Story Chat - 20240126
Chat Log List - 2024 01 126? - Mushroom Man - Formatted - Story
The tunnel down into the caverns winds along a narrow and uneven path, following the river's natural course. Stalactites hang low from the ceiling, and the rock floor is treacherously slippery from the splashing water. The subterranean air has a placid, piercing chill, all too familiar to veteran adventurers. Suddenly, the river-carved tunnel slopes abruptly downward, and just ahead there is the unmistakable sound of a waterfall dashing down to rocks below.
BOB So Melange up front heading into the caves, then Levi behind, then Ratbone, Temperance, Jericho and Rothuss.
BOB This is where Mel arrives at the first waterfall.
BOB Everyone can make a wisdom check.
MeLange: [CHECK] Wisdom (vs. Target 9) [FAILURE by 10] [d20 = 19]
Temperance: [CHECK] Wisdom (vs. Target 16) [SUCCESS by 4] [d20 = 12]
Levi Reed: [CHECK] Wisdom (vs. Target 14) [SUCCESS by 12] [d20 = 2]
Ratbone Carder: [CHECK] Wisdom (vs. Target 7) [FAILURE by 7] [d20 = 14]
BOB Levi and Temperance both realize that YES there was a fungus ladder here that you used to climb down before.... and now it is gone.
MeLange: Uh-oh. No mushroom ladder this time.
Temperance: frowns at the disappearance of said fungus ladder.
MeLange: Think someone came and got rid of it?
Levi Reed: What happened to the shrooms, man?
MeLange: Did you eat them Levi?
Levi Reed: Nah, but maybe that hobo we ran into ate them.
MeLange: Oh yeah, he for sure ate some mushrooms.
Rothuss Carder: Maybe it was a cousin to that thing in the caves and left on its own?
MeLange: Well, ladder or ladder, we’re here. Might as well make the best of it.
Levi Reed: We do still have rope, so that’s good. At least, I have mine.
MeLange: Nice, let's tie it off somewhere and climb down this thing.
Ratbone Carder: Hey, do you guys mind if I make a ladder out of that rope?
Levi Reed: gives rope to Ratbone.
Levi Reed: Please do. We don’t need any more injuries from climbing.
Levi Reed: winks at Jericho.
MeLange: Please do. That’s a great idea, Ratbone.
Ratbone Carder: flourishing gesture of gratitude.
BOB By ladder, it’s a rope with several large knots in it to use as hand-holds, not a full-blown ladder. Your rope is 50 feet long and (the waterfall) is a 30-foot drop, so there’s not a lot of room for extra for loops or other things.
Rothuss Carder: moves to help Ratbone anchor the rope.
MeLange: takes a step back.
Temperance: shuffles around to make room for Rothuss.
MeLange: feels the heat off Levi’s body.
Ratbone Carder: [SKILL] Rope Use [MOD:DEX] (vs. Target 13) [FAILURE by 1] [d20 = 14]
BOB So yes, Ratbone ties in knots to the rope for climbing. It just takes her a bit longer than she likes.
Effect ['Torch;LIGHT: 10/15 torch;Torch'] → [EXPIRED] [on Levi Reed]
The time is 9:30 AM.
BOB And Rothuss needs a Dex check with a plus 4 because of the rope.
Rothuss Carder: tests the rope for security.
Rothuss Carder: [CHECK] Dexterity [+4] (vs. Target 14) [SUCCESS by 13] [d20-4 = 1]
BOB Crushed it.
About five feet below the waterfall, a bamboo-like wooden pipe is fed by the flow of water, channeling it around the cavern wall at a height of 25 feet. Only a small amount of water from the waterfall is actually channeled into the pipe; the waterfall continues unchecked over the pipe, down to the cavern floor. At the bottom of the waterfall a vast chamber extends into the darkness, echoing with the sound of the waterfall plunging down to the streambed. Drops of water fall occasionally from the stalactites above, glittering in whatever light the party carries.
Rothuss Carder: looks around to make sure he’s not getting attacked.
MeLange: [CHECK] Dexterity (vs. Target 12) [SUCCESS by 11] [d20 = 1]
BOB He just cartwheels down.
Rothuss Carder: Someone wants to toss me down a torch? Try to avoid the water, would you?
Temperance: passes a torch up to the front.
Jericho: aims for Rothuss.
BOB Roll your normal to hit, drag whichever you want onto Rothuss.
Jericho: [ATTACK (M)] [THACO(20)] [ENC: Moderate] [AC: 3 ] [d20-1 = 17]
BOB Dex to stop it from rolling into the stream, but a plus 6.
Rothuss Carder: [CHECK] Dexterity (vs. Target 14) [SUCCESS by 5] [d20 = 9]
MeLange: Nice catch!
Jericho: whistles softly.
Jericho: Nice.
Rothuss Carder: signals to those up top that he has the torch and turns back to the cavern.
MeLange: Good throw, Jericho!
Levi Reed: Anything down there?
MeLange: Just your mom.
Levi Reed: Dang, what’s my mom doing here?
MeLange: Just a joke bud. It’s fine, get down here.
Levi Reed: attempts to climb down.
Levi Reed: [CHECK] Dexterity (vs. Target 15) [FAILURE by 1] [d20 = 16]
BOB And Levi makes it down in one piece. Not gracefully, but does not fall into the water.
Levi Reed: Ouch. I think those rocks scratched my beautiful elbow.
Effect ['LIGHT: 15/15 torch'] → [to Rothuss Carder] [by Ratbone Carder]
MeLange: We all knew those beautiful elbows wouldn’t last forever.
Rothuss Carder: waves the torch around to check out the cavern.
The southern exit from the cavern is flanked on either side by an extraordinarily ugly plant, each hanging from the cave ceiling as if growing directly from the stone.
Rothuss Carder: Are those things back again??
MeLange: Some crazy plants.
Rothuss Carder: Hold up, Mel.
Levi Reed: No no no, we already snagged that snagglewort
Temperance: [CHECK] Dexterity [+4] (vs. Target 11) [FAILURE by 2] [d20-4 = 13]
BOB Temperance makes it down.
Levi Reed: [SKILL] Alertness [MOD:WIS] (vs. Target 15) [SUCCESS by 11] [d20 = 4]
Levi Reed: [SKILL] Botany [MOD:WIS] (vs. Target 13) [SUCCESS by 8] [d20 = 5]
Levi Reed: [SKILL] Direction Sense [MOD:WIS] (vs. Target 15) [SUCCESS by 13] [d20 = 2]
Levi Reed: [SKILL] Distance Sense [MOD:WIS] (vs. Target 14) [SUCCESS by 10] [d20 = 4]
Levi Reed: [SKILL] Ranger Tracking [2] [MOD:WIS] (vs. Target 15) [SUCCESS by 14] [d20 = 1]
Levi Reed: [SKILL] Spelunking [MOD:INT] (vs. Target 7) [FAILURE by 3] [d20 = 10]
Levi Reed: [CHECK] Wisdom (vs. Target 14) [FAILURE by 2] [d20 = 16]
Levi Reed: [CHECK] Intelligence (vs. Target 9) [SUCCESS by 0] [d20 = 9]
Ratbone Carder: [CHECK] Dexterity (vs. Target 13) [SUCCESS by 2] [d20 = 11]
MeLange: [SKILL] Animal Lore [MOD:INT] (vs. Target 13) [FAILURE by 3] [d20 = 16]
MeLange: Come on Jeri, the water’s fine!
BOB You know the plants on the wall, and you know the door with the knobs you have a key to for this waterfall.
Rothuss Carder: Right. So, anyone got a bow or spears we can stab those things without getting close?
MeLange: So do we think these plants will like... try to attack us?
Levi Reed: These are the plants that stuck to me and Rothuss last time.
Rothuss Carder: You want to go try it out?
MeLange: Not really.
Temperance: I used a shortbow last time. I’m not sure how many arrows I have left.
Jericho: [CHECK] Dexterity [+4] (vs. Target 7) [FAILURE by 5] [d20-4 = 12]
GM [d6 = 1]
BOB So Jericho goes down, down, down SHIIIIIITTTTT Splash OUCH.
MeLange: Jeri!!!
Temperance: glances back around at the sound of splashing.
Rothuss Carder: You okay, buddy?
Jericho’s health adjusted by -1
Jericho: Ow.
MeLange: You have a little whoopsie there, buddy?
Jericho: I hate this cave.
Jericho: sighs heavily.
Jericho: Sorry if I got you wet.
Jericho: pats himself.
Jericho: Right behind you guys. Do you want me to light up a second torch?
Temperance: As long as you’re alright, a little water usually never hurts anyone.
BOB I will give anyone a Wisdom check again.
Rothuss Carder: [CHECK] Wisdom (vs. Target 9) [SUCCESS by 4] [d20 = 5]
MeLange: [CHECK] Wisdom (vs. Target 9) [FAILURE by 9] [d20 = 18]
Temperance: [CHECK] Wisdom (vs. Target 16) [SUCCESS by 13] [d20 = 3]
Levi Reed: [CHECK] Wisdom (vs. Target 14) [SUCCESS by 0] [d20 = 14]
Jericho: [CHECK] Wisdom (vs. Target 19) [SUCCESS by 7] [d20 = 12]
BOB Temperance definitely realizes and the others are mostly aware—from the plants being back, the fungus ladder missing, the movement you remember from yesterday—that there is someone(s) living down here taking care of the place.
Rothuss Carder: If there’s someone down here, there’s got to be a trick to getting past these things.
Levi Reed: I don’t see a way to avoid them
Rothuss Carder: Anybody got any meat?
MeLange: We could douse ‘em in oil then set them on fire?
Levi Reed: But yes, definitely something...
Jericho: I got some jerky and a couple apples.
MeLange: I’ve got some rations.
Rothuss Carder: Let’s try the jerky. You want to toss it in, or me?
Jericho: You know, you might be a better throw.
Jericho: passes the jerky.
Rothuss Carder: takes the jerky, and tosses one piece to the plant on the right.
Temperance: [SKILL] Botany [MOD:INT] (vs. Target 13) [FAILURE by 4] [d20 = 17]
Levi Reed: [SKILL] Botany [MOD:WIS] (vs. Target 13) [SUCCESS by 8] [d20 = 5]
BOB Hanging snagworts are a strange variety of dungeon plant, a cluster of slime-covered tendrils hanging at the end of a thick, rope-like strand. Within a range of ten feet or so, a snagwort can lash out by swinging its ropy strand. If this attack scores a successful hit, the tendrils (which are short, about ten inches long) affix themselves to the target with a strong adhesive. This initial attack causes no damage, but the bond caused by the vegetable glue is virtually unbreakable except by magical means. Once the snagwort is dead, the glue will lose its adhesive properties in 1d6 hours . The dead snagwort, in other words, will still be attached to the character for quite a while, possibly causing great inconvenience and weighing 40 pounds. While the snagwort is alive, it can neutralize the glue at will. Once the snagwort is attached to an opponent, the plant can, in following rounds, smash the victim against nearby surfaces for 1d6 points of damage without needing to make further attack rolls . If a snagwort is being attacked with missile weapons and has no enemies within range, it will flatten itself against a ceiling or behind cover. This will usually give it enough cover to merit a -4 on attack rolls against it. A lone snagwort can be easily killed with missile weapons, provided that the party keeps a safe distance.
BOB The tendrils do wrap around the jerky but the large frond does not attack.
Rothuss Carder: tosses jerky to the other one.
Rothuss Carder: Dammit. I was hoping they were trained or something. Like— here, have a treat, don’t attack me.
MeLange: Maybe if they’re busy with jerky they’ll let us pass?
Temperance: Perhaps they’re not as well-versed with the give and take.
Rothuss Carder: Who guards their house with something that attacks them too? I wouldn’t keep a guard dog that kept trying to bite me.
Rothuss Carder: I'm going to step aside and let the wiser minds take over. Rocks, arrows, fire, what've we got available?
Levi Reed: I’m not sure about fire... things down here don’t seem to be put off by it.
Rothuss Carder: Anybody got a spear? We can jab it from out of range maybe.
Ratbone Carder: sings.
Ratbone Carder: These damn plants, we hates them always, this we grants. These damn plants! We shout! We rants!
MeLange: We should turn ‘em into a salad.
Rothuss Carder: I have another torch, I can try tossing it underneath these things. Maybe that’ll drive them back?
MeLange: Give it a shot. At least we’ll learn how they react to fire.
Jericho: picks up rock.
Jericho: throws it.
Jericho: picks up another rock.
Jericho: throws it.
Jericho: [ATTACK (M)] [THACO(20)] [ENC: Moderate] [AC: 14 ] [d20-1 = 6]
Temperance: glances around to assist in looking for more rocks.
Jericho: [ATTACK (M)] [THACO(20)] [ENC: Moderate] [d20-1 = 0]
Attack [0] → [ATTACK (M)] (Mace, Footmans) [at Plant tendril 2] [Hit-AC: 20 vs. 6 ] [AC: 20 ] [MISS-AUTOMATIC]
Jericho: [ATTACK (M)] [THACO(20)] [ENC: Moderate] [d20-1 = 9]
Attack [9] → [ATTACK (M)] (Mace, Footmans) [at Plant tendril 2] [Hit-AC: 11 vs. 6 ] [AC: 11 ] [MISS]
Jericho: Anyone with a better throw?
MeLange: looks for more rocks.
Ratbone Carder: [ATTACK (R)] [THACO(20)] [ENC: Severe] [AC: 13 ] [d20-4 = 7]
GM [2d12 = 14]
Ratbone Carder: [ATTACK (R)] [THACO(20)] [ENC: Severe] [AC: 7 ] [d20-4 = 13]
MeLange: [2d12 = 22]
Rothuss Carder: [ATTACK (R)] [THACO(19)] [d20 = 10]
Attack [10] → [ATTACK (R)] (Club) [at Plant tendril (Massive)] [Hit-AC: 9 vs. 6 ] [AC: 9 ] [MISS]
Rothuss Carder: Drat phooey!
Ratbone Carder: [ATTACKING WHILE OUT OF AMMO]
BOB That would be 14 more chances to hit.
Ratbone Carder: [ATTACK (R)] [THACO(20)] [ENC: Severe] [d20-4 = 16]
Attack [16] → [ATTACK (R)] (Club) [at Plant tendril 2] [Hit-AC: 4 vs. 6 ] [AC: 4 ] [CRITICAL HIT]
Ratbone Carder: [ATTACKING WHILE OUT OF AMMO]
Ratbone Carder: [ATTACK (R)] [THACO(20)] [ENC: Severe] [d20-4 = 3]
Attack [3] → [ATTACK (R)] (Club) [at Plant tendril 2] [Hit-AC: 17 vs. 6 ] [AC: 17 ] [MISS]
MeLange: Can I get some rocks and try throwing ‘em too?
BOB There is a pile of 13 rocks left to throw.
MeLange: grabs a handful of rocks from the pile.
Levi Reed: [ATTACK (M)] [THACO(18)] [d20 = 17]
Attack [17] →[ATTACK (M)] (Machete) [at Plant tendril 2] [Hit-AC: 1 vs. 6 ] [AC: 1 ] [HIT]
Levi Reed: [DAMAGE (M)] Machete [TYPE: slashing (1d8=7)] [d8 = 7]
[7] → [to Plant tendril 2] [DAMAGE EXCEEDS HIT POINTS] [STATUS: Dying (0)]
Levi Reed: [ATTACK (M)] [THACO(18)] [d20 = 10]
Attack [10] → [ATTACK (M)] (Machete) [at Plant tendril (Massive)] [Hit-AC: 8 vs. 6 ] [AC: 8 ] [MISS]
Hanging Snagwort 2’s health adjusted by +6
Levi Reed: [DAMAGE (M)] Machete [TYPE: slashing (1d8=3)] [d8 = 3]
[3] → [to Plant tendril (Massive)] [STATUS: Moderate]
Hanging Snagwort (Massive)'s health adjusted by +1
Levi Reed: [ATTACK (M)] [THACO(18)] [d20 = 20]
Attack [20] → [ATTACK (M)] (Machete) [at Plant tendril (Massive)] [Hit-AC: -2 vs. 6 ] [AC: -2 ] [CRITICAL HIT]
Levi Reed: [DAMAGE (M)] Machete [TYPE: slashing (1d8=3)] [d8 = 3]
[3] → [to Plant tendril (Massive)] [STATUS: Moderate]
MeLange: You got ‘em, Levi!
Levi Reed: [ATTACK (M)] [THACO(18)] [d20 = 4]
Attack [4] → [ATTACK (M)] (Machete) [at Plant tendril (Massive)] [Hit-AC: 14 vs. 6 ] [AC: 14 ] [MISS]
Levi Reed: [ATTACK (M)] [THACO(18)] [d20 = 11]
Attack [11] → [ATTACK (M)] (Machete) [at Plant tendril 2] [Hit-AC: 7 vs. 6 ] [AC: 7 ] [MISS]
Levi Reed: [ATTACK (M)] [THACO(18)] [d20 = 2]
Attack [2] → [ATTACK (M)] (Machete) [at Plant tendril 2] [Hit-AC: 16 vs. 6 ] [AC: 16 ] [MISS]
MeLange: Hope you plants are ready to rock!
Levi Reed: [ATTACK (M)] [THACO(18)] [d20 = 1]
Attack [1] → [ATTACK (M)] (Machete) [at Plant tendril 2] [Hit-AC: 17 vs. 6 ] [AC: 17 ] [MISS-AUTOMATIC]
Levi Reed: [ATTACK (M)] [THACO(18)] [d20 = 11]
Attack [11] → [ATTACK (M)] (Machete) [at Plant tendril 2] [Hit-AC: 7 vs. 6 ] [AC: 7 ] [MISS]
Levi Reed: [ATTACK (M)] [THACO(18)] [d20 = 19]
Attack [19] → [ATTACK (M)] (Machete) [at Plant tendril 2] [Hit-AC: -1 vs. 6 ] [AC: -1 ] [HIT]
Levi Reed: [DAMAGE (M)] Machete [TYPE: slashing (1d8=5)] [d8 = 5]
[5] → [to Plant tendril 2] [STATUS: Critical]
Levi Reed: [ATTACK (M)] [THACO(18)] [d20 = 12]
Attack [12] → [ATTACK (M)] (Machete) [at Plant tendril 2] [Hit-AC: 6 vs. 6 ] [AC: 6 ] [HIT]
Levi Reed: [DAMAGE (M)] Machete [TYPE: slashing (1d8=8)] [d8 = 8]
[8] → [to Plant tendril 2] [DAMAGE EXCEEDS HIT POINTS BY 7] [STATUS: Dying (0)]
Hanging Snagwort 2’s health adjusted by +6
Levi Reed: [ATTACK (M)] [THACO(18)] [d20 = 19]
Attack [19] → [ATTACK (M)] (Machete) [at Plant tendril 2] [Hit-AC: -1 vs. 6 ] [AC: -1 ] [HIT]
Levi Reed: [DAMAGE (M)] Machete [TYPE: slashing (1d8=5)] [d8 = 5]
[5] → [to Plant tendril 2] [STATUS: Critical]
Hanging Snagwort 2’s health adjusted by +2
Levi Reed: [ATTACK (M)] [THACO(18)] [d20 = 15]
Attack [15] → [ATTACK (M)] (Machete) [at Plant tendril 2] [Hit-AC: 3 vs. 6 ] [AC: 3 ] [HIT]
Levi Reed: [DAMAGE (M)] Machete [TYPE: slashing (1d8=5)] [d8 = 5]
[5] → [to Plant tendril 2] [DAMAGE EXCEEDS HIT POINTS BY 2] [STATUS: Dying (0)]
MeLange: Go Levi!
Levi Reed: So... looks pretty dead.
MeLange: You sure rocked those plants, buddy!
Levi Reed: Should I keep throwing rocks or anyone want to take a crack at the second plant?
MeLange: You’re on a roll. Go for it.
Levi Reed: [ATTACK (M)] [THACO(18)] [d20 = 10]
Attack [10] → [ATTACK (M)] (Machete) [at Plant tendril (Massive)] [Hit-AC: 8 vs. 6 ] [AC: 8 ] [MISS]
Levi Reed: That one is massive. And yet harder to hit.
Temperance: looks around for more rocks to gather.
MeLange: digs for more rocks.
GM [2d12 = 9]
Levi Reed: Fantastic, thanks Temperance. I’m ready to cold-blood-bludgeon this thing.
Temperance: makes them into a pile.
Levi Reed: [ATTACK (M)] [THACO(18)] [d20 = 13]
Attack [13] → [ATTACK (M)] (Machete) [at Plant tendril (Massive)] [Hit-AC: 5 vs. 6 ] [AC: 5 ] [HIT]
Levi Reed: [DAMAGE (M)] Machete [TYPE: slashing (1d8=2)] [d8 = 2]
[2] → [to Plant tendril (Massive)] [STATUS: Heavy]
Levi Reed: [ATTACK (M)] [THACO(18)] [d20 = 1]
Attack [1] → [ATTACK (M)] (Machete) [at Plant tendril (Massive)] [Hit-AC: 17 vs. 6 ] [AC: 17 ] [MISS-AUTOMATIC]
Temperance: Stoning them to death seems to be working well so far.
Levi Reed: [ATTACK (M)] [THACO(18)] [d20 = 9]
Attack [9] → [ATTACK (M)] (Machete) [at Plant tendril (Massive)] [Hit-AC: 9 vs. 6 ] [AC: 9 ] [MISS]
Levi Reed: [ATTACK (M)] [THACO(18)] [d20 = 18]
Attack [18] → [ATTACK (M)] (Machete) [at Plant tendril (Massive)] [Hit-AC: 0 vs. 6 ] [AC: 0 ] [HIT]
Levi Reed: [DAMAGE (M)] Machete [TYPE: slashing (1d8=5)] [d8 = 5]
[5] → [to Plant tendril (Massive)] [DAMAGE EXCEEDS HIT POINTS BY 1] [STATUS: Dying (0)]
Hanging Snagwort (Massive)’s health adjusted by +3
Levi Reed: [ATTACK (M)] [THACO(18)] [d20 = 2]
Attack [2] → [ATTACK (M)] (Machete) [at Plant tendril (Massive)] [Hit-AC: 16 vs. 6 ] [AC: 16 ] [MISS]
Levi Reed: [ATTACK (M)] [THACO(18)] [d20 = 11]
Attack [11] → [ATTACK (M)] (Machete) [at Plant tendril (Massive)] [Hit-AC: 7 vs. 6 ] [AC: 7 ] [MISS]
Levi Reed: [ATTACK (M)] [THACO(18)] [d20 = 17]
Attack [17] → [ATTACK (M)] (Machete) [at Plant tendril (Massive)] [Hit-AC: 1 vs. 6 ] [AC: 1 ] [HIT]
Levi Reed: [DAMAGE (M)] Machete [TYPE: slashing (1d8=6)] [d8 = 6]
[6] → [to Plant tendril (Massive)] [DAMAGE EXCEEDS HIT POINTS BY 3] [STATUS: Dying (0)]
Hanging Snagwort (Massive)’s health adjusted by +4
Levi Reed: [ATTACK (M)] [THACO(18)] [d20 = 5]
Attack [5] → [ATTACK (M)] (Machete) [at Plant tendril (Massive)] [Hit-AC: 13 vs. 6 ] [AC: 13 ] [MISS]
Hanging Snagwort (Massive)’s health adjusted by -1
Levi Reed: Anyone got more rocks?
Temperance: continues piling more rocks.
GM [2d12 = 10]
Effect ['LIGHT: 15/15 torch'] → [EXPIRED] [on Rothuss Carder]
The time is 9:50 AM
Levi Reed: [ATTACK (M)] [THACO(18)] [d20 = 5]
Attack [5] → [ATTACK (M)] (Machete) [at Plant tendril (Massive)] [Hit-AC: 13 vs. 6 ] [AC: 13 ] [MISS]
Levi Reed: [ATTACK (M)] [THACO(18)] [d20 = 11]
Attack [11] → [ATTACK (M)] (Machete) [at Plant tendril (Massive)] [Hit-AC: 7 vs. 6 ] [AC: 7 ] [MISS]
Levi Reed: [ATTACK (M)] [THACO(18)] [d20 = 8]
Attack [8] → [ATTACK (M)] (Machete) [at Plant tendril (Massive)] [Hit-AC: 10 vs. 6 ] [AC: 10 ] [MISS]
Levi Reed: [ATTACK (M)] [THACO(18)] [d20 = 19]
Attack [19] → [ATTACK (M)] (Machete) [at Plant tendril (Massive)] [Hit-AC: -1 vs. 6 ] [AC: -1 ] [HIT]
Levi Reed: [DAMAGE (M)] Machete [TYPE: slashing (1d8=2)] [d8 = 2]
[2] → [to Plant tendril (Massive)] [STATUS: Critical]
MeLange: Advanced Effect ['Torch;LIGHT: 10/15 torch;Torch'] → [to MeLange] [by Torch]
Levi Reed: [ATTACK (M)] [THACO(18)] [d20 = 7]
Attack [7] → [ATTACK (M)] (Machete) [at Plant tendril (Massive)] [Hit-AC: 11 vs. 6 ] [AC: 11 ] [MISS]
Levi Reed: [ATTACK (M)] [THACO(18)] [d20 = 8]
Attack [8] → [ATTACK (M)] (Machete) [at Plant tendril (Massive)] [Hit-AC: 10 vs. 6 ] [AC: 10 ] [MISS]
Levi Reed: [ATTACK (M)] [THACO(18)] [d20 = 1]
Attack [1] → [ATTACK (M)] (Machete) [at Plant tendril (Massive)] [Hit-AC: 17 vs. 6 ] [AC: 17 ] [MISS-AUTOMATIC]
Temperance: gathers more rocks for possible future use
Levi Reed: [ATTACK (M)] [THACO(18)] [d20 = 17]
Attack [17] → [ATTACK (M)] (Machete) [at Plant tendril (Massive)] [Hit-AC: 1 vs. 6 ] [AC: 1 ] [HIT]
GM [2d12 = 9]
Levi Reed: [DAMAGE (M)] Machete [TYPE: slashing (1d8=2)] [d8 = 2]
[2] → [to Plant tendril (Massive)] [DAMAGE EXCEEDS HIT POINTS BY 1] [STATUS: Dying (0)]
Levi Reed: Arm is getting tired.
Temperance: pats the dust off the hands and hands Levi a waterskin.
Levi Reed: Thanks!
Levi Reed: takes a drink.
Rothuss Carder: Alright! Here we go!
Levi Reed: Ok, let’s see if we can hack off some of that and shove it in the door to keep it open?
Levi Reed: Anyone? My arm needs a rest.
Temperance: I don’t think a small dagger would do the trick for those things.
MeLange: I could give it a hack with my axe, but somebody gotta carry the torch.
Levi Reed: Rothuss, didn’t your knives do some solid damage last time?
The tunnel drops precipitously down to a lower elevation, falling about thirty feet through a very narrow channel. There is no gap on either side of the water, and only about two feet of clearance in the channel that is not filled with rushing, gurgling water. On one side of the tunnel there is a round wooden indentation, like a door, and on the other side there is a small keyhole.
Temperance: I can carry the torch if you want.
MeLange: Thanks.
MeLange: hands torch to Temperance.
Temperance: receives torch.
Rothuss Carder: I don’t really wanna touch them. Had quite enough of them already. I can loan you my sabre, though.
MeLange: [ATTACK (M)] [THACO(18)] [d20+1 = 17]
Attack [17] → [ATTACK (M)] (Battle Axe) [at Plant tendril 2] [Hit-AC: 1 vs. 6 ] [AC: 1 ] [HIT]
BOB Who has the key?
Ratbone Carder: frisking self.
BOB Yes she (Ratbone) does have the key.
Ratbone Carder: Well, here you go then.
Ratbone Carder: hands over key.
Ratbone Carder: Was I the designated driver? Because, sorry, I drank.
BOB If the key is used, the round door will open, diverting the waterfall through a side channel. The door re-closes itself automatically after 1 hour, forcing the waterfall back into its normal channel.
Concealed by the waterfall’s flow, there is a wooden-runged ladder, apparently formed by natural growth of roots, leading down the cliff face where the waterfall normally flows. It is easy to descend this ladder.
Ratbone Carder: You would think I’d remember a key like that.
Levi Reed: Stick some stupid plant pieces in there or something. See if we can keep it open.
Rothuss Carder: Rocks.
Levi Reed: And... maybe someone should stay up here with the key, just in case.
There is another small keyhole at the bottom of the waterfall.
Rothuss Carder: looks over the edge to see if there's anything waiting at the bottom of the waterfall for him.
Rothuss Carder: Alright, I'll go check it out.
There is a four-way intersection here. In the middle of the intersection a large growth of wood, apparently of natural origin, divides the flow of the river into three parts, diverting it so that a channel of water runs down the center of the other tunnels, all of which slope gradually downward from this point.
Rothuss Carder: takes his torch and goes down the ladder.
BOB Nothing is visible except these large wood/trees. Like you are in the middle of a very large tree.
Temperance: changes the waterfall back to normal.
BOB The water flows around it.
Effect ['Torch;LIGHT: 10/15 torch;Torch'] → [EXPIRED] [on MeLange]
The time is 10:00 AM
Levi Reed: Y’all, if we had the key this whole time, how did the person taking care of this place get up there to clean up our fungus ladder?
Rothuss Carder: whispers quietly.
Rothuss Carder: Dupe key, I guess. Or maybe magic.
MeLange: Or magic.
Rothuss Carder: I bet you we have the spare key you keep under a rock in your garden.
Rothuss Carder: Which way do we want to go? Back the way we’ve been before?
Levi Reed: And no, I don’t think the way we went before is the way. For some reason I just have this gut feeling that “easty” is the “beasty”.
Levi Reed: But I could be wrong! I am so often wrong.
Levi Reed: Anyone tell Vee I said that, and I will cut you with one of her knives while she sleeps.
MeLange: I think that’d be something Vee would like to see. At least you own your mistakes, buddy.
Rothuss Carder: So not west, not east. South then?
Levi Reed: Oh, I meant Beasty in a good way, but I’m open to whatever.
Rothuss Carder: East then.
Temperance: East it is, then.
MeLange: Yeah, I’m good with east, unless we want to split into two groups and do both.
Rothuss Carder: Any way is as good as any other way.
So, equipped with the newly-coined motto, the party continues traveling in the direction that will hopefully take them to this Church of Mists. In the process, Temperance, Lirtimya, and Ratbone fall a bit behind.
Levi Reed: Keep up ladies!
Rothuss Carder: cat-walking down the passage (no, he doesn’t have sneakery), sorta ready to get jumped at any point.
Several large objects hang from the fifteen-foot high ceiling of this chamber.
Temperance: [SKILL] Observation [MOD:INT] (vs. Target 13) [SUCCESS by 12] [d20 = 1]
Levi Reed: [SKILL] Alertness [MOD:WIS] (vs. Target 15) [SUCCESS by 7] [d20 = 8]
MeLange: [SKILL] Alertness [MOD:WIS] (vs. Target 10) [FAILURE by 10] [d20 = 20]
Levi Reed: [SKILL] Botany [MOD:WIS] (vs. Target 13) [SUCCESS by 9] [d20 = 4]
Levi Reed: [SKILL] Direction Sense [MOD:WIS] (vs. Target 15) [FAILURE by 2] [d20 = 17]
Levi Reed: [SKILL] Ranger Tracking [2] [MOD:WIS] (vs. Target 15) [SUCCESS by 12] [d20 = 3]
Levi Reed: [SKILL] Spelunking [MOD:INT] (vs. Target 7) [FAILURE by 2] [d20 = 9]
Temperance: [SKILL] Botany [MOD:INT] (vs. Target 13) [FAILURE by 4] [d20 = 17]
BOB For a moment they will be mistaken for human bodies, but it will soon become clear that they are some sort of pod-like plant growth hanging by short, thick stems from the ceiling.
BOB The objects hanging from the ceiling are pod-like plant growth hanging by short, thick stems. There are 20 of these man-sized pods, each measuring about six feet from top to bottom and about four feet in circumference. All but two of them seem to have split open from top to bottom along a seam, revealing a slime-coated interior. The entire room smells unpleasantly of rotting fish.
Levi Reed: ... Anyone got a rock?
Rothuss Carder: Anyone else nervous about those?
MeLange: raises hand.
Levi Reed: Should I try to hit one with a rock or...? Anyone got any better ideas?
Rothuss Carder: Skirt along the edges of the cave and just get through it without bothering anyone?
Levi Reed: I mean, yeah, sure, there’s always the boring way.
MeLange: Yeah, I’m thinking whatever comes out of those pods isn’t going to be friendly with us.
Levi Reed: After you.
Ratbone Carder: gives Jericho a dubious look.
Rothuss Carder: Left/north?
Levi Reed: Sure, why not.
MeLange: Follow the path?
MeLange: [CHECK] Wisdom (vs. Target 9) [SUCCESS by 7] [d20 = 2]
→ MeLange: 20 man sized pods and all but two are split open and empty.......
MeLange: 20 man-sized pods and all but two are split open and empty...
Levi: speaks in a quiet voice. Levi Reed: Yeah, so there’s either 18 slimy pod creatures about to come at us bro, or we’re about to awaken 2 slimy pod creatures.
Temperance: grasps one of her small daggers just in case.
Levi Reed: readies machetes.
Rothuss Carder: So glad I hooked up with you guys. Always something new.
BOB Rothuss can get a wisdom check now.
Rothuss Carder: Left, east, or follow the water south?
Levi Reed: I mean, I feel like let’s just go left until we can no longer go left. Whether because of dead ends or dead friends.
Rothuss Carder: [CHECK] Wisdom (vs. Target 9) [FAILURE by 7] [d20 = 16]
BOB Nah, it was nothing.
Levi Reed: Anyone else feel like that smell doesn’t make sense down here?
Rothuss Carder: Sabre drawn, moves east.
Temperance: scrunches her nose in distaste.
Rothuss Carder: What do pod plants normally smell like?
Levi Reed: I don’t know... plants?
Levi Reed: I haven't yet met a plant that smelled like fish... unless…
Levi Reed: pauses momentarily.
Levi Reed: …it was carnivorous.
Temperance: Considering our encounters, I wouldn’t put it past that.
Levi Reed: We might be the flies in this trap.
Temperance: looks around cautiously.
Rothuss Carder: Buzz buzz.
Rothuss Carder: lurks behind the corner and peeks around it.
BOB Rothuss can make a Dex check.
Rothuss Carder: [CHECK] Dexterity (vs. Target 14) [FAILURE by 1] [d20 = 15]
BOB He stumbles a bit. Make a Wisdom check.
Levi Reed: Careful man!
Rothuss Carder: [CHECK] Wisdom (vs. Target 9) [SUCCESS by 3] [d20 = 6]
Temperance: raises an eyebrow in mild concern.
BOB Rothuss stumbled because the passageway is sloping downward more. That is his story.
Rothuss Carder: Temple is up, this goes down? Keep going?
Levi Reed: [SKILL] Alertness [MOD:WIS] (vs. Target 15) [SUCCESS by 12] [d20 = 3]
Levi Reed: [SKILL] Ranger Tracking [2] [MOD:WIS] (vs. Target 15) [SUCCESS by 11] [d20 = 4]
MeLange: What goes down must come up…maybe? Sometimes?
Rothuss Carder: Only if the food is rotten or the beer is too much.
Levi Reed: [SKILL] Direction Sense [MOD:WIS] (vs. Target 15) [SUCCESS by 3] [d20 = 12]
Levi Reed: [SKILL] Distance Sense [MOD:WIS] (vs. Target 14) [SUCCESS by 3] [d20 = 11]
Levi Reed: [SKILL] Spelunking [MOD:INT] (vs. Target 7) [SUCCESS by 1] [d20 = 6]
BOB Levi says yes, you are definitely moving down a slope deeper. You might not have noticed it before but now you can tell.
Levi Reed: We’re not dead yet. Let’s keep going, I guess.
Rothuss Carder: On my way.
Temperance: nods, attempting to remember the way to this Temple.
Rothuss Carder: crosses over to the other side for cover.
Levi Reed: [SKILL] Trail Marking [MOD:WIS] (vs. Target 14) [SUCCESS by 11] [d20 = 3]
Rothuss Carder: Joy. South we go.
The time is 10:10 AM
Levi Reed: You know what they say. All caves lead south.
The floor of this chamber is covered thickly with small, bulb-headed mushrooms.
Rothuss Carder: Plant people! We got shrooms
Temperance: squints at the mushrooms.
Temperance: [SKILL] Botany [MOD:INT] (vs. Target 13) [FAILURE by 4] [d20 = 17]
Levi Reed: [SKILL] Botany [MOD:WIS] (vs. Target 13) [SUCCESS by 8] [d20 = 5]
BOB Not close enough.
MeLange: [SKILL] Alertness [MOD:WIS] (vs. Target 10) [SUCCESS by 7] [d20 = 3]
Levi Reed: [SKILL] Alertness [MOD:WIS] (vs. Target 15) [SUCCESS by 9] [d20 = 6]
BOB But for Levi, even with the penalty, he can tell those are harmless, not poisonous.
Temperance: [SKILL] Observation [MOD:INT] (vs. Target 13) [SUCCESS by 7] [d20 = 6]
Ratbone Carder: [SKILL] Observation [MOD:INT] (vs. Target 13) [SUCCESS by 4] [d20 = 9]
Levi Reed: These guys aren’t poisonous. Or venomous. Probably.
BOB Ratbone can say that nothing is following you right now
Rothuss Carder: Will they try to eat me?
Lirtimya: [SKILL] Observation [MOD:INT] (vs. Target 16) [SUCCESS by 12] [d20 = 4]
MeLange: Good enough for me.
Levi Reed: Very unlikely.
Rothuss Carder: Cool.
Ratbone Carder: Nothing’s following us right now
Rothuss Carder: I think we're sweeping back around.
Levi Reed: That’s fine, we’ll at least be able to rule out this part of the cavern.
BOB For Rothuss and Levi, as they enter the cavern, if any of these are crushed (by walking through them, for example), they will ooze a sticky paste of spores that instantly begins to glow with a cheerful yellow color. Any person walking through the mushrooms will end up with a pair of softly-glowing boots.
Rothuss Carder: backs up as soon as he bumps one.
Levi Reed: Nice, we could use this to see in the caves, maybe!
Levi Reed: I wonder how long it lasts for. Any idea, Temp?
Rothuss Carder: I’m more worried if it’s safe.
Levi Reed: I told you it wasn't poisonous! Or venomous. Probably.
MeLange: Well, still let’s not lick our boots, just to be safe.
MeLange: looks at Levi.
Temperance: scrunches her brows deep in thought.
Rothuss Carder: You didn't say it would glow either.
Levi Reed: But look at that cute cheerful yellow!
MeLange: It does look tasty...
Temperance: Usually when animals, fungi or plants have bright colors it’s one of two things. One, they want to attract other creatures to spread pollen. Or two, they serve as warning signs.
Levi Reed: Or this is like, their blood.
Rothuss Carder: carefully tiptoes past the mushrooms toward the exit.
BOB Dex check for Rothuss at a minus 8.
MeLange: follows Rothuss.
Rothuss Carder: [CHECK] Dexterity [-8] (vs. Target 14) [SUCCESS by 15] [d20-8 = -1]
→ Rothuss Carder: A huge stone face is carved into the wall where the tunnel widens out.
MeLange: Maybe we should follow Rothuss?
Temperance: nods, glancing at the bright yellow walking away in the dark.
→ Rothuss Carder: The carving’s mouth is a hole that opens to a narrow tunnel beyond. It is not difficult to climb through the mouth, for the bottom lip is only three feet up the wall.
Rothuss Carder: peeks through the mouth.
→ Rothuss Carder: Looks like a tunnel about 4 feet wide, and you have to climb up to go into it.
BOB So everyone has pretty yellow glowing boots now.
Rothuss Carder: whispers quietly.
Rothuss Carder: Hey, look at this.
A huge stone face is carved into the wall where the tunnel widens out.
MeLange: Hey, cool.
Rothuss Carder: The other passage is right through here.
BOB The carving’s mouth is a hole that opens to a narrow tunnel beyond. It is not difficult to climb through the mouth, for the bottom lip is only three feet up the wall.
MeLange: Hmm… interesting.
Rothuss Carder: Go through, or back around?
MeLange: Go through, we’ve come too far.
Levi Reed: Go through. I don’t really want to disturb the pod people.
Rothuss Carder: Got it.
Temperance: nods in assent, glancing down at everyone’s glowing yellow footwear.
Rothuss Carder: climbs through, keeping clear of the flaming part of his torch.
The time is 10:20 AM
Levi Reed: [SKILL] Direction Sense [MOD:WIS] (vs. Target 15) [SUCCESS by 3] [d20 = 12]
Levi Reed: [SKILL] Distance Sense [MOD:WIS] (vs. Target 14) [SUCCESS by 2] [d20 = 12]
Levi Reed: [SKILL] Spelunking [MOD:INT] (vs. Target 7) [FAILURE by 13] [d20 = 20]
Levi Reed: [SKILL] Trail Marking [MOD:WIS] (vs. Target 14) [SUCCESS by 4] [d20 = 10]
Levi Reed: I think we’re going deeper. Anyone else feel it?
Rothuss Carder: Caves are caves to me, man.
MeLange: Even if we’re going deeper, I think we should still move forward.
Temperance: [SKILL] Observation [MOD:INT] (vs. Target 13) [SUCCESS by 10] [d20 = 3]
BOB There are two ways other than going back.
MeLange: [SKILL] Alertness [MOD:WIS] (vs. Target 10) [SUCCESS by 3] [d20 = 7]
Levi Reed: Oh yeah, agree. I’m not giving up on this course until Vee catches up and tells me to stop being an idiot.
Temperance: cracks a small smile at the comment.
Rothuss Carder: Why do you listen to her? Be the idiot you want to be.
Levi Reed: You’ve met her, man. Sometimes it’s just easier to do what she wants.
Rothuss Carder: Up to you.
MeLange: Hm… what’s down this way?
Rothuss Carder: Want me to go first, or do you want the torch?
Temperance: It’s a rather tight squeeze.
MeLange: Spelunking, baby.
Rothuss Carder: hands off the torch before he goes through.
MeLange: Sorry about the ‘baby’. Felt wrong as soon as I said it.
Levi Reed: I liked it.
Levi Reed: Oh, wait, were you not talking to me? Never mind.
MeLange: chuckles
MeLange: From now on, you’re my only baby, Levi.
Levi Reed: I mean, I’m not ready for that level of commitment right now, but I’m flattered.
MeLange: Sure thing baby, you take your time.
MeLange: Oh great, another fork in the road. Caves are so confusing.
Levi Reed: [SKILL] Trail Marking [MOD:WIS] (vs. Target 14) [SUCCESS by 7] [d20 = 7]
MeLange: I see a stream to the east.
Levi Reed: Easty is the beasty!
MeLange: Other path goes south.
Levi Reed: Easty peasty, Levi squeezy.
Rothuss Carder: Wait for the rest to catch up.
MeLange: Yup, the stream continues here.
Rothuss Carder: keeps an eye on the south passage
Levi Reed: Does it open up up there, or still claustrophobia central?
MeLange: Oh, it opens up.
Rothuss Carder: Okay, they're caught up
Levi Reed: Fantastic.
MeLange: Let me get out of the way of the passage.
Levi Reed: I mean, not that I’m claustrophobic, but surely one of us is. That seems to be how we work.
Temperance: I don’t hear any heavy breathing or signs of panic, so I assume we’re all alright for the most part?
Rothuss Carder: tests dipping his boot into the stream to see if it washes away the glow.
BOB The glow does not seem to dissipate.
MeLange: For now, at least.
Levi Reed: Sometimes heavy breathing is good.
MeLange: Means you’re getting a good workout.
Levi Reed: ... sure.
Rothuss Carder: Or really good sex.
MeLange: Are any of us having really good sex right now?
Levi Reed: Are you asking or offering?
MeLange: chuckles.
MeLange: Let’s see what else we have here first.
Rothuss Carder: follows Melange.
Temperance: [SKILL] Observation [MOD:INT] (vs. Target 13) [SUCCESS by 11] [d20 = 2]
MeLange: Okay, another fork in the road. We can head south or follow the stream east again.
Rothuss Carder: Easty beasty has been working, I guess.
MeLange: Plus, sticking close to water seems like a good idea, generally speaking.
Levi Reed: Working as well as anything else. We’re not almost dead yet!
MeLange: Okay, let’s do it.
Levi Reed: Trust the Easty Beasty process.™
Rothuss Carder: Want me to lead again?
MeLange: continues to follow the stream eastward.
MeLange: Up to you Rothuss, I don’t mind.
→ Temperance: Temperance hears a low, angry muttering sound from the west.
Levi Reed: [SKILL] Alertness [MOD:WIS] (vs. Target 15) [SUCCESS by 3] [d20 = 12]
Levi Reed: [SKILL] Direction Sense [MOD:WIS] (vs. Target 15) [SUCCESS by 6] [d20 = 9]
Levi Reed: [SKILL] Distance Sense [MOD:WIS] (vs. Target 14) [SUCCESS by 0] [d20 = 14]
Levi Reed: [SKILL] Ranger Tracking [2] [MOD:WIS] (vs. Target 15) [SUCCESS by 3] [d20 = 12]
Levi Reed: [SKILL] Spelunking [MOD:INT] (vs. Target 7) [SUCCESS by 2] [d20 = 5]
MeLange: I’ll scooch down here so you can pass.
Temperance: Uh-oh, alright.
MeLange: gets out of the way.
Temperance: Do you guys hear that?
Rothuss Carder: Hear what?
Rothuss Carder: pauses.
→ Levi Reed: A low, angry muttering sound.
Temperance: It sounds like a muttering of sorts.
Levi Reed: Sounds like someone is kind of angry… or something.
Rothuss Carder: Which way?
MeLange: Well, uh-oh.
Temperance: From the West.
Levi Reed: Great, so easty beasty it is.
Levi Reed: I swear if it’s fucking goblins again...
MeLange: I'll take goblins over plants.
Rothuss Carder: That could be why they’re breathing heavy.
MeLange: Think they’re having sex?
Rothuss Carder: moves past Melange.
Temperance: shrugs.
MeLange: makes way for Rothuss to pass.
Levi Reed: How are you holding up, Lirt? You’ve been awful quiet this morning.
Rothuss Carder: peeks around the corner.
Temperance: glances at the navigator.
BOB Levi can make a Spellunking check.
Levi Reed: [SKILL] Spelunking [MOD:INT] (vs. Target 7) [SUCCESS by 3] [d20 = 4]
BOB Levi reaches out and grabs Rothuss. Just another couple of feet in front of him the water starts moving a lot quicker, which tells Levi that the slope DROPS quickly.
Lirtimya: I’m just observing and listening. I’m not used to cave diving. Just normal diving.
Levi Reed: Watch out, Rothuss. Looks like a big drop coming up.
Temperance: I'm not too accustomed to caves myself.
Rothuss Carder: Well... plunge into the depths or go back?
Levi Reed: If you think you can get down there to see if it’s dangerous without falling and killing yourself, then go for it. But no sense in risking a life if we don’t know this is where we need to go.
Rothuss Carder: When have I ever backed down?
Rothuss Carder: grins, going slow and careful, one step at a time.
BOB Dex check at a minus 4.
Temperance: mumbles a small prayer.
Rothuss Carder: [CHECK] Dexterity (vs. Target 14) [SUCCESS by 1] [d20 = 13]
BOB WHOOOOOOSHHHHH. Like that, Rothuss disappears. You hear a slight startled sound, then nothing.
Levi Reed: Well… I mean… We can’t just leave him.
Levi Reed: pauses to ponder.
Levi Reed: Probably.
MeLange: Well, it would be quite rude to leave him.
→ Rothuss Carder: Swimming check.
Levi Reed: So we... um... follow?
MeLange: Go on Levi, we’re right behind ya.
Temperance: looks a bit conflicted, but nods in assent nonetheless.
Rothuss Carder: [TOWER] [SKILL] Swimming [MOD:STR] (vs. Target 13) [SUCCESS by 12] [d20 = 1]
Levi Reed: Or... find a safer way to wherever he is?
MeLange: That would take time. He could be in trouble now.
Levi Reed: Sure, but so could we if we fall down there...
MeLange: At least Rothuss would break our fall.
MeLange: chuckles.
→ Rothuss Carder: The tunnel drops suddenly down to a deep pool fifty feet below, the river pouring over the edge in a fast-moving torrent. A few jagged rocks jut out from the stream just before the water tips over the edge.
Levi Reed: You make a good point. Okay, you go first, and shout back up to us if you land okay.
Temperance: I don’t particularly want him to break our fall by breaking his back.
MeLange: Okay, I’ll yell first just in case. Make way, Levi.
MeLange: Coming down, Rothuss!!! Make way!
Rothuss Carder: shouts back.
Rothuss Carder: Long drop. deep pool!
Temperance: mumbles a small prayer again.
Levi Reed: follows MeLange down the waterslide.
MeLange: sits on his bottom to slide down like Michael Douglas in that movie.
Rothuss Carder: moves over to a rock to sit on.
Levi Reed: Man, Vee is going to hate this SO much. Keep going?
BOB And for everyone you can roll Observation or Alertness or whatever you would like.
Levi Reed: Roth?
Levi Reed: [SKILL] Alertness [MOD:WIS] (vs. Target 15) [SUCCESS by 10] [d20 = 5]
Temperance: [SKILL] Bureaucracy (2) [MOD:INT] (vs. Target 13) [SUCCESS by 4] [d20 = 9]
Lirtimya: [SKILL] Observation [MOD:INT] (vs. Target 16) [SUCCESS by 15] [d20 = 1]
Levi Reed: [SKILL] Direction Sense [MOD:WIS] (vs. Target 15) [FAILURE by 2] [d20 = 17]
Levi Reed: [SKILL] Distance Sense [MOD:WIS] (vs. Target 14) [SUCCESS by 1] [d20 = 13]
BOB You are in a big pool right now and you can hear a waterfall to your south.
Levi Reed: [SKILL] Ranger Tracking [2] [MOD:WIS] (vs. Target 15) [SUCCESS by 0] [d20 = 15]
Temperance: [SKILL] Botany [MOD:INT] (vs. Target 13) [SUCCESS by 10] [d20 = 3]
Levi Reed: [SKILL] Spelunking [MOD:INT] (vs. Target 7) [FAILURE by 1] [d20 = 8]
Levi Reed: [SKILL] Trail Marking [MOD:WIS] (vs. Target 14) [FAILURE by 2] [d20 = 16]
Rothuss Carder: [SKILL] Climb Walls [PERCENT:Climb Walls] (vs. Target 50) [FAILURE by 26] [d100 = 76]
MeLange: [SKILL] Swimming [MOD:STR] (vs. Target 18) [SUCCESS by 15] [d20 = 3]
Temperance: [SKILL] Swimming [MOD:CON] (vs. Target 15) [SUCCESS by 2] [d20 = 13]
MeLange: swims like a mofo.
Levi Reed: [CHECK] Intelligence (vs. Target 9) [SUCCESS by 0] [d20 = 9]
→ Lirtimya: Lirt feels something in the water, then realizes... LEECHES
Lirtimya: [SKILL] Swimming [MOD:STR] (vs. Target 9) [FAILURE by 7] [d20 = 16]
→ Levi Reed: feels something in the water, then realizes... LEECHES
Lirtimya: There are leeches in here!
Levi Reed: Leeeecheessssssss!
Levi Reed: attempts to get out of the water.
Rothuss Carder: levitates out of the water.
Leech, Giant [1HD] 1: [ATTACK (M)] [THACO(20)] [d20 = 13]
Attack [13] → [ATTACK (M)] (Bite 1 HD) [at Lirtimya] [Hit-AC: 7 vs. 10 ] [AC: 7 ] [HIT]
Temperance: attempts to climb out of the water.
Leech, Giant [1HD] 6: [ATTACK (M)] [THACO(20)] [d20 = 14]
Attack [14] → [ATTACK (M)] (Bite 2-3 HD) [at MeLange] [Hit-AC: 6 vs. 1 ] [AC: 6 ] [MISS]
MeLange: swims to dry land.
Leech, Giant [1HD] 3: [ATTACK (M)] [THACO(20)] [d20 = 17]
Attack [17] → [ATTACK (M)] (Bite 2-3 HD) [at Temperance] [Hit-AC: 3 vs. 10 ] [AC: 3 ] [HIT]
Lirtimya: attempting to swim out.
Leech, Giant [1HD] 5: [ATTACK (M)] [THACO(20)] [d20 = 7]
Attack [7] → [ATTACK (M)] (Bite 2-3 HD) [at Rothuss Carder] [Hit-AC: 13 vs. 8 ] [AC: 13 ] [MISS]
Leech, Giant [1HD] 4: [ATTACK (M)] [THACO(20)] [d20 = 16]
Attack [16] → [ATTACK (M)] (Bite 2-3 HD) [at Levi Reed] [Hit-AC: 4 vs. 7 ] [AC: 4 ] [HIT]
Leech, Giant [1HD] 2: [ATTACK (M)] [THACO(20)] [d20 = 14]
Attack [14] → [ATTACK (M)] (Bite 1 HD) [at Rothuss Carder] [Hit-AC: 6 vs. 8 ] [AC: 6 ] [HIT]
Levi Reed: Um... anyone got any vines we can grab onto?
Rothuss Carder: I left mine behind yesterday.
Rothuss Carder: braced against the wall.
Rothuss Carder: How are there leeches here? Why aren’t they over the edge of the waterfall?
Vee Barlett: waves at you from NOT the leech pit.
Beyond the pool, the tunnel begins to slope down more and more. The tunnel is choked with stalagmites and stalactites, and in places becomes so narrow that the adventurers will need to move in single file.
Vee Barlett: I was tryin’ to find where y’all put my canoe.
Rothuss Carder: Feet against one wall, back against the other, back up the slide?
MeLange: So slippery, is that a real option?
Levi Reed: I don’t know, man, I am so reticent to go backwards after coming all this way...
MeLange: Yeah, I agree Baby.
Temperance: Everyone except Melange also has a leech attached to them...so I’m not sure how it would affect our strength for climbing.
Levi Reed: swoons.
Rothuss Carder: We can go into the pool down below if you want to. Not sure how we’ll get back, but I’m sure there’s a way.
Levi Reed: Or we just live here now.
Rothuss Carder: Okay. I’ll go first then. (giving Vee time to yell at us first if she wants to.)
Vee Barlett: too busy trying to figure out where you all put her canoe to yell at you all.
Levi Reed: Wait, Vee’s finally here! We have the other rope!
Vee Barlett: Why ya want my rope? Y’all keep losing it.
Vee Barlett: AND MY CANOE.
MeLange: Ownership isn’t real man, it’s just a figment of our imagination.
Vee Barlett: That’s how ya get stabbed.
This waterfall is not steep at all, but it leads into a pool that covers the entire floor of the passage below.
MeLange: laughs.
Vee Barlett: You don’t gotta own your stuff, but I own mine.
MeLange: Doesn’t take much.
Temperance: The cave was a bit of a tight squeeze, it was hard to bring it in with us.
Vee Barlett: Truth.
Vee Barlett: [SKILL] Observation [MOD:INT] (vs. Target 12) [SUCCESS by 8] [d20 = 4]
Vee Barlett: Ya know, the dried blood on yer face kinda makes a cool lookin’ tattoo, Levi.
Levi Reed: You know what would look good on you? A few more leeches.
Vee Barlett: You can keep ‘em. Might keep the blood rushin’ the wrong places.
Levi Reed: But my rope is up top hanging at the entrance because our fungal ladder disappeared.
Vee Barlett: Er...the fungus that's supposed to be growin’ on the walls? How’d fungus just... disappear? Someone eat it?
Temperance: It might be that someone resides in the cave .... somewhere.
BOB And Vee standing at the bottom of the waterfall spots fish swimming in the waters.
Levi Reed: I mean... should we bother? If it’s just a pool and nowhere to go...
Vee Barlett: Oh! Fish!
Vee Barlett : [Translation] What up, fish bros??
[understood by: Vee Barlett]
Rothuss Carder: Look out below!
Levi Reed: Oh thank the lord, someone to talk to.
GM [Translation] FEED ME!
[understood by: Vee Barlett]
Rothuss Carder: slides down the waterfall.
GM [Translation] FEED ME!
[understood by: Vee Barlett]
Vee Barlett : [Translation] Whatcha want to eat?
[understood by: Vee Barlett]
GM [Translation] FOOOD!!!!!
[understood by: Vee Barlett]
GM [Translation] FOOOOOD!
[understood by: Vee Barlett]
Vee Barlett : [Translation] FINEEEEE HOLD ONNNN
[understood by: Vee Barlett]
BOB And they swarm over towards Rothuss.
Vee Barlett: Some hungry fish down here. Careful or I think they’ll eat your toes.
Levi Reed: Rothuss doesn’t need those toes anyway.
Leech, Giant [1HD] 3: [DAMAGE (M)] Bite 2-3 HD [TYPE: Piercing (1d6=3)] [d6 = 3]
[3] → [to Rothuss Carder] [STATUS: Moderate]
Vee Barlett: grabs some of her rations and tosses it into the water.
BOB And then Rothuss feels a STABBING pain right through his brightly glowing yellow boots as a fish takes a CHUNK out of the leather and a toe.
Vee Barlett : [Translation] Don’t be bitin’ them toes. Ya know where they been? You’ll get sick.
[understood by: Vee Barlett]
Vee Barlett : [Translation] Eat this.
[understood by: Vee Barlett]
BOB Then the rest of the water splashes as the fish swarm the rations that Vee dumped in.
Temperance: furrows her brows in concern.
Vee Barlett: Fed them. Come on down before they try to eat more toes.
Rothuss Carder: checks his boot and foot.
The river flows through this large cavern, wending its way between tall formations of stalagmites. The southern wall is a steep upward slope leading to a higher level within the same cavern. The interior of this higher level cannot be seen from the cave bottom.
Vee Barlett: What kinda cave is this?
BOB And here is a pause for Carissa to admire Vee’s brightly-glowing yellow boots.
Temperance: checks on Rothuss’ foot.
Vee Barlett: takes notes to mention this to Rocco - new fashion statement?
BOB and a quick catch up on everything before going deeper into these caves that you do not know a way out of.
Vee Barlett: moves her foot this way and that.
Vee Barlett: Whatcha all think? Garish or fashion?
MeLange: Hey guys, wait up!
Rothuss Carder: How did you get down the falls without getting bit, Vee?
Levi Reed: Rocco could do some good stuff with the glowy on a codpiece.
Vee Barlett: Distracted them with conversation.
MeLange: Fashion all the way.
Vee Barlett: nods to self.
MeLange: the Leeches wouldn't dare
Vee Barlett: If it don’t rub off, gonna have to take these home. Wonder how long it lasts...
Temperance: They were from mushrooms a ways before this waterfall.
BOB So Lirt, Levi, Temperance and Rothuss have giant leeches on them.
Vee Barlett: You all gonna.... just leave those there? Can you pull ‘em off? Poke ‘em? Burn ‘em?
BOB You are out of the pool with the biting fish and you have this very large cavern in front of you.
Rothuss Carder: I don’t like the tentacled look. How do we get rid of them?
Vee Barlett: Maybe the fish will eat them.
Levi Reed: attempts to pull off a leech.
Vee Barlett: pokes the leech on Rothuss with her knife.
BOB Taking your time you can do that fairly easily and throw them back to the biting fish.
Rothuss Carder: Do your worst to it Vee. Pretend it's me
The time is 10:50 AM
Vee Barlett: If I pretend it’s yours, I’m gonna go straight for your face.
Vee Barlett: At least the fish are happier.
Rothuss Carder: ITS face. Pretend IT is me. Not me is me.
BOB And yes it has been almost two hours that you have been down here.
Vee Barlett: Hmm.... I suppose you might need your face for now. Fine.
Rothuss Carder: You’re all my witnesses. If I lose my face, Vee did it.
Vee Barlett: Nah, they ain’t or they can help feed them fish.
Rothuss Carder: And now she's threatening the witnesses.
Vee Barlett: If only I had a good way to take some of them, too...
Temperance: hesitantly pokes a leech latched onto Levi with her small dagger.
Vee Barlett: Who said it was a threat? They got leeches on them, too.
Vee Barlett: grins.
Rothuss Carder: You’re going to have to work harder at it if you’re going to pretend not to be a mob boss.
Levi Reed: [SKILL] Alertness [MOD:WIS] (vs. Target 15) [FAILURE by 3] [d20 = 18]
Levi Reed: [SKILL] Spelunking [MOD:INT] (vs. Target 7) [SUCCESS by 2] [d20 = 5]
Vee Barlett: pretends not to hear him.
BOB Excellent. Yes to everyone having their leeches removed.
MeLange: [SKILL] Alertness [MOD:WIS] (vs. Target 10) [FAILURE by 1] [d20 = 11]
BOB that was the ten minutes of time to manage that
BOB and then feeding them to the fish
Temperance: [SKILL] Observation [MOD:INT] (vs. Target 13) [FAILURE by 4] [d20 = 17]
Vee Barlett: [SKILL] Observation [MOD:INT] (vs. Target 12) [FAILURE by 7] [d20 = 19]
Vee Barlett: [CHECK] Wisdom (vs. Target 14) [FAILURE by 4] [d20 = 18]
Temperance: [CHECK] Wisdom (vs. Target 16) [SUCCESS by 9] [d20 = 7]
Vee Barlett: still debating glowing boots and fish to notice anything
[65 XP] → Jericho
[201 XP] → Temperance
[201 XP] → Levi Reed
[201 XP] → MeLange
[201 XP] → Rothuss Carder
[201 XP] → Ratbone Carder
[201 XP] → Vee Barlett
[204 XP] → Lirtimya
Awarded XP to the Party. (1410)
Vee Barlett: [SKILL] Ranger Tracking [2] [MOD:WIS] (vs. Target 15) [SUCCESS by 6] [d20 = 9]
Rothuss Carder: looks down the passage to see what's next.
Rothuss Carder: Dang. Not a cavern tavern.
→ Levi Reed: Levi can tell that this cavern will be very hard to move through and that southern wall with the upper section, anything, like goblins, or? could be up there and shoot down on you.
Vee Barlett: Wrong island for that.
Levi Reed: Well guys... gonna be honest, this doesn’t look great. Going to be very hard to move through that area, and with that ridge up there, things could sneak up and shoot at us and we’d be fish in a barrel.
MeLange: Cave life.
Vee Barlett: Lirt, you got yer fog spell? Would that help give us cover?
Rothuss Carder: What’s wrong with it? If we just leg it, there won’t be time to shoot us.
MeLange: Or we could try to move quick before anybody shows up.
Levi Reed: The part about the “very hard to move through” was separate from the “things could shoot at us”.
Vee Barlett: What’s hard about it?
Levi Reed: Very hard to move through means we probably won’t be able to go fast.
Lirtimya: I have my fog spell.
The river flows through this large cavern, wending its way between tall formations of stalagmites. The southern wall is a steep upward slope leading to a higher level within the same cavern. The interior of this higher level cannot be seen from the cave bottom.
Vee Barlett: How long it last?
Rothuss Carder: Want me to climb up and peek over the edge and see if there’s anyone up there?
Vee Barlett: Can we hide behind them pillars?
Rothuss Carder: No need to rush if there isn’t anyone there.
Lirtimya: At least a couple minutes.
Vee Barlett: Well... could always try to go through and if’n something tries to shoot at us, Lirt does her fog trick.
Levi Reed: But let’s keep the fog spell as a backup, yeah?
Rothuss Carder: Yeah, sounds good.
Temperance: nods in assent.
Vee Barlett: Ain’t gonna stop y’all from doin’ anything that may or may not be stupid.
Levi Reed: Just after that fight with that plant monster, I don’t want to see anyone waste any spells.
MeLange: nods.
Levi Reed: Vee, we’ve done nothing but stupid things since we entered this cave. It’s working out fine so far.
MeLange: Got us this far.
Vee Barlett: laughs.
Vee Barlett: Just make sure ya spot where ya can maybe take cover if needed.
Levi Reed: A couple of fish bites and leeches worse for the wear, but that's not bad, considering—
Vee Barlett: And glowin’ boots which are fun... and an easier target.
Rothuss Carder: Only way to do the smart thing is to know what's down here already. Ain't none of us know that, so everything we can do is maybe stupid, maybe smart.
Levi Reed: Nobody’s almost dead, MeLange is calling me baby, I got cute boots, we found a fun waterslide... absolutely nothing to complain about.
Vee Barlett: And y’all are almost finishin’ each other’s sentences! Kinda cute.
MeLange: Sandwiches?
BOB grins.
(and proceeds to hit all of us with a bit of foreshadowing. insert ominous music here.)
In the top level of the cavern there is a large pile of bones and scraps, remnants of victims carried up from the lower part of the cavern.
[100 XP] → Temperance
[100 XP] → MeLange
[100 XP] → Rothuss Carder
[100 XP] → Lirtimya
[100 XP] → Levi Reed
[100 XP] → Ratbone Carder
[100 XP] → Vee Barlett
