Mountain Mysteries

"Lantern oil for setting them on fire. They're just creatures, they should have a natural aversion to flame like owlbears do." Oriander produces a flask or two of lantern oil. "...If anyone else has some, we can at least drive them forward, and away from us."

Zack shakes his head, "Sadly oil was something I did not think to grab in your store. I have an easily kept light, so lantern fuel was not high on my list." He shrugs, "No matter. We're going to have to face them sooner or later. I'd rather thin the herd before we get to their master anyways." He looks up and down the underground river again, "Well, shall we make a move then?"

Vigil recognizes that the oil idea would have been interesting. They would just have to do without. 

Weapon in hand, Vigil begins slowly making his way deeper, his senses on high alert.

Perception: 18

Oriander hands one of his oil flasks to Zack and one to Kalgren.

Vigil, in the meantime, is able to spot a couple of the creatures, pulling their tails deeper into hiding spots within stalactites. One is about 30 feet away from him as he walks forward, and one is about 45. It seems similar enough to the smaller ones fought back in the town.

Kalgren attached the flask of oil to his belt within easy reach if needed. 'Thanks.' He said to Oriander. 'I never had much use for it so it's not something I would have thought of.'

He suddenly noticed that Vigil had skulked up ahead. 'Is it safe?' Kalgren whispered as loudly as he dared, which is to say: not that much.

Zack takes the flask and pockets it with a nod in thanks. He silently moves forward with Vigil, doing his best to see into the darkness, ready for anything that comes their way.

After spotting the creatures, Vigil holds up his fist in the air to indicate to his companions that they should halt. He turns back to Kalgren, who seems to be the closest. He puts a finger to his lips to indicate silence. Then in a series of charades, he points to his eyes, then raises two fingers and points in the direction where he spotted the creatures. He then nods to Kalgren, trying to see if his message came across right.

(As DM fiat, yes, Kalgren got the message clear. You know where Vince saw them.)

Creature Insight: 4

As Vince motions to Kalgren, there is a brief sound as motion comes from deeper within the cave. ...It seems they are aware that you know where they are.

Zack lowers his voice, "They know we're here, let's move up. Just keep eyes out." He moves forward, keeping his eyes peeled for any of the creatures ahead (Perception: 7).

Kalgren blankly stared back at Vigil as the Tiefling gestured with his hands. He then looked at where Vigil was pointing. He swallowed.

'Oi,' He whispered to anyone near, 'don't you think we should, you know, move faster?' Kalgren laid a hand on his hidden eye and made a gesture typical for prayers directed at Amaunator with the other as he followed the others.

Oriander grits his teeth, gripping his club tightly as he waits with baited breath. He will wait for the party to make the first move... They're the hunters, after all.

(OOC - Zack has moved forwards already, moving slowly as he keeps his eyes out for enemies.)

Vigil sighed. It seemed that their stealthy approach had failed. Now was the time to deal with the creatures head-on.

"Follow my lead. Keep an eye out. There could be more waiting to jump in.", the tiefling warned his companions.

With that, he turned around, hand crossbow at the ready, and fired at the closest creature (the one 30 feet away).

Attack: 15 Damage: 5

Vigil's bolt just barely tinks off the stalagmite that the creature is hiding behind, leaving it to screech! There is the shuffling as things get ready... It's time for initiative!

Initiatives:CR1 1

CR2: 9

Unseen Participants: 19 20

Oriander: 15

The battlemap:

Vigil initiative: 8

Zack's Initiative: 20

Kalgren's initiative: 6

Initiative Order goes:

Unseen Participant
Vigil
Zack
Unseen Participant
Oriander
CR2
Kalgren
CR1

Unseen Participant moves about... But it has managed to avoid detection so far. Its presence is known simply because there clearly was more than just the two seen.

Vigil, you may proceed. Map is currently unchanged.

Having initiated hostilities, Vigil thinks for a moment. Getting closer seems unwise, considering the creatures' intelligence. He prefers to remain close to his companions and adopt a defensive stance and observe what the creatures will do. He also reloads his hand crossbow.

No movement

Action: dodge

Zack takes a couple of steps to his right (2 squares) so that he's close to cover if he needs it, then fires off a fire bolt at the creature ahead, and not behind cover, that he can make out.

Fire Bolt Attack: 18 Damage: 5