The Great Gates (In-Character)

[beniliusbob]

Briarthorn Brightwater

The elf speaks quietly. "Hold on, now, friends... maybe that thing just eats plants... what say we try to go around it?"

[Modric]

Robern

My guess is that these are its eggs. May not want to disturb them. If this thing is going to block our path, we either need to take it out or go down the right path. Seems like the gods are telling us something...

[Karaunios]

Divitiakus raises his gaze to look at the beast. "Briarthorn is right. I say we try to go around it in two groups, using the mounds as cover. If he sees one of us and attacks, the other group can always try to surprise the thing from the other side. I refuse to go back again." The shaman goes off the way, behind the mounds and tries, to make a circling movement past the giant insect, if he's companions acquiesce.

He'll wait, in case the beast starts charging against the group and only then will he start throwing javelins at it.

.....

Haukr

"Whatever but let's do it quick. I prefer to advance even in this guise than to run back again and again. I'll go then over the left side of the road of someone cares to join." He'll do just that, using the mounds as cover when possible.

[beniliusbob]

Shall we say we split front-and-back? Three fighters and a wolf, and two clerics, a fighter and a magic-user... both groups should be able to handle themselves temporarily if attacked.

Haukr
Valkur / Robern
Siegfried

Chaplain
Briarthorn
Divitiakus / Vamstar

[Paladin]

Remember that the section of the path ahead of you where the fronds drape from each side is only ten feet wide. The beetle is in the center of the path on the opposite side of the section draped in fronds.

The way forward takes you between many of these mounds and into that plant-tunnel. And then directly into the beetle's face.

I will draw us a local area map once I get off work, so my descriptions won't be as confusing. There's a lot going on here.

[Modric]

May be too narrow to get around. A distraction perhaps? Anyone have a spell that may help?

[Karaunios]

I prefer to wait for that map if possible

Don't sweat it, Paladin. Some cheesy pencil drawing is enough. Those are the best IMO. It can't get more old school than that.

[Paladin]

I was wiped out after work today, so I didn't get there. But I will in the morning. Sorry, guys. Keep in mind as you contemplate your next moves that combat isn't always the answer. In fact, it's usually the least desirable outcome of an encounter in this world...you have to find somewhere safe to heal and use as a home base for further exploration, so hit points are precious. They can't be recovered until you find somewhere to sleep without interruption. Beware. And for the record, creatively avoiding combat earns you as much XP as killing the monster. You're welcome to try and murder it, though. Creative slaughter is just as cool.

[Paladin]

Here you go. Little basic area map. Work was nuts, or I'd have had it up sooner.

[beniliusbob]

Thanks Paladin!

The Violet Chaplain

"Let us make a formation here, V-shaped, to receive the beetle should it charge us - that way we can all envelop and attack it. The elf can stand behind us. Then, we wait.

If the gods are with us, perhaps the creature will not consider us food, and we can pass through that narrow corridor while it busies itself with the resident... flora."

[Cougbeav]

Siegfried Diceheart

Aye, I agree with Violet, if we have to form a V then I will take point as I have not taken any damage

Sieg shoulders his crossbow and pulls out his sword and shield.

[Karaunios]

Divitiakus

"Good. Let's do that and wait for it's reaction. I still think that those of us who can attack from a distance should take advantage of the higher ground of the mounds. Alas, that'd mean there would be to few to form up a v."

Maybe I didn't pay enough attention, but is the path limited by a rock walls? I thought it was an open field behind the mounds.

.....

Haukr takes position among the ones on the front.

[Paladin]

Everything is bounded by the walls of the mountain pass. It widens and narrows in places, but you're always in the pass and the stone walls are all around you. At least until you manage to navigate to open terrain.

Probably just a case of me knowing what I see in my head and forgetting to specify details. I will endeavor to be more clear.

[Karaunios]

Or probably my brain not working properly and missing out details, as it usually happens. My girlfriend is tired of me answering "Yes, but that omelet with some cheese, please." When she's actually telling me about her problems.

Are the walls scalable in some way or are they too sheer?

[beniliusbob]

By the way, I'm thinking of an "inverted V," I suppose... so that we make a "funnel" for the beetle to come down into, if it's aggressive.

[Modric]

Robern

My vote is to check out the mounds first. The beetle hasn't seen us yet, so no need to worry. We could set up an ambush for the beetle if we decide to kill it. Draw it into the corridor with arrow fire with warrior on either side of the opening by the mounds ready to attack from both sides.

[Cougbeav]

Siegfried

I agree that we should check out the mounds first, I do not want anything showing up at our back after we move past the mounds.

[Karaunios]

If wouldn't be bad you if just give it a try yourselves It's not like we have the whole day, we're like in the middle of a situation.

[Paladin]

Day 1, Early morning - Eyes are still watching...

While the group deliberates, a familiar sound emanates from the trail behind you. A chorus of whispers repeating snatches of your conversation mingled with the barking laughter of a hyena. This goes on for several moments, then all is silence.

Actions?

Vamstar 6/7
Haukr 6/7
Divitiakus 3/6
The Violet Chaplain 4/6

[Modric]

Robern

He is content to let Divitakus check. Plus, he is convinced the mounds contain a face-hugger. Robern's preference would be to try another path, but is willing to go with the group.