Barrowmaze: Repatriating the Red Lion of Aerik

Post Reply
Message
Author
Spearmint
Rider of Rohan
Rider of Rohan
Posts: 12913
Joined: Sat May 14, 2016 5:42 pm

Re: Barrowmaze: Repatriating the Red Lion of Aerik

#101 Post by Spearmint »

we may have lost Zagygthemad from the game, so I will update while I check in on him.

Barrow Mound random and even more random [1d6]=6 [1d6]=5 [1d10]=6

The night passes without incident You hear many howls, growls and screeches during the midnight hours, even nearby footfall and a stone tossed or kicked into the central chamber from the mound above. But no intrusion below from either the ceiling or the excavated tunnel. You rise and can plan the next expedition step. You can swing a grapnel and rope to hook the lip of the hole, ine clamber up and when the all clear signalled, begin to shin up to the mound top. In the thick morning mist and quiet of post dawn hours, you can advance towards the old Harpy lair, ears waxed and strength restored.

Folk are all at full health. (I will check)

Harpy Shaft, Barrow Mounds.

July 11th 1066.


specific actions and plans to descend the Harpy shaft please.

Image
Attachments
Screenshot_2023-10-10-14-34-54-955~2.jpg
Screenshot_2023-10-10-14-34-54-955~2.jpg (345.98 KiB) Viewed 748 times
User avatar
Cwreando
Ranger Lord
Ranger Lord
Posts: 2766
Joined: Fri Oct 19, 2012 2:34 pm
Location: Midwest

Re: Barrowmaze: Repatriating the Red Lion of Aerik

#102 Post by Cwreando »

Durgo

Durgo coordinates with the others, " Let's use a few Signals that can be used. Stop, look 360 degrees up and down, Quiet, Scout, Hide, Pair up and anything else the others might think to add. Everyone, please feel free to suggest any and all things we should consider here. We'll need to map this also Gen. Let Fydmar work the rooms for traps and such. We've been in some of this so mainly any new rooms we search. More harpies, undead, jelly/pudding, mold spores. Anything could be down there. New inhabitants, lycans and cultist. Be ready for anything. Hopefully nothing. If it starts to look bad we get out with our skin intact. Dying for a cause is one thing. Dying because we took a stupid risk is another.

Durgo let's the others chime in and scans the area and stays alert.
Trist Flameheart Multi-Class in progress Gray Elf Fighter/Mage 3/3 - Grey Wolf's Mystara Adventures (Ad&d 2e) Active
Durgo Brigthboon Fighter Human Level 3 - Spearment's Barromaze
BaltoBruiser
Ranger Knight
Ranger Knight
Posts: 1024
Joined: Tue Sep 12, 2023 12:18 pm
Location: Eastern Shore of Maryland

Re: Barrowmaze: Repatriating the Red Lion of Aerik

#103 Post by BaltoBruiser »

Bhelnus

Are we leaving the dwarf tomb and marching to the Harpy lair or are we at the Harpy lair?

Bhelnus rises feeling better after some rest and his quiet watch with Brother Symeon.

Bhelnus appreciates the hand signals and tries to remember them by practicing as he pets Bucky. He will stick close to Genaromes to possibly protect the unarmored mage and to figure out what he is scribbling.

If we haven't left for the Harpy Lair and still haven't loaded their ears with harpy blocking wax, Bhelnus asks:

If the flying hags and their pet vultures are in the air, are trying to bring a single one down by all shooting at it? Do we know if the leader has any marks to identify it? Should we try to bring that one down first?

If we have left and are at the Liar, he just sticks Bucky in his backpack so he is out of sight and not intentionally targeted by a bird of prey and will figure out the strategy on the fly.
Spearmint
Rider of Rohan
Rider of Rohan
Posts: 12913
Joined: Sat May 14, 2016 5:42 pm

Re: Barrowmaze: Repatriating the Red Lion of Aerik

#104 Post by Spearmint »

Are we leaving the dwarf tomb and marching to the Harpy lair or are we at the Harpy lair?
I randomised the trek across the short distance between this dwarf barrow and harpy shaft, only a few hundred yards and you encountered nothing. So you stand on the edge looking in.
If the flying hags and their pet vultures are in the air, are trying to bring a single one down by all shooting at it? Do we know if the leader has any marks to identify it? Should we try to bring that one down first?
Bhelnus, during a previous expedition Durgo & Fydmar were part of, they slew the Harpy Queen, cohort flock and chicks. You can read all about it in the Completed Expedition: A clamour Harpies.
scottjen
Ranger
Ranger
Posts: 972
Joined: Mon Jan 08, 2018 11:51 pm

Re: Barrowmaze: Repatriating the Red Lion of Aerik

#105 Post by scottjen »

Fydmar
Where would you like to start once we get down there?
East: was the harpy queens lair which we plundered before
North: locked door in sm sq room. Door is reinforced w/iron bands & well oiled hinges.
West - corridor proceeds at least 60'ft into the darkness.
South -T-junction with abricked up wall, lined with razor wire and broken glass, stone blocks mortared together with bits of bone fingers sticking through gaps. It gives the impression it was hurriedly erected to stop something scrabbling through.
Spearmint
Rider of Rohan
Rider of Rohan
Posts: 12913
Joined: Sat May 14, 2016 5:42 pm

Re: Barrowmaze: Repatriating the Red Lion of Aerik

#106 Post by Spearmint »

Gathered info from previous expedition..

Image
https://www.unseenservant.us/forum/view ... 40#p631540

"We never were free to explore beyond these confines. The west passage leads to many rooms and many traps. Occasionally groups of cultists passed through, leaving offerings for the Harpies in exchange for safe passage.

The south passage is haunted, even the harpies never explored. In the past they were forced to brick up walls for safety."
Attachments
Barrowmaze below Harpy Shaft
Barrowmaze below Harpy Shaft
Screenshot_20221011-181021~2.png (239.86 KiB) Viewed 700 times
BaltoBruiser
Ranger Knight
Ranger Knight
Posts: 1024
Joined: Tue Sep 12, 2023 12:18 pm
Location: Eastern Shore of Maryland

Re: Barrowmaze: Repatriating the Red Lion of Aerik

#107 Post by BaltoBruiser »

Bhelnus

I can get us past that door in the North with my great grandfather's forge hammer
User avatar
Cwreando
Ranger Lord
Ranger Lord
Posts: 2766
Joined: Fri Oct 19, 2012 2:34 pm
Location: Midwest

Re: Barrowmaze: Repatriating the Red Lion of Aerik

#108 Post by Cwreando »

Durgo

I'd suggest we go North if we think we can get through the door this time or we go West and leave the South as a last resort. If we can clear the North section first and possibly find Sir Guy de O'Veargne's resting place, we can scout the rest with a more cautious approach. If the remains are not in the North, then we try the West and map it all out as much as we safely can before exhausting our efforts. Once we decide a path let's get ear plugs in. Hand signals and lights below. Fydmar leading with me, Brother Symeon and Wrathbone, Bhelnus with Bucky and Rickford, Yngvar and Brutus with Duvall. Gen mapping when you can be ready to assist when needed. Remember our routes and the way back to here. Any changes or recommendation we'll work them in as we can. The goal is to map the place to the resting place. If we can get his body back to Helix safely then we will try.

Durgo goes over the hand signals again. "Let's use a few Signals that can be used. Stop, look 360 degrees up and down, Back out/Retreat, Quiet, Scout, Hide, Pair up and anything else the others might think to add.

Durgo pauses to take any other's comments/recommendations in. Once ready and ear plugs in, he ensures everyone else is plugged too. He fills his lantern with oil and stows it until on solid ground below. He lights it and carries it in his right hand with shield in left hand. He waits for the others to get below before the move out.
Trist Flameheart Multi-Class in progress Gray Elf Fighter/Mage 3/3 - Grey Wolf's Mystara Adventures (Ad&d 2e) Active
Durgo Brigthboon Fighter Human Level 3 - Spearment's Barromaze
DrRenfield
Guide
Guide
Posts: 215
Joined: Wed Sep 21, 2022 9:05 pm

Re: Barrowmaze: Repatriating the Red Lion of Aerik

#109 Post by DrRenfield »

Brother Symeon

Symeon is content to defer to the expedition veterans.

Do harpies understand the common tongue or are they as beasts? I may be able to compel a Command in the name of St Ygg.
kwll
Ranger
Ranger
Posts: 640
Joined: Fri Apr 06, 2012 10:10 am

Re: Barrowmaze: Repatriating the Red Lion of Aerik

#110 Post by kwll »

Genaromes nodes at Durgo. He does not feel comfortable enough to keep his mapping material out while walking, so he tries to remember every detail of the path the party is taking in the dungeon, waiting for rest time to transcribe it on a piece of parchment.
User avatar
Cwreando
Ranger Lord
Ranger Lord
Posts: 2766
Joined: Fri Oct 19, 2012 2:34 pm
Location: Midwest

Re: Barrowmaze: Repatriating the Red Lion of Aerik

#111 Post by Cwreando »

DrRenfield wrote: Wed Oct 11, 2023 3:57 am Brother Symeon

Symeon is content to defer to the expedition veterans.

Do harpies understand the common tongue or are they as beasts? I may be able to compel a Command in the name of St Ygg.
Durgo replies, "Perhaps they can communicate using common. I was charmed in the encounter we had here in the lair, I believe. The two twins were being commanded either by common or magic to attack us if I recall correctly. There is a good chance though that it might work. You'd think they would talk in some manner if their song didn't charm a group so they could try deception through talking. Any spells that you could cast for the group to give us an edge against being charmed would be greatly useful too.
kwll wrote: Wed Oct 11, 2023 9:04 am Genaromes nodes at Durgo. He does not feel comfortable enough to keep his mapping material out while walking, so he tries to remember every detail of the path the party is taking in the dungeon, waiting for rest time to transcribe it on a piece of parchment.
"Gen, a wise choice. We can collaborate once in a safe spot to sketch out the lair.

"Everyone use your best judgement as signals may not be clear and things get out of control in the heat of battle. Do your best and we shall prevail."
Trist Flameheart Multi-Class in progress Gray Elf Fighter/Mage 3/3 - Grey Wolf's Mystara Adventures (Ad&d 2e) Active
Durgo Brigthboon Fighter Human Level 3 - Spearment's Barromaze
Straither
Ranger
Ranger
Posts: 828
Joined: Fri Jul 14, 2023 1:39 pm

Re: Barrowmaze: Repatriating the Red Lion of Aerik

#112 Post by Straither »

great maps and pictures by the way.

Wrathbone, wonders what else might try and eat him after the Pterandons and giant Python. "Maybe digging Goblins out the mountain shafts ain't so bad after all!" he muses.

I read the story from the thread link!

:o

"The devout ones wear robes and garments as priests, bearing shields with goat heads and pentagrams. The ground floor of the shaft is a sort of crossroads. One came and chanted over the dead bodies here and they all stood up to follow him as undead thralls.

After Friar John was spit roasted and feasted upon, the priest tormented him further. He animated his zombie carcass and they cooked him again. Breaking his ribs off to marinade in honey and sucking his marrow dry. The apple stops him screaming ... he may yet still live.

Some of the dead do not know they are dead, they act as if still living. A 'grisly scholar' stalks those western hallways seeking books and tomes not tombs.

We did not ventured far, we were kept here to ... do unspeakable things ..."


ooc: I must say that is one heck of a storyline. In character: Wrathbone thinks whoever retells that is just pulling his leg to add a few scares.


Looking down the shaft, I will be prepared to javelin any harpy. The vultures need not be disturbed if they nest about unless they are giant dwarf-eating birds. "Last time you swung down past empty chambers the Harpies used as nests. Is it worth searching those out and slaying any chicks still that hide in the clefts. I understood not all the Harpies were slain."

As far as actual actions, I will help Rickford and Duvall belay ropes around the heaviest stone to secure a line, testing it may take weight and not be pulled free. I see two big stones to the left side so choose the top one above the three nest holes in the shaft.

Do we have a descend order? I would volunteer to go first but I am not really sneaky. I like the idea to go check the old chapel / temple room out.

I know it sounds obvious, but are there any other signs of other folk being around, other ropes dangling, any fire below, smoke rising, echo of people talking? How deep is the shaft?
scottjen
Ranger
Ranger
Posts: 972
Joined: Mon Jan 08, 2018 11:51 pm

Re: Barrowmaze: Repatriating the Red Lion of Aerik

#113 Post by scottjen »

Fydmar
We heard the common tongue from the harpies we encountered before, so I would think if there are more they would likely understand your spell. I'd like to try my hand at opening the North door, before we resort to making a racket destroying it. In fact, I would suggest we scout the other areas before we make enough noise to attract everything in the area.
As far as another hand signal: for timing...say, to attack...count down on fingers, such as showing 3, 2, 1 (go).
I'm ready and have 1 rope. I believe we should tie another to it as it is more than 50' down.
(he is fine w/going 1st or 2nd)
BaltoBruiser
Ranger Knight
Ranger Knight
Posts: 1024
Joined: Tue Sep 12, 2023 12:18 pm
Location: Eastern Shore of Maryland

Re: Barrowmaze: Repatriating the Red Lion of Aerik

#114 Post by BaltoBruiser »

Bhelnus

I have a rope and we can tie it together with Fydmar’s. Also I agree no sense alerting the baddies that we are here if all is quiet
User avatar
Cwreando
Ranger Lord
Ranger Lord
Posts: 2766
Joined: Fri Oct 19, 2012 2:34 pm
Location: Midwest

Re: Barrowmaze: Repatriating the Red Lion of Aerik

#115 Post by Cwreando »

Durgo

"Marching order down the rope(s) except I'll be last. I'm going to cover the ropes with foliage to mask their presence here from anything from the skies or passersby unless they walk up to the spot. We'll lower the animals down with their masters. This expedition is about finding the resting place not fighting everything down there. We can make multiple expeditions thinning out the evil that is in here. We will measure our recourses versus a threat assessment as we go. Live to fight another day is best. Agreed? OK. Let's go. I'll lower last once things are hidden up here well enough. Fydmar good suggestion on attack 1,2,3 go. No noise is best as much as possible. We'll be deaf with wax so just do your best to try and not make noise. Keep your eyes alert for up/down/all around. You all are a great bunch of adventurers. We got this. Once ready...Wax in. Hand signals from now on.

Durgo pulls out a hemp rope 50 ft and ask for another from one of the others by hand signal. Ties them together and joins in putting it around a good stone at the base and starts pulling up mud/muck/grass/moss to cover the rope all the way from the rock to the point it goes down the shaft making sure it blends in as much as possible. He'll make sure the second rope is good too. Test them for so that they are secure and sturdy and give a thumbs up for Fydmar and Wrathbone to go first and marching order on down. Durgo hold up his lanter to signal to the others to light source needed below.
Trist Flameheart Multi-Class in progress Gray Elf Fighter/Mage 3/3 - Grey Wolf's Mystara Adventures (Ad&d 2e) Active
Durgo Brigthboon Fighter Human Level 3 - Spearment's Barromaze
scottjen
Ranger
Ranger
Posts: 972
Joined: Mon Jan 08, 2018 11:51 pm

Re: Barrowmaze: Repatriating the Red Lion of Aerik

#116 Post by scottjen »

Fydmar
Will proceed down the rope/s to the chamber below. Once on the ground he will move stealthily to the harpy chamber to have a look that nothing has moved in since they were last here. Once that is accomplished, he will look to see that the south has no lurkers & is the same as well. 3rd will be to peer down the W corridor for any signs of life. If all of those are the same, he will move to the N door to try his hand at picking the lock.
Spearmint
Rider of Rohan
Rider of Rohan
Posts: 12913
Joined: Sat May 14, 2016 5:42 pm

Re: Barrowmaze: Repatriating the Red Lion of Aerik

#117 Post by Spearmint »

Starting from the top is the descent down. Here is a previous description included.

So I only have the b&w pic and description to go on. Looking about there are probably half a dozen larger humanoid sized crypts circling the lower portion of the shaft, twice that number of giant vulture nests and twice again of normal vulture nests in the smallest, topmost niches.

Most of the small alcoves, niches of a few cubic feet contain a vulture nest with brooding creatures that may squawk if you get too close but these choose to guard their nests rather than leave. The giant vultures nests resemble these only in larger proportions. The Harpy nests, in the crypts rather than niches are more 'homely' if you can call it that, having various decorations and utensils spread about. (Shell combs, bone pipes, amphora, perhaps a cracked mirror, make up bag ... yes even harpy crones wanted to look pretty disgustingly).

The shaft ends about 10'ft above the floor level, widening to a larger chamber underneath. The interior wall of the shaft is loose stone but reasonably secure, a fit and nimble rogue or monk can chance climbing with confidence. There may once have been ancient steps that stuck out from the wall but these stones have long since collapsed inward, so the only way up or down is climbing, rope or wings.

Descending about halfway down, one hand on the rope, both feet on the wall is not so tricky and certainly no bother for the rogue skilled Fydmar. You each pass nests of normal sized vultures, seeing an alarmed and fearful brooding hen shielding hatchling vulture chicks. They might squawk at your dangling ropes or noisy footfall but once passed cower back in their niches.

Peeking into the Harpy dark crypt entrances, you see bare stone walls covered in lichen and moss, the floors deep with layers of bracken and straw. A few old utensils are placed on ledges or hanging from hooks, a water jug in a corner, another corner filled with half gnawed bones.

Harpies Lair random vs 1-2 [1d6]=2

Remembering before that you though most but not all of the Harpy crones had been slain, it is no surprise then that some survive and whilst not thriving to the same level, they have remained to nest within the shaft confines.

Descending you will disturb the vultures who squawk at your presence. The giant vultures are absent, hunting during the early mornings. Harpies however have different daily routines and one, alerted by those rappelling ropes, comes to a crypt entrance with her own bow nocked.

Harpy crone archer: [1d20]=15[1d6]=6[1d20]=10[1d6]=5

Unfortunately she pierces Wrathbone -6hp, loosing an arrow from her nest across the shaft. At short range she can hardly miss and the dwarf is once again soaking up the damage, taking another one for the team. On a rope next to him, Fydmar ducks as a second shaft ricochets off the shaft as he descends.

Stepped back inside her crypt, the Harpy is not viewed from those above on the shaft lip. Despite Duvall loosing a volley of arrows to suppress her exit, none wound her. She croaks and croons, rebuking you to leave her territory, not risking exit from her crypt in the shaft since it may expose her to missile attacks.

Looking down, the rubble is as before, a pile of stones and earth, blackened with the embers of the previous pyre, scorched bones scattered about. But no visible figures either investigate or react to the above commotion.

Actions Wrathbone & Fydmar, you need a Dex check (or Climb Walls success) to continue your descent without penalties.

Actions everyone please
User avatar
Cwreando
Ranger Lord
Ranger Lord
Posts: 2766
Joined: Fri Oct 19, 2012 2:34 pm
Location: Midwest

Re: Barrowmaze: Repatriating the Red Lion of Aerik

#118 Post by Cwreando »

Durgo

Durgo grabs the rope of Wrathbone to stabilize it as much as possible to assist the dwarf's descent once a ruckus was started. Durgo signals for someone to stabalize Fydmar's rope and for the next two to get ready to go down quickly and safely to assist them.
Trist Flameheart Multi-Class in progress Gray Elf Fighter/Mage 3/3 - Grey Wolf's Mystara Adventures (Ad&d 2e) Active
Durgo Brigthboon Fighter Human Level 3 - Spearment's Barromaze
Straither
Ranger
Ranger
Posts: 828
Joined: Fri Jul 14, 2023 1:39 pm

Re: Barrowmaze: Repatriating the Red Lion of Aerik

#119 Post by Straither »

Wrathbone

Feels a bit like the group whipping boy, first the dinosaur, then the snake and now the Harpy.

"Just think of the experience" he brainstorms as he takes the wound.

Wrathbone: Dexterity 12 skill check: [4d6]=10

Success to rappel the rope. I have no crossbow but once off the rope I will circle the shaft using the rubble for cover and unsheath a javelin and throw it across the shaft and up at the Harpy if she continues to harass us.

Wrathbone: hurls Javelin. [1d20]=13 [1d6]=1
BaltoBruiser
Ranger Knight
Ranger Knight
Posts: 1024
Joined: Tue Sep 12, 2023 12:18 pm
Location: Eastern Shore of Maryland

Re: Barrowmaze: Repatriating the Red Lion of Aerik

#120 Post by BaltoBruiser »

Bhelnus

Checks to make sure that Bucky is safely stowed in his backpack and out of sight. He signals to Durgo and Brother Symeon that he is ready to head down to help his dwarven brethren.
Post Reply

Return to “Completed Expeditions”