Third Expedition - The Caves of Chaos

[badams30]

Brother Henry - Priest

Standing near the cave mouth and seeing Cormac and Saeros departing inside the cave Henry says "Wait now! You fellows could use some spiritual support, eh?" And he'll grab his shield and follow them in, mace at the ready.

[KingOfCowards]

Sham will start removing the spikes where the Lardo just knocked from, and open the door.

[Scott308]

Risdac Egargi

The Mage will help Sham remove spikes.

[Spartakos]

25th of Shining, 1:00 pm

Upon hearing the signal, Sham begins to hammer loose the spikes blocking the secret door, with Eglistrum lending aid (of both a physical and engineering nature). Meanwhile, Henry joins Cormac and Saeros as they prepared to follow after Lardo, and the three venture in together.

In short order, the party regroups in the room with the secret door. Forming up in their normal ranks, they head down the hall in search of Lardo, and soon find the main chamber, which appears to be the site of a recent battle (see above, now unspoilered).

While the party moved to rejoin him, Lardo explored the side passage to the left. He found only a medium-small chamber, bare of any items or ornamentation. There are a few scraps of cloth and flotsam that makes him think it has been recently cleared of any contents. He exits this chamber in time to see the party entering the main room.

Actions?

[Gelatinous Q]

The twinkling light that is Lardo says to the rest of the party: "It looks like the hobs didn't need any provoking to wipe these little buggers out. They even killed the wolf."

It is Lardo's advice that a) they collect ears for Dame Joanna (he won't do it himself in case that should represent a hostile action); and b) return to the unexplored passage near the entrance. While he still has some time on the invisibility potion, he can scout up the hallway looking very intently for footprints, signs of movement, etc.

[GreyWolfVT]

Cormac "Yes we saw the same when coming in to locate you Lardo. Yes lets all search the rest of the place then."

[Bloodaxe]

Saeros Silversword

Maybe there is a secret passage somewhere in this place. The Hobgoblins entered here unseen. Help me search. The more of us looking, the better chance we have of finding it, if its there......

Saeros searches for secret doors and tries to get the others to do the same. (starting with the "medium-small" chamber and going from there.

[KingOfCowards]

Sham will assist Saeros in searching for secret doors. Are there any other unexplored passageways?

[Spartakos]

2 things:

1) there is another exit from this main chamber, where the party is now; Lardo explored the left passage, but there is a right one as well.

2) there are no ears to collect; you see signs of violence, but no bodies except the wolf.

[KingOfCowards]

2) there are no ears to collect; you see signs of violence, but no bodies except the wolf.

"The kobolds said that the hobgoblins took prisoners, I wonder what they did with the others."

After we search for doors in two explored rooms, Sham will form up next to the right passage, ready to move when everybody else is.

[Spartakos]

25th of Shining, 1:15 pm

Before moving on, the party spreads out a bit to search for secret doors, both in the main chamber and the smaller side chamber that Lardo discovered.

Cormac, while moving past the right-hand hallway (as of yet unexplored), he happens to glance down it and sees movement! While not fully into the light of the party's torches, he can see four tall humanoid shapes in the hall...the lead two of which are now raising javelins to throw, presumably at him.

No surprise on either side.
Since I didn't hear from most, use your own judgment for your current positions; nobody is in a particularly advantageous position, though. Assume the side chamber has been searched already (nothing was found), and you are all in the main chamber.

Actions?

[Bloodaxe]

Saeros Silversword

The Elf sees the shadowy forms with their weapons raised and knows they mean no good. He mumbles ancient words of power and lets the magic of enchanted slumber fly...

Saeros casts his SLEEP spell at the 4 humanoids.

[2d4] = 5

5 HD worth

[Scott308]

Eglistrum Paharis

The Mage will attempt to appear threatening, brandishing his staff aggressively, but not actually attacking anything unless he is approached.

[Zhym]

Ampersand Mxyzptlk Kerfuffle Humperdink Wongdoodle Biddleshaft the Third waits, sling at the ready if needed.

[GreyWolfVT]

Cormac turns with his torch in one hand and ax in the other.

[Gelatinous Q]

Still invisible, Lardo attempts to sidle behind the humanoids.

[badams30]

Brother Henry - Priest

Henry holds his mace and shield at the ready with the others, waiting to see what happens.

[KingOfCowards]

Distance to the attackers?It doesn't sound like anyone will be within range for melee combat, so Sham drop his sword and fire his shortbow.
Attack with Shortbow: [1d20+1] = 14+1 = 15, Damage: [1d6] = 3

[Spartakos]

Distance is anywhere from 25-40', depending on where the PC is in the room.

Initiative:
Initiative for monsters: [1d6] = 2
Initiative for party: [1d6] = 4

The party readies themselves for battle, even as their enemies make ready to loose javelins...but the hiss of elvish sorcery is swiftest, and 3 of the 4 foes collapse like puppets with their strings cut.
Saving throws, H1: [1d20] = 16, H2: [1d20] = 13, H3: [1d20] = 13, H4: [1d20] = 8

Sham's arrow leaves his bow moments after the incantation leaves Saeros's lips. The last humanoid flinches as the arrow pierces his mail (3 damage); the wound does not stop him from hurling the javelin in his hand, but it does throw his aim off so it flies wild.
Hobgoblin javelin: [1d20] = 3, damage: [1d6] = 2

The hobgoblin, for now you can see it is one, draws it broadsword, but with its fellows down decides that standing to fight would be foolish. It turns to flee.

Actions? If you win initiative, you may be able to stop him before he flees around the corner. Otherwise, he will retreat out of sight on his action.

[GreyWolfVT]

Cormac cases after the runner and throws his ax hoping to stop the fleeing hobgoblin Cormac Attack w/Hand Axe Thrown [1d20] = 18, damage [1d6] = 6