It's one of those tricky doors.

Check for traps. http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3288533/
Assuming it looks safe, listen for sounds etc. http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3288537/

Sariel consults her fountain of knowledge.

Knowledge + Arcana: http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3288552/

Bernkastel sees nothing suspicious (and Sariel detects nothing magical), so she moves up to the door and attempts to listen to what's going on on the other side. It's pretty much completely quiet.

From what Sariel can tell, these designs seem to relate to the founding of the fortress (traveling, laboring), and the appointment of the first local leader (there are some words, but you'd need to understand dwarven to read them).

"I'm starting to hate my profession," Sariel mumbles, dreading being holed up underground again. Dwarves were never the lofty lot, and her recent life decisions have seen her in their anvil-loving ruins a bit too often.

>>6981
"...Before we head any further, can any of us read Dwarven?"

Sariel, a bit disdainfully, crosses her arms. "I've never had a need to read anything in a language other than Elven," she responds.

"I believe the Warlord was versed in Dwarven, but he exchanged our company for that of political intrigue."

For a moment, the Eladrin hesitates. Then, she says carefully, "Given time and a focus, I could likely imbue a minor enchantment to, say, a pair of spectacles to make the writing appear to you as in Common.

"Given our current location, I'm none too sure if that's an idea worth pursuing."

>>6984
"A quicker solution," Sariel adds, "is that I can copy the writing of whatever we find, and you read it later.

"For the engravings, too, come to think of it." Sariel eyes them intently. "Would there even be a market for Dwarven scribbles?"

>>6985
Thinking briefly on it, the monk says,"Maybe, for an old abandoned fort like this, there might be some history on these walls someone could be interested in."

"It's hard to say, it could be relating a story, or be threatening the incoming enemies.
Anyways, if the door doesn't look strange we could try to open it from a distance using that magical hand."

"It's a regular entrance, Sureiya," Sariel says. "Why would the dwarves arm it with a trap?"

She turns to throw a glance to Torinn. "What think you, cub?"

>>6990
Caught reading a book again, Torinn murmurs, "I think somebody should open that door."

"I am up for the guy with the Tiger to open the door."

>>6992
Torinn casually orders his mount forward and forces the door open, continuing on without worry of what's on the other side.

Torinn opens the door, and spies a short corridor of smooth, worked stone that opens into a larger room ahead. It's very quiet and still.

>>6997
"I know this place is supposed to be abandoned and all," Folka says while moving closer to the front of the group, "but I can't help but notice it's unusually quiet. You'd think there'd even be creatures still stirring about in a place like this."


Move to the square next to Bern's spirit (right below it)

Sariel eyes the Shaman and Warlock.

"I'll take the rear," she states, "so please, follow the cub."

"Not getting the jump on me again," Torinn murmurs. Taking a tight hold on the reins, he has Rutger climb up and crawl along the wall as they proceed further.

Athletics check : http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3290781/ (37)
Move forward three squares and up one to elevation 1 along the wall

"Stay alert."
Walk in and move a bit to the north. Also ready a ranged twin strike if an hostile creature is in range.

As the group moves forward, they discover what appears to be a large collection of broken-down siege equipment. There are also piles of ammunition, in the form of very moldy wooden bolts and moss-covered rocks sized for use by a catapult. There appears to be a large path to the north as well as east.

"Can you light this area a bit more?"
Perception check, maximum rolls (31) http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3291645/

Sureiya notices what appears to be a well-hidden compartment in the square structure occupying the center of the room.

Figuring out the purpose of the compartment will require moving adjacent to it, opening it, and making a Dungeoneering check to examine what is inside.

"Guys, I think I found something interesting here."

>>7007
>>7013
The shaman snaps back to reality. "Ah, okay, here," she replies.

Oblige, light, etc. Also, I'll stay near the front row.

When Bernkastel moves forward with the light, you catch just the briefest glimpse of a dark-skinned, dwarf-like humanoid in a passage to the southeast before you hear a clanking noise, and a door slams shut in front of the creature. Behind you, the door you entered from slams shut as well.

Once the party gets their bearings, they find themselves trapped in the siege workshop. To the north, you hear the heavy sound of stone grinding on stone as what appears to be a massive stone gate of some sort is being lowered, and water begins to seep in from the crack. Apparently, this room is about to become flooded.

You should probably figure out what the panel does, and quickly. It may also be worth the effort to try and brace the floodgate so that it cannot open as quickly.

The knowledge check for the dwarf-like humanoid is religion. A dungeoneering check while adjacent to the control panel will help you determine what it does and how you can manipulate it. A strength check while adjacent to the floodgate may slow it.

"Hey you!! What the hell do you think you are doing!??" Swinging his blades in a clear show of aggression.
"This ... is this some kind of control panel?"
Move near to the control panel and inspect it.
Dungeoneering check (19) http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3292697/

Sariel thinks about dorfs.

http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3292735/

"Cravens!" Torinn howls, "You think a trap like this will stop us?" Rutger leaps forward and charges to the floodgate. With superhuman effort, Torinn and his mount attempt to shut the floodgate again.

"I've got things covered over here. You guys find a way out."

Jump down and move adjacent to floodgate
Strength check to not just slow floodgate but push it back : http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3292963/ (27)

Torinn braces the floodgate, and for now, its progress seems to be slowing. However, the room is still filling with water, and the dragonborn's strength can't hold this back forever. Something else needs to be done!

Sureiya determines that the panel is not receiving proper power. Traditional operation of the panel is impossible, however... it should be possible to work the mechanisms behind the panel with the right tools.

Sureiya thinks a thievery check on the panel might be able to disable the trap, and open the doors.
Sariel knows the story of these creatures. Of all the civilized peoples of Faerun, the dwarves have probably suffered the most at the hands of the evils of the Underdark. Due to the close proximity of dwarven settlements to the far reaches of the Underdark, raids by the evil humanoids that dwell there are common. Many dwarves are taken as slaves. At some point, in their suffering, some of the enslaved dwarves consorted with devils in order to gain the power to overthrow their slavers. These corrupted dwarves are called duergar. Though most of the duergar were successful in utilizing their new-found power to escape their enslavement, most have since turned to evil practices, not realizing they have only traded one master for another. The duergar now have a reputation as slavers, and conduct their own raids to gather slaves. Furthermore, the duergar live side-by-side with devils, having fully embraced their diabolic pact.
The most prominent physical features of the duergar are the spike-like quills, which carry a deadly poison. The quills are often found somewhere on the duergar's head, where one would normally find hair. The duergar can shoot these quills very quickly as a ranged attack. Otherwise, they bear many physical similarities to dwarves, though have darker skin, and their quills are often colored as fire, in shades of bright orange, red, and yellow.

Myn holds his breath, wondering if the hole in his side will let water in anyways.

"Alright, I found something here. I got some tools so I can probably make this thing stop. Anyone care to give a hand? Not that we are in a rush or anything!"
Prepare thieves tools

>>7027
"While I've never really been good at this sort of thing, I could try and give a hand I suppose."

Aid another for thievery on Sureiya
http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3294593/

"Argh ... this may be a little harder than I expected ..."
Thievery check: http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3294611/ (lol 5 +15)

As Sureiya fiddles a bit with the working mechanisms for the gate, he seems to have stopped the floodgate from opening further--for now. Torinn's efforts seem to be paying off as well. Still, water is spilling into the room, and some more work will be necessary to raise the floodgate back and block the flow of water. Torinn also feels that he could probably help by trying to force the gate upwards...

Another thievery and strength check would be good. You can aid another with dungeoneering for the thievery.

>>7039
>>7038
Shrugging, Folka says,"It isn't nothin' to panic about, we're doing okay so far! At least the water isn't up to our necks yet." while assisting Sureiya again with the mechanisms.

Torinn heaves the gate back into place with a grunt of effort.

strength check : http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3295124/ (19)

"Alright alright, let me give it another try ..."
Thievery check! (lol 8 +15 =23) http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3295133/

The combined efforts of the group manage to stop the floodgate from opening, and raise it back into position. Furthermore, Sureiya thinks he has unlocked the doors, that were locked by whatever mechanism was lowering the floodgate.

Skill challenge success (level 6, complexity 2). Everyone receives 125 XP. The expected XP total is 8508/10,000.

"... I think it's open now. Care to give a check?"

>>7043
"Is it unlocked? Everyone, prepare for an attack," says the shaman, putting the whip away and moving to listen through the door.

Perception: http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3295207/
hopefully they're not actively trying to be stealthy

Bernkastel listens for noise on the other side of the door... and it's eerily quiet. She can detect no movement or sounds through the stone door.

Sariel moves closer to the door as well, attempting to sense the presence of magic beyond the steel construct.

"That creature we saw briefly," she begins, "was likely one of the duergar. They're slaves, escaped from the Underdark, only to grow as kin to those accursed Drow."

She snorts with visible contempt at the mention of the Drow, then continues, "It may be that these duergar have enslaved some people and we may run across those. It may also be that they hope we are their next prey. Whichever the case, beware most the quills they wear as hair; they carry a deadly toxin.

"Regardless of our original cause here, I move to suggest we eliminate those duergar to the last."

Arcana check: http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3295782/
Obv too distracted by ranting.

Sariel can't detect anything magical near the door.

"Well what are we waitin' around twiddlin' our thumbs for!? Let's get movin' already! " Folka exclaims as he motions to Torinn to go through the door.

>>7053
"Wait, let's not go yet," the shaman whispers to the group, motioning for them to stop.

"If there is an enemy lurking outside, maybe we should wait out of sight when we open the door, and ambush them when they enter."

>>7054
"I'm sure those creatures know this place a lot better than we do, nor would they probably be stupid enough to waltz right back in when they see the door open. I'm sure as heck not gonna wait around forever."

>>7055
"... Assuming there is an enemy, it seems as though the side to pass through this door first would be at a disadvantage. If you insist, though, everyone should be prepared to move as soon as the door opens."

Requesting readied actions, attacks for those with ranged attacks and move actions for thsoe without or unwilling, though there may well be no enemy beyond the door.

Standard action: Ready action, perception etc.

Also I should have been keeping the temporary HP on the party.

"Alright, just do it."
Stay near of the entrance, ready an action: ranged twin strike in any near hostile creature

Sariel nods, and marches to the rear of the group, readying her Winged Horde.

Ready Winged Horde, first hostile to enter the room, or nearest group of hostiles when initiative starts.

Torinn swings the door open, but the creature that was on the other side of the door has vanished. All that is there is a short bit of wall that breaks back into a natural cavern, leading north. There is a lever on the wall, presumably the one the creature from before pulled to initiate the flooding.

The shaman looks into the next area.

Perception, as planned. I can look for footprints or tracks in addition to traps, right?
http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3297477/

Bernkastel doesn't notice much of interest here. There's a bit of rubble where constructed walls have obviously decayed over time and given way to the natural cavern walls, and the ground is solid and dry enough to not leave any tracks. However, there seems to be only one obvious way to go from here, so the creature may have run off in that direction.

>>7068
"... It seems to be safe." The shaman walks ahead, providing light.

Sariel and Roth follow behind Bern, the Displacer Beast close enough to grant Bern its protective aura.

Sariel, meanwhile, holds her Winged Horde at the go.

Roth within 1 of Bern, Sariel within 2 of Bern and 1 of Roth, Winged Horde Readied at first hostile creature.

The terrain worked stone floor steadily reverts back to a natural cavern floor ahead, with quite a bit of debris marking the transition. The cavern floor itself appears quite muddy, and there is clearly a lot more cavern beyond the reach of Bernkastel's sunrod.

"The shortie runned huh?"
Moving ahead staying close to the others. Still attacking with ranged twin strike any hostile creature in range.

"They cleared out awfully fast."

Without any enemies he can see, Torinn takes up his previous position, slightly ahead of the group. As an afterthought, he looks up to see if there are any enemies lurking above. It couldn't hurt.
Jump up and climb along wall again, 1 square up and 3 squares ahead of everybody else
(athletics check : http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3298497/)
Examine the ceiling

"See? What'd I tell ya! Nothing to worry about. Those cowards already skittered off to the darkest reaches for all we know." Folka nonchalantly says out loud, while taking point somewhat behind Torinn.

>>7077
The shaman nods in agreement. "It looks like you're right."

Though, the spirits don't seem to be letting down their guard.

Keep moving forward. I should always be close to the front line.

"I got a bad feeling about this place ..."
Move to p-4, perception check (lol 2) http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3299039/
ready a ranged attack again

The area here opens into a large cavern. There appears to be a collapsed stone column blocking the path north, though there's no sign of any more of the duergar.

The floor here is muddy and covered in moss and stagnant, shallow pools of water. However, there is one pool of water towards the back that looks a lot deeper. There are a few stone pillars, and some stalagmites in the northeast corner.

perception http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3299541/

Looking around from her current position, "Bernkastel" can't see much of interest. There are some occasional ripples in the deep pool in the back, as if it's not completely still.

The shaman whispers, "There's something in the far side of the pool."

Torinn nods in understanding. He motions for Sureiya to sit behind him.

Staying silent, the ranger follow the party plan.

Torinn silently orders Rutger to resume climbing, moving slowly and cautiously over towards the pool. He stands a few feet back, not wanting to get [too- close just yet.

Move along wall to H/I, 1/2, elevation 1
See if situation changes

ready ranged attack against any hostile in range

As Torinn approaches, a shape beneath the water quickly moves to the surface and emerges! A four-headed, reptilian monstrosity engages Torinn and his mount, but unfortunately, remains too far away for any of the party's readied actions to trigger!

The creature looms over Torinn and Rutger threatening, its four serpentine heads opening their fanged maws, and their teeth dripping a rather dangerous-looking green substance. The creature is covered in pale, sickly green scales and has ridges running down the back of each of its four long necks, and has no arms, with only two fat, clawed legs for mobility. The heads each appear individually alert and mobile, and ready to strike at the slightest provocation.

Folka is the first to seize the initiative.

The hydra remains out of range of winged horde,, as well as the range of Myn's eldritch blast. Therefore, those readied actions do not trigger.
Sureiya can attempt a ranged twin strike, if he likes.

Initiative
Folka Shiningarm (Hideiling): 24
Sureiya (anon-kun): 20
Hydra: 19
"Bernkastel" (Bernkastel): 18
Sariel (Liliane): 16
Myn Nthelsyr (George): 10
Torinn Tormine (Astaroth): 15

Players
Myn Nthelsyr (George): (T-4) 50/50 HP, Darkspiral aura 1, Concealment
Book Imp (Myn): (T-4) Passive Mode
Folka Shiningarm (Hideiling): (R-7) 48/48 HP
"Bernkastel" (Bernkastel): (R-5) 47/47 HP
Torinn Tormine (Astaroth): (H/I-1/2, Elevation 1) 58/58 HP
Rutger (Astaroth): (H/I-1/2, Elevation 1) 29/29 HP, Resist 5 all
Sureiya (Anonkun): (H/I-1/2, Elevation 1) 55/55 HP
Sariel (Liliane): (S-6) 51/51 HP
Roth (Liliane): (T-5) 25/25 HP, +1 power bonus to all defenses for adjacent allies
Spirit Companion (Bernkastel): (O-6) +2 to saving throws for adjacent allies
Elemental Spirit (Bernkastel): (Q-5) +1 to all defenses for adjacent allies

Enemies
Hydra (Enemy): (F/G-4/5)

Notes
Hydra knowledge is nature.

Free Action: http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3301335/
Nature Check

A giant snake!
Nature check: http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3301336/ (6)

nature check lol:http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3301355/

Sariel (Nature): Hydras are fierce mythical beasts of primordial origin. It was said that one of the most powerful primordials had hands tipped with hundreds of serpentine heads, and that the hydras emerged from his carcass when he fell.
As for actual fact, though most people know of hydras as mythical beasts, adventurers, sailors, and certain explorers know of their true nature--predatory water-dwellers that stalk the hinterlands and the far reaches of the world, including the Underdark. The heads of the hydra are capable of independent action--even if one head is inconvenienced in some manner, the others can pick up the slack. This is especially evident when one encounters a sleeping hydra, as only half of the heads will be asleep.
However, though hydras are known as dumb beasts, they can actually be trained with the proper care, and make vicious and effective pets. They are unnaturally cunning, as if one head learns a trick, all of the other heads instantly pick up on it. A hydra thus is far more capable of learning long lists of commands than other beasts. Giants, minotaurs, and other monstrous humanoids are known to keep hydra pets, but there are ancient whisperings that the dwarves of the old kingdom employed "dungeon masters" which were capable of taming even the mighty hydra.
The most prolific hydra was a nine-headed, immortal hydra that was slain in battle with a demigod. Though the truth of this myth is dubious, it is known that hydras are capable of growing additional heads if one head is destroyed, and the powerful poison the hydra of legend possessed is based on a particular breed of hydra--the poisonous hydra, a level 8 solo brute, which this hydra appears to be. You're unsure of the specifics, but it's rumored that the poison causes only pain at first, but will quickly spread throughout the victim's body, rendering it half-paralyzed. The hydra is highly resistant to poison, but you know that if you can cause it a significant amount of fire or acid damage, it is possible to stop the regeneration of the hydra heads. This may only serve to make the hydra more deadly, however, as it is said that hydras that are reduced in head count become even more vicious and vengeful.

Folka was just following Torinn normally when the hydra emerged, interrupting his walk.

I'll count that as a readied action for Folka to follow Torinn. It's resolved and now Folka has moved and it's his turn.

Initiative
Folka Shiningarm (Hideiling): 24
Sureiya (anon-kun): 20
Poisonous Hydra: 19
"Bernkastel" (Bernkastel): 18
Sariel (Liliane): 16
Myn Nthelsyr (George): 10
Torinn Tormine (Astaroth): 15

Players
Myn Nthelsyr (George): (T-4) 50/50 HP, Darkspiral aura 1, Concealment
Book Imp (Myn): (T-4) Passive Mode
Folka Shiningarm (Hideiling): (K-3) 48/48 HP
"Bernkastel" (Bernkastel): (R-5) 47/47 HP
Torinn Tormine (Astaroth): (H/I-1/2, Elevation 1) 58/58 HP
Rutger (Astaroth): (H/I-1/2, Elevation 1) 29/29 HP, Resist 5 all
Sureiya (Anonkun): (H/I-1/2, Elevation 1) 55/55 HP
Sariel (Liliane): (S-6) 51/51 HP
Roth (Liliane): (T-5) 25/25 HP, +1 power bonus to all defenses for adjacent allies
Spirit Companion (Bernkastel): (O-6) +2 to saving throws for adjacent allies
Elemental Spirit (Bernkastel): (Q-5) +1 to all defenses for adjacent allies

Enemies
Poisonous Hydra (Enemy): (F/G-4/5), 4 heads

Notes
Hydra knowledge is nature.

"So those guys managed to train a Hydra?!"
Nature check: nature freak etc (29) http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3301488/

>>7122
Sureiya knows everything outlined here:
>>7114
In addition, Sureiya knows that flanking the hydra is a fruitless effort, as its extra heads afford it all around vision (you can't gain combat advantage by flanking the hydra). Its many-headed trait allows it to continue to act even if one of its heads is stunned, and other heads will learn from the mistakes of any that miss with their attacks (the hydra can take free actions while stunned or dominated, and whenever it misses with an attack, any subsequent attacks made as part of the same action ignore any penalties imposed on it by effects or attacks). Furthermore, whenever it drops below three-fourths, one-half, or one-fourth of its life, one of its heads will be destroyed. It will grow two new heads at the start of its turn unless it takes a fair amount of fire or acid damage before then (regenerating heads allows it to regenerate lost heads unless it takes at least 12 fire or acid damage, which reduces the amount of heads it regenerates by 1 per 12 acid or fire damage). Finally, the hydra can threaten distant enemies (it possesses threatening reach, so it can make opportunity attacks within 2 squares).
The hydra's basic attack is a simple bite attack, which does a moderate amount of damage. It also possesses a poison spit attack, which deals less damage, but inflicts the hydra poison and doesn't leave the hydra exposed to attack (when poisoned by the hydra, you take ongoing 5 poison damage (save ends), and if you fail a saving throw, you fall prone and can't stand from prone until you save--poison spit doesn't provoke opportunity attacks even though it's a ranged attack). Its usual attack method is attacking once for every head it possesses on its turn (hydra fury, an at-will attack, allows it to use either bite or poison spit once for every head). When it attacks in this furious manner, it regurgitates a small amount of poison, which is dangerous and will cause poisoning to an open wound (when the hydra uses hydra fury, its bite will carry the same hydra poison as its poison spit, and any creature it misses with every single attack it makes takes 5 poison damage.
The hydra continues to be a threat at all times. It viciously snaps with a pair of bites at nearby enemies (snapping jaws is a free action that allows the hydra to use bite twice against any enemy that ends its turn within 2 squares of the hydra). In addition, if it is not sufficiently distracted, it reacts to ranged attackers with an extra-potent spit attack (reflexive spit allows it to use poison spit against an enemy 3 or more squares away from the hydra that hits it with an attack, which deals 5 extra poison damage if it hits. It can't use reflexive spit if 4 or more enemies are within 2 squares of the hydra).

>>7125
>>7122
>>7114
"So does anything know what this overgrown lizard actually does or what to look out for!? I'd like to at least know something before I end up near it!"

"Guys, this beast is a pain! Every head have it's own conscience and will attack independently. It can spit acid and I don't think flanking would do any good!
Aside from that I know it will usually furiously attack anyone kinda near of it when it got a chance and that it will try to counter ranged attacks."

>>7129
"Got it! More heads just means more fun for me anyway! This thing will find it's not so easy to hit me!" Folka shouts as he suddenly blurs into the fray to face the oncoming foe.

He seems to land an impressive couple of blows against the Hydra and can't help but grin to himself.


Move Action:Shift 1 square to the northeast
Minor Action:(Item encounter power from boots of the fencing master) Shift 2 squares (one square northeast again, then one north)
Standard Action:Open the Gate of Battle vs Hydra's reflexes
http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3301777/
Free Action:Flurry of blows (4 damage, slide hydra one square southwest, so right next to torinn. I have CA against target until end of my next turn.)
(another note, gain +1 AC and Reflex until end of next turn as well)

Folka quickly dashes up next to the hydra, never leaving himself open to attack, and then lands one solid blow on the beast's midsection. The hydra roars and brings three of its heads down to counterattack as it stumbles forward, but the monk quickly beats them back. Unfortunately, one head outmaneuvers the monk and bites him savagely in the shoulder.

Folka shifts, then uses boots of the fencing master to shift 2 squares. He gains a +1 bonus to AC and Reflex until the end of his next turn.
Folka uses open the gate of battle, which hits for 25 damage, and his centered breath flurry of blows adds 4 damage and slides it 1 square. Folka gains CA against it until the end of his next turn.
At the end of Folka's turn, snapping jaws misses Folka once and hits Folka once for 15 damage. The hydra takes 7 radiant damage from Torinn's righteous radiance. Torinn's shield of devotion heals Folka for 4 hit points.

Initiative
Folka Shiningarm (Hideiling): 24
Sureiya (anon-kun): 20
Poisonous Hydra: 19
"Bernkastel" (Bernkastel): 18
Sariel (Liliane): 16
Myn Nthelsyr (George): 10
Torinn Tormine (Astaroth): 15

Players
Myn Nthelsyr (George): (T-4) 50/50 HP, Darkspiral aura 1, Concealment
Book Imp (Myn): (T-4) Passive Mode
Folka Shiningarm (Hideiling): (H-5) 37/48 HP, +1 to AC and Reflex
"Bernkastel" (Bernkastel): (R-5) 47/47 HP
Torinn Tormine (Astaroth): (H/I-1/2, Elevation 1) 58/58 HP
Rutger (Astaroth): (H/I-1/2, Elevation 1) 29/29 HP, Resist 5 all
Sureiya (Anonkun): (H/I-1/2, Elevation 1) 55/55 HP
Sariel (Liliane): (S-6) 51/51 HP
Roth (Liliane): (T-5) 25/25 HP, +1 power bonus to all defenses for adjacent allies
Spirit Companion (Bernkastel): (O-6) +2 to saving throws for adjacent allies
Elemental Spirit (Bernkastel): (Q-5) +1 to all defenses for adjacent allies

Enemies
Poisonous Hydra (Enemy): (G/H-3/4) -36 HP, 4 heads

Notes
Hydra knowledge is nature.

"Thanks for bringing the fun near to us!"
Minor action: Set hunter quarry on the Hydra.
Standard action: Twin strike against the hydra (failed): http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3301831/
Minor action: Off hand strike (18 damage points) : http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3301836/

The ranger's initial pair of strikes fail to pierce the hydra's thick hide, but one last off-hand blow slices a clean line across one of the beast's necks. The beast salivates as it bites towards the ranger twice, missing once and connecting with the half-orc's torso on the second attack.
The hydra finally gains enough leverage to unleash a full flurry of attacks, biting at Torinn and Sureiya no less than eight times in total! When the attack ends, both of the combatants feel the draining poison of the hydra flowing through their veins, though Sureiya manages to land a solid counter-attack. The beast still seems quite in the fight, however, and three of its heads roar with vigor. One head seems to be looking a bit pale, though...

Sureiya places his quarry on the hydra. His twin strike misses it twice. He then uses off-hand strike, which hits for 19 damage.
The hydra's snapping jaws misses Sureiya once and hits once for 15 damage. The hydra takes 7 damage from Torinn's righteous radiance.
The poisonous hydra uses hydra fury! It uses bite twice against Torinn, and twice against Sureiya. It misses Torinn once and Sureiya twice, and hits Torinn once for 12 damage, plus ongoing 5 poison damage (save ends). Sureiya takes 5 poison damage.
The hydra spends an action point! It uses hydra fury again, missing Torinn once, then hitting Torinn once for 15 damage, and hitting Sureiya twice for 13 damage and 10 damage, plus ongoing 5 poison damage (save ends). Sureiya's disruptive strike hits for 15 damage but doesn't cause a miss, and it takes 7 radiant damage from Torinn's righteous radiance. The first hit triggers Sureiya's half-orc resilience, which grants Sureiya 5 THP, which help absorb the next attack.

Initiative
Folka Shiningarm (Hideiling): 24
Sureiya (anon-kun): 20
Poisonous Hydra: 19
"Bernkastel" (Bernkastel): 18
Sariel (Liliane): 16
Myn Nthelsyr (George): 10
Torinn Tormine (Astaroth): 15

Players
Myn Nthelsyr (George): (T-4) 50/50 HP, Darkspiral aura 1, Concealment
Book Imp (Myn): (T-4) Passive Mode
Folka Shiningarm (Hideiling): (H-5) 37/48 HP, +1 to AC and Reflex
"Bernkastel" (Bernkastel): (R-5) 47/47 HP
Torinn Tormine (Astaroth): (H/I-1/2, Elevation 1) 31/58 HP, ongoing 5 poison damage (save ends)
Rutger (Astaroth): (H/I-1/2, Elevation 1) 29/29 HP, Resist 5 all
Sureiya (Anonkun): (H/I-1/2, Elevation 1) 17/55 HP Bloodied, ongoing 5 poison damage (save ends)
Sariel (Liliane): (S-6) 51/51 HP
Roth (Liliane): (T-5) 25/25 HP, +1 power bonus to all defenses for adjacent allies
Spirit Companion (Bernkastel): (O-6) +2 to saving throws for adjacent allies
Elemental Spirit (Bernkastel): (Q-5) +1 to all defenses for adjacent allies

Enemies
Poisonous Hydra (Enemy): (G/H-3/4) -84 HP, 4 heads, granting CA to Folka

Notes
Hydra knowledge is nature.

The shaman calls an iron archon to aid in the inevitable fight, initially having considered escape but quickly realizing that this group never retreats.

Move action: M-7, spirit companion to J-3, elevation 1.
Minor action: Spirit of Athas to I-3, elevation 1.
Standard action: Sly Fox Spirit, Torinn first and Sureiya if Torinn hits. +1 item bonus to the attack rolls.

>>7167
Torinn's roll here. http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3303356/
Sureiya needs to roll next.

basic attack: http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3303402/

The shaman and her spirits quickly reposition themselves for combat, before she summons an iron archon to guide Torinn's blow towards the hydra--the hydra tries to dodge, but one of the heads is too slow, and is severed at the neck by the dragonborn's longsword. It flops to the ground, and the hydra is down to three heads and a stump. Sureiya attempts to follow with one of his own, but the hydra quickly jumps aside.

Bernkastel's moves, then uses call spirit of athas to summon her elemental spirit. She then uses sly fox spirit, and Torinn's MBA hits for 18 damage, but Sureiya's misses.

Initiative
Folka Shiningarm (Hideiling): 24
Sureiya (anon-kun): 20
Poisonous Hydra: 19
"Bernkastel" (Bernkastel): 18
Sariel (Liliane): 16
Torinn Tormine (Astaroth): 15
Myn Nthelsyr (George): 10

Players
Myn Nthelsyr (George): (T-4) 50/50 HP, Darkspiral aura 1, Concealment
Book Imp (Myn): (T-4) Passive Mode
Folka Shiningarm (Hideiling): (H-5) 37/48 HP, +1 to AC and Reflex
"Bernkastel" (Bernkastel): (M-7) 47/47 HP
Torinn Tormine (Astaroth): (H/I-1/2, Elevation 1) 31/58 HP, ongoing 5 poison damage (save ends)
Rutger (Astaroth): (H/I-1/2, Elevation 1) 29/29 HP, Resist 5 all
Sureiya (Anonkun): (H/I-1/2, Elevation 1) 17/55 HP Bloodied , ongoing 5 poison damage (save ends)
Sariel (Liliane): (S-6) 51/51 HP
Roth (Liliane): (T-5) 25/25 HP, +1 power bonus to all defenses for adjacent allies
Spirit Companion (Bernkastel): (J-3, Elevation 1)
Elemental Spirit (Bernkastel): (I-3, Elevation 1) +1 power bonus to all defenses for adjacent allies

Enemies
Poisonous Hydra (Enemy): (G/H-3/4) -102 HP, 3 heads, granting CA to Folka

Notes
Hydra knowledge is nature.

Sariel does stuff.

Sariel to O5, Roth to N6

Standard: http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3304267/ lol fail

Sariel and Roth advance, though the hydra seems unaffected by the horde of illusionary warriors that the eladrin summons.

Sariel's winged horde misses the poisonous hydra.

Initiative
Folka Shiningarm (Hideiling): 24
Sureiya (anon-kun): 20
Poisonous Hydra: 19
"Bernkastel" (Bernkastel): 18
Sariel (Liliane): 16
Torinn Tormine (Astaroth): 15
Myn Nthelsyr (George): 10

Players
Myn Nthelsyr (George): (T-4) 50/50 HP, Darkspiral aura 1, Concealment
Book Imp (Myn): (T-4) Passive Mode
Folka Shiningarm (Hideiling): (H-5) 37/48 HP, +1 to AC and Reflex
"Bernkastel" (Bernkastel): (M-7) 47/47 HP
Torinn Tormine (Astaroth): (H/I-1/2, Elevation 1) 31/58 HP, ongoing 5 poison damage (save ends)
Rutger (Astaroth): (H/I-1/2, Elevation 1) 29/29 HP, Resist 5 all
Sureiya (Anonkun): (H/I-1/2, Elevation 1) 17/55 HP Bloodied , ongoing 5 poison damage (save ends)
Sariel (Liliane): (O-5) 51/51 HP
Roth (Liliane): (N-6) 25/25 HP, +1 power bonus to all defenses for adjacent allies
Spirit Companion (Bernkastel): (J-3, Elevation 1)
Elemental Spirit (Bernkastel): (I-3, Elevation 1) +1 power bonus to all defenses for adjacent allies

Enemies
Poisonous Hydra (Enemy): (G/H-3/4) -102 HP, 3 heads, granting CA to Folka

Notes
Hydra knowledge is nature.

"Hey, you overgrown garden snakes! You wanna eat something" Torinn growls, grimacing as the poison makes his entire body burn. He hefts his sword, light spearing the hydra as he brings his brilliant blade down in a slash. "Eat this!"
Radiant energy bursts from his blade as he hacks away at the hydra, infusing Sureiya with vigor while Torinn grants him a portion of his vitality. Drawing upon his resolve, he bolsters himself for retaliation, purging the poison from his system through sheer willpower.

"Come on, I've seen infants with more bite than you."

Standard : Strike of Hope + Holy Smite http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3304405/ (26, 9+6)
Grant 9 THPs to Sureiya
Minor : Use second wind on Sureiya
Minor : Use Virtue to gain 19 THPs
Save against ongoing poison : http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3304409/ (12)

Torinn feels a bit woozy from the hydra poison, but recovers his strength quick enough to strike out with divine power, leaving the hydra confused and distracted. But it's not so distracted that it doesn't attempt to bite the paladin twice. Torinn quickly fends off the hydra's attacks with his shield, then prays for Bahamut's blessing on both himself and the ranger. The dragon god obliges, and grants them both extra vitality, and Torinn even manages to overcome the hydra's poison with relative ease.

Torinn takes ongoing 5 poison damage and is bloodied.
Torinn's strike of hope hits with holy smite for 9 damage plus 6 radiant damage, and the hydra is dazed until the end of Torinn's next turn. This grants Sureiya 9 THP.
Torinn uses virtue of sacrifice to spend a sure via his second wind, which heals Sureiya for 14 hit points.
Torinn uses virtue to spend a surge and gain 19 THP.
Torinn saves against ongoing poison damage. The hydra's snapping jaws misses Torinn twice.

Initiative
Folka Shiningarm (Hideiling): 24
Sureiya (anon-kun): 20
Poisonous Hydra: 19
"Bernkastel" (Bernkastel): 18
Sariel (Liliane): 16
Torinn Tormine (Astaroth): 15
Myn Nthelsyr (George): 10

Players
Myn Nthelsyr (George): (T-4) 50/50 HP, Darkspiral aura 1, Concealment
Book Imp (Myn): (T-4) Passive Mode
Folka Shiningarm (Hideiling): (H-5) 37/48 HP, +1 to AC and Reflex
"Bernkastel" (Bernkastel): (M-7) 47/47 HP
Torinn Tormine (Astaroth): (H/I-1/2, Elevation 1) 26/58 HP (Bloodied) + 19 tHP
Rutger (Astaroth): (H/I-1/2, Elevation 1) 29/29 HP, Resist 5 all
Sureiya (Anonkun): (H/I-1/2, Elevation 1) 31/55 HP + 9 tHP, ongoing 5 poison damage (save ends)
Sariel (Liliane): (O-5) 51/51 HP
Roth (Liliane): (N-6) 25/25 HP, +1 power bonus to all defenses for adjacent allies
Spirit Companion (Bernkastel): (J-3, Elevation 1)
Elemental Spirit (Bernkastel): (I-3, Elevation 1) +1 power bonus to all defenses for adjacent allies

Enemies
Poisonous Hydra (Enemy): (G/H-3/4) -117 HP, 3 heads, granting CA to Folka, dazed

Notes
Hydra knowledge is nature.

>>7193


"...I wonder where I could get one of these."

Positioning himself behind the shaman, Myn curses the creature, taking on some psychic burden to ensure a successful attack.

Move action: Move to N-8.
Minor action: Curse hydra.
Standard action: Cast Shared Agony against Hydra.

Attack roll:http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3304582/
reroll:http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3304584/

Damage roll:http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3304588/

The warlock confidently strides forward, and attempts to blast the hydra with a burst of psychic energy. At first, Myn has difficulty wrapping himself around the beast's multiple brains, but a sharp, eldritch pain from his side both reminds him of the price of his power and brings his mind back into focus. The hydra begins to feel this pain as well, and reels from the shared agony.

Myn moves, then curses the hydra. His shared agony hits for 22 psychic damage, but he takes 7 damage from the reroll.

Initiative
Folka Shiningarm (Hideiling): 24
Sureiya (anon-kun): 20
Poisonous Hydra: 19
"Bernkastel" (Bernkastel): 18
Sariel (Liliane): 16
Torinn Tormine (Astaroth): 15
Myn Nthelsyr (George): 10

Players
Myn Nthelsyr (George): (N-8) 43/50 HP, Darkspiral aura 1, Concealment
Book Imp (Myn): (N-8) Passive Mode
Folka Shiningarm (Hideiling): (H-5) 37/48 HP, +1 to AC and Reflex
"Bernkastel" (Bernkastel): (M-7) 47/47 HP
Torinn Tormine (Astaroth): (H/I-1/2, Elevation 1) 26/58 HP (Bloodied) + 19 tHP
Rutger (Astaroth): (H/I-1/2, Elevation 1) 29/29 HP, Resist 5 all
Sureiya (Anonkun): (H/I-1/2, Elevation 1) 31/55 HP + 9 tHP, ongoing 5 poison damage (save ends)
Sariel (Liliane): (O-5) 51/51 HP
Roth (Liliane): (N-6) 25/25 HP, +1 power bonus to all defenses for adjacent allies
Spirit Companion (Bernkastel): (J-3, Elevation 1)
Elemental Spirit (Bernkastel): (I-3, Elevation 1) +1 power bonus to all defenses for adjacent allies

Enemies
Poisonous Hydra (Enemy): (G/H-3/4) -139 HP, 3 heads, granting CA to Folka, dazed, Cursed (Myn)

Notes
Hydra knowledge is nature.

"Well guys, I'm outta here!"
Standard: twin strike (apparently 14 damage) http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3305179/
Free action: fall prone from mount into J-2
Minor action: Stand up
Movement action: Invigorating stride shifting to L-3

Folka holds off his attack a bit, but that doesn't stop the hydra from biting at the monk twice more, the first tearing a bloody gash in Folka's side, but the second being deftly beaten away by the monk's quick reflexes.

Sureiya unleashes a pair of sword attacks against the hydra in retaliation, scoring a pair of solid hits. He then drops off the mount, rolling to his feet in a smooth motion. The half-orc then manages to carefully slip away from the hydra's reach, regaining a bit of his strength from a brief respite from the onslaught. He also manages to rid himself of the damaging poison before its effects become crippling.

The hydra's snapping jaws hit Folka once for 14 damage and miss Folka once. It takes 7 radiant damage from Torinn's righteous radiance.
Sureiya takes ongoing 5 poison damage.
Sureiya's twin strike hits the hydra twice for 14 damage and 6 damage, and the hydra takes a -2 penalty to attacks until the end of Sureiya's next turn.
Sureiya drops prone. Sureiya uses acrobat boots to stand from prone. Sureiya then uses invigorating stride to shift 2 squares and use his second wind, spending a surge to regain 14 hit points and gain a +2 bonus to all defenses until the start of his next turn.
Sureiya saves against ongoing damage. http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3305237/

Initiative
Sureiya (anon-kun): 20
Folka Shiningarm (Hideiling): 20-1 (Delayed)
Poisonous Hydra: 19
"Bernkastel" (Bernkastel): 18
Sariel (Liliane): 16
Torinn Tormine (Astaroth): 15
Myn Nthelsyr (George): 10

Players
Myn Nthelsyr (George): (N-8) 43/50 HP, Darkspiral aura 1, Concealment
Book Imp (Myn): (N-8) Passive Mode
Folka Shiningarm (Hideiling): (H-5) 23/48 HP (Bloodied), +1 to AC and Reflex
"Bernkastel" (Bernkastel): (M-7) 47/47 HP
Torinn Tormine (Astaroth): (H/I-1/2, Elevation 1) 26/58 HP (Bloodied) + 19 tHP
Rutger (Astaroth): (H/I-1/2, Elevation 1) 29/29 HP, Resist 5 all
Sureiya (Anonkun): (L-3) 45/55 HP + 4 tHP
Sariel (Liliane): (O-5) 51/51 HP
Roth (Liliane): (N-6) 25/25 HP, +1 power bonus to all defenses for adjacent allies
Spirit Companion (Bernkastel): (J-3, Elevation 1)
Elemental Spirit (Bernkastel): (I-3, Elevation 1) +1 power bonus to all defenses for adjacent allies

Enemies
Poisonous Hydra (Enemy): (G/H-3/4) -166 HP, 3 heads, granting CA to Folka, dazed, Cursed (Myn), -2 to attacks

Notes
Hydra knowledge is nature.

As Folka holds back, the hydra roars once more, a shrill cry that echoes throughout the cavern system. As it does so, the severed neck wiggles and splits as two new heads emerge from the bloody stump. The now five-headed hydra utilizes every head as it bites at Torinn and Folka twice. The two adventurers manage to dodge every bite, but the fifth head launches a projectile poison spit which manages to strike Folka head-on, and the monk feels the poison quickly spreading throughout his body.

Folka continues to delay until after Bernkastel.
The hydra grows 2 new heads with regenerating heads. It then uses hydra fury, attacking Torinn with bite twice and missing both times, then attacking Folka with poison spit once, hitting for 6 poison damage plus ongoing 5 poison damage (save ends), then missing Folka with bite twice. It takes 7 radiant damage from Torinn's righteous radiance.

Initiative
Sureiya (anon-kun): 20
Poisonous Hydra: 19
"Bernkastel" (Bernkastel): 18
Folka Shiningarm (Hideiling): 18-1
Sariel (Liliane): 16
Torinn Tormine (Astaroth): 15
Myn Nthelsyr (George): 10

Players
Myn Nthelsyr (George): (N-8) 43/50 HP, Darkspiral aura 1, Concealment
Book Imp (Myn): (N-8) Passive Mode
Folka Shiningarm (Hideiling): (H-5) 17/48 HP (Bloodied), ongoing 5 poison damage (save ends)
"Bernkastel" (Bernkastel): (M-7) 47/47 HP
Torinn Tormine (Astaroth): (H/I-1/2, Elevation 1) 26/58 HP (Bloodied) + 19 tHP
Rutger (Astaroth): (H/I-1/2, Elevation 1) 29/29 HP, Resist 5 all
Sureiya (Anonkun): (L-3) 45/55 HP + 4 tHP, +2 to all defenses
Sariel (Liliane): (O-5) 51/51 HP
Roth (Liliane): (N-6) 25/25 HP, +1 power bonus to all defenses for adjacent allies
Spirit Companion (Bernkastel): (J-3, Elevation 1)
Elemental Spirit (Bernkastel): (I-3, Elevation 1) +1 power bonus to all defenses for adjacent allies

Enemies
Poisonous Hydra (Enemy): (G/H-3/4) -173 HP, 5 heads, granting CA to Folka, dazed, Cursed (Myn), -2 to attacks

Notes
Hydra knowledge is nature.

"There, an opportunity for an all-out attack."

The elemental spirit eagerly cuts into the beast with its scythe, and disappears with a sudden gust of wind.

Immediately, whirlwinds blow up a duststorm near both the hydra and the shaman's allies, summoning four ephemeral figures--air archons. They use their mastery over wind to blow the hydra into a disadvantageous position, and propel allies into powerful charges toward the vulnerable enemy.

Minor action: Inspiring Word for Folka. Surge + 2d6 + 1 healing, http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3305566/
Minor action: Draw totemic spear.
Standard action: Spirit of Athas attack, Int. vs. Reflex. http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3305559/
- Action Point - Standard action: Lamb to the slaughter, Str. vs. Will. I'll have Torinn, Folka, and Sureiya charge the hydra. http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3305563/
Free action: Bracers of Mental Might, use int in place of str for the attack.

Rutger swipes at the hydra as it flies past, but only hits empty air. "Hold on, Rutger, here we go..." Torinn says as he holds on tightly. The archon propels him into a terrible charge, Rutger roaring in primal fury. He hacks at the hydra's many heads with his blade, declaring, "I don't care how many heads you grow, you beast. You will not survive this fight!"

Rutger's raking claw immediate reaction :http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3305565/ (18, miss)
Torinn's charge attack : http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3305568/ (26, 10)

>>7205
8:49 PM Voyager: lol wait
8:49 PM Voyager: I forgot to post where I'm pulling the hydra to
8:50 PM Voyager: it's K/L-6/7.

charge to j/k 4/5

>>7204
>>7205
Wincing at the bite from the hydra, Folka tries to keep up a tough front by remarking back towards it, no matter how futile it may seem to communicate with it,"For so many heads, you sure suck at trying to bite me!"

While the hydra stupidly gets whisked away by the air archons, at the moment the rest of his allies attack, Folka strikes in a chopping motion at one of the many heads while yelling,"Now, Let's see how YOU LIKE IT!"


Charge to L-5
http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3305574/

"Seriously guys? I just escaped from that thing!"
Because bern orders it, charge against the hydra (32,20) Finish charge at L5 http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3305668/

Bernkastel quickly uses a bit of spiritual healing via motivational words to restore Folka's fighting spirit, then calls for her elemental spirit to unleash its full power on the hydra, leaving it a bit weakened.

Digging into her deepest reserves of strength, the shaman calls forth a group of air spirits, which lure the hydra into position for her allies, which each attack in turn. Torinn's sword strike severs another one of the hydra's heads, and Sureiya lands a vicious attack accross the beast's midsection while Folka punches one of the hydra's vulnerable necks. The beast is bleeding heavily now, but still proves ready to fight, snapping its biting mouths towards the shaman in retaliation, missing by quite a bit the first time, but the second head corrects its aid and bites through her shoulder.

Bernkastel uses inspiring word, which heals Folka for 20 hit points, and Folka spends a surge. Bernkastel draws her totemic spear.
Bernkastel uses spirit of athas attack, which hits for 12 damage and imposes a -2 to attacks and defenses penalty on the hydra until the end of its next turn.
Bernkastel spends an action point! Bernkastel uses lamb to the slaughter, which hits and pulls the hydra adjacent. Torinn charges and hits with a MBA for 10 damage, which bloodies the hydra. Sureiya charges and hits with marauder's rush for 22 damage. Folka charges and hits with monk basic attack for 13 damage.
The hydra uses snapping jaws, which misses Bernkastel once and hits Bernkastel once for 14 damage. It takes 7 radiant damage from Torinn's righteous radiance.

Initiative
Sureiya (anon-kun): 20
Poisonous Hydra: 19
"Bernkastel" (Bernkastel): 18
Folka Shiningarm (Hideiling): 18-1
Sariel (Liliane): 16
Torinn Tormine (Astaroth): 15
Myn Nthelsyr (George): 10

Players
Myn Nthelsyr (George): (N-8) 43/50 HP, Darkspiral aura 1, Concealment
Book Imp (Myn): (N-8) Passive Mode
Folka Shiningarm (Hideiling): (J-6) 37/48 HP, ongoing 5 poison damage (save ends)
"Bernkastel" (Bernkastel): (M-7) 33/47 HP
Torinn Tormine (Astaroth): (J/K-4/5) 26/58 HP (Bloodied) + 19 tHP
Rutger (Astaroth): (J/K-4/5) 29/29 HP, Resist 5 all
Sureiya (Anonkun): (L-5) 45/55 HP + 4 tHP, +2 to all defenses
Sariel (Liliane): (O-5) 51/51 HP
Roth (Liliane): (N-6) 25/25 HP, +1 power bonus to all defenses for adjacent allies
Spirit Companion (Bernkastel): (J-3, Elevation 1)
Elemental Spirit (Bernkastel): (I-3, Elevation 1) [b]+1 power bonus to all defenses for adjacent allies[/s] Not Present

Enemies
Poisonous Hydra (Enemy): (K/L-6/7) -237 HP (Bloodied), 4 heads, granting CA to Folka, dazed, Cursed (Myn), -2 to attacks, -2 to attacks and defenses

Notes
Hydra knowledge is nature.

Folka suddenly starts swaying near the hydra, then suddenly strikes the hydra in the head, causing it to attack itself moving it about the battlefield in the process. The red cloth which he carries with him always wraps around one of the hydra's necks, and he pulls it back towards the party again, and quickly strikes it, too fast for most creatures (or people for that matter) to even see. After all is said and done, he attempts to shift into a better position, but after doing so, falls prone, the poison and the battle at hand clearly starting to wear on him. He shouts out,"It's nothing! Keep on that creature before it can strike again!"


Drunken Monkey vs Hydra's Will: http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3305724/
Hydra gains a +2 to the basic melee attack against itself after I shift it one square east
No Action:Flurry of blows the Hydra (4 damage) and slide it one square west.
Move Action: Shift 1 square east of my position
Saving Throw: http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3305737/

Folka staggers a bit as he slams into the hydra, in a strange maneuver that confuses the beast into attempting to bite itself--but it's too much in a stupor to land a solid hit. As the monk continues to stagger, it appears not all of it was because of the technique he employed, as the poison removes full control of his limbs, and the flops to the ground.

Folka's drunken monkey hits the hydra for 8 damage, and its bite misses itself. Folka slides it east, then slides it back west with centered breath flurry of blows, which also deals 4 damage to it.
Folka shifts, and fails his saving throw, falling prone, and he cannot stand from prone until he saves.

Initiative
Sureiya (anon-kun): 20
Poisonous Hydra: 19
"Bernkastel" (Bernkastel): 18
Folka Shiningarm (Hideiling): 18-1
Sariel (Liliane): 16
Torinn Tormine (Astaroth): 15
Myn Nthelsyr (George): 10

Players
Myn Nthelsyr (George): (N-8) 43/50 HP, Darkspiral aura 2, Concealment
Book Imp (Myn): (N-8) Passive Mode
Folka Shiningarm (Hideiling): (J-7) 37/48 HP, ongoing 5 poison damage (save ends), prone, cannot stand until save
"Bernkastel" (Bernkastel): (M-7) 33/47 HP
Torinn Tormine (Astaroth): (J/K-4/5) 26/58 HP (Bloodied) + 19 tHP
Rutger (Astaroth): (J/K-4/5) 29/29 HP, Resist 5 all
Sureiya (Anonkun): (L-5) 45/55 HP + 4 tHP, +2 to all defenses
Sariel (Liliane): (O-5) 51/51 HP
Roth (Liliane): (N-6) 25/25 HP, +1 power bonus to all defenses for adjacent allies
Spirit Companion (Bernkastel): (J-3, Elevation 1)
Elemental Spirit (Bernkastel): (I-3, Elevation 1) +1 power bonus to all defenses for adjacent allies Not Present

Enemies
Poisonous Hydra (Enemy): (K/L-6/7) -249 HP (Bloodied), 4 heads, granting CA to Folka, dazed, -2 to attacks against Sureiya, -2 to attacks and defenses

Notes
Hydra knowledge is nature.

Sariel throws up a protective barrier when one of the attacks lands a hit on Bernkastel, shielding her with eladrin magic.

As for after that, the caster is at a loss. Burn it with zeal, unleash the phantasmal warriors or charge it with her sword?

Immediate Interrupt: Channeling Shield, reduce damage on Bernkastel by 7, to 7. Not taking turn yet, need to think.

Folka's surprising attack has left the hydra dazed, and Sariel quickly channels a protective barrier to absorb a portion of the hydra's attack.

Folka's surprise strike dazes the hydra until the end of his next turn.
Sariel's channeling shield reduces the damage of the bite on Benrkastel by 7.

Initiative
Sureiya (anon-kun): 20
Poisonous Hydra: 19
"Bernkastel" (Bernkastel): 18
Folka Shiningarm (Hideiling): 18-1
Sariel (Liliane): 16
Torinn Tormine (Astaroth): 15
Myn Nthelsyr (George): 10

Players
Myn Nthelsyr (George): (N-8) 43/50 HP, Darkspiral aura 2, Concealment
Book Imp (Myn): (N-8) Passive Mode
Folka Shiningarm (Hideiling): (J-7) 37/48 HP, ongoing 5 poison damage (save ends), prone, cannot stand until save
"Bernkastel" (Bernkastel): (M-7) 40/47 HP
Torinn Tormine (Astaroth): (J/K-4/5) 26/58 HP (Bloodied) + 19 tHP
Rutger (Astaroth): (J/K-4/5) 29/29 HP, Resist 5 all
Sureiya (Anonkun): (L-5) 45/55 HP + 4 tHP, +2 to all defenses
Sariel (Liliane): (O-5) 51/51 HP
Roth (Liliane): (N-6) 25/25 HP, +1 power bonus to all defenses for adjacent allies
Spirit Companion (Bernkastel): (J-3, Elevation 1)
Elemental Spirit (Bernkastel): (I-3, Elevation 1) +1 power bonus to all defenses for adjacent allies Not Present

Enemies
Poisonous Hydra (Enemy): (K/L-6/7) -249 HP (Bloodied), 4 heads, granting CA to Folka, dazed, -2 to attacks against Sureiya, -2 to attacks and defenses

Notes
Hydra knowledge is nature.

Sariel whips up a burst of flames, engulfing the hydra and placing her bursting flame's protective ward on it, so that it may reward one of its attacks with a burst of fire.

After a quick bit of repositioning, the eladrin summons her phantasmal warriors as well, distracting the hydra in hopes of disallowing it to flail around so much at the party.

Standard: Shielding Fire.
Roll: http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3306933/
(16 damage, stops regen of one head!)

Move: Sariel shifts to N6, Roth to N7.

Action Point!
Standard: Winged Horde.
Roll: http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3306934/

Sariel blasts the hydra with a fiery censure of retribution, before adjusting her positioning and quickly conjuring a horde of illusionary warriors to take advantage of the hydra's weakness. With the shaman's spiritual assistance, the hydra is clearly affected by the mental onslaught, distracted and unable to effectively react, though it does still manage to bite at the eladrin twice. Sariel is too quick, however, and deftly dodges both attacks.

Sariel's swordmage shielding fire hits the hydra for 16 fire damage and marks it until the end of the encounter.
She then shifts and Roth shifts as well. Sariel spends an action point, gaining a +4 bonus to attacks and damage from tactical presence/assault! She hits with winged horde for 16 psychic damage. It also can't take opportunity actions until the end of Sariel's next turn.
The hydra's snapping jaws misses Sariel twice.

Initiative
Sureiya (anon-kun): 20
Poisonous Hydra: 19
"Bernkastel" (Bernkastel): 18
Folka Shiningarm (Hideiling): 18-1
Sariel (Liliane): 16
Torinn Tormine (Astaroth): 15
Myn Nthelsyr (George): 10

Players
Myn Nthelsyr (George): (N-8) 43/50 HP, Darkspiral aura 2, Concealment
Book Imp (Myn): (N-8) Passive Mode
Folka Shiningarm (Hideiling): (J-7) 37/48 HP, ongoing 5 poison damage (save ends), prone, cannot stand until save
"Bernkastel" (Bernkastel): (M-7) 40/47 HP
Torinn Tormine (Astaroth): (J/K-4/5) 26/58 HP (Bloodied) + 19 tHP
Rutger (Astaroth): (J/K-4/5) 29/29 HP, Resist 5 all
Sureiya (Anonkun): (L-5) 45/55 HP + 4 tHP, +2 to all defenses
Sariel (Liliane): (N-6) 51/51 HP
Roth (Liliane): (N-7) 25/25 HP, +1 power bonus to all defenses for adjacent allies
Spirit Companion (Bernkastel): (J-3, Elevation 1)
Elemental Spirit (Bernkastel): (I-3, Elevation 1) +1 power bonus to all defenses for adjacent allies Not Present

Enemies
Poisonous Hydra (Enemy): (K/L-6/7) -281 HP (Bloodied), 4 heads, granting CA to Folka, dazed, -2 to attacks against Sureiya, -2 to attacks and defenses, marked (Swordmage Shielding Fire)

Notes
Hydra knowledge is nature.

"Hey pal! Don't so fast!!"
Using his fighting training, Sureiya spot a good time to swing his blade against the hydra
Battle awareness immediate reaction: (26,11) http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3307803/

Eager to make up for a missed opportunity earlier, Rutger jumps at the hydra and knocks it to the ground, trying to bite through its hide to reach its jugular vein. Torinn meditates for a moment in prayer, murmuring, "Mighty platinum dragon, grant your unworthy servant thy blessing to vanquish evil." A sheen of black frost coats Torinn's weapon as he hefts it, the cold air around him taking on the visage of his deity. With the hydra pinned, Torinn swings, the ice shattering on impact and numbing his foe to its very core.

Battle Pounce, vs. AC, add 2 : http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3307825/ (25, 8) knock prone on a hit
Action Point : Chilling Smite : http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3307828/ (26, 17 cold damage) -5 damage on a hit (save ends)

When the hydra attacks Sariel, Sureiya lunges forward at the opportunity, slicing into the hydra's exposed necks and cuts off another one of the hydra's heads, which flops to the ground.

Rutger pounces, knocking the hydra over with a savage flurry of claws and fangs, before Torinn reaches into his inner reserves for an icy smite, which brands the hydra with a powerful sanction that weakens its attacks. The hydra is really reeling now.

Sureiya uses battle awareness, which allows him to hit with a mba for 11 damage.
Rutger uses battle pounce, which hits for 8 damage and knocks the hydra prone.
Torinn spends an action point! Tornn hits with chilling smite for 17 cold damage and imposing a -5 damage penalty (save ends).
The hydra's snapping jaws misses Torinn twice.

Initiative
Sureiya (anon-kun): 20
Poisonous Hydra: 19
"Bernkastel" (Bernkastel): 18
Folka Shiningarm (Hideiling): 18-1
Sariel (Liliane): 16
Torinn Tormine (Astaroth): 15
Myn Nthelsyr (George): 10

Players
Myn Nthelsyr (George): (N-8) 43/50 HP, Darkspiral aura 2, Concealment
Book Imp (Myn): (N-8) Passive Mode
Folka Shiningarm (Hideiling): (J-7) 37/48 HP, ongoing 5 poison damage (save ends), prone, cannot stand until save
"Bernkastel" (Bernkastel): (M-7) 40/47 HP
Torinn Tormine (Astaroth): (J/K-4/5) 26/58 HP (Bloodied) + 19 tHP
Rutger (Astaroth): (J/K-4/5) 29/29 HP, Resist 5 all
Sureiya (Anonkun): (L-5) 45/55 HP + 4 tHP, +2 to all defenses
Sariel (Liliane): (N-6) 51/51 HP
Roth (Liliane): (N-7) 25/25 HP, +1 power bonus to all defenses for adjacent allies
Spirit Companion (Bernkastel): (J-3, Elevation 1)
Elemental Spirit (Bernkastel): (I-3, Elevation 1) +1 power bonus to all defenses for adjacent allies Not Present

Enemies
Poisonous Hydra (Enemy): (K/L-6/7) -317 HP (Bloodied), 3 heads, granting CA to Folka, dazed, -2 to attacks against Sureiya, -2 to attacks and defenses, marked (Swordmage Shielding Fire), -5 to damage rolls (save ends), prone

Notes
Hydra knowledge is nature.

>>7247


Uncomfortably close to the enemy, Myn positions himself behind the wall of women and small animals, reapplying his curse as he unleashes a swarm of dark worms at the creature.

Minor action: Curse hydra.
Move action: Move to Q-5.
Standard action: Cast Darkworm Feast against hydra.

Attack roll:http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3307889/
Damage roll:http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3307890/

The warlock simply renews his curse on the flailing beast before causing worms to erupt from the headless stump of the hydra, causing notable agony in the creature and slowing its movements.

Myn curses the hydra and moves.
Myn's darkworm feast hits the hydra for 20 necrotic damage and the hdyra is slowed until the end of Myn's next turn.

Initiative
Sureiya (anon-kun): 20
Poisonous Hydra: 19
"Bernkastel" (Bernkastel): 18
Folka Shiningarm (Hideiling): 18-1
Sariel (Liliane): 16
Torinn Tormine (Astaroth): 15
Myn Nthelsyr (George): 10

Players
Myn Nthelsyr (George): (Q-5) 43/50 HP, Darkspiral aura 2, Concealment
Book Imp (Myn): (Q-5) Passive Mode
Folka Shiningarm (Hideiling): (J-7) 37/48 HP, ongoing 5 poison damage (save ends), prone, cannot stand until save
"Bernkastel" (Bernkastel): (M-7) 40/47 HP
Torinn Tormine (Astaroth): (J/K-4/5) 26/58 HP (Bloodied) + 19 tHP
Rutger (Astaroth): (J/K-4/5) 29/29 HP, Resist 5 all
Sureiya (Anonkun): (L-5) 45/55 HP + 4 tHP, +2 to all defenses
Sariel (Liliane): (N-6) 51/51 HP
Roth (Liliane): (N-7) 25/25 HP, +1 power bonus to all defenses for adjacent allies
Spirit Companion (Bernkastel): (J-3, Elevation 1)
Elemental Spirit (Bernkastel): (I-3, Elevation 1) +1 power bonus to all defenses for adjacent allies Not Present

Enemies
Poisonous Hydra (Enemy): (K/L-6/7) -337 HP (Bloodied), 3 heads, granting CA to Folka, dazed, -2 to attacks against Sureiya, -2 to attacks and defenses, marked (Swordmage Shielding Fire), -5 to damage rolls (save ends), prone, slowed

Notes
Hydra knowledge is nature.

Looking the hydra to start getting a bit pale, Sureiya continue with his speciality, slashing things!
"I'm sorry bro, last rest took us enough, so we don't got time to play! "
Twin strike (32 damage and 6 from critical) http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3307971/ and critical dice http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3307981/
Minor action: Sohei flair against the Hydra! (17 total damage) http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3307982/
Free action: Furious assault! (damage added in sohei flair roll)

With a sudden flurry of attacks, Sureiya lops off another head from the hydra, and then slices enough gashes in the hydra's body, each slash provoking a spray of blood from the hydra's flailing body. The best staggers, roars, and collapses in an unmoving heap.

Sureiya's twin strike hits once and crits once for 9 damage and 29 damage.
Sureiya's sohei flair hits for 17 damage with furious assault.

Initiative
Sureiya (anon-kun): 20
Poisonous Hydra: 19
"Bernkastel" (Bernkastel): 18
Folka Shiningarm (Hideiling): 18-1
Sariel (Liliane): 16
Torinn Tormine (Astaroth): 15
Myn Nthelsyr (George): 10

Players
Myn Nthelsyr (George): (N-8) 43/50 HP, Darkspiral aura 2, Concealment
Book Imp (Myn): (N-8) Passive Mode
Folka Shiningarm (Hideiling): (J-7) 37/48 HP, ongoing 5 poison damage (save ends), prone, cannot stand until save
"Bernkastel" (Bernkastel): (M-7) 40/47 HP
Torinn Tormine (Astaroth): (J/K-4/5) 26/58 HP (Bloodied) + 19 tHP
Rutger (Astaroth): (J/K-4/5) 29/29 HP, Resist 5 all
Sureiya (Anonkun): (L-5) 45/55 HP + 4 tHP, +2 to all defenses
Sariel (Liliane): (N-6) 51/51 HP
Roth (Liliane): (N-7) 25/25 HP, +1 power bonus to all defenses for adjacent allies
Spirit Companion (Bernkastel): (J-3, Elevation 1)
Elemental Spirit (Bernkastel): (I-3, Elevation 1) +1 power bonus to all defenses for adjacent allies Not Present

Enemies
Poisonous Hydra (Enemy): (K/L-6/7) -392 HP (Bloodied), 3 heads, granting CA to Folka, dazed, -2 to attacks against Sureiya, -2 to attacks and defenses, marked (Swordmage Shielding Fire), -5 to damage rolls (save ends), prone, slowed DEAD

Notes
Hydra knowledge is nature.

Sariel frowns, her face riddled with a disappointed expression.

"You'd think hydras much fiercer," she says after a short pause, surveying the others with a quizzical expression. "Either that, or I travel in greater company than I'd thought."

>>7252
Watching the hydra fall, the shaman looks around before finally relaxing, exhausted from the burden of calling four air archons at once. Her spirit companion moves to lift the debilitating poison from Folka in her place.

Move action: Spirit companion next to Folka.
Minor action: Spirit's Sacrifice. Help Folka save (he already rolled, but this prevents 5 more damage)

Torinn shrugs it off, trying to get back to reading, "Maybe those lawn ornaments didn't feed it well enough."

Moments later, after encountering said creature in his book, he murmurs to himself, "Ohh, so that's what it was. Certainly not a snake."

Take short rest

>>7257
"A... snake? ... You thought it was a snake?"

For a moment, Sariel stares at Torinn in quiet amazement. Then, she roars with laughter, pointing a trembling finger at the dragonborn.

"A sna-ha-ha-hake? It had four heads! Four!"

>>7258
Torinn glances up from his book, "What about snakes having several heads? A scholar like yourself should know that such things existed in mythology. I read one was once revered as a sort of deity." He flips a page, "Then again, it's just something I read in a storybook, so the veracity of its claims should be taken with a grain of salt."

Recovering from her laughter, Sariel retorts, "And were it one such a snake, a scholar like myself would have been able to tell immediately. Not mistake some hydra for a snake. Your ignorance remains impressive."

With that, she turns her back to the dragonborn, to signify that she is done talking. Instead, the eladrin saunters over to the martial artist.

"You were hit rather hard," she observes. "Are you all right now?"

>>7260
Torinn mutters, "Like I haven't heard that one before all my life," before tuning out everything else.

"Oh dang, had I been a second later with that last attack and I am sure it would have attack us again ... Anyways to where did that dwarf run?"
Short rest

>>7263
The shaman stares for a while, and finally decides to ask something she'd been curious about. "Could the tiger always fly?"

>>7254
"Thanks, though I don't think I've ever gotten your name..." Folka says as he nods in appreciation towards the shaman, now able to seemingly shake off the poison from his limbs.
http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3308773/
>>7257
Trying to contain his laughter at the whole situation, Folka replies quite heartily,"Quite the group we have here!"
>>7260
"Thanks for your concern, Miss, but it seems I'm quite alright now, thanks to the help of this one here-"He makes a gesture towards the shaman he either doesn't know the name of or can't recall if it was given to him.

"We got really lucky fighting that thing. Had it not missed us so much, a lot of us would be dead or close to it right now I think."

The encounter proving to be more taxing than he realizes, Folka kneels back down to rest a little, saying,"Sorry, it looks like I spoke too soon. Guess I'll just rest a little bit longer."


short rest, spend one surge after Bern places down the standard

>>7267
"... Oh, I'm sorry. Please call me Bernkastel." The shaman briefly questions whether she really forgot to introduce herself, and plants the battle standard of healing for the break.

Battle standard etc.

>>7266
"Fly? It's just good at leaping," Torinn remarks.

Final Stats
Myn Nthelsyr (George): (N-8) 43/50 HP, Darkspiral aura 2, Concealment
Book Imp (Myn): (N-8) Passive Mode
Folka Shiningarm (Hideiling): (J-7) 37/48 HP
"Bernkastel" (Bernkastel): (M-7) 40/47 HP
Torinn Tormine (Astaroth): (J/K-4/5) 26/58 HP (Bloodied) + 19 tHP
Rutger (Astaroth): (J/K-4/5) 29/29 HP, Resist 5 all
Sureiya (Anonkun): (L-5) 45/55 HP + 4 tHP, +2 to all defenses
Sariel (Liliane): (N-6) 51/51 HP
Roth (Liliane): (N-7) 25/25 HP, +1 power bonus to all defenses for adjacent allies
Spirit Companion (Bernkastel): (J-3, Elevation 1)
Elemental Spirit (Bernkastel): (I-3, Elevation 1) +1 power bonus to all defenses for adjacent allies Not Present

Healing Surges Spent
Torinn: 2
Sureiya: 1
Folka: 1

XP Earned
437 per character

"Now, then," Sariel drawls, pacing around calmly, "it stands to reason now to assume that the duergar, in there dealings with the Underdark and its rotten drow denizens, have learned how to tame a hydra. Enough, in any case, to set it on us as a means of delaying us.

"Commonly, we assume duergar are only interested in expanding their trade, that being of slaves and the sort, but given the evidence I am wont to think they want us dead rather than enslaved.

"Thus." Sariel jabs her finger to a deeper end of the cave. "I propose that we proceed after a short rest, whereupon we bring to those creatures what they would have liked to bring to us.

"Any objections?"

Listening at Sariel plan, the rangers replies.

"Sounds good. And if those tiny guys are trying so hard to bring us down they are surely hidding something around!
Anyways, let's start with this room ..."
Perception check on the area, check the area where the hydra appeared and some more, without leaving the party more than 15 squares ago.

At Sariel's gesture, Roth chases after Sureiya, tail aglow with light.

Light on Roth, and Roth stays within 1 square of Sureiya.

A sweep of the cavern reveals the path revealed to the north earlier, blocked by a fallen pillar. Though the collapsed section before you looks large and heavy (about 8-10 feet tall and very thick), it could probably be moved aside with some effort from the party's stronger party members.

There doesn't appear to be anything else hidden in the room, apparently this cavern section was deserted because of the hydra. There are scant traces of the remains of various creatures, humanoid and not-humanoid, embedded into the floor here and there, but not enough to identify anything with certainty.

Sariel approaches Sureiya, having seen Roth motion something that looks like "there's no danger" or "I'm hungry, feed me" - either way, it looks safe.

"Looks like we need someone to lift the rubble away," the eladrin mentions. "Would that my magic was more than just aimed at destroying the mind."

Still bleeding from not healing himself, Torinn orders Rutger toward the rubble in question. "I guess that's my cue," he says, Rutger channeling his strength to push the stones aside.

Athletics check : http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3311714/ (32)

"I don't seem to recall my magic doing much in the way of breaking stone either."

Myn exchanges a brief glance with his familiar, tossing the imp at the pillar and directing it to (feebly) push as well.

The imp familiar manages to right itself after being tossed in the direction of the pillar, chattering and putting on an annoyed expression as it does so. It then looks at the pillar for a moment, then back at Myn, then at the pillar once more, before finally turning back to Myn with an expression that clearly says, "Are you kidding me?"

Meanwhile, Torinn manages to clear the broken pillar out of the way with a bit of effort.

"The way forward's open," Torinn remarks, stating the obvious. Realizing that he's been bleeding the entire time, he returns the the aura of the battle standard and recovers his wounds.

move back to battle standard aura
spend healing surge

"Before some of you rush headlong into whatever might be ahead, you should probably tend to your wounds first."


spend one healing surge

Sariel and Roth take point, calmly stepping into the passage that had been revealed to search a little further, careful not to walk too far ahead of the rest.

The orc walk near to the party and let the Shaman make her work.

>>7269
Choosing to overlook the mystery of the floating tiger in front of her eyes, the shaman instead chooses to listen to the elemental spirit and search the pond. She dunks her head underwater, looking for anything suspicious.

Assuming there's nothing, she uses prestidigitation to dry herself and moves on with the others.

After the group finishes their rest, the shaman packs up her battle standard and the adventurers advance. "Bernkastel"'s search of the pool doesn't reveal anything out of the ordinary, as it appears the hydra was the only thing lurking there (being a solitary predator).

When the path ahead is illuminated, the adventurers find that it only advances forward a bit before giving way to a path that leads downward. Oddly enough, there seem to be crudely carved stairs on the path downward. The floor here is drier than the previous locales, suggesting that you have moved away from the underground water sources of the cavern.

After a very rewarding rest, the ranger moves ahead and take a look around
"I think we should continue, that bastard is probably hiding ahead."

Torinn orders Rutger forward.

Take up position at the front again

The party proceeds down the steps as steadily as they can, though Rutger has to squeeze most of the way, with the paladin dismounted. Thus, it takes some time to reach the base of the steps, at least 15 or 20 minutes of straight walking down.

Once the steps end, however, the path before you opens into a large, decorated hall. The stone here is finely smoothed and worked, with engravings in the walls ahead (though not in your immediate area). There are great stone columns that reach as high as you can see from your vantage point--which is high indeed, as you cannot see the ceiling from here. This was clearly once a great dwarven hall, perhaps one of the central locations in the underground fortress.

However, it has fallen into obvious disuse. Moss covers much of the walls and floor, and even some of the columns are covered in thick moss. Some of the stone has chipped away here and there, probably from the passage of time itself or base creatures roaming about. There is even a scattering of mushrooms growing on the moss-covered ground a bit ahead.

But what would catch your attention here first would probably be the scattered bodies of duergar filling the hall. They appear very similar to the one Sureiya caught a glimpse of earlier, and at a glance appear very dead or at least unconscious. It's not known how they died, though they obviously haven't been dead for very long, and there appear to be crossbow bolts sticking from the bodies of several of them. There also appears to be a pile of ash in the middle of the room, and the burnt remains of something, still smoldering slightly.

Surveying the carnage before them, Torinn scowls. Rutger sniffs and paws at the nearest corpse, which earns him a stern glare from the paladin.

"If you didn't already notice, there's something out there," he whispers to the group, "And it's armed. We should proceed carefully. Try to find some sort of cover."

"Well... I think we found those.. what were they called again.. Dueregar? That we ran into earlier. Question is.. who killed them and what happened here?" Folka remarks while carefully walking towards the entrance to take a quick look around.


Move to the square to the right/east of Roth(so right next to him)
Perception check:

I was going to make a perception check, but invisible castle is down? Hopefully it comes back soon.

Sariel frowns. "Well, if you can spare a few minutes, I could use magic to pinpoint the culprit."

"Oh my. There gotta be something ahead of us."
Move a bit ahead and perception. Can
t roll right now invisible castle ded. Also happy new year rin.

As members of the group advance slightly, they reveal a bit more of the room, which is eerily quiet. From Sureiya's vantage point he estimates that the ceiling is more than 200 feet off the ground, and the solid pillars of what appear to be sandstone ascend the entire distance. This hall is quite large, at least compare to the other rooms in the ruins you've explored previously. Aside from the room continuing to the east, there is also an apparent smaller passage branching to the north.

Sureiya notices some engravings on the wall--apparently the dwarves here battled the local wildlife (mostly elephants and mandrills), goblin invasions, and what can only be described as demons or other underground horrors. Many deaths at the hands of these enemies are engraved into the walls, alongside pictures of cheese and artifacts.

Sariel shrugs, then ventures, "At the very least, we should destroy these corpses. I find I have a distaste for necromancy, these days."

So saying, she takes up her blade, and beheads the nearest corpse, then removes its arms and legs, before moving on to the rest of them.

Myn watches the pointy-eared violence in veiled horror. A waste of perfectly good corpses...

"We would do well to investigate that pile of ashes. It seems strange that one alone would be burnt rather than shot by crossbow."

"..."
Not pleased with the lack of respect to the corpses, Sureiya try to ignore the Eladrin while she do that.
"Why would a necromancer be around at a time like this? ... well things don't make too much sense lately. "

>>7339
".. Really?"

The shaman initially looks on with some confusion about necromancers being unable to reanimate mutilated bodies, but she soon notices the elemental spirit overseeing the ghastly deed with apparent satisfaction, and chooses to say no more.

Elemental spirit summoned sometime between or during the first and second short rests; post 7315.

Give a quick inspection to be near soon to be dismembered corpses. Check where the mortal wounds are.

Torinn clears his throat loudly with an unpleasant look on his face, glaring at Sariel, "Stop that at once. That is not how you keep a corpse from being revived by a necromancer. All you're doing is defiling the dead." Torinn shakes his head in frustration, and gives the elemental a stern look, "If you really, truly, earnestly wish to protect them from being raised as something unholy and profane, then I believe there is a special compound that you sprinkle over a corpse that protects the body from unholy resurrection. Or," he throws up his hands, "I'm absolutely certain there's an inexpensive, low level ritual out there that can be used to prevent a corpse from being raised as some kind of ghoul. One you might even know already. But even a dunce like me knows that mutilating them isn't part of the process!" He looks very disappointed in Sariel. "If my ignorance impresses you, then yours shames me, scholar," he snorts.

Torinn turns away from Sariel and takes a deep breath. Even with the stench of fresh corpses in the air, it makes him feel better. He kneels and begins to pray for the duergar, and beseeches Bahamut to protect their lingering mortal flesh from further unjust defilement. And then he has Rutger begin to dig a shallow grave for the nearest duergar.

>>7352
"First off... I don't think you'll be able to have your pet dig through solid stone, and second, these gods forsaken creatures are already defiled by their dealings with the underdark, so I have no care for how their corpses are dealt with so long as they aren't raised up against us. Anyway, it'd be best if someone who is good at determining a cause of death in our party, maybe Bernkastel here, to maybe give us an idea of what happened." Folka remarks as he waltzes into the room, with it clearly being safe.

"Indeed?" Sariel turns, coolly regarding the dragonborn. "How do the dragon heads you're collecting feel about that? Or is the problem that I'm not collecting their heads?"

She gestures, unslinging her backpack and opening it with a magic hand, before fetching the skulls of the duergar corpses she's beheaded and putting them in the bag.

"Alright, now we're the same. You hate dragons and like desecrating their corpses and dragging their remains around as trophies, I hate duergar and like desecrating their corpses and dragging their remains around as trophies."

>>7366
Without addressing the hypocrisy, Torinn nonchalantly replies, "I see. That would explain why you did not consider the obvious, less grisly alternatives. I shall respect your customs, then, and ask that you do the same towards mine." As Rutger can't dig through the stone, Torinn waves him over as they move towards the center of the room.

"Excellent, then." Sariel uses a minor cantrip to set fire to the backpack, given its macabre contents.

She then eyes the rest of the party for any more complaints and, if none arise, continues chopping up corpses, while Roth scatters their remains around.

Anyone out to resurrect these corpses had best be prepared to play assemble the corpse.

Before Sariel can carve up every corpse, the shaman tries to examine them quickly, and eventually moves on to the smoldering pile of something.

Examine corpses, heal check. Typical things, and checking whether the crossbow wounds were posthumous or not. http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3315024/

I'll inspect the burnt thing too etc.

Moving out further into the room confirms that the room is quite large--you still can't see the entirety of it even after moving out into the center. However, Bernkastel's sunrod reveals that the northern path ends in a stone door. Sariel manages to hack away the limbs and heads of the dead duergar without incident.

The majority of the adventurers' searches doesn't reveal much of interest--Bernkastel is pretty sure that several weapon-caused wounds were the direct cause of death of the duergar prior to dismemberment, and the ashes are somewhat nondescript. There's really no telling what they were prior to incineration. On the other hand, Bernkastel does notice traces of poison in several of the wounds caused by crossbow bolts.

The duergar seem to be equipped mostly in mundane chainmail and hide armor, with sturdy steel axes, whips, and a flail. A particular thing that the shaman notices from a corpse that she manages to get to before Sariel beheads it is that the "spines" that form the duergar's beard seem to emanate an unnatural amount of heat. This is somewhat odd for a duergar, as the spines were typically said to be poisonous, yet there's no evidence of any poison on or in the quills of the bodies here. Instead, they are very hot, and the shaman is quite certain that she'd burn herself if she touched them.

"There's something weird in this place ...
You, Bernkastel. Did you find something fishy about those corpses?"

>>7379
"The way they died isn't particularly suspicious. It looks like they were killed by weapon-wielding enemies, and the bolts seem to be poisoned.

"Aside from that... it's a bit strange that their quills don't seem to be venomous, but instead radiate intense heat. Is this common in duergar?"

With that, the shaman pokes around at the ashes with her spear, looking for any clues as to what they may have been.

Sariel ponders.

Knowledge Checks: http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3316137/

From what Sariel knows, this is highly unusual. Though they appear as duergar, the heat they emanate would suggest azers.

What if these dwarves had entered a pact not with devils, but with demons? It could suggest their similarity towards duergar but more elemental nature... though Sariel has never heard of such a thing happening before, it's hardly impossible. And with the stories of Koganusân, a demon incursion isn't all that unlikely, and is consistent with the images engraved into the walls in this hall.

Sariel reaches a decision.

"I've been thinking these were duergar dwarves, victims of the Underdark,
but now I see 'em here and all, laying dead in their great hall.
Looks like these guys here dealt with demons, not with devils I remark,
they are likely simple dwarvenkin, all murdered by some foes.
It's time for us to look ahead and find out for ourselves,
unlikely they are friendly elves, so stay right on your toes."

The eladrin stares at the others coolly.

>>7387
Then, with a cough, Sariel adds, "The burning trait of their plumes might suggest azers."

What do I know of azers:
http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3316158/

Sariel knows that azers were dwarves that, in ancient times, served as slaves to the giants. The dwarves of today descend from those that managed to break free of their oppression at the hands of the giants, but azers are those that did not break free and were corrupted and transformed into fiery beings by their overlords. While many azers remain bound to titans or giants, some have broken free and pursue their own ends, for good or ill.

"It seems that Myth Drannor has an interesting culture," Torinn remarks, once again making the wrong association. Also, dwarves certainly got enslaved by quite a few terrible beings in the past. If the dragonborn hadn't liberated themselves when they did, would the same fate have awaited them?

"So, who's the culprit that first killed this group?"

A bit confused from the discussion, the half orc decide to give the place a check.
"There are surely more agressive creatures around. If that guy tried to stop us it's probably because they have been attacked recently, Could be these the corpses of the ones who tried to defend this place?"
Perception check: http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3316360/

Sureiya undertakes a thorough investigation of the room, but doesn't find anything suspicious until he arrives at the stone door to the north. It's very fainy, but Sureiya believes he can hear the sound of voices on the other side--but the door is thick and made of solid carved stone, so it's impossible to make out what they are saying or anything else.

Despite the group's best efforts, it would be impossible to pinpoint any specific culprits to this crime, as many of the humanoid races of the Underdark war against each other using all variety of weapons. While the drow are most prolific in their use of hand crossbows, you can't rule out that troglodyes or other underground races may have gotten their hands on such weapons.

Sariel shrugs and approaches the half-orc.

"Azers serve giants. Generally speaking. They may have escaped a giant's service and were killed for that act alone, or they were still in its service." A pause.

"In which case, I hope you lot are prepared to blunt your weapons on giant skin. Sureiya, did you discover anything of interest?"

Sureiya return to the center of the room, while making a sign to Sariel to move as well. Then he answers her, while keeping his voice low.
"Indeed, I can hear some voices from the other side of that door. Aside from that I can't see anything else in this room, so what to do now? Should we force a frontal attack?"

>>7399
"If they don't know we're coming, catching them off guard would be a huge asset. But what are the odds of that happening?"

>>7399
>>7403
"If we get so lucky. And if we don't run into something we were better off not attacking on the other side." Folka murmurs as he leans nonchalantly against a pillar.

The eladrin turns to Sureiya.

"Can you try and see if there's another passageway out of here?"

>>7405
"Another way? ... I don't think so. I gave this place a good look and I could not find anything suspicious."

>>7406
"Did you try looking east?"

With a sigh, Sariel continues, "Well, then, if we want to get a surprise drop on whatever's out there, someone should invent some way. Sneaking about is not my expertise. However," she adds, "they may not be hostile. Remember that."

>>7408
"If we want to talk to the people beyond the door, I think we can start by hiding these bodies ... somehow," suggests the shaman, while moving a bit further east.

"That doesn't make any sense, it's not as though we're responsible."

>>7410
"We're not, but as it stands, it'll be really difficult to convince them."

"Might want to start collecting the rest of their bodies in that sack as well," Torinn remarks without any trace of sarcasm, malice or irony in his voice.

>>7411
"Oh, nonsense. We won't know until we try." Sariel marches up to the door, Roth flanking her. She places her hand against the door, intent to push it open... but, before that, casts a look back at everyone else.

Best get ready.

The party begins to move into position around the door, except for Bernkastel, who moves a bit further east, revealing more of the great hall. Apparently it continues quite a distance to the east.

>>7407
"Actually I didn't. Leave me give that a try."
Move until the dark area, while asking bernkastel to move along him, also give it a check.
Perception check: (lol 15) http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3318556/

Sureiya doesn't hear or see anything unusual to the east.

>>7415
Folka just waves his hand off as if to say,'Yeah yeah, I hear ya.' before taking position behind Sariel.


Move to M-8.

Sariel looks back to Bern, as if hoping the psion'll come along, too.

>>7420
How silly, there's no psion here. Though, I suppose it would be nice to read minds.

With a last glance at the rest of the hall, the shaman rejoins the group.

Sariel opens the door with great purpose!

"Oh well."
Short before the door gets opened, Sureiya rejoins the group as well.

When Sariel opens the door, the adventurers find themselves facing a sliver of a smaller, open room. It appears to have been a dining area, though at one point very well-decorated and high class. It has since fallen into a bit of decay, however, with the passage of time, and the few bits of elaborate tableware you see have rusted or been chipped down a bit. There is a large basket of mushrooms sitting in one of the tables, but the mushrooms appear quite fresh. Mud and debris covers the floor, making some spots a bit difficult to traverse. From your vantage point, you can see one creature occupying the room--a gray-skinned, white-haired, female humanoid, scantily-clad in tight brown leathers and carrying a hand crossbow in one hand. She is slender and clearly elven in build and appearance, with black eyes and a scar on her cheek. She appears to have been rummaging through the mushrooms a moment ago, but takes a step back and points her weapon in your direction upon your entrance.

She shouts, in Elven, "Damnation, more of them! Hold them off, and alert Pellanistra! NOW!"

Folka is the first to react.

Initiative
Folka Shiningarm (Hideiling): 27
Myn Nthelsyr (George): 24
Torinn Tormine (Astaroth): 22
Sariel (Liliane): 17
Drow Stinger (Enemy): 13
Sureiya (anon-kun): 9
"Bernkastel" (Bernkastel): 8

Players
Myn Nthelsyr (George): (Q-9) 50/50 HP, Darkspiral aura 2, Concealment
Book Imp (Myn): (Q-9) Passive Mode
Folka Shiningarm (Hideiling): (M-8) 48/48 HP
"Bernkastel" (Bernkastel): (Q-8) 47/47 HP
Torinn Tormine (Astaroth): (J/K-4/5) 58/58 HP
Rutger (Astaroth): (O/P-8/9) 29/29 HP, Resist 5 all
Sureiya (Anonkun): (M-9) 55/55 HP
Sariel (Liliane): (L-8) 51/51 HP
Roth (Liliane): (L-9) 25/25 HP, +1 power bonus to all defenses for adjacent allies
Spirit Companion (Bernkastel): (N-9)
Elemental Spirit (Bernkastel): (N-8) +1 power bonus to all defenses for adjacent allies

Enemies
Drow Stinger (Enemy): (B-8)
???

Notes
Drow knowledge is dungeoneering.
The tables are 6 feet high and would require an Athletics check to climb over.
The stone chairs are large and sturdy. You can move from one square adjacent to a chair to any other square adjacent to a chair with a move action, but they are otherwise impassable.
The fire in the middle of the room is hot but provides illumination. If you enter a square filled with fire or end your turn therein you will take 5 fire damage.

>>7425
Folka breaks out into a grin at his new found opponent(s?) before laughing heartily and replying back in elven,"Drow eh? What a great target for my fists!" before gesturing, then waiting for some of the other members of the party to get a better view of the room before he possibly leaps in headlong into doom.


Delay until after Sariel

"Seriously, this is not what it looks like"
Then, the orc shouts
"This will be as you guys want! However don't expect mercy when you and yours friends get trashed!"
Dungeonering check:
http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3318776/

When Folka hesitates, you hear the sound of a creature to the east moving to the side and banging loudly on a door or other solid surface and shouting, (Elven) "Priestess, they've come!"

You also hear the footsteps of another creature moving about in the west, though you haven't seen any other foes yet. Myn is next to act.

Sureiya (Dungeoneering): Drow are the most prolific humanoid dwellers of the Underdark. Most drow are evil worshipers of the vile goddess Lloth, the Spider Queen. They are a harsh and brutal people in general, and have managed to obtain a dominant position in the Underdark by eliminating or subjugating anything that stood against them.
As for physical qualities, drow tend to be lithe and dextrous, with powerful personalities and strong instincts. They frequently employ poison extracted from the spiders they often keep as company in addition to long knives and hand crossbows. Powerful divine servants of Lloth employ magic that can overpower an opponent's mind with vile curses, or employ blasts of poison or darkness. Most drow have the ability to conceal their presence by temporarily creating a field of darkness around themselves, or channel the darkness into a fiery bolt that reveals a foe's weak points. Drow are fey in origin, and possess darkvision.

Initiative
??? 1 (Enemy): 24
??? 2 (Enemy): 24
Myn Nthelsyr (George): 24
Torinn Tormine (Astaroth): 22
Sariel (Liliane): 17
Folka Shiningarm (Hideiling): 17-1
Drow Stinger (Enemy): 13
Sureiya (anon-kun): 9
"Bernkastel" (Bernkastel): 8

Players
Myn Nthelsyr (George): (Q-9) 50/50 HP, Darkspiral aura 2, Concealment
Book Imp (Myn): (Q-9) Passive Mode
Folka Shiningarm (Hideiling): (M-8) 48/48 HP
"Bernkastel" (Bernkastel): (Q-8) 47/47 HP
Torinn Tormine (Astaroth): (J/K-4/5) 58/58 HP
Rutger (Astaroth): (O/P-8/9) 29/29 HP, Resist 5 all
Sureiya (Anonkun): (M-9) 55/55 HP
Sariel (Liliane): (L-8) 51/51 HP
Roth (Liliane): (L-9) 25/25 HP, +1 power bonus to all defenses for adjacent allies
Spirit Companion (Bernkastel): (N-9)
Elemental Spirit (Bernkastel): (P-7) +1 power bonus to all defenses for adjacent allies

Enemies
Drow Stinger (Enemy): (B-8)
??? 1 (Enemy): (F-22)
??? 2 (Enemy): (F-5)

Notes
Drow knowledge is dungeoneering.
The tables are 6 feet high and would require an Athletics check to climb over.
The stone chairs are large and sturdy. You can move from one square adjacent to a chair to any other square adjacent to a chair with a move action, but they are otherwise impassable.
The fire in the middle of the room is hot but provides illumination. If you enter a square filled with fire or end your turn therein you will take 5 fire damage.

Less than pleased with the Underdark in general after his patron's recent visit, Myn attacks without reservation, cursing and solidly blasting the first enemy he sees.

Move action: Move to K-8.
Minor action: Curse Drow Stinger.
Standard action: Cast Shared Agony against Drow Stinger.

Attack roll:http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3318804/
Damage roll:http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3318806/

The warlock doesn't waste any time in moving into the room, cursing the nearest drow and sharing a moment of pure mental agony with it. The crossbow-wielding drow reels in pain, clutching her head, givine Myn a moment to take in the rest of the room.

There are a few other tables here, and a door leading to the east. Myn can spot one other drow here--this one wearing scale armor and wielding a heavy shield. Suddenly, the door bursts open and another such drow enters the room, this one with black markings on his face. Both of these drow look equipped for melee combat, and start to work their way to the center of the room.

"Foul minions of Sankis!" this one calls out, clearly addressing you in common. "You'll have to slay us all before you can lay a hand on the priestess!"

Myn's shared agony hits the drow stinger for 32 psychic damage.
Drow low guard 3 opens the door then moves into the room.

Initiative
Drow Low Guard 1 (Enemy): 24
Drow Low Guard 2 (Enemy): 24
Myn Nthelsyr (George): 24
Drow Low Guard 3 (Enemy): 23
Torinn Tormine (Astaroth): 22
Sariel (Liliane): 17
Folka Shiningarm (Hideiling): 17-1
Drow Stinger (Enemy): 13
Sureiya (anon-kun): 9
"Bernkastel" (Bernkastel): 8

Players
Myn Nthelsyr (George): (K-8) 50/50 HP, Darkspiral aura 2, Concealment
Book Imp (Myn): (K-8) Passive Mode
Folka Shiningarm (Hideiling): (M-8) 48/48 HP
"Bernkastel" (Bernkastel): (Q-8) 47/47 HP
Torinn Tormine (Astaroth): (J/K-4/5) 58/58 HP
Rutger (Astaroth): (O/P-8/9) 29/29 HP, Resist 5 all
Sureiya (Anonkun): (M-9) 55/55 HP
Sariel (Liliane): (L-8) 51/51 HP
Roth (Liliane): (L-9) 25/25 HP, +1 power bonus to all defenses for adjacent allies
Spirit Companion (Bernkastel): (N-9)
Elemental Spirit (Bernkastel): (P-7) +1 power bonus to all defenses for adjacent allies

Enemies
Drow Stinger 1 (Enemy): (B-8) -32 HP, Cursed (Myn)
Drow Stinger 2 (Enemy): (A-17)
Drow Low Guard 1 (Enemy): (F-22)
Drow Low Guard 3 (Enemy): (E-18)
??? 2 (Enemy): (F-5)

Notes
Drow knowledge is dungeoneering.
The tables are 6 feet high and would require an Athletics check to climb over.
The stone chairs are large and sturdy. You can move from one square adjacent to a chair to any other square adjacent to a chair with a move action, but they are otherwise impassable.
The fire in the middle of the room is hot but provides illumination. If you enter a square filled with fire or end your turn therein you will take 5 fire damage.

Waaaait wait, hold up.

Sariel holds up a hand. "Stop there. Who's Sankis? You've got the wrong people."

Briefly, the eladrin glances at the paladin. Would probably whine if they'd kill these Drow, for all that they rightfully deserved to be stabbed three times over and then gutted and skinned alive and revived to do it again.

>>7433
Torinn looks ready for battle, right up until the drow speaks in common.

"Sankis? Priestess?"
He doesn't drop his guard, but he expresses some doubt. "I don't know what you're talking about. We're passing through for something else."

"As if your lies could deceive us!" replies the drow, holding his sword in a threatening manner. "There are none here but Sankis and his horrid servants!"

>>7438
Folka, looking a bit confused, lowers his stance to seem less threatening before saying,"Uhh, I think there's been a bit of a misunderstanding here.. And maybe one of my... companions.. here, and myself, might have jumped the gun a bit early."

Sariel turns to the others.

"While I would not be opposed to a straight-forward way of dealing with problems, I recognise that I am not the leader of this group. I've no right to drag you into things of my own devising.

"Fight or parley?"

Free Action: Talk
Free Action: Knowledge Check: Sankis, history, arcana and nature.
http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3319658/

>>7438
Torinn sheathes his sword and motions for Rutger to stand down. The tiger growls in annoyance, but goes from a pouncing stance to a more relaxed pose. "Then this 'Sankis' sounds like a mutual enemy." [i]He shoots a glare at the warlock,"And I believe all of us are victims of a misunderstanding, right, Myn?"

"Anyway, we're not after your priestess. We didn't come here for that. We came to stop a crisis from occurring, and 'killing a priestess' was not mentioned as part of the mission, so I have no interest in doing so."

Diplomacy roll to convince them we're not the enemies they're looking for: http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3319659/ (24)

Sariel: Sariel doesn't know about anyone named Sankis. The name sounds kind of dwarven, though.

As Torinn speaks, the drow hesitate a moment, and a tall, slender drow female in yellow spider-silk robes and wielding a caster's staff carved into the shape of a serpent emerges from the eastern room. Her hair is long, white, and tied into two long strands that run down her back, nearly to her waist.

She takes one look at the group, and sneers, "You fools. Cease your attacks, these are not minions of Sankis. However--" She points her staff at the gathered adventurers threateningly, "I suggest you explain what you ARE doing here. This is a rather out-of-the-way locale, and I've no interest in entertaining more competition."

Initiative
Drow Low Guard 1 (Enemy): 24
Drow Low Guard 2 (Enemy): 24
Myn Nthelsyr (George): 24
Drow Low Guard 3 (Enemy): 23
Torinn Tormine (Astaroth): 22
Drow Priesttess (Enemy): 17
Sariel (Liliane): 17
Folka Shiningarm (Hideiling): 17-1
Drow Stinger (Enemy): 13
Sureiya (anon-kun): 9
"Bernkastel" (Bernkastel): 8

Players
Myn Nthelsyr (George): (K-8) 50/50 HP, Darkspiral aura 2, Concealment
Book Imp (Myn): (K-8) Passive Mode
Folka Shiningarm (Hideiling): (M-8) 48/48 HP
"Bernkastel" (Bernkastel): (Q-8) 47/47 HP
Torinn Tormine (Astaroth): (J/K-4/5) 58/58 HP
Rutger (Astaroth): (O/P-8/9) 29/29 HP, Resist 5 all
Sureiya (Anonkun): (M-9) 55/55 HP
Sariel (Liliane): (L-8) 51/51 HP
Roth (Liliane): (L-9) 25/25 HP, +1 power bonus to all defenses for adjacent allies
Spirit Companion (Bernkastel): (N-9)
Elemental Spirit (Bernkastel): (P-7) +1 power bonus to all defenses for adjacent allies

Enemies
Drow Stinger 1 (Enemy): (B-8) -32 HP, Cursed (Myn)
Drow Stinger 2 (Enemy): (A-17)
Drow Low Guard 1 (Enemy): (F-22)
??? 2 (Enemy): (F-5)
Drow Low Guard 3 (Enemy): (E-18)
Drow Priestess (Enemy): (E-22)

Notes
Drow knowledge is dungeoneering.
The tables are 6 feet high and would require an Athletics check to climb over.
The stone chairs are large and sturdy. You can move from one square adjacent to a chair to any other square adjacent to a chair with a move action, but they are otherwise impassable.
The fire in the middle of the room is hot but provides illumination. If you enter a square filled with fire or end your turn therein you will take 5 fire damage.

Sariel calmly orders Roth to stand down, who lowers the tentacles he had raised threateningly. She faces the Drow who addressed them, biting back a remark on how they should explain first.

'However, I admit to being at a disadvantage here...'

"Don't look at me," she says, "I merely accompany this group as an arcane advisor. We're here on business related to the Fell King. Does that assuage any fear of intruding on your business?"

Standard: Diplomacy fail.
http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3319666/

>>7443
The drow priestess relaxes about half a hair, clearly still threatening, but less so upon seeing that the humanoids are willing to talk. "I've heard nothing of a 'Fell King.' Sankis the Burning and his twisted servants control these halls."

>>7444
"Well, I don't know much myself, other than dealing with some leyline here. Some of the others here might be able to explain it better. I think we did run into a trap set by this Sankis and his servants earlier, but then we found the bodies in the room behind us, which lead us here pretty much."

Still a bit agitated, the ranger gets surprised by the drow reaction. Lowering his blades a bit, he replies.
"... We are on a mission from Baldur Gate. The details are not necesarily, but we mean no harm to you or your people. We are aware than there's a leyline around and we are looking the the point with the strongest leyline influence.
... Are you fighting the Duergar? I think one tried to trap us a while ago."
Diplomacy fail (14) http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3319718/

"You've seen our handiwork, then," the priestess replies. The rest of the drow begin to look a bit anxious, and she notices it as well with a sneer. "All right, then. Perhaps we can work something out, if you consider yourself enemies of Sankis's ilk... though they look like duergar, they're a lot meaner." She motions for you to come in, as the other drow relax their fighting stances a bit.

As a sign of truce, Sureiya put his blades inside of the bag, trying to lower the pressure. Then he makes a gesture to the rest of the party, asking them to enter the room.

Sariel holds to her blade, looking at the drow dubiously. Aren't they meant to be unreasonable creatures filled with manic ideas of murder in their fanatism for Lolth?

Insight check to determine motives, do they want to capture us as slaves: http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3320122/

Not entirely thrilled with the murderless outcome, Myn nonetheless relaxes. He enters the room and walks up to the injured drow, dispelling his curse on it.

(Elven) "My apologies. It is usually unnecessary to confirm the situation before attacking in this sort of place."

Sariel: As far as you can tell, the drow are fairly rattled and not eager to fight against unknown foes.

The drow take a moment to recover from the initial onslaught as the adventurers and the drow gather together in the former dwarven dining hall. Once the two groups have assembled around the crackling fire, the priestess begins to speak again, "I am Pellanistra, high priestess of the house of Lemutharth. Now, tell me why you are here." The priestess uses a commanding tone, as if she is unwilling to back down even an inch from her own terms. "I do not have an understanding of these 'leylines' you speak up, but we are a great distance from Baldur's Gate. So you'll excuse me if I remain a bit skeptical."

>>7457
Taking out the device Sid gave him, Torinn explains, "We're supposed to find these leylines and cast a ritual. Through it, the flow of power could be traced, and our scryers would be able to locate a particularly diabolical entity."

He scratches his head, "You'd be better off asking Sariel or Myn the specifics, but the ultimate goal of our expedition is to take down the Fell King and stop a war from breaking out."

The priestess looks more annoyed than anything else, "And what does this have to do with the demonic dwarves inhabiting these caverns now?"

"Azers," Sariel interjects. "From their decidedly warm state of being, I surmise they are azers.

"Our task has nothing to do with the azers, or dwarves. These ruins do date back to an ancient dwarven kingdom, so it may be they feel drawn to guard it due to their close kinship to dwarfs."

After a pause, she adds, "Our mission is solely to tap into the elemental leyline to connect to the Shadowfell, where the Fell King presides."

As if realising she's talking to a drow, Sariel suddenly turns and quiets up, glaring at the paladin, mouthing, 'Why by the balls of Kelemvor did you name me?'

>>7463
The priestess snorts and gestures a bit while she explains, "East of here, you will find a vast cavern that opens into the greater Underdark. It is filled with fearsome beasts, and very dangerous to traverse. The dwarves, when building this fortress, established a bridge across it, hoping to find more minerals on the other side. They did, and they continued to mine deeper, and deeper into the mountain." She pauses for a moment, breathes in deep as condescendingly as possible, and then goes on, "Eventually, they dug so deep that they found a source of magma. But they did not stop there. They dug past the magma, until they found a series of glowing pits. That was the beginning of the end for this dwarven stronghold, as a horde of demons emerged from the pits and attacked the settlement. Though initially the dwarves were successful in driving back the demons, they later succumbed to madness and their own greed. All that remain are the twisted creatures under Sankis's command--azers, whatever you wish to call them."

Refocusing on the task at hand, she leans forward in the stone chair she has comfortable sat herself down in, "We are here because Sankis and his ilk have begun raiding our rightful possessions by way of the chasm. As for this leyline of yours, we know nothing. We are here only to do as much damage to Sankis as possible." The drow's eyes narrow, as if wondering if you have further business with her upon hearing this.

"Then," Sariel attempts, "we can search for this leyline so long as we do not render aid to Sankis and his forces, or otherwise obstruct your forces, yes?"

Torinn furrows his brow, the mention of thieving drawing his ire. He faces to the east and works the device, getting a strong feeling that their destination lies beyond the hordes of azers.

When Sariel mouths at him, Torinn gives her the cold shoulder and pretends to be focused on the readout of the gizmo.

"I suppose that would be acceptable. We have no reason to fight with your kind. Anything we looted would not be worth the hassle of obtaining," the priestess comments, apparently ready to get this over with.

When Torinn has a look at the device, he finds that the arrow is pointing to the east and slightly south, and is a very deep shade of blue. Apparently the leyline is still quite far from your current position.

"Good news, everyone," Torinn sighs, voice dripping with sarcasm. "According to the readout, the leyline is, in fact, somewhere to the east. In other words, we have to go a long way through those azer-infested areas to reach it."

Sariel nods appreciatively, ignoring the paladin.

"I think I speak for all of us when I say we're glad to have avoided an unnecessary fight." She pauses for a moment, then, "I had always tho-- no, no, nevermind." Sariel shakes her head, turning to the rest of the party.

"Let's go, then. I've no plans to be stuck in this forsaken fortress for too long."

"It looks like we're due to fight the azer after all, and your people have much more experience in that regard. Will you share the knowledge with us?"

Minor action: Speak with Spirits for insight. http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3321002/

The drow initially regards the human with disdain, but then, her expression suddenly changes. Slowly, a grin spreads across her face as her eyes narrow, and she responds coolly, "Few of my scouts have braved past the chasm, but from what reports I have, Sankis's dwarves are infused with fire energy. They keep slaves of many other humanoid races, such as troglodytes, gnomes, grimlocks... even drow. I'm sure a few of my missing scouts may still be down there... in any case, the fiery dwarves possess a variety of flame-based attacks. They also have demonic servants--ferocious humanoid amphibians, horrid masses of flesh and tentacles, and elemental spirits of flame. We have encountered all of these denizens in our battles."

She slowly twirls a finger in the air, a smug air of superiority about her, as she continues, "As for Sankis himself, we have never fought him. One or two of our scouts have reported back after seeing him, however. His transformation from dwarf to demon is very impressive--he is little more than a vaguely-dwarven incarnation of fire now. His lair lies beyond the glowing pits--in a large cavern that is illuminated by a strange, pulsing mass of fire behind a somewhat translucent 'skin.' I do not know how such a cavern came into existence, but that is what my scout reported. I have doubted it until now, and yet... I wonder if that is what you seek?"

Bernkastel (Insight): You get the impression that the priestess is very pleased with herself, as if she's just thought up the best plan ever.

As Sureiya talk, he turn to where's Torinn.
"Yes, that sounds like what we are looking for, but we won't be sure until somebody check that strange artifact we got.
Anyways, we seem to share the interest to fight the dwarves."

>>7475
"It would probably benefit us all to join forces, then. Any objections?"

The priestess holds up a hand and adopts a sour looking, "Hold a moment. An alliance between our forces is not practical at this juncture. We are two different groups with different goals and styles. We'd just get in each other's way. So I propose we merely try to stay out of each others' way as much as possible." However, she does stand and look thoughtful for a moment, before suggesting, "I did mention the vicious beasts that inhabit the chasm, correct? Perhaps there is something I could do. The giant cave spiders that inhabit them will not attack if I charm them while you pass through. That should give you sufficient cover to pass by without a hostile encounter."

>>7477
"Fair enough," Torinn nods. "We'll go our separate ways after that."

Though something about it put him on edge. They may not be enemies, but they didn't seem inclined to be friendly either. What are they playing at?

Insight check on priestess, try to ascertain motive
http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3322134/
(23)

Torinn (Insight) As best as you can tell, the priestess has a strong personal apprehension about working hand-in-hand with you. Nevertheless, her proposal seems legitimate--perhaps she'd rather get you out of her hair and give you an off-chance of solving her problem for her while she continues to raid the ruins for supplies.

>>7477
"Sounds well. There's any way we can repay the favor?"

"If you give Sankis hell, that'll be honestly the extent of which I expect of you," the priestess says, standing from her chair and motioning for her honor guard to follow. "Shall we get moving? I'd rather the other hellspawn don't start to wonder what happened to this group, and we've still got to backtrack and check out the kitchen."

"Indeed."