Sword Coast Rambling

Beetle will take the lead on the way into the cave.

OOC: yes I didn't think about that before but you could be right, grouping initiative could be a bad idea at higher levels, I can see what you saying about all players or all enemies going at same time can definitly make a big difference.  I am fine with however we play it though I understand not everyone can get on all the time.

OOC: I’m happy enough to try anything, initiative really slows us down and the momentum just evaporated instantly. The roll play elements can get glossed through quite easily if someone misses something but combat is a different beast.

We can try your options system. I’ll just put all the actions whatever in order at the end of each round and see how we go. 

Beetle, how far are you going into this cave? And how? It’s about 100 ft just want to check if you’re stealthing, stopping at the end, acting similar to Serak or whatever. Also assuming you’re all cloaked except Brots who is ‘prisoner’?

I suppose we are just moving in slowly but steadily.  It's well lit so I don't think stealth is much of an option, but if everyone is following I would probably keep moving slowly and cautiously. If I am kind of going ahead then I would probably go up to where it bends (I though you said there was a bend) and then wait for everyone. 

OOC: Thats all fine just checking. So that’s you in front, Serak holding the rear. I’ll wait a while and see if the others want a specific spot before continuing 

Serak: Giving Beetle a slap on the shoulder as they enter the cave, Serak says quietly, "If there is no guard, there may be traps. Go with caution. Tyr is with us. Lead us to victory."

Bardic Inspiration - Beetlejuice

Beetle will be moving slowly watch for traps or secret passages (forgot to roll a check before)

Perception:2

(LOL might have been better off not rolling my passive preception is better)

Syna will follow, peering ahead with Darkvision

Perception:18

Stealth:9

<Can I get new dice?>

Zyltris will take up the middle and stay close to the lead group. He really has no distance items so needs to be close to the battle. 

OOC: initiative wise I’ve only played with the randomness but am fine trying whatever. 

Brots, being the more inexperienced of the group will quietly stay in the back, his hand on his bow, ready for anything that might come there way. (Stealth: 6

[OOC: Don't fail me dice. I hope you guys don't mind me in the back btw.]

OOC: Great, so Beetle, Syna, Zyltris, Brots and Serak in that order. Thanks for that, it makes the rest a bit easier!

Making their way slowly down the tunnel, Beetle leads the group inwards. The path bends slightly as they venture deeper into the cliff face. Their footsteps, though placed lightly, scratch gently off the pebbled floor. The sound echoing ever so slightly off the roughly hewn stone walls.  A short time later, the narrow tunnel begins to widen partially and emerges into a large naturally formed cavern. Without venturing any further, the party hold firm at the tunnel entrance, and observe the scene before them.

 OOC: 1 Square is 5 Feet

A gentle chilling breeze flows around the cavern, carrying the faint but distinguishing smell of rotting flesh. Through the centre of the cave, running from the south wall to the north, a deep crevasse varying from 5 to 10 feet wide in places, and about 20 foot deep. Its rough banks are easily scalable but its floor is littered with sharply pointed boulders and rubble. Either side of the crevasse, two rough stone columns support the high ceiling 20 or so feet above them. Two wooden bridges cross the chasm at its southern and northern ends. A section of the northern wall has been dug away to form an entrance to another room. To the North-West, a similar hole has been dug out to form a passageway. Two more similar passageways have been cut out in the South-East and South-Western corners.

21, 5, 23,15

The cave and its connecting tunnels seems quiet and empty. 

Beetle tells his companions quietly, "I am going to keep slowly moving north if no one has objection."  Going slowly folloing the crevasse on the left side of it to the north.  Stopping at the 1st bridge to check for traps on or below it. Preception: 9

Then keep moving north and do the same if we get to the 2nd bridge 6

OOC: If anyone does have a decent preception, possibly Syna cause I think it's wisdom base please feel free to make rolls also, or anyone else actually, in case I miss things with my crap preception.

Syna carefully scans the cave from the entrance. "Entering the wyrm's lair..." he mumbles.

Perception: 12

When Beetle moves on past the first boulder, Syna will move to the a position in the boulder's shadow and carefully look around again, taking in things from a different angle.  (Making sure to scan the ceiling above.

Stealth: 14

Perception: 25

Brots will keep a constant eye out for anything out of the ordinary from where he is located. Perception: 21

21, 6,6,9,3,10

Carefully making his way through the cavern Beetle investigates the first bridge.

Beetle Investigation (Intelligence) check: 9

The first bridge seems sturdy. Made of strong oak boards but lacking any hand railings or rope for support. Continuing northwards he approaches the second bridge. 

Beetle Investigation (Intelligence) check: 6

The second bridge is largely the same as the first. It's wooden boards look slightly older but sturdy, lacking hand railings or rope as the first. The northern part of the cavern is as quiet as the south. Beetle can see no sign of life or danger anywhere within.

As Beetle investigates the bridges, Syna follows at a safe distance. An unnerving silence falls across the party as Beetle follows the crevasse northwards. Before round the stone column Syna makes a quick investigation of the bridge, checking for anything Beetle may have missed.

Syna Investigation (Intelligence) check: 3

In Syna's opinion the bridge seems sturdy enough to cross. Looking into the crevasse, Syna can make out the shapes of the pointed boulders more clearly. From this angle, some appear to be shaped like short tree branches, almost white in colour. The faint rotting smell continues to linger in the air as Syna round the column. 
9

From his position at the tunnel entrance, Brots has a good view of the chamber as well. He doesn't notice anything suspicious and watches closely as Syna disappears behind the cover of the nearest stone column.

Suddenly Syna spots the monstrous creature, hunched over, desperately trying to move further around the column to stay hidden. Standing, Syna estimates it would be 5 to 6 feet tall. Long sword like spikes emanate from its back. Its feet and hand are long and clawed like a lizards. Its head is narrow and long, dominated by a huge single green eye which strongly holds Synas gaze. 

Syna:

“Well we have to make a choice here left or right. I’m thinking left(nw) since we are on that side already, any objections let me know...”

Beetle continues north until they have to choose then will continue to the left(nw) still moving slowly and carefully...

preception: 10

As Zyltris is following Syna he too looks about him for signs of life or danger. Perception: 8

Stepping up behind Syna as he skirts the column, Zyltris also spots the beast. It's singular glowing green eye captivates him. 

Zyltris:

 At the tunnels entrance, Brots and Serak have now watched their three counterparts enter the cavern. Beetle has scouted ahead deciding which way to turn and awaiting the others. Syna and Zyltris have stepped behind the column, but have yet to emerge.

OCC: Will Syna recognize the creature:  Nature 17

In his mind Syna searches for any knowledge he has of this type of creature.

Brots will be following his companions as he has little knowledge of caves and cave systems. "This is new territory for me guys, so I'll just let you lead and be here for moral support!" Brots says cheerfully.