is set and activated in hopes of better being able to avoid or disable them in the future if need be.
Investigation if needed: 23
"Oh! What is that? Yeah, would be good in case one of us gets caught in one!" As Samir checks the trap out, Ashley looks around on the cavern walls, seeing if this area was any different than the others.
"can we like, umm.. move them so we can set them behind us or something?" Vilus asks whilst keeping a general ear out for movement ahead
Taking as close a look as he dares, Samir is able to confirm three things. First, it looks to be pressure activated. Second, it seems designed for large creatures, like the mole-bear. Third, though he can't tell how to go about setting or disarming it, it is clear that it would have to be done manually.
So these traps that appear to have been placed to keep the path relatively clear and safe of the local wildlife would need to be regularly replaced. Because once all the traps in a hallway get triggered, there would be nothing left keeping predators away. So there is no guarantee that the main path will be clear
Malachi points on the script surrounding the side tunnel leading toward the Mole Bear’s cavern. “It appears they marked the areas of danger. I agree, we should keep to the main tunnel toward Tensmith, otherwise we could wander down here forever.”
As they reach the fork in the tunnel they pause as Samir investigates the second trap. Malachi is hesitant of Vilus’ suggestion “I don’t know if we could move the traps, and don’t you think we should keep the path behind us open? Just in case we have to race back toward the inn.”
As Samir completes his work, Malachi looks for any of the script marking the side tunnel and also peers down the main tunnel, looking and listening for any sign of what lies ahead. "If they set traps, they must check them from time to time. We may run into patrols of some type."
Perception: 10.
.
As Malachi mentions patrols, it startles Ashley, "Oh, I didn't even think of that. Man, the sooner we get to Tensmith the better." She doesn't like this feeling of being underground for so long. It unnerved her and made her lose a sense of herself. "Do you think... when should we make camp for the night? I do not want to get into another state of exhaustion. Would it make sense to camp where there is no side tunnels, so we only have two directions to watch?"
Vilus has a thousand yard stare having walked for long periods of time in relative dim light, he doesn't fully draw his attention back to the situation at hand as he speaks, "When we make camp I'll take watch all night, don't worry... As for where, there's a theory I was taught about subterranean warfare, essentially the benefit of cover and relief in a junction setup outweighs the drawback of having to watch several means of ingress... It will be disorientating too, so marking where we came from will be important." At that he snaps to some attention apparently becoming suddenly aware that he was saying all of this out loud. "Erm, that is if you guys agree..."
Joren nods. "We can also be taking turns at watch along with Silas," (he still thinks the name is Silas) "so that there are 2 staying awake at any time, helping to watch multiple directions. Of course the enemies may be having rat swarms or other things that can burrow like last time and passageways won't be mattering."
"As for the traps, I am thinking we should be taking careful note of them, but leaving them undisturbed. We may still be having the element of překvapení, ah... surprise that is. They may not be knowing we are coming and if so, we should be keeping that advantage and not leaving a trace behind if we can be avoiding it."
Tanis(Ranger1): Shiverquill's Tempest City | Barn(Paladin1): Damian_May's Ereworn Under the Shadow | Lyra(Warlock2/Bard4): VitusW's Silverwood Forest
Dyson/Eleo(Cleric4): Vos' Beyond the Veil | Soren(Druid5): Bartjeebus' Ravenloft | Ophelia(Sorcerer4): Ashen_Age's Risen from the Sands
Joren(Fighter6): NotDrizzt's Simple Request | Sabetha(Monk3): Bedlymn's Murder Court | Seri(Cleric3/Sorcerer1): Bartjeebus' Greyhawk
"Agreed. I think moving them is too chancy. Not entirely certain how to go about disarming them, and honestly unsure how much pressure it would take to set them off. They are designed for larger animals than us."
Dusting his hands off, Samir returns to the others, ready to set back off.
Malachi spots something on the ground just a bit further down the side passage. Getting closer, he sees several bats lying on the ground, presumably dead, and grouped quite close to one another. Cautiously, Malachi looks around and sees more runes ringing the tunnel where the bat corpses lie. Whatever they do, they seem to keep the bats out.
Carrying on down the passage, another ten minutes go by (Mage armour is still up) before the group comes to another split. But they quickly notice that the main path, as marked by another little etching in the wall, has fallen away. Before them, the ground ends in a rocky drop-off. It would appear that the ground below has collapsed. A very narrow ledge extends along the left hand wall to the other side, which seems to be about 60 feet away. By the looks of the etching, the side path also reconnects up ahead on the other side of the small chasm, but who knows what lies down that way.
Looking at the side tunnel, it seems clear that it is the way that Landee, Daniel, and Marcus had come. Several small rats are strewn about on the path, each missing an ear. Those ears can be seen lying to the side of the opening, likely discarded once the rats they were linked to were no longer of use.
Staring down the gaping hole in the main path, Ashley has flashbacks of them almost falling down the side of the mountain during their Shield Pass adventure. That was NOT something she wanted to do again, especially if there was another option. Seeing the rats disguarded by the entrance to the side tunnel made her skin crawl, but still...
"So, do we want to take the side tunnel? I would hate to fall and be, gulp, trapped down here forever. We've gotten this far, and this marking states that it will connect back to the main tunnel. That has my vote." She looks to the others to see what they want to do.
Joren walks to the edge of the hole, looking both down and across to see if he can see any further hazards than the obvious.
Perception: 5
"I believe my echo can be reaching just far enough for switching places with it on the other side. If I am pushing out 30' and then 30' more just before switching. I am having 1 piton left from my lost backpack to tie off a rope for holding when you cross on the ledge. But I am tending to agree with Ashley - it may be better to take the side passage."
Tanis(Ranger1): Shiverquill's Tempest City | Barn(Paladin1): Damian_May's Ereworn Under the Shadow | Lyra(Warlock2/Bard4): VitusW's Silverwood Forest
Dyson/Eleo(Cleric4): Vos' Beyond the Veil | Soren(Druid5): Bartjeebus' Ravenloft | Ophelia(Sorcerer4): Ashen_Age's Risen from the Sands
Joren(Fighter6): NotDrizzt's Simple Request | Sabetha(Monk3): Bedlymn's Murder Court | Seri(Cleric3/Sorcerer1): Bartjeebus' Greyhawk
Vilus smirks slightly at Joren's mistake but lets him continue calling him 'silas' for now. Seeing both options of pathway in front of them Vilus nods along with Ashley's suggestion and takes the more travelled path without the ledge.
As he sees the ears on the ground he puts a finger to his lips and stops the party, not wanting to take any risks whatsoever he gathers up the ears he can see and takes them through to the main path, dropping them into the pit where the ledge falls in.
He does this as silently as possible, stealth 20
Vilus makes practically no sound as he gathers the ears up and dumps them over the side. Joren comes up beside him to look down into the pit and see the ears tumbling out of view. As he does so, a bit of earth crumbles away before his foot.
Joren gulps and steps back and away. "Ah... side passage it is, then?"
Tanis(Ranger1): Shiverquill's Tempest City | Barn(Paladin1): Damian_May's Ereworn Under the Shadow | Lyra(Warlock2/Bard4): VitusW's Silverwood Forest
Dyson/Eleo(Cleric4): Vos' Beyond the Veil | Soren(Druid5): Bartjeebus' Ravenloft | Ophelia(Sorcerer4): Ashen_Age's Risen from the Sands
Joren(Fighter6): NotDrizzt's Simple Request | Sabetha(Monk3): Bedlymn's Murder Court | Seri(Cleric3/Sorcerer1): Bartjeebus' Greyhawk