@daemyar and @ithelion - helping each other, you are able to discern that the area in and around the pillars has hosted countless small campfires, some as recent as a month ago. It is obvious that someone(s) have went to a great deal of effort to hide the campfires from casual scrutiny. There are appears to be evidence of some tracks here and there but nothing that would definitely say who or what was here, and in what quantity.
@ithelion - the bald area is quite a distance off. Through Elosa's eyes you don't see much more than what you see, but you can make out that the earth is barren and dead, and obviously charred in places. It seems strange to you since since burning the land is a tested farmer's strategy for renewing the soil and aiding growth. It leads you to ponder what might have caused such devastation and destruction...As for the ravine, both you and Elosa can see that it descends quite deep - at least 100 feet - but Elosa can just make out some sort of landing below - a ledge maybe, and some stairs leading downward even further...
@all - you notice that attached to the pillars is a strong, well-maintained knotted rope that descends into the darkness below. Judging by its look, it couldn't have been tied there more than two or three weeks ago. Following it over the edge, you notice some handholds and footholds carved into the rock face as well. The pillars themselves are generally chipped and broken, with some graffiti written on them. [Does anyone know Goblin or Dwarven?]
It's around noon right now and still raining slightly.
On the pillars, there are a bunch of goblin warnings to the tune of “stay away” and “keep out.” Working together, Krom and Daemyar are able to determine that the writing is Dethik-based, which is the language of dwarves. Less well-known however, and Daemyar informs you, is that Dethik is the base language that the goblin language (Thorass) springs from. And these runes and writing are definitely not from a dwarves hand, as Krom vociferously points out.
Alright. You all descend easily using a combination of the rope and the footholds. It's not as far as you thought, maybe 60 feet down 4
Can you describe the way you would like to go down the rope? All at the same time? One or two on the rope at once? Is there a specific order that you have in mind?
Daemyar sets down first, followed by Krom. A sandy ledge overlooks a subterranean gulf of darkness to the west. The ledge is wide but rough. Sand, some large rocky debris, and the bones of small animals cover it. A circle of rocks lies near the center of the ledge. A roughhewn stairwell zigs and zags down the side of the ledge, descending into darkness.
As Daemyar finds himself on the small ledge, a bit of scurrying can be heard from the rubble. Looking around, he sees some fur and a bit of movement and chittering. Then, as Krom is nearing the end of the rope he can't help his chainmail making extra noise. There is more commotion from near the debris on the far side of the ledge and 3 giant rats - a disgusting display of fur and slavering teeth - emerge from the random assortment of rubble and come towards you! Roll initiative!
Rat120. Rat214Rat314
Here's the map. Everyone can see this if they choose to look around - including Garnet, since she has the glasses. And below that is the encounter map - this is the ledge you are getting to. The rope puts you down at the bottom left corner. The stairs to descend are in the top right corner.
@Daemyar - Give me an Investigation check please.
DM - And In The Darkness, Rot: The Sunless Citadel
DM - Our Little Lives Kept In Equipoise: Curse of Strahd
DM - Misprize Thou Not These Shadows That Belong: The Lost Mines of Phandelver
PC - Azzure - Tyranny of Dragons
[it's no problem. I am guessing you'll be back to town a few times ;) ]
DM - And In The Darkness, Rot: The Sunless Citadel
DM - Our Little Lives Kept In Equipoise: Curse of Strahd
DM - Misprize Thou Not These Shadows That Belong: The Lost Mines of Phandelver
PC - Azzure - Tyranny of Dragons
Daemyar investigation 5
Paladin - warforged - orange
Elosa would have been send to have a closer looks at the bald area, with Ithelion looking though her eyes for a short time.
When we get to the ravine, especially when it widens, they would both also look.
Perception (Elosa): 22
Perception (Ithelion): 18
@daemyar and @ithelion - helping each other, you are able to discern that the area in and around the pillars has hosted countless small campfires, some as recent as a month ago. It is obvious that someone(s) have went to a great deal of effort to hide the campfires from casual scrutiny. There are appears to be evidence of some tracks here and there but nothing that would definitely say who or what was here, and in what quantity.
@ithelion - the bald area is quite a distance off. Through Elosa's eyes you don't see much more than what you see, but you can make out that the earth is barren and dead, and obviously charred in places. It seems strange to you since since burning the land is a tested farmer's strategy for renewing the soil and aiding growth. It leads you to ponder what might have caused such devastation and destruction...As for the ravine, both you and Elosa can see that it descends quite deep - at least 100 feet - but Elosa can just make out some sort of landing below - a ledge maybe, and some stairs leading downward even further...
@all - you notice that attached to the pillars is a strong, well-maintained knotted rope that descends into the darkness below. Judging by its look, it couldn't have been tied there more than two or three weeks ago. Following it over the edge, you notice some handholds and footholds carved into the rock face as well. The pillars themselves are generally chipped and broken, with some graffiti written on them. [Does anyone know Goblin or Dwarven?]
It's around noon right now and still raining slightly.
DM - And In The Darkness, Rot: The Sunless Citadel
DM - Our Little Lives Kept In Equipoise: Curse of Strahd
DM - Misprize Thou Not These Shadows That Belong: The Lost Mines of Phandelver
PC - Azzure - Tyranny of Dragons
Krom walks over to the pillar that rope is tied to and inspects to see how sturdy the pillar is.
Investigation: 8
(Krom knows Dwarven)
Be excellent to each other, and roll for initiative dudes!
Daemyar speaks goblin, as he is a type of goblin
Paladin - warforged - orange
On the pillars, there are a bunch of goblin warnings to the tune of “stay away” and “keep out.” Working together, Krom and Daemyar are able to determine that the writing is Dethik-based, which is the language of dwarves. Less well-known however, and Daemyar informs you, is that Dethik is the base language that the goblin language (Thorass) springs from. And these runes and writing are definitely not from a dwarves hand, as Krom vociferously points out.
[what now?]
DM - And In The Darkness, Rot: The Sunless Citadel
DM - Our Little Lives Kept In Equipoise: Curse of Strahd
DM - Misprize Thou Not These Shadows That Belong: The Lost Mines of Phandelver
PC - Azzure - Tyranny of Dragons
“Hey, I think the goblins may be down there.” Daemyar gets ready to climb down.
“Anything before we get started?”
Paladin - warforged - orange
Ithelion purses her lips, "Another damned pit. I wonder where the kobolds are..."
She shakes her head at Daemyar's question, gesturing for him to lead the way. "I think I saw a ledge part way down" she says.
@krom - the pillar seems sturdy enough.
DM - And In The Darkness, Rot: The Sunless Citadel
DM - Our Little Lives Kept In Equipoise: Curse of Strahd
DM - Misprize Thou Not These Shadows That Belong: The Lost Mines of Phandelver
PC - Azzure - Tyranny of Dragons
Krom shifts his backpack to a comfortable spot, "Aye, I'm ready as I'll ever be. I'll head down after ye."
Be excellent to each other, and roll for initiative dudes!
Alright. You all descend easily using a combination of the rope and the footholds. It's not as far as you thought, maybe 60 feet down 4
Can you describe the way you would like to go down the rope? All at the same time? One or two on the rope at once? Is there a specific order that you have in mind?
DM - And In The Darkness, Rot: The Sunless Citadel
DM - Our Little Lives Kept In Equipoise: Curse of Strahd
DM - Misprize Thou Not These Shadows That Belong: The Lost Mines of Phandelver
PC - Azzure - Tyranny of Dragons
I think Daemyar will lead the way by himself, and then the others one at a time?
Paladin - warforged - orange
Daemyar sets down first, followed by Krom. A sandy ledge overlooks a subterranean gulf of darkness to the west. The ledge is wide but rough. Sand, some large rocky debris, and the bones of small animals cover it. A circle of rocks lies near the center of the ledge. A roughhewn stairwell zigs and zags down the side of the ledge, descending into darkness.
As Daemyar finds himself on the small ledge, a bit of scurrying can be heard from the rubble. Looking around, he sees some fur and a bit of movement and chittering. Then, as Krom is nearing the end of the rope he can't help his chainmail making extra noise. There is more commotion from near the debris on the far side of the ledge and 3 giant rats - a disgusting display of fur and slavering teeth - emerge from the random assortment of rubble and come towards you! Roll initiative!
Rat1 20. Rat2 14 Rat3 14
Here's the map. Everyone can see this if they choose to look around - including Garnet, since she has the glasses. And below that is the encounter map - this is the ledge you are getting to. The rope puts you down at the bottom left corner. The stairs to descend are in the top right corner.
Map
Encounter map (each square is 5 feet per usual)
DM - And In The Darkness, Rot: The Sunless Citadel
DM - Our Little Lives Kept In Equipoise: Curse of Strahd
DM - Misprize Thou Not These Shadows That Belong: The Lost Mines of Phandelver
PC - Azzure - Tyranny of Dragons
(( Are we all down, or at top, or on rope...and if it top, how far are the rats? ))
So...Daemyar is on the ledge, Krom gets there a short time after and that’s when the rats come out.
Whether you and Garnet are on the rope at the same time is up to you. The descent to the ledge is around 60-70 feet or so.
DM - And In The Darkness, Rot: The Sunless Citadel
DM - Our Little Lives Kept In Equipoise: Curse of Strahd
DM - Misprize Thou Not These Shadows That Belong: The Lost Mines of Phandelver
PC - Azzure - Tyranny of Dragons
(( I'd be inclined to the 'one-at-a-time' approach unless we know and trust the rope ))
Ithelion Initiative: 18
Elosa initiative: 19
Noted. Is it you or Garnet coming down next then?
DM - And In The Darkness, Rot: The Sunless Citadel
DM - Our Little Lives Kept In Equipoise: Curse of Strahd
DM - Misprize Thou Not These Shadows That Belong: The Lost Mines of Phandelver
PC - Azzure - Tyranny of Dragons
(( I'd assume me, since that was the matching order, BUT...since we have no threats above (that we know of), I'd vote for Garnet.... ))