Session 9:
Spelunking

[JadedDM]: Saffir 9th, Sparkday; 666.  It is 10 bells this spring morning, and it is raining heavily outside.  The party has met back in the tavern after a day of rest.  They sit at their normal table, but the air in the tavern is different today.  Instead of gloomy and full of despair, it is instead tense and anxious.  People know the Drow are coming, and every time the door opens, every time thunder roars, people jump and look around nervously.

[Daufer]: Daufer goes over the supplies that Meschior bought the previous night, going over everything one last time, even though he's done the same task for quite a while.

[Jasmin]: Jasmin looks around the tavern curious for a few moments before she looks back to the party members. "I think maybe we should get things done soon."

[JadedDM]: Meschior sets the bundle of rope and torches on the table, glad to be momentarily free of their burden.

[Jasmin]: "Did we really need torches?" Jasmin asks. "I mean, my sword now has the power of light so I could have just used that."

[JadedDM]: Meschior:  "It pays to be prepared.  What if we get separated?"

[Jasmin]: "I suppose that is a good point." Jasmin shrugs slightly. "So do we need anything else?"

[Daufer]: Daufer finally looks up from his task. "Everything appears to be in order. From what I remember, the mines can be traversed easily without the need for equipment, but we might come across something different today, with the new tunnel."

[JadedDM]: Gaheris:  "Assuming it doesn't collapse on top of us," he adds, looking a little pale at the thought.

[Jasmin]: "Before we go in there, Daufer. I'm still a little beat up. You think you can help me out a little?"

[Daufer]: Daufer frowns. "Why didn't you ask last night?" Nevertheless, he begins to chant a familiar prayer.

[Daufer]: [1d8] -> [5] = (5)

[Jasmin]: Jasmin decides not to answer that question, and lets the healing power rush through her. "Thanks," she says once he is done.

[JadedDM]: Gaheris finishes his drink and stands up.  "Let's get this over with," he says, tossing a couple of silver on the table.

[Jasmin]: Jasmin pushes herself out of her chair. "All right then, let’s go."

[JadedDM]: Gaheris takes one of the torches and slips it into his pack.  Meschior picks up the rope and the last two torches before tailing after them.

[Daufer]: Daufer stands as well and goes down to the cellar.

[Jasmin]: Jasmin follows after Daufer once he starts moving down into the cellar. "Are we going to be doing a lot of...climbing?"

[JadedDM]: The four descend once again into the dank basement of the Mirthful Miner and head over to the giant rat hole.

[JadedDM]: Gaheris:  "Okay, it's kind of a crawl space for awhile, but it opens up into a bigger area.  At this point, we don't know where it goes, though.  It's just our best guess it leads to the mines."

[Jasmin]: Jasmin wrinkles her nose slightly.  "Well, I guess I'll lead the way then."

[JadedDM]: Gaheris:  "Be my guest," he says, gesturing to the hole.

[Jasmin]: Jasmin walks a bit closer to the hole as if examining it before finally getting down on her hands and knees. With a sigh she begins her crawl into the hole.

[JadedDM]: Gaheris follows shortly after her.

[Daufer]: Daufer gestures Meschior to go first.

[JadedDM]: The acolyte nods and gets on his hands and knees.  He follows the thief.

[Daufer]: Daufer crawls in last.

[Jasmin]: "It is kind of a tight fit," Jasmin finally says as she continues her crawl.

[JadedDM]: The four crawl, one by one, through the tight tunnel.  It goes on for a good several minutes before it finally opens up, so they can stand up straight.  By now they are filthy.  It is pitch black within, and in the distance, they can hear water dripping.

[Jasmin]: Jasmin is quick to stand once she can, and she tries desperately to wipe some of the dirt off her hands though it doesn't seem to want to come off. With a sigh she finally pulls out her improved sword, Radiant Star. Within a few seconds, the sword lights up.

[Daufer]: Bringing in the rear, Daufer finally exits the tunnel and stands to survey his surroundings.

[JadedDM]: The tunnel goes on for a bit more, slowly rising in elevation.  There are stalagmites and stalactites along the way.  Otherwise, there isn't much to look at.

[Jasmin]: Jasmin pulls out her other sword just to be prepared before walking forward.

[JadedDM]: Gaheris looks around, a bit nervously.

[Daufer]: Daufer unstraps his maul and tightening and untightening his grip as he follows Jasmin.

[JadedDM]: Gaheris quickly hurries after the hobgoblin.  Meschior takes up the rear, largely because of the extra weight he is carrying.

[Jasmin]: "Are you sure this leads to the mines?"

[JadedDM]: Gaheris:  "No," he says, walking around a stalagmite.  "But it's our best bet.  Those giant rats had to come from somewhere."  He glances upward quite often, as if expecting something to come crashing down on his head.

[Daufer]: "Stop worrying and keep moving. It was your idea to help that dwarf out," Daufer says.

[Jasmin]: "I'm not worrying," she says in a huff.

[JadedDM]: The four continue forward.  After a few meters, the stalagmites become less common.  The stalactites, however, remain numerous.  As they are walking under some, Jasmin hears a slight creaking noise under her feet.

[Jasmin]: Jasmin pauses in her steps as she hears the creaking. She looks slightly confused as she uses her foot to test the ground before her.

[Daufer]: "What is it?"

[JadedDM]: The ground begins to rumble softly, and she feels the ground beneath her feet loosen.

[Jasmin]: Jasmin then takes a few steps back. "It isn't too steady. I think the ground is about to fall out from under us."

[JadedDM]: The rumbling increases, and the ground where Jasmin had just been standing collapses into a hole, about three feet wide.  The rumbling ceases, and a few moments later, you hear the rocks splash into water.  Gaheris stumbles backward, flailing, but Meschior catches him.

[Jasmin]: "It is good thing I moved when I did," she says before she gets on her knees to look into the hole.

[Daufer]: "Well... Looks like we'll have to be more careful," Daufer says, somewhat unsettled.

[JadedDM]: Jasmin peers into the hole, but sees darkness...nothing more.

[Daufer]: ((Can we bypass the hole?))

[JadedDM]: It is three feet wide, so jumping it shouldn't be too difficult.  The pathway isn't much wider, so it's possible to try and slide around it, against the walls, but it'd be dangerous.

[JadedDM]: Meschior helps Gaheris get back on his feet.  The thief takes a moment to catch his breath and wipe his brow.

[Daufer]: "Perhaps Labree or you could jump over the hole. We'll throw you a line and the rest of us should be able to manage somewhat."

[Jasmin]: Jasmin pushes herself back up on her feet before looking at Daufer. "I think we all could jump over it."

[Daufer]: "Perhaps, but its best not to take chances. You're not nearly as armored as Meschior or I."

[Jasmin]: "All right," she says with a shrug. She takes a few more steps back before she runs, and then takes a leap over the hole.

[JadedDM]: Jasmin lands gracefully on the other side.  Gaheris goes next, landing next to her.

[Jasmin]: Once on the other side, she turns to face Daufer and Meschior.

[JadedDM]: Meschior unravels some of the rope, and then gently tosses one side of it over to Jasmin.

[Jasmin]: Jasmin takes hold of the rope. "What exactly is your plan here, Daufer?"

[Daufer]: "The weight of Meschior or I jumping onto the cave floor might cause another collapse. Best to move slowly." Daufer directs Meschior to tie the rope around his body.

[JadedDM]: Meschior unravels the rope more to give it some slack, and then ties it around his own waist.  Once it's secure he nods to the hobgoblin.

[Daufer]: Daufer ties the rope around his waist as well, and waits for the other priest to move around the hole.

[Jasmin]: Jasmin looks over to Gaheris. "If they fall into that hole, they are going to take me with them. I hope you are prepared to catch me."

[JadedDM]: Gaheris does not answer.  Meschior heads over to the hole and begins inching across the very small ledge.  After a few tense moments, he is across.

[Daufer]: After Meschior is across, Daufer moves to do the same.

[Jasmin]: Jasmin keeps hold of the rope as she waits for Daufer, but she gives Gaheris a little nudge with her foot.

[JadedDM]: Daufer manages to cross over, although the ledge crumbles just as he steps off of it.  The debris tumbles down and a few moments later, splashes in water.

[Jasmin]: Jasmin takes a look down into the hole again as the ledge crumbles into the water below. "Let's continue on now that we are all across."

[JadedDM]: Meschior wraps the rope back up.  The four continue on, with Jasmin at point, then Daufer and Gaheris, and Meschior taking the rear.  They follow the narrow tunnel, which seems to be ascending in elevation.  It becomes steeper and steeper, until they have to practically climb it.  Fortunately, there are plenty of small ledges to grab on to, and reaching the top is easy enough.

[Daufer]: Once at the top, Daufer pauses to take a breath.

[Jasmin]: Jasmin doesn't seem all that put out at all, though she does wipe a bit of sweat off her forehead.

[JadedDM]: They are now in a new chamber.  Giant mushrooms, about three feet tall, grow among them.  The chamber appears to have no other passages, except for hole in the center.  They can hear running water in the distance.

[Jasmin]: Jasmin looks to the giant mushrooms then to the hole. "I think down is the only way to go."

[Daufer]: "Hmm," Daufer murmurs. "How deep and how fast do you think the current is?"

[JadedDM]: Gaheris:  "Not sure.  Daufer, can you see how deep that hole is?"

[Jasmin]: Jasmin takes a few steps out of Daufer's way so he can examine the hole.

[Daufer]: "You'll have to douse the light first," Daufer says. He studies the hole in the meantime.

[Jasmin]: Once Daufer starts his study of the hole, Jasmin has the light upon Radiant Star go out.

[JadedDM]: They are plunged into darkness.

[Daufer]: "It's about 40 feet down," Daufer says. "That might be tricky.  The current must be farther ahead, though, because I can't see any source to the water."

[Jasmin]: "It probably leads to that river in the mines."  Jasmin has Radiant Star light up again.

[JadedDM]: Meschior unfurls the rope.  He ties one end to the grappling hook and secures it and tosses the other end down the hole.

[Daufer]: "I'll go down first," Daufer says. "I don't need any light to see, after all."

[Jasmin]: Jasmin gives a nod to Daufer.

[Daufer]: Daufer grabs the rope and starts to descend down the hole.

[Jasmin]: "Meschior, Gaheris go down after Daufer. I'll go last."

[JadedDM]: (Climbing check.)

[Daufer]: [1d100] -> [20] = (20)

[JadedDM]: Daufer shimmies down the rope without any trouble.

[Daufer]: "I'm down," Daufer hollers up to the party above.

[JadedDM]: Meschior goes next.  He grabs the rope and starts to descend.  He only gets about ten feet down, however, before his hand slips and he lets go.  He crashes next to Daufer loudly with a nasty 'crack' sound.

[Daufer]: "Are you alright?" Daufer asks with some concern.

[Jasmin]: Jasmin winces upon hearing the crash. "Meschior, are you all right down there?"

[JadedDM]: Blood is flowing from a gash on Meschior's head and his arm looks, if not broken, at least close to it.  He groans in pain as he tries to sit up.

[JadedDM]: Gaheris:  "Is he alive?" he calls down.  He shimmies down the rope next with no problem.

[Daufer]: Daufer lets out a curse and quickly chants a prayer.

[Daufer]: [1d8] -> [8] = (8)

[JadedDM]: Meschior's arm mends and the wound on his head becomes a slight cut.  He manages to get to his feet.  "Thanks...my hand slipped..."

[Jasmin]: Jasmin takes hold of the rope with one hand as she places Radiant Star back on her back with her other sword, then she starts her descent down like the others.

[Jasmin]: [1d100] -> [57] = (57)

[Daufer]: "Try to be more careful," Daufer says.

[JadedDM]: Jasmin is able to climb down easily enough.

[Jasmin]: Once she is back on the ground, she pulls Radiant Star from its sheath and wills it to light up again. "Everyone all right?"

[Daufer]: "Yes, fine," Daufer says.

[JadedDM]: Meschior nods.  She sees a slight cut on his forehead, but that is all.  He tugs on the rope, prying it free and then gathering it up once again.

[Jasmin]: Jasmin places her free hand on Meschior's shoulder with a smile before she looks around the new area.

[JadedDM]: Looking around, the party finds themselves in a much bigger chamber.  To the far right looks to be an underground river.  To the left, another tunnel leads forward.

[Jasmin]: "It is hard to believe all of this is connected to the tavern," Jasmin says as she starts for the tunnel.

[Daufer]: "Let's check the tunnel," Daufer says, indicating the room with a nod.

[JadedDM]: The four follow the new tunnel, which is wider and taller than the previous ones, allowing them a bit more elbow room.  It slopes upward slightly, but eventually comes to a dead end.  However, above them, about thirty feet up, is a ledge.

[Jasmin]: Jasmin looks up with a small groan. "Now we get to go up."

[JadedDM]: Meschior unfurls the rope.

[Daufer]: "Think you can climb it, Gaheris?"

[JadedDM]: Gaheris looks up and rubs his hands together.  "I'll give it a shot."  He takes hold of the rope and then finds some handholds to begin climbing slowly up the wall.  He finally reaches the top and waves down to them.  He secures the grappling hook and tosses the rest of the rope down to them.

[Jasmin]: "I'll go next," Jasmin says as she takes hold of the rope. She places Radiant Star back in its sheath, then starts climbing up.

[Jasmin]: [1d100] -> [85] = (85)

[JadedDM]: Jasmin ascends the wall slowly, but finally reaches the top without difficulty.

[Daufer]: Daufer motions for Meschior to go next.

[Jasmin]: Jasmin pulls herself up on ledge with a bit of effort. She takes a few seconds to just breathe before finally pulling out Radiant Star to light the way.

[JadedDM]: Meschior grabs hold of the rope and after some hesitance, begins to climb.  He reaches the top with the others safely.

[Daufer]: Daufer takes the rope, tests his weight on it, and begins to ascend.

[Daufer]: [1d100] -> [15] = (15)

[JadedDM]: Daufer joins his companions without incident.  Meschior begins collecting the rope again.  The party find themselves in a large cave again, with stalactites hanging from the roof as wide and tall as them.  More large mushrooms are growing in this area.  On the other side of the room, to the left, is another sloping passage.

[Daufer]: Daufer takes his place in the marching line and waits for the others to get ready to move.

[Jasmin]: Jasmin points towards the sloping passage with her sword, and begins walking again.

[JadedDM]: Gaheris:  "Well, at least we haven't run into any giant rats," he says tentatively.

[Daufer]: "I thought the Tainted Hands cleaned the mines out?"

[Jasmin]: "Yeah, but those rats and bats came from...no where."

[JadedDM]: The four proceed through the ascending tunnel, passing by some stone columns and more giant mushrooms.  The ground finally levels off as they enter a small chamber with stalactites up above.  Water is dripping from them, making the ground a bit slippery.  Beyond the chamber is another room, and some very faint light is emerging from it.

[Jasmin]: Jasmin is careful as she moves forward towards the room with light coming from it curiously.

[Daufer]: Daufer loosens his maul and follows Jasmin slowly.

[JadedDM]: As she walks forward, minding her step, suddenly something falls from the ceiling above and splashes only a couple feet in front of her.  It looks like some kind of giant amoeba, like a yellowish-orange slime.  The creature, about five feet in size, rises up, as if ready to swallow her whole.

[Jasmin]: Jasmin is quick to take a few steps back as if startled upon seeing the slimy thing. "What is that?"

[JadedDM]: Behind them, they hear another 'splash' and Meschior cries out.  "Another one!  We're surrounded!"

[JadedDM]: Gaheris:  "Jellies!  Don't let them touch you!"  He unslings his bow.

[Daufer]: Daufer grits his teeth to face this new threat.

[Jasmin]: Jasmin draws her other sword. "What happens if they touch us?"

[JadedDM]: Gaheris nocks an arrow.  "It'll burn through your armor, clothes, flesh...even bone!"

[Jasmin]: "That is a pleasant thought," she mutters as she moves forward to attack.

[JadedDM]: (Actions for Round 1?)

[Jasmin]: Jasmin attacks the front one with her swords.

[Jasmin]: [1d10] -> [5] = (5)

[Daufer]: Daufer attacks the one in the back.

[Daufer]: [1d10] -> [7] = (7)

[JadedDM]: Jasmin's turn.

[Jasmin]: [1d20+1] -> [2,1] = (3)

[Jasmin]: [1d20] -> [10] = (10)

[Daufer]: ((Ouch.  That was close.))

[Jasmin]: Jasmin moves in to attack the slime thing in front of her, but while trying to avoid not being touched; she also manages to miss hitting the jelly as well.

[JadedDM]: Jelly 1's turn.

[JadedDM]: The jelly lurches at Jasmin, but she nimbly dodges its clumsy attack.

[Daufer]: ((Oh man, don't die...))

[JadedDM]: Jelly 2's turn.

[JadedDM]: Its companion slops toward Meschior, but he's able to keep it at bay with his shield.

[JadedDM]: Meschior's turn.

[JadedDM]: Meschior slashes at the creature with his sword, but not accustomed to attacking a creature with no organs or body parts, his sword proves ineffective.

[JadedDM]: Daufer's turn.

[Daufer]: ((Sigh. Here we go.))

[Daufer]: [1d20] -> [7] = (7)

[Daufer]: Daufer is cautious in approaching the jelly and does not get an opportunity to strike.

[Jasmin]: (Now your horrible luck is extending to all of us.)

[JadedDM]: (This is shaping up to be one of the dullest battles ever.  Miss, miss, miss, miss...)

[Daufer]: ((Not my fault I have bad luck with electronic dice.))

[JadedDM]: Gaheris' turn.

[JadedDM]: Gaheris quickly fires off two arrows.  The first one pierces the back slime, the second one bounces off the cavern wall.

[JadedDM]: (Actions for Round 2?)

[Jasmin]: Jasmin attacks again.

[Jasmin]: [1d10] -> [6] = (6)

[Daufer]: Daufer attacks again.

[Daufer]: [1d10] -> [6] = (6)

[JadedDM]: Jelly 1's turn.

[JadedDM]: The slime lurches again at Jasmin, grabbing hold of her leg.  The residue it leaves behinds burns her considerably.

[Jasmin]: Jasmin cries out in pain as Jelly burns her leg.

[JadedDM]: Jelly 2's turn.

[JadedDM]: The creature goes for Meschior again, but once more his shield proves to be his salvation.

[JadedDM]: Jasmin's turn.

[Jasmin]: [1d20+1] -> [8,1] = (9)

[Jasmin]: [1d20] -> [6] = (6)

[Jasmin]: [1d6+3] -> [6,3] = (9)

[Jasmin]: Jasmin takes a swing with Radiant Star for the pain that the Jelly caused her and stabs into the slime, causing the creature to slink back a bit.

[JadedDM]: Meschior's turn.

[JadedDM]: Meschior plunges his sword deeply into the second jelly, and then swings it outward, causing some of it to splatter against the cave wall.

[JadedDM]: Daufer's turn.

[Daufer]: [1d20] -> [15] = (15)

[Daufer]: ((omg, my first hit in months.))

[Jasmin]: (Woo!)

[Daufer]: [2d4+3] -> [1,4,3] = (8)

[Daufer]: Daufer swings his maul and manages to take out a chunk of the monster.

[JadedDM]: Gaheris' turn.

[JadedDM]: He fires another arrow, but this one strikes the ground instead.

[JadedDM]: Jasmin's turn.

[Jasmin]: [1d20+1] -> [15,1] = (16)

[Jasmin]: [1d6+3] -> [1,3] = (4)

[Jasmin]: Jasmin takes a step forward now that the slime started to slink back and plunges her sword into its body causing it to slink back away from her even more, yet it still lives on.

[JadedDM]: Daufer's turn.

[Daufer]: [1d20] -> [12] = (12)

[Daufer]: [2d4+3] -> [1,1,3] = (5)

[Daufer]: Daufer crashes his maul down on the jelly and manages to pin a great chunk away from the main body.

[JadedDM]: Gaheris' turn.

[JadedDM]: He fires once more, but his aim doesn't seem that well today.

[JadedDM]: (Actions for Round 3?)

[Jasmin]: Jasmin attacks again.

[Jasmin]: [1d10] -> [6] = (6)

[Daufer]: Daufer does the same thing as last turn.

[Daufer]: [1d10] -> [9] = (9)

[JadedDM]: Jelly 2's turn.

[JadedDM]: The jelly forms a pseudo-pod and swings it at Daufer, but it misses.

[JadedDM]: Jelly 1's turn.

[JadedDM]: This one sloshes at Jasmin, but she nimbly dances away.

[JadedDM]: Jasmin's turn.

[Jasmin]: [1d20+1] -> [16,1] = (17)

[Jasmin]: [1d20] -> [11] = (11)

[Jasmin]: [1d6+3] -> [1,3] = (4)

[Jasmin]: [1d6+2] -> [4,2] = (6)

[Jasmin]: As Jasmin dances away from the attack from the jelly this time around, she brings Radiant Star down upon it again, only to twist slightly to bring her left sword down upon it as well. The jelly seems to form a puddle on the ground only to form back up again as Jasmin pulls her swords from its body. "Don't these things ever die?"

[JadedDM]: Meschior's turn.

[JadedDM]: Meschior strikes downward with his blade, but the jelly proves too quick.  It moves out of the way and his sword strikes the ground with a clang.

[JadedDM]: Gaheris' turn.

[JadedDM]: Gaheris draws his sword and goes to aid Jasmin.  He strikes at it, but the creature moves to the side, leaving a trail of slime behind it.

[JadedDM]: Daufer's turn.

[Daufer]: [1d20] -> [18] = (18)

[Daufer]: ((Whee!))

[Daufer]: [2d4+3] -> [1,2,3] = (6)

[Daufer]: Daufer slams his maul into the jelly one last time. It begins to move frantically, as if boiling, and then it stills.

[JadedDM]: (Actions for Round 4?)

[Jasmin]: Jasmin attacks once more.

[Jasmin]: [1d10] -> [10] = (10)

[Daufer]: Daufer attacks the last jelly.

[Daufer]: [1d10] -> [4] = (4)

[JadedDM]: Gaheris' turn.

[JadedDM]: Gaheris jabs his sword at the jelly, but it manages to slide aside once more.

[JadedDM]: Meschior's turn.

[JadedDM]: Meschior slices a small piece off of the jelly with his blade.

[JadedDM]: Jelly 1's turn.

[JadedDM]: The creature extends a pseudo-pod at Jasmin, but she side-steps it.

[JadedDM]: Jasmin's turn.

[Jasmin]: [1d20+1] -> [9,1] = (10)

[Jasmin]: [1d20] -> [10] = (10)

[Jasmin]: [1d6+3] -> [2,3] = (5)

[Jasmin]: Jasmin takes another swing at the jelly with Radiant Star causing the creature to form into a puddle of slime. It seems to almost boil like the last one before it stops movement all together.

[Daufer]: Daufer stops to take a breath, leaning on his maul.

[JadedDM]: Gaheris looks around, to make sure there are no more.  Once he confirms this, he sheathes his sword and picks up his bow.

[Daufer]: "Run out of arrows, Gaheris?"

[JadedDM]: Gaheris:  "It was getting a little tight there.  I wasn't sure I could shoot it without hitting one of you."

[Jasmin]: Jasmin sheaths her left sword before she kneels down to look over the burns on her leg.

[JadedDM]: Meschior wipes the residue from his own blade and then sheathes it.  He had dropped their rope before, so he quickly reclaims it.

[JadedDM]: Gaheris:  "Everyone in one piece?"

[Jasmin]: Jasmin whimpers softly before she stands back up. "Stupid thing burned me," she mutters.

[Daufer]: "Seems that way," Daufer says.

[JadedDM]: Gaheris:  "Have Daufer look at it.  I'm going to scout ahead.  Make sure there isn't anything lurking ahead."

[Jasmin]: Jasmin watches Gaheris walk off before limping over to Daufer. "Don't suppose you can do anything?"

[Daufer]: "Mmm," Daufer says, examining the leg. "All right." He begins to chant the familiar sounding prayer.

[Daufer]: [1d8] -> [2] = (2)

[Daufer]: "Try to be more careful," Daufer says, after he finishes.

[Jasmin]: Jasmin watches as a few of the burns seem to fade, but she still limps a little as she walks. "I was trying this time," she says.

[JadedDM]: Gaheris returns.  "I think I found the way out of this death trap," he says.  "Next room has a sinkhole.  There's some faint light coming from it."

[Daufer]: "What sort of light? Torch light?"

[JadedDM]: Gaheris nods.  "I think so."

[Daufer]: Daufer picks up his maul and says, "Well, I'll be glad to get out of here. Though, I suppose this is better than bypassing those guards."

[Jasmin]: "It would have been easier to get past the guards, but I find it kind of interesting that all of this is down here," Jasmin says as she starts for the next room.

[JadedDM]: The four move on to the next room, which is as Gaheris described it.  The floor is littered with debris and a sinkhole is about thirty feet above them.  Faint light is shining through it.

[Daufer]: ((More climbing!! Climbing!))

[Jasmin]: Jasmin wrinkles her nose as she looks up towards the sinkhole. "I guess we get to start climbing again."

[Daufer]: Daufer looks up at the sinkhole. "Hmm," he says while stroking his chin.

[JadedDM]: Gaheris:  "I think that's the mines up there."

[Jasmin]: "Why do you think that?"

[Daufer]: "Not much choice, then," Daufer says.

[JadedDM]: Gaheris:  "The torch light is my first clue."

[JadedDM]: Meschior unfurls the rope once more.

[Daufer]: "Let's get a line up the hole, first," Daufer says.

[Jasmin]: "We don't have much choice either way."

[JadedDM]: Gaheris:  "I could try and throw the hook up there."

[Jasmin]: "Give it a try then, Gaheris." Jasmin looks up to the sinkhole again. "Why would the torches still be going if the mines have been closed all this time?"

[JadedDM]: Gaheris gestures for them to back away, and starts swinging the hook overhead.  "What?" he asks, not really paying attention.

[Jasmin]: "The torches. The mines have been closed for a long time now. Wouldn't the torches have burned out?"

[JadedDM]: Gaheris throws the hook upward, but it doesn't go high enough.  He picks it up and tries again.  This time, he manages to connect.

[JadedDM]: Meschior:  "She is right.  That is strange."

[Daufer]: "That's why we're down here in the first place," Daufer says.

[JadedDM]: Gaheris tugs on the rope to make sure it's secure.  "Okay, I think I got it."

[Jasmin]: Jasmin looks over to Meschior with a small smile. "I wonder who is down here." Jasmin places Radiant Star back within its sheath, and moves to try to climb up the rope.

[Jasmin]: [1d100] -> [10] = (10)

[JadedDM]: Jasmin climbs the rope to the top without failure.

[JadedDM]: Gaheris goes next, easily reaching the top.

[Jasmin]: As Jasmin pulls herself up on the ledge she looks around the new room she is in while she waits for the others.

[Daufer]: Daufer motions for Meschior to go next.

[JadedDM]: Meschior has a little trouble at first, but he finally manages to reach the top.

[Daufer]: Daufer takes hold of the rope and ascends once again.

[Daufer]: [1d100] -> [17] = (17)

[Jasmin]: "This is strange," she says more to herself than anyone else. Finally, she removes Radiant Star from its sheath.

[JadedDM]: Daufer joins his companions.  Up above, they find themselves in a mine tunnel.  They are at a dead-end, where the ground apparently had crumbled down into the sinkhole.  Nearby, fresh torches line the wall.

[Daufer]: Daufer loosens his maul from his back.

[Jasmin]: Jasmin looks over her shoulder to the others as she starts down the tunnel slowly. She seems to be acting just slightly more cautious than normal.

[JadedDM]: The tunnel stretches to the west, bringing them to a large chamber that they may recognize.  There are three tool sheds in the center, and branching tunnels to the north, southwest, and southeast.  The tunnel they emerge from is on the northeast side.  They can hear some noise over by the sheds; the sounds of someone rummaging through one of them.

[Jasmin]: Jasmin slowly walks towards the sheds to see if she can get a better look at whom or what might be rummaging through them.

[JadedDM]: As Jasmin walks around the sheds to get a better view, she spots a man garbed in black digging through the shed for something.  He seems to hear her approach and quickly stands up to face her.  He's tall, at least six feet in height if not taller.  His face is completely hidden by his hood.

[Daufer]: Daufer stands rooted where he stands, watching Jasmin sneak towards the rummaging noise.

[Jasmin]: Jasmin seems slightly surprised upon seeing the man. "Well, if it isn't the man in black I've heard so much about," she says pleasantly, yet keeps on her guard. "And just what might you be up to?" she asks sweetly.

[JadedDM]: The man pauses, as if unsure how to proceed.  He somehow gives Jasmin the impression of a child who just got caught with his hand in the cookie jar, and is quickly composing a lie to protect himself.

[Jasmin]: "You aren't going to keep a girl waiting, are you?"

[JadedDM]: Gaheris readies his bow, and goes to join her, glancing around for anyone else in there with them.

[JadedDM]: Man in Black:  "You are not with the Tainted Hands," he says carefully.

[Daufer]: Reluctantly, Daufer follows as well, hefting his maul when he views the black-clad man.

[JadedDM]: Meschior tails after Daufer.

[Jasmin]: "No, we are the Shadow Bats actually. Were you expecting them?"

[JadedDM]: Man in Black:  "It matters not.  Meddling will not be tolerated."  He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a small horn.  He brings it to his lips and blows.

[Daufer]: ((That doesn't sound good...))

[Jasmin]: "Oh, please tell me you aren't calling up rats," she says. She can't help but look around as the horn is blown. "Who are you?"

[JadedDM]: Gaheris:  "I don't know what he's doing, but stop him!" he says, looking around for possible reinforcements.

[Daufer]: Daufer races forward, trying to knock the man with his maul.

[Daufer]: [1d20] -> [18] = (18)

[Daufer]: [2d4+3] -> [2,1,3] = (6)

[JadedDM]: The man is knocked back a couple of feet, landing on his rear end.  Something small and red captures the light is knocked from his hand and lands a couple feet away.  With a grunt of pain, he glares at Daufer.  "You are too late."  Suddenly, his shadow darkens and expands, forming a portal.  Black, snaking tendrils emerge from it, grappling to the man’s body, and pulling him in.  The portal then vanishes.

[JadedDM]: Gaheris looks around.  "Where the hell did he go?"

[Daufer]: Daufer curses and looks around frantically. He picks up whatever it is the man dropped.

[Jasmin]: "Into that black...thing," Jasmin says in a bit of awe.

[JadedDM]: Suddenly, the ground begins to rumble very slightly.  In the distance, the party hears squeaking and tittering.

[Daufer]: "Let's get out of here, we'll be overrun!"

[Jasmin]: "Oh, damn it. Not again."

[JadedDM]: From within the walls, they emerge.  They are diminutive humanoids standing at one foot tall.  They appear to be dressed in baggy clothing and leather helmets.  Their limbs are knottily muscled.  Their fingernails and toenails are thick and filthy, although the fingers and toes appear very nimble.  Their gray-brown, warty hide blends in with natural earth and stone.  They wear rags or scraps of clothing.  There must be at least 30 of them, if not more.  They converge to the south.

[JadedDM]: Gaheris:  "Damn it!  Anyone remember the way out of here?!"

[Jasmin]: Jasmin stares at the creatures as if she wasn't sure what they are before she snaps back to reality when Gaheris asks his question. "Not exactly."

[Daufer]: "Bad odds! Let's get as far away as possible!" Daufer runs to the north passage.

[JadedDM]: Gaheris glances to the others.  "If Daufer runs, you know we're in trouble!"  He quickly hurries after the hobgoblin.

[Jasmin]: Jasmin gives one last look to the creatures before she runs after Daufer and Gaheris.

[JadedDM]: Meschior turns and flees after them, although considerably weighed down.  He drops the rope, but this only helps a little.  The small army of creatures surge after them.  Heading north, they reach an intersection.  The path on the right is a dead-end, but the path to the left rounds a corner, heading further north.

[Jasmin]: Jasmin stays slightly behind with Meschior. "Just keep going!" she cries out to Daufer and Gaheris.

[JadedDM]: Gaheris needs no urging.  He quickly passes by Daufer even, turning to the west and continuing north.  He stops short, suddenly, when he reaches another crossroad.  To the west is the river and bridge.  But there are also paths to the north and to the east.

[JadedDM]: Meschior and Jasmin catch up to the other two.  The creatures are right behind you, armed with darts and little pikes.

[Daufer]: "Cross the bridge!" Daufer shouts.

[Jasmin]: Jasmin takes hold of Meschior's hand to see if she can speed him up just a little bit.

[JadedDM]: Meschior:  "Wait...I...," he reaches into his pack and produces a ceramic flask.

[Jasmin]: Jasmin pauses as she waits for Meschior. "What?"

[JadedDM]: Meschior:  "Last one," he says, breathing heavily now.

[Daufer]: Daufer begins to cross the bridge, but pauses and waits in the middle for the other two to cross as well.

[JadedDM]: Meschior comes to a halt and turns to face the crowd.  He hurls the flask at them, then grabbing Jasmin's hand, hurries after Daufer.  "Run, run, run!"

[Jasmin]: Jasmin runs with Meschior as he hurls the flask at the creatures.

[Daufer]: Daufer waits till the two have caught up with him before resuming moving across the bridge.

[JadedDM]: As the flask containing the Oil of Fiery Burning strikes the ground, it immediately explodes right in the midst of the creatures.  The ground begins to rumble heavily, and the tunnel the creatures are in begins to cave-in slightly.

[JadedDM]: As the four cross the bridge, trying not to fall over in the tremors, dust billows out from the tunnel they were just in.  Finally, things calm down and they are surrounded by silence, save for the rushing water beneath them.

[Jasmin]: Jasmin slows to a stop to turn and look over her shoulder. "What do we do now?"

[Daufer]: Daufer pauses to catch his breath.

[JadedDM]: Meschior collapses to his hands and knees, panting.  Gaheris nocks an arrow and waits...but none of the creatures come after them.

[Jasmin]: Jasmin kneels down beside Meschior. "You all right?"

[JadedDM]: Meschior nods.

[Daufer]: In between deep breaths, Daufer says, "All that work, and all we got was this." Daufer raises the coin the man dropped.

[Jasmin]: "You are going to have to teach me more about the power of Renos if we survive through this," she says cheerfully before looking up to Daufer. "What is that?"

[JadedDM]: Gaheris:  "I hope it's worth it.  Because when the Viscount finds out we just caved-in his mine..."

[Daufer]: "Forget the Viscount; I'm worried about what the Drow will think..."

[Jasmin]: "If we can catch that man in black, then the Drow will probably end up being pleased with us."

[JadedDM]: Gaheris:  "He has some kind of power to just vanish into the shadows like that."

[Daufer]: "I have a feeling we're going to have to explain this, first," Daufer waves his hands at the cave-in.

[JadedDM]: Gaheris heads over to the cave-in to check it out.  "Well...at least it's only partially caved-in.  Looks like it crushed most of those things, though.  The rest must have run off."

[Daufer]: "That horn," Daufer says. "It seems like it calls all sorts of creatures to him."

[JadedDM]: Meschior manages to get to his feet.  "That would explain all the strange vermin attacks."

[Jasmin]: "Why would he want this mine though?"

[JadedDM]: Meschior:  "Perhaps that coin is the key."

[Jasmin]: Jasmin walks over to Daufer and holds her hand out to see the coin. "Let me see it for a second."

[Daufer]: Daufer hands the coin to Jasmin.

[JadedDM]: Gaheris:  "We need more information."

[Daufer]: "Mm," Daufer muses. "I might know someone who might know more about that coin."

[Jasmin]: Jasmin looks over the coin curiously. "Who?"

[Daufer]: "You've met her," Daufer says.

[JadedDM]: "Hey!  What's going on in here?!"  A pair of town guards emerges from the east, their weapons drawn.  "Who's in here?!" one calls out.

[Jasmin]: "The library girl?" she asks softly before turning her attention to the guards. Quickly, she places the coin in her pack.

[JadedDM]: Gaheris:  "We'll have to fast-talk our way out of this one," he mutters, dusting off his clothes.

[JadedDM]: The two guards, both human males, are wearing studded leather and carrying long swords.  When they see the party, they address them.  "What are you doing in here?  And...what the hell?!" he cries upon seeing the partly caved-in tunnel.

[JadedDM]: Gaheris:  "We can explain..," he stalls, looking to Jasmin for help.

[Jasmin]: Jasmin takes a deep breath as she steps forward to address the guards. "Good sirs,” she starts out sweetly, "we were sent in here to just make sure that the vermin problem has been fully taken care of," she says before motioning over towards the cave in. "Sadly enough it isn't taken care of as you can see by that cave-in over there. I'm afraid that the rat problem is getting worse. I was sure that the guards were aware that we would be down here."

[Daufer]: "...." Daufer can only stand in silence.

[JadedDM]: The guards look to each other.  "How did you get down here?  We've been guarding the entrance since ten bells!"

[Jasmin]: "The guards before you let us in. Perhaps they merely forgot to tell you, which I am sorry for. We were just on our way out now actually."

[JadedDM]: Guard:  "Uh...well...don't leave town or anything.  The Viscount won't be happy when he hears there was a cave-in."

[Jasmin]: "I'm sure he won't be happy at all, but I'll be glad to explain the situation to him if he decides to call upon us." Jasmin smiles to the guard.

[JadedDM]: Guard:  "Go on.  Get out of here."  He waves them to the eastern tunnel, from which they arrived from.

[Jasmin]: Jasmin bows her head to the guards, and leads the way towards the eastern tunnel.

[Daufer]: Daufer follows Jasmin out.

[JadedDM]: The four are escorted out by the guards.  And after they get their names, they send them on their way.  Judging from the position of the sun, it would appear to be around 14 bells or so.

[Jasmin]: Once they are away from the guards, Jasmin pulls the coin back out from her pack and hands it over to Daufer. "Take it to that woman and see what she can tell you about it."

[Daufer]: Daufer nods and takes the coin. He sets off, dusting himself off as he walks.

[JadedDM]: Gaheris:  "Wait, and where are you going?" he asks Jasmin.

[Jasmin]: Jasmin looks to Gaheris curiously. "Who said I was going anywhere?"

[JadedDM]: Gaheris shakes his head at her in annoyance.  "I don't understand you at all."  He goes after Daufer.  "I risked my neck to get that coin.  If it's valuable, I want to know how."

[JadedDM]: Meschior tags along with them silently.

[Daufer]: "I'm more interested in why that man had it," Daufer replies.

[JadedDM]: Meschior:  "Or what it means."

[Jasmin]: "I doubt it valuable in the way you want it to be, Gaheris," Jasmin says as she moves to follow after Daufer.

[JadedDM]: The four head up to the Noble District and to the small library there.  Inside, they find things as they remember them.  The young woman, Loreleii, is sitting behind her counter, engrossed in some heavy, dusty old tome.

[Daufer]: Daufer taps the desk with his knuckles.

[Jasmin]: Upon entering the library, Jasmin sneezes like she did the last time she was here.

[JadedDM]: Loreleii jumps slightly, looking up at the four.  She quickly gets to her feet.  "Oh, excuse me.  I didn't hear you enter.  Oh, Mister Daufer.  Welcome back."  She smiles.

[Daufer]: Daufer nods and says, "Hello, Ms. Librarian. I was wondering if you could take a look at something for me." He sets the coin down on the desk.

[Jasmin]: Jasmin moves to sit down at a table as she waits for Loreleii to look over the coin.

[JadedDM]: Loreleii:  "Please.  Call me Loreleii."  She picks up the coin and examines it.  "Hmm...where did you find this?"

[Daufer]: "A man dropped it," Daufer says. "Down in the mines."

[JadedDM]: Gaheris:  "Right before summoning an army of little men on us," he grumbles, crossing his arms.

[JadedDM]: Loreleii:  "Little men?"

[Jasmin]: "They seemed to come out of the walls,"

[JadedDM]: Loreleii:  "Can you describe them?"

[Jasmin]: "Well, they were little as Gaheris said. They wore helmets, and had baggy clothing on. Oh, and their toenails and fingernails were really dirty. They seemed to kind of blend in with stone and dirt. I think they had some muscles too."

[JadedDM]: Loreleii walks over to a nearby shelf and quickly scans the books.  She finds one, pulls it out, and flips through it.  She then sets the open book on her desk, revealing an artist's rendition of the creature they saw.  "Like this?"

[Jasmin]: Jasmin gives a nod. "Yeah, that's it."

[JadedDM]: Loreleii:  "Jermlaine."

[Jasmin]: "...What are those?"

[JadedDM]: Gaheris uncrosses his arms.  "Jermlaine?  Those were Jermlaine?  Mine Gremlins?  I thought that was just a myth."

[JadedDM]: Loreleii:  "Apparently not.  They are known for ambushing their victims, and then tying them up and shaving them completely, to humiliate their larger foes."

[Jasmin]: "That is what that man used against the miners."

[JadedDM]: Loreleii:  "Oh, of course.  There were reports of miners being tied up and shaved, weren't there?  I didn't even think to make that connection.  So you four must be investigating the mines?"

[Daufer]: "Mm," Daufer murmurs. "What can you tell us of the coin?"

[JadedDM]: Loreleii:  "Coin?  Oh!"  She blushes faintly.  "Sorry, I got distracted."  She examines it more closely.  "Yes, I've seen this tooth-filled mouth insignia before."  She sets the coin down and goes hunting for another book.  "Some obscure cult, I believe!" she calls out from the stacks.

[Jasmin]: "Obscure cult?"

[JadedDM]: She returns a few moments later with another book and sets it on top of the other one.  This one has the same insignia drawn onto one of the open pages.  "Yes.  The Cult of the Bloody Maw.  They were fervent and fanatic disciples of the Devourer."

[Daufer]: Daufer reads the page if there are any words.

[JadedDM]: Gaheris:  "Were?"

[Jasmin]: "What would one of them want with our mines though?"

[JadedDM]: Loreleii:  "They were wiped out a generation ago, supposedly, because they were so dangerous."

[JadedDM]: Meschior:  "You are...very knowledgeable," he comments vaguely, having been rather silent up until this moment.

[JadedDM]: Loreleii smiles to Meschior.  "Thanks.  I try."

[Jasmin]: Jasmin looks over to Meschior for a moment as if just realizing something. She smiles faintly before turning back to Loreleii. "So does this coin do anything?"

[JadedDM]: Meschior's face turns slightly pink and he then begins fiddling with the dull, bronze ring on his finger.

[JadedDM]: Loreleii:  "No, it was just a way for them to identify each other.  Kind of like a holy symbol of sorts.  From what the legends say, they were attempting to open a massive portal, known as the Bloody Maw.  This portal would then suck everything around it into the deepest pits of the Abyss."

[JadedDM]: Gaheris:  "Ah.  So that would be the literal 'sucked into hell.'"

[Jasmin]: "You don't think that this man would be trying to do that would you?" she asks the others. "I'm not sure I want to be sucked into the Abyss yet."

[Daufer]: "Mmm. So, is this man working alone, or does he have an entire cult behind him?" Daufer mutters to himself.

[JadedDM]: Loreleii:  "You can see why they were hunted down.  To be brought into the Abyss alive...would mean eternal and painful torture.  If they still exist in any form...they could do some real damage.  Priests of the Soul Harvester, even normal ones, are dangerous.  But this cult made the regular clergy appear downright neighborly."

[Jasmin]: "So then it is a good idea that we track him down."

[Daufer]: "Should we alert the authorities, then?" Daufer says. "Though, I don't know if we have enough proof."

[JadedDM]: Gaheris:  "It doesn't add up.  What does this have to do with disrupting the mines or smelter?"

[Jasmin]: "Well, if he is trying to open a portal to the Abyss, he would need the mines clear to do that on his own. As for the smelter, it was possible he used that as a distraction from what he was trying to do."

[JadedDM]: Gaheris:  "The authorities wouldn't be much help.  Besides, if we can take this guy out ourselves...that would make us big damn heroes.  The Tainted Hands would have nothing on us!"

[Jasmin]: "Not only that, but the Drow would be pleased too."

[Daufer]: "Where would we even start to look for someone who can disappear into thin air?"

[JadedDM]: Meschior:  "If...what Dermer said is true, the Drow will arrive some time tomorrow.  We have little time."

[JadedDM]: Gaheris:  "Look, we know he's messing around in the mines.  It's possible he's set up shop there, somewhere."

[Jasmin]: "So we need to go back into the mines."

[JadedDM]: Loreleii:  "If that is the case, I think I can help."  She heads back into the stacks.

[Daufer]: "That's foolhardy," Daufer says. "The entrance is caved in, and if we go back through the Miner's cellar, we might have an even worse cave-in with all the instability."

[JadedDM]: Gaheris:  "Partly caved-in.  We could still climb over it."

[JadedDM]: Loreleii returns with a scroll.  She unfurls it out on her desk.  "A map," she explains.  "Of the Voxis Mines."

[Jasmin]: "With the lie I just spun with those guards, I can easily say that we were sent by the Viscount to clean up the cave-in, so getting in shouldn't be hard." Jasmin turns her attention to Loreleii. "Thank you."

[JadedDM]: Gaheris:  "With this new information, we might even be able to convince the Viscount to let us into the mines.  He's got to be on edge as it is, if the Drow are coming."

[Jasmin]: "He would be taking a risk if he lets us into the mines."

[Daufer]: "He's already got his scapegoat, so I doubt he'll be taking that much of a risk."

[JadedDM]: Meschior:  "And should we fail...he would most likely blame us and let the Drow deal with us..."

[JadedDM]: Gaheris:  "Well...we won't fail then."

[Jasmin]: "If we fail, we'll probably be dead before the Drow can do anything to us."

[Daufer]: Daufer takes the map and thanks Loreleii, and then he puts it in a scroll case. "I guess our next stop is the Viscount's Manor.

[JadedDM]: Meschior:  "I'll stay here," he volunteers suddenly.  "To...research the followers of the Soul Eater.  We will need to know what we are up against."

[Jasmin]: Jasmin looks to Meschior again as she stands up. "Right," she says with a small smile before she makes her way for the exit.

[Daufer]: Daufer frowns but shrugs. "If you think it will help."

[JadedDM]: (And, we'll go ahead and end it here.)

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