Chapter 1: So it begins.

[Rex]

Ingvar can't get the grate out without some sort of tool, but it is not in good shape and should be easy to remove with a bit of work. Sheamus lowers him down. About 40 feet down the walls suddenly open up and you are hanging in a large underground cavern. Ingvar is dangling about 5 feet below the 6 foot diameter opening, about 15 feet above water. To the west is an island (~50 foot n-s by 40 foot e-w), maybe caused by a past cave in. There appears to be a substantial pile of bones on the east end of the island. You would guess the cave is about 160 feet e-w by 150 feet n-s. You are hanging over the east end about 25 feet from the east wall, roughly midway north-south.


All distances are very rough estimates, the cave is natural with lots of cracks, nooks etc.

[VonAlric]

"A grate? Means construction was done here. There's more to the rock than just height." Rodbert begins to call down to Ingvar but thinks better of it. He looks to Sheamus, "Best to keep the chatter down, don't want to alert anything of our actions while in a vulnerable position."

He looks to the rest of the group. "Keep an eye and ear out around us, don't let us get surprised." Rodbert is ready to grab the rope to help haul Ingvar up if trouble arises.

[alver]

Ingvar requests to be pulled up again. Once on surface level, he crawls out of the pit and wipes his grimy hands on his tunic. "Good work," he grins at Sheamus.

Ingvar takes a sharp stick and starts drawing the shape of the pit and the cavern in the dirt as accurately as he can. "See, this is where the bones are stacked. I believe this is where the demon eats the men. But I do not know how it comes out. We could not climb out if we went down there. And this tunnel here is very narrow. Only Solvi could fit in there."

[GreyWolfVT]

Sheamus nods and begins pulling Ingvar back up and grins proudly when Ingvar compliments him. "Maybe the demon is like a mouse, they can flatten down and squeeze through anywhere just about."

[Rex]

Humfrey "That is an interesting observation Sheamus. At this point I am not ruling anything out."

[VonAlric]

Rodbert thinks for a moment or two, considering the drawing. "So, water level is maybe 60 foot down. Any entrance into the cavern is above that, hopefully. Perhaps not... maybe there is another shaft that is under the water that comes up and exits above the water line. Whatever exit it uses is probably hidden from the vantage point that Ingvar had. So, how to find it? That shaft may be a clue. Let's determine which way it was pointing then head down this rock in that direction. We may be able to find an opening there. It is at least a place to start from. Also, where ever this creature exits must be trampled down and a bit of a worn path should be there. What say ye?"

[alver]

Ingvar

"Wisely spoken. We must look if this mouse hole has more ways in and out. It is a good idea to go in the same direction as this small tunnel. And then, walk around the base of the hill."

He observes Humfrey's lion for a bit. Does the animal look relaxed, alert, afraid?

[Rex]

The tunnel leads back the way you came up the hill (east). I also just realized my east west is backwards in my post, I will go back and fix that. Sorry about that. The distance between Ingvar and the wall in the east direction was only about 25 feet so the tunnel goes beyond that for sure. All of Rodbert's assumptions are correct as far as you know at this point. The shaft and grate are obviously not natural and the cave and pit are clearly natural. The cat is pacing in circles, very alert. You would say more so than normal, but not alarmed or afraid which is how he was when Baldwin was killed.

[Rex]

The party heads back along the trail they came up, looking for anything unusual that might indicate a hidden entrance. They work there way back down the bushy slope to the bottom of the hill. You take plenty of time, it is now nearly dark, but no one notices anything. The trail continues away from the hill, if Martin is correct it should lead to the now abandoned Talaeda village. Rodbert notes that working down the slope something felt "Off" but he can't describe it more than that. You searched that area with extra care but found nothing.

To continue the search around the hill will require lights and will be extra difficult even then.

Actions (camp, search or other)?

[alver]

"We just have to continue tomorrow, it seems," concludes Ingvar.

He thinks a bit, standing still in the darkness. "If there is a village nearby, we could sleep under a roof there."

Was the Taelda trail well used and easy to see? Would we be able to follow it using torches?

[Rex]

Yes you could follow the Talaeda trail with torches, it will also be the closest village. From what Martin said it is a couple of miles from Demon Rock.

[VonAlric]

"Stay here at the base or the top, we set up camp and could be attacked from any side. Go to village, get inside a hut and we can have some protection from at least two sides. If we can get to the village without incident, I like our chances. I like them better if we use the rope to keep everyone within range and know if the end person disappears."

[GreyWolfVT]

Sheamus "I like how you think."

[alver]

In summary (everyone feel free to correct me if I missed something):

We tie the rope to the wrist of the last one in the marching order so that if he is being pulled away or unties it, we will notice. Everybody else will have someone walking behind them. We light a couple of torches (we have a supply of at least 12) and try to find the Taelda village.

[Rex]

With everyone roped together and torches lit you head off towards the village. You estimate its a bit more than 2 miles, the trail was easy enough to find. Once there it appears to be deserted and not much more than a few huts and a few communal fire rings. You locate a big hut that will hold you all and set up there. The night goes by uneventfully and everyone feels more rested in the morning. You sleep in a bit so that everyone can get a full rest.

Anyone down HP's gets 1d3 back
Spellcasters are back to full spell slots

Actions?

[alver]

During the stay, Ingvar distributes his rations. Everyone gets one and then there are no more left. While the night was uneventful, his 2-quart wineskin was nevertheless passed around in the anticipation of battle, which may be the last to some or all of the party.

In the morning, Ingvar and Solvi prepare for departure. The Ivinian speaks to his sister.

"We will fight well today. Sarajin will be watching."

[VonAlric]

Rodbert thanks the Ivinian for his generosity and silently curses his lack of thought for grabbing foodstuffs from Loban. He gathers his things after the repast and prepares to leave.

"This time, whoever brings up the rear, should be tied to the person in front of them. No one else needs to be tied since it is light. I suggest that I be that person and Earnest is in front of me. This way all people can be seen or accounted for."

[Rex]

Having rested and eaten everyone starts the return to Demon Rock. The last 2 in the order tied together just in case. the 2+ mile walk goes uneventful and you arrive back at the foot of the rock. The trail continues to the top and you haven't passed any side trails since the village. It appears that they used this trail only to bring tribute to whatever it is they feared here. Looking thing over you decide to go clockwise around the rock. At the other end, roughly 400 yards SW as the bird flies you come across a game trail. This is the closest you have seen a game trail to the rock. It heads South West in one direction and North in the other. Demon Rock at this end is less steep than the opposite end.

You are located at the left end in the picture of Demon Rock.

Actions? Continue around, follow trail (which direction), split up etc.

Everyone please supply a 4d6 roll

[VonAlric]

[4d6] = 21 (Yikes)

I say continue around first.

[GreyWolfVT]

[4d6] = 14

Sheamus sounds a little tired and just says "How about we keep going the way we already are yes?"